Xiaomi AirDots wireless headphones (including the Pro, Pro 2, Youth, SE, and others) have become some of the most popular accessories due to a combination of price, sound quality, and functionality. However, even the most reliable technology sometimes requires a reboot: headphones can not connect to the phone, distort the sound, quickly discharge or work with interruptions. 90% of these cases help reset to factory settings – a procedure that returns the device to the original parameters and eliminates software failures.
In this article, you will find step-by-step instructions for all versions of AirDots, including rare models, as well as answers to questions such as what to do if the reset does not work, how to avoid repeated problems and what alternative recovery methods exist. We will analyze both the standard method through buttons and hidden features that are not written about in the official manuals. Importantly, the reset procedure is different for different generations of headphones - so check the model carefully before you start!
When do I need to reset Xiaomi AirDots?
Resetting to factory settings is not a universal solution to all problems, but it is effective in the following cases:
- 🔌 Headphones do not connect to a phone, tablet or PC, although previously worked stably.
- 🔊 The sound is interrupted, distorted or heard in only one headphone.
- 🔋 Battery discharges too quickly (less than 2 hours of operation) for no apparent reason.
- 📱 Headphones connect to other people’s devices automatically (for example, after selling or transferring to another person).
- 🔄 After updating the firmware, there were glitches in the control (buttons, sensors do not work).
- 🚫 The device is not identified in the list of available Bluetooth devices.
If your problem doesn’t make it to this list, check for other possible causes: battery drain (charge your case and headphones up to 30%), interference from other wireless devices (Wi-Fi, microwaves) or device incompatibility (e.g. older versions of Android/iOS).
⚠️ Note: After resetting, all user settings (such as linking to a Mi Account or settings equalizer in the Mi Home app) will be deleted. If the headphones are tied to the account, they will need to be added to the app again.
Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance
Before you start resetting, follow a few mandatory steps to avoid additional problems:
- Check the battery. Make sure the case and headphones are at least 50 percent charged. If the charge is below 20 percent, the reset may stop and the headphones will stop turning on.
- Turn off the headphones from all devices. Go to the Bluetooth settings on your phone/PC and remove Xiaomi AirDots from the list of associated devices, which will prevent automatic connection during reset.
- Prepare an alternative device. If the reset goes well, the headphones will go back to search mode. Make sure you have a smartphone or tablet on hand to reconnect.
- Write down your current settings. If you've used the Mi Home app to adjust your equalizer or gestures, take a screenshot, and you'll have to config again after you reset.
Pay special attention to the item with the charge: AirDots Pro 2 and later headphones can be blocked if the reset is interrupted due to battery discharge, in which case you will need to contact the service center to unlock through special software.
☑️ Checklist before reset
Method 1: Standard button reset (for all models)
It's a versatile method that works on AirDots Basic, Youth, SE, Pro, Pro 2 and most other modifications. The instruction is suitable if the headphones are turned on and react to the press of buttons.
- Place the headphones in the case and close the lid for 5 seconds, then open.
- Get both headphones out – they should turn on automatically (indicators will light up).
- Press and hold the touch button on both headphones simultaneously for 10-15 seconds. Note: AirDots Pro 2 and AirDots 3 models use a physical key on the body instead of a touch button.
- Wait for the lights to flash. First they will light up red, then they will flash red and white alternately, which is a signal of a successful reset.
- Put the headphones back in the case and close the lid. In 10 seconds, the reset will be complete.
If the indicators don't flash red and white, repeat the procedure by holding the buttons longer (up to 20 seconds).Some models (such as AirDots SE) may require triple tapping instead of holding.
| Model headphones | Type of button | Retention time | Indication of success |
|---|---|---|---|
| AirDots Basic/Youth | Sensory | 10-12 sec. | Red → red + white |
| AirDots Pro/Pro 2 | Physically | 15 seconds | Red → blinking white |
| AirDots SE | Sensory | Triple press. | Red → white → red |
| AirDots 3/3 Pro | Physically | 20 seconds | Red. → purple |
⚠️ Note: AirDots Pro 2 and later may require a firmware update via the Mi Home app, without which there may be problems with the microphone or connection stability.
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If the headphones don't respond to button retention, try plugging them into charging for 10 minutes, then repeat the procedure. Sometimes a discharged battery blocks the reset.
