Xiaomi Airdots 3 Pro headphones are a popular model with ANC support, low sound latency and long battery life. However, even such advanced devices sometimes require a factory reset: after a failed firmware update, with constant communication interruptions with the phone or if the headphones are no longer identified in the list of available devices. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to reset Airdots 3 Pro, including hidden features and solutions for typical errors.
It's important to understand that resetting is not a universal cure for all problems, but 80 percent of the time it helps to get the headphones back on track. We've tested each method on devices with V12.1.4.0 and V13.0.2.8 firmware, so the instructions are relevant for most users. If the problems persist after reset, at the end of this article you'll find a checklist to diagnose the malfunctions.
When you need to reset Xiaomi Airdots 3 Pro: 5 obvious reasons
Before you start resetting, make sure it is really necessary. Here are the key symptoms for which the procedure is warranted:
- 🔄 Headphones do not connect to the phone, although they used to work stably (even after the smartphone reboot).
- 🎧 The sound is interrupted every 5-10 seconds, although there are no sources of interference nearby (microwaves, 5 GHz routers).
- 🔋 One of the headphones discharges 2-3 times faster than the other, although earlier the work time was equally sufficient.
- 📱 Mi Home or Xiaomi Earbuds mobile app displays an error: "Device is not responding".
- 🔊 Functions ANC or the transparent mode stopped working despite the option in the settings.
If one of the items is familiar, resetting is likely to help, but there are also false alarms, such as short-term hang-ups when you first connect to a new phone or a decrease in volume due to pollution of the speakers, in which case you should first check the FAQ section at the end of the article.
⚠️ Warning: Reset removes all information about the associated devices and user settings (such as gesture customization), after the procedure, the headphones will be like new ones, they will have to be reconnected to all gadgets.
Method 1: Soft reset via a button on the case (without data loss)
This is a good method if the headphones are identified in the list of Bluetooth devices, but they are unstable. It reboots the headphones without erasing the pairing data.
- Place both headphones in the charging case and close the lid.
- Wait 10 seconds, then open the lid – the headphones should light up white.
- Press and hold the touchpad on both headphones simultaneously for 10-15 seconds until the indicators start flashing red and white.
- Release the buttons, the headphones will reboot. Then try to reconnect.
If you have problems after a soft reset, go to hard reset (method 2). This method is also useless if the headphones do not turn on or respond to touch.
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If the headphones do not respond to touch, try to wipe the touch panels with an alcohol wipe - sometimes contamination blocks the operation.
Method 2: Hard reset to factory settings (full reset)
It's a radical method that erases all data and returns the headphones to their original settings.
- 📵 Headphones are not defined by any device.
- 🔄 Soft reset didn't help.
- 📲 Mi Home app displays an error: "Device not supported".
Instructions for Xiaomi Airdots 3 Pro (relevant for firmware V12.x.x.x and later):
- Place both headphones in the charging case and close the lid for 5 seconds.
- Open the lid and wait until the headphones light up white.
- Press and hold the touchpad on the RIGHT earphone for 20 seconds, first the indicator will change color to purple, then it will flash red and white.
- Release the button, reset is complete. The headphones automatically reset.
Important: On models with firmware older than V11.0.3.0, you need to hold the touch panel on the LEFT headphone to reset. You can specify the firmware version in the Xiaomi Earbuds application (Device section).
| Color of indicator | Meaning | Action. |
|---|---|---|
| White (permanent) | Headphones are on and ready to pair | You can connect to the phone. |
| Purple (permanent) | Release mode activated | Keep holding the button. |
| Red + white (blinking) | Reset successfully completed | Release the button and wait for the reboot. |
| Red (permanent) | Low battery charge (<10%) | Charge your headphones before resetting |
⚠️ Warning: If the headphones don't turn on after reset or the indicators don't burn, check the case charge. Sometimes the case battery is discharged and blocks the headphones from starting even after you're connected to charging. Hold the case on charging for 10-15 minutes, then repeat the procedure.
Charge the case to 100%|Make sure the headphones are clean and dry.|Check the firmware version in the app|Prepare a second phone for a connection test-->
Method 3: Reset via Mi Home (alternative method)
If the headphones are identified in the app but are not working properly, you can try resetting through software, which is less reliable than the hardware, but sometimes helps to avoid a complete reboot.
- Open the Mi Home or Xiaomi Earbuds app on your phone.
- Go to Profile → My Devices → Xiaomi Airdots 3 Pro.
- Slap the icon. ⚙️ "Settings" in the upper right corner.
- Select Reset settings (or Untie device in older versions of the application).
- Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed.
After that, the headphones will automatically turn off. To use them again, pair as if with a new device:
- Open the case lid.
- Press and hold the touchpad on the right earpiece for 3 seconds until the indicator starts flashing white.
- Turn on Bluetooth on your phone and select Xiaomi Airdots 3 Pro from the list of devices.
This method does not work on all firmware. If the application does not have a reset option, use the hardware method (method 2).
What to do if the app does not see the headphones?
Typical Resetting Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even when following instructions, users often make mistakes that lead to an unsuccessful reset or worsening of problems.
- ⏱️ Not enough button holding time. Many release the touchpad in 5-10 seconds, although it takes 20 seconds to reset (or 15 for a soft reboot).
- 🔋 Headphones discharged. If the charge is below 20%, the reset may be interrupted. Always check the battery level in the application before the procedure.
- 📱 Using an incompatible phone: On devices with Android 8.0 and below or iOS 12 and below, there may be pairing problems after a reset.
- 🌡️ Overheating or humidity: If the headphones overheat (for example, after prolonged use) or are wet, the touch panels may not work.
To minimize the risks, follow this algorithm:
- Check the charge of the case and headphones (optimally - 100%).
- Make sure the temperature of the headphones is normal (they should not be hot).
- Use a phone with Android 9.0+ or iOS 13+ to pair.
- Reset indoors without interference sources (Wi-Fi routers, microwaves).
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If the headphones don’t connect to your phone after reset, try pairing them with another device first, which will help determine if the problem is in the headphones or in your smartphone.
What to do if the reset did not help: diagnosis of malfunctions
If problems persist after reset, it may not be a software failure, but a hardware malfunction.
| Symptoms. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Headphones are not turned on, indicators do not burn | Battery of case or headphones is discharged | Connect the case to charging for 30 minutes, then reset |
| There is only sound in one headphone. | Contact contamination or speaker malfunction | Clean contacts with alcohol, check the sound balance in the phone settings |
| The headphones are connected, but the sound is interrupted. | Interference from other devices or outdated firmware | Update your firmware via Mi Home, disable other Bluetooth devices |
| Touch panels do not respond to touch | Sensor contamination or damage | Wash the panels with a napkin dipped in alcohol. If it doesn't work, contact the service. |
If none of the items fit, and the headphones still do not work, check:
- 📦 Warranty card. If the device is warranty, contact the official service Xiaomi.
- 🔧 Self-repaired: On AliExpress or in local workshops, you can find parts (speakers, batteries) for the Airdots 3 Pro.
- 🆕 Buying new headphones. If the repair costs more than 50% of the cost of the new Airdots 3 Pro, it is better to buy a new pair of headphones.
⚠️ Warning: Don't try to disassemble headphones yourself unless you have microelectronics experience.The Airdots 3 Pro uses adhesive joints and brittle plumes that are easily damaged.
How to update the firmware after reset: step-by-step instructions
After reset, it is recommended to update the firmware of the headphones to the latest version, which will fix possible bugs and improve the stability of the work.
- Install the Mi Home app (for Android) or Xiaomi Earbuds app (for iOS).
- Connect the headphones to the phone via Bluetooth.
- Open the app and go to the Xiaomi Airdots 3 Pro device section.
- Slap the icon. ⚙️ "Settings", then select Firmware Update.
- If a new version is available, click Update and wait for the process to complete (don’t turn off the headphones!).
It takes 3-5 minutes to update.
- 📵 Don't close the app.
- 🔋 Don't remove the headphones from the case.
- 📶 Make sure your phone is connected to Wi-Fi (update downloaded via the Internet).
After the update, the headphones will automatically restart. Check the firmware version in the About Device section - it must match the latest one on Xiaomi's official website.