How to Reset Xiaomi AirDots Headphones: Instructions for All Models (2026)

Xiaomi AirDots are some of the most popular wireless headsets on the market, thanks to a combination of price, sound quality and functionality. However, even with such reliable devices, sometimes there are problems: the headphones do not connect to the phone, one of them does not work, the sound is interrupted or there are interference. 90% of these problems are solved by simply resetting the settings to the factory.

In this article, you will find step-by-step reset instructions for all current AirDots models (including AirDots Basic, AirDots Pro, AirDots 3 and AirDots Pro 3), and learn how to avoid typical procedure errors, and we will understand when a reset is really necessary, