How to reset Xiaomi AirDots headphones to factory settings: 5 proven ways

Why you need to reset headphones Xiaomi AirDots and when to do it

Xiaomi AirDots (including the Pro, Pro 2, SE, 3, Lite, and others) are some of the most popular wireless headsets on the market. But even the most reliable equipment sometimes fails. Factory resets are a universal solution for most software problems, from headphone synchronization to phone connectivity, but many users are afraid to do this for fear of finally breaking the device.

In practice, resets don't remove firmware or affect the physical condition of the headphones -- they just return all settings to their original state, which helps in 80% of cases where the problem is related to:

• 🔄 Constant breaks of connection to the phone or PC
• 🔊 Lack of sound in one or both headphones
• 🔋 Quick battery discharge after firmware update
• 🎧 Unsynchronous work of the left and right headphone
• 📱 Inability to connect to a new device

It is important to understand that resetting is not a panacea, and if the problem is caused by mechanical damage (such as moisture or a fall), physical wear and tear of the battery, or a malfunction of the Bluetooth module in the phone, software reboot will not help, in which cases repair or replacement of components is required.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Before you start resetting, follow a few simple steps to avoid additional problems:

1. Check the battery. Make sure the headphones have at least 30-40% charge left. If the battery is dead, plug them into the charge case for 10-15 minutes.
2. Disconnect from all devices. Go to Bluetooth settings on your phone, tablet or laptop and remove the headphones from the list of paired devices. On Android, this is done through Settings → Connected devices → Xiaomi AirDots → Forget.
3. Check the firmware version (optional). If you plan to update the software after the reset, write down the current version, and you can find it in the Mi Home or Xiaomi Wear app (Device section).

If you have a touch-controlled model (like the AirDots 3 Pro), note the reset feature: some versions require holding a touchpad rather than a mechanical button, which often causes failures.

Make sure you have a battery charge (>30%) | Disconnect headphones from all devices | Prepare a charging case (if necessary) | Check the headphone model (instructions differ) | Write down the current settings (if important)

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⚠️ Note: If the headphones have been connected to multiple devices (such as a phone and laptop), they will automatically connect to the last used gadget after reset.

Method 1: Classic reset via a button (for most models)

This method is suitable for Xiaomi AirDots 1/2 generation, AirDots Pro, AirDots SE and other models with a physical button on the case. Instructions are universal, but the hold time of the button can vary (usually 10-15 seconds).

Step-by-step:

1. Place both headphones in the charging case and close the lid.
2. Wait 5-10 seconds until the headphones go out (this means they are completely off).
3. Open the case cover and hold the button on the back (or touchpad on AirDots 3 Pro) for 15-20 seconds.
4. The headphones will flash red and white (or red and blue on some models) – this is a signal of a successful reset.
5. Close the case cover, wait 30 seconds, then try to connect again.

If the indicators do not blink, repeat the procedure by holding the button longer (up to 30 seconds). On some models (AirDots Youth Edition) you may need to press the button 3 times in a row at intervals of 1 second.

Method 2: Reset via charging case (for AirDots 3 and later)

Xiaomi AirDots 3, 3 Pro, 4 models support an alternative method of resetting through a combination of actions with a case. This method is useful if the physical button is missing or does not work.

Algorithm of action:

1. Put both headphones in the case and close the lid.
2. Connect the case to the power source (charging or power bank).
3. Open the case cover and hold the pairing button (located on the back of the case) for 10 seconds.
4. Indicators on the case and headphones will start flashing orange - this is a signal of the start of the reset.
5. Close the lid and wait until the lights go out (about 30 seconds).

After that, the headphones will be ready for a new pairing. If the indicators flash red, it means an error - repeat the procedure, making sure that the case is connected to the power.

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If the headphones don’t connect to your phone after reset, try connecting them to another device (like a laptop) and then back to your smartphone, which sometimes helps wake up the Bluetooth module.

Method 3: Software reset via Mi Home / Xiaomi Wear app

For models that support proprietary applications (AirDots Pro 2, AirDots 3 Pro, AirDots 4), resets can be done through software. This method is safer, since it eliminates errors when manually holding buttons.

Instructions for Mi Home:

1. Open the Mi Home app and go to Profile → My Devices section.
2. Choose your headphones from the list.
3. Slap the icon. ⚙️ ("Settings") in upper right corner.
4. Scroll down and select Reset Settings.
5. Confirm the action and wait until the process is completed (it will take up to 1 minute).

Instructions for Xiaomi Wear:

1. Launch Xiaomi Wear and connect the headphones.
2. Go to Devices → [Your AirDots model] → Settings.
3. Select Reset and confirm.
4. After resetting, the headphones will automatically restart.

If the application does not have a reset option, upgrade to the latest version or use one of the hardware methods (Method 1 or 2).

⚠️ Note: After a program reset via Mi Home, the headphones can automatically update the firmware if a new version is available. 5-10 minutes - do not interrupt the process!

Method 4: Reset via ADB (for advanced users)

This method is only suitable for power users and requires root rights on the phone or use of a PC. It is useful if the headphones "hang" in firmware update mode or do not respond to standard reset methods.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with drivers installed ADB and Fastboot
• 📱 Phone with the debugging enabled USB
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (to connect your phone to a PC)

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your phone to your PC and open the command prompt (cmd on Windows or Terminal on macOS/Linux).
2. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices Make sure your phone appears in the list.
3. Execute the Bluetooth reset command: adb shell settings put global bluetooth_headset_reset 1
4. Reboot your phone: adb reboot
5. After restarting, try reconnecting the headphones.

This method does not guarantee 100% results, as it resets the settings of the phone’s Bluetooth module, rather than the headphones themselves, but it helps in cases where the problem lies in the pairing cache on the smartphone.

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Resetting through ADB is a last resort, and only use it if other methods have not worked, as the wrong commands can disrupt the Bluetooth on your phone.

What to do if the reset did not help: diagnosis of malfunctions

If problems persist after a reset, it may not be a software failure, but the most common hardware malfunctions and their signs are:

If you suspect a hardware malfunction but are not sure of the diagnosis, use the test mode (if supported by your model):

1. Put the headphones in the case.
2. Hold the button on the case for 5 seconds, then release and immediately press 3 times.
3. If the headphones support the test mode, they will signal with a voice or flashing of indicators.

For AirDots 3 Pro and later, you can use the Xiaomi Earphones Test diagnostic application (available from the Mi App Store), which checks the performance of speakers, microphones and sensors.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi AirDots reset