Method 2: Reset via Mi Home (for Pro versions)
If you have an AirDots Pro, Pro 2, 3 or 3 Pro, you can reset software through the official Mi Home app, which is safer because it eliminates the risk of mechanical errors (for example, insufficient button retention).
- Install the Mi Home app (available for Android and iOS).
Once reset via Mi Home, the headphones will automatically go into pairing mode, which can be connected to any device without further manipulation, a method that is especially useful if the physical buttons on the headphones are faulty.
Important: If the app doesn't have a reset option, upgrade your Mi Home to the latest version or check if the headphones are tied to your Mi Account.
What if Mi Home doesn’t see the headphones?
Method 3: Reset via button combination (for AirDots 3/3 Pro)
The AirDots 3 and AirDots 3 Pro have improved controls and an alternative reset method is available, which is useful if the standard method didn’t work or the headphones are stuck in firmware update mode.
- Place the headphones in the case and close the lid.
- Press and hold the button on the case (located behind or below) for 10 seconds until the indicator starts flashing purple.
- Open the case cover and get the headphones out. They should turn on automatically.
- Press the button on each headphone 5 times in a row (with an interval of less than 1 second).
- Wait for the double blinking white - this is confirmation of the reset.
This method works even if the headphones do not respond to the usual hold of the button, and after execution, they will return to the factory settings, including the firmware version (an update may be required).
⚠️ Warning: AirDots 3 Pro may have sensor calibration after this reset, so to restore it, put your headphones in your case, close the lid, and wait 30 seconds for automatic recalibration.
Method 4: Accidental reset in complete inoperability
If the headphones don't turn on, charge or respond to any buttons, try the emergency procedure. It's suitable for all models, but requires care.
- Connect the case to charge for 10-15 minutes (even if the indicator does not burn).
- Take the headphones out of the case and put them on a flat surface.
- Press and hold the buttons on both headphones for 30 seconds. For models without buttons: tap the touchpad on each headphone and hold.
- Place the headphones back in the case and close the lid.
- Wait 1 minute, then open the lid. If the indicator on the case flashes, the reset was successful.
If the headphones still don’t work after that, the problem may be a hardware malfunction (for example, a damaged battery or Bluetooth controller), in which case it is recommended to contact the Xiaomi service center.
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Emergency reset is a last resort, and if the headphones don't respond to it, you'll probably need to repair or replace the battery.
What to do after resetting: setting up and checking
After a successful reset, the headphones will return to the "out of the box" state, so that they work correctly again, follow the following steps:
- Connect to the device: 📱 On your phone, turn on Bluetooth and select Xiaomi AirDots from the list of available devices. 💻 On PC: Go to the settings → Devices → Bluetooth and add a new device.
Check the sound:
this
Update the firmware (if required):
Mi Home
Set up your gestures (optional):
Mi Home
If after resetting the headphones again do not work stably, check:
- 🔋 Charge case and headphones (sometimes after resetting the indicator lies).
- 📶 Interference: Turn off other Bluetooth devices nearby.
- 📲 Compatibility: Older smartphones (Android 8 and below) may have problems with AirDots 3 and later.
If the problems are repeated, perhaps the headphones require flashing through the PC (this is a complicated procedure, it is better to contact the service).
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Many users experience the same problems when resetting Xiaomi AirDots, and here are the most common mistakes and ways to solve them:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Indicators do not flash red/white | Insufficient button retention or discharged battery | Hold the buttons longer (up to 20 seconds) or charge the headphones |
| Headphones do not connect after resetting | Remains in the memory of the old device | Remove them from Bluetooth settings of all previously connected gadgets |
| There is only sound in one headphone. | Synchronization between headphones has gone down | Place both headphones in a case, close the lid for 10 seconds, then pull out |
| Mi Home doesn't see headphones | Outdated version of the application or no binding to the account | Update Mi Home and log in to Mi Account |
| After discharge, discharge quickly | The energy saving settings have failed | Update the firmware via Mi Home or reset again |
If neither of these methods worked, check the headphones on another device (like a friend's phone). If the problem persists, it's probably a hardware defect, contact the service center.
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If the headphones are connected after reset but the sound is interrupted, try turning off the AAC or aptX codec in the Bluetooth settings (select SBC).