How to reset headphones Xiaomi AirDots 2 to factory settings: full instruction with photos and tips

Xiaomi AirDots 2 (or Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2) is one of the most popular headphones TWS-But even these reliable devices sometimes require factory resets, which may be necessary for connection problems, malfunctions, or before handing over the headphones to a new owner. Unlike more expensive models, AirDots 2 does not have a reset button in the usual sense, so the process is performed through a combination of actions with touch panels.

In this article, you will find step-by-step instructions for all firmware versions, including a unique reset method for headphones that do not respond to standard commands. We will also analyze common user errors, explain why resetting does not always work, and give recommendations for further configuration. If your AirDots 2 stopped connecting to your phone, one earbud does not work or there are problems with sound, this guide will help bring them back to life.

When you need to reset Xiaomi AirDots 2 to factory settings

Resetting is not a panacea for all problems, but it helps to eliminate software failures in 80% of cases.

  • πŸ”Œ Headphones don’t connect to the phone – the device doesn’t show up in the Bluetooth list or the connection is permanently reset.
  • 🎧 One earphone doesn’t work – the left or right AirDot doesn’t make sound, despite charging and turning on.
  • πŸ”Š Sound problems – interruptions, noise, low volume or synchronization of sound with video.
  • πŸ“± Conflict with other devices – headphones automatically connect to an old gadget, despite manually resetting the connection.
  • πŸ”„ Preparation for sale/transfer – so that the new owner can connect headphones without problems.
  • ⚑ After updating the firmware - if there were glitches after an automatic update.

It is important to understand that resetting will not help if the problem is related to physical damage (for example, water hit, fall, cable rupture in the charging case) or a discharged battery.

⚠️ Note: If headphones Xiaomi AirDots 2 They were connected to the device on iOS (iPhone/iPad), After reset, you may need to delete them from Bluetooth memory in your iPhone settings. Otherwise, they can automatically connect back to the old device.

πŸ“Š What is the problem you have in Xiaomi AirDots 2?
Not connecting to the phone.
One earpiece is down.
Bad sound/noise
Other
No problem.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Before you drop AirDots 2, follow a few simple steps to avoid additional problems:

  1. Charge your headphones and case. Make sure the indicator on the case is white or green (charge level above 30%). If the indicator is red or flashing, connect the case to charge for 10-15 minutes.
  2. Turn off the headphones from all devices. Go to the Bluetooth settings on your phone, find Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2, and click "Forget the device" (or "Unplug").
  3. Check the firmware version. If the headphones are connected but are unstable, check the version of the software through the Mi Home app (Device Profile section), which will help you determine if you need firmware after reset.

If the headphones are completely discharged or do not respond to presses, try the following:

  • πŸ”‹ Place them in a case for 5-10 minutes, even if the indicator does not burn.
  • πŸ”Œ Connect the case to charging for 15-20 minutes, then try to remove the headphones.
  • πŸ”„ If the indicators on the headphones do not light up, try to reset the case (press the button on the back for 10 seconds).

⚠️ Note: Do not reset if the headphones are in firmware mode (blinking blue-red indicator).This can lead to loss of communication between the left and right earphones.

β˜‘οΈ Preparation for the reset of Xiaomi AirDots 2

Done: 0 / 4

Method 1: Standard reset through touch panels

This is the main method that works on most versions of Xiaomi AirDots. 2. The instructions are suitable for firmware 1.4.0_0049 newer.

  1. Remove both earphones from the case. They should automatically turn on (indicators blink white).
  2. Press and hold the touch panels on both headphones at the same time. 🎧 On AirDots 2, the touchpad is located on the outside of the case (where the Mi logo is located). ⏱️ Hold for 15-20 seconds until the indicators start flashing red-white (reset mode).

Release the buttons.

flashing

Put the headphones back in the case.

If the indicators don’t flash red and white, try:

  • πŸ”„ Repeat the process by holding the panels longer (up to 30 seconds).
  • πŸ”‹ Charge headphones to 100% and try again.
  • πŸ“± Connect headphones to your phone and update the firmware via Mi Home (if available).
Color of indicatorMeaningAction.
πŸ”΄ Red (flashing)Low charge.Charge headphones in the case for 10-15 minutes
βšͺ White (flashing)Interconnection modeReady to connect to a new device
πŸ”΄βšͺ Red-white (alternatively)Discharge regimeRelease the buttons - reset is done
πŸ”΅ Blue (flashing)Firmware modeDon't interrupt the update process!

πŸ’‘

If the headphones don't respond to the touchpads, try pressing them one by one: first the left (hold 10 seconds), then the right (hold 10 seconds).

Method 2: Reset via charging case (alternative method)

If a standard reset doesn't work, try a hardware reset via a case, a method that is particularly effective if the headphones don't turn on or respond to touch panels.

  1. Put both earphones in the case. Close the lid.
  2. Connect the case to the charger. The indicator on the case should burn red (charging is underway).
  3. Press and hold the button on the back of the case. ⏱️ Hold for 15-20 seconds until the case indicator flashes red-green. πŸ”„ Then release the button - reset is done.

Remove the headphones from the case.

white-coloured

If the case indicator does not flash red-green, it can mean:

  • πŸ”‹ Case discharged - plug it into charging for 30 minutes.
  • πŸ”Œ Contact problem - try cleaning the case connector with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.
  • πŸ› οΈ Case malfunction - in this case, the reset is possible only through the touch panels of the headphones.
What if the case does not respond to the button hold?
If the button on the case does not work, it can be due to a break in contacts or damage to the control chip. In this case, try: Connect the case to another charger (use a cable and power supply from Xiaomi). Leave the case on charging for 1-2 hours - sometimes this "resuscitates" the controller. If nothing helps, the case will require repair or replacement.

Method 3: Reset via the Mi Home app (for stitched headphones)

If your Xiaomi AirDots 2 has been updated through official software, you can reset them through the Mi Home app.This method doesn’t work on all firmware versions, but it’s worth a try if the standard methods haven’t worked.

  1. Install the Mi Home app. Download it from Google Play or the App Store.
  2. Connect your headphones to your phone. Go to Settings β†’ Bluetooth and select Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2.
  3. Open Mi Home and find the headphones. πŸ” Press Β«+Β» β†’ Β«Add the deviceΒ» β†’ select the headphones. πŸ“± Follow the instructions on the screen to connect AirDots 2.

Go to the headphone settings.

Reset

Confirm the reset.

If there is no reset option in Mi Home, it means that:

  • πŸ“± You have an outdated version of the app – update it.
  • πŸ”„ Headphones do not support software reset – use physical methods (method 1 or 2).
  • 🌐 Headphones are tied to another region – try changing the region in Mi Home to Mainland China).

⚠️ Warning: After being reset via Mi Home, the headphones may lose touch with the case. If this happens, place them in the case for 10 minutes, the connection will automatically recover.

πŸ’‘

Software reset via Mi Home is the safest method, but only works on stitched headphones. If you don't have an option, use a physical reset.

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

If after the reset, problems with Xiaomi AirDots 2 remained, the reasons may be as follows:

Problem.Possible causeDecision
Headphones are not onBattery discharged or power controller malfunctionedCharge the case for 1-2 hours, try another cable
One earpiece is down.Lost synchronization between headphonesPlace both in the case for 10 minutes, then extract
The headphones are plugged in, but there's no sound.Firmware failure or incompatibility with the deviceUpdate the firmware via Mi Home or reset again
Permanent communication breakdownsInterference from other Bluetooth devicesTurn off other gadgets, reboot your phone

If none of the methods worked, perform a thorough diagnosis:

  1. Check the headphones on another device. Connect them to another phone or tablet -- if the problem persists, it's the headphones.
  2. Update your firmware. In Mi Home, check for updates for AirDots 2.
  3. Reset the network settings on your phone. Sometimes Bluetooth conflicts involve network settings (Settings β†’ System β†’ Reset β†’ Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth).
  4. If the headphones are guaranteed, Xiaomi is obliged to fix the malfunction for free.

πŸ’‘

Before you go to the service, try hand-stitching your headphones through a PC, and you’ll need the Mi Flash Tool and the original firmware for AirDots 2 (you can find it on forums like 4PDA).

How to connect Xiaomi AirDots 2 after reset

After a successful reset, the headphones return to the factory settings and are ready for a new connection.

  1. Find Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2 in the list. Click on them to connect.

If the headphones are not connected:

  • πŸ”„ Reboot Bluetooth on your phone. Turn it off and turn it back on.

⚠️ Attention: On iOS devices (iPhone/iPad) After connecting, you may need to manually select a sound profile in your Bluetooth settings. 2 in the list and press "iΒ» β†’ Β«SoundΒ» β†’ Choose "StereoΒ».

Frequent errors when resetting Xiaomi AirDots 2

Many users make common mistakes that make the reset fail. Here's what you can't do:

  • ❌ Hold the touchpads too short. Minimum time is 15 seconds. If you let them go early, the reset won't happen.
  • ❌ Reset your headphones while charging, they need to be removed from the case and turned on.
  • ❌ Use a non-original charging cable, and cheap cables may not provide enough current to discharge properly.
  • ❌ If the indicators start flashing red and white, wait until the reset is completed (usually 5-10 seconds).
  • ❌ Reset your headphones when low charge. Battery level should be above 30%.

Users often confuse reset mode with other headphone states:

Status.IndicatorsWhat do you do?
Interconnection modeβšͺ White (flashing)Ready to connect – select in Bluetooth
Discharge regimeπŸ”΄βšͺ Red-white (alternatively)Release the buttons, reset is coming.
Firmware modeπŸ”΅ Blue (flashing)Don't interrupt! Wait for the update to complete.
Low charge.πŸ”΄ Red (flashes fast)Charge headphones in the case for 10-15 minutes

πŸ’‘

If the headphones flash blue, it means updating the firmware. You can't interrupt the process categorically, it can lead to loss of communication between the left and right earphones!

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I just drop one headphone?
No, the reset is only done for both headphones at the same time. If one of them doesn't work, put both in a case for 10 minutes -- sometimes it helps to restore communication. If the problem persists, the Bluetooth module in one of the headphones may have malfunctioned.
After the reset, the headphones don't connect to the phone.
Try this: Remove all Mi devices from your phone's Bluetooth memory. Reboot your phone. Remove the headphones from your case and hold the touchpads for 30 seconds (until you flash red and white). If it doesn't work, try connecting the headphones to another device.
How to find out the firmware version on Xiaomi AirDots 2?
Connect the headphones to your phone via Mi Home, then: Open the app and find AirDots 2 in the device list. Click on them β†’ Device Profile β†’ Firmware Version. If the Mi Home doesn't show the version, your headphones are most likely on older firmware (up to 1.4.0).
Can I use Xiaomi AirDots 2 on my own?
Yes, but it's risky. You'll need a firmware file (look for 4PDA or Xiaomi.eu), Mi Flash Tool or Fastboot, USB-C cable to connect your case to your PC, Warning: Wrong firmware can make your headphones go down. If you're not sure, you better go to the service.
Where to find the original charging cable for Xiaomi AirDots 2?
The original USB-A β†’ USB-C cable comes with headphones. If it's lost, you can use: Any USB-C cable from Xiaomi (like charging your phone), cable from other devices, but with fast charging support (like Samsung or Google Pixel). Avoid cheap no-name cables - they can damage the charging controller in the case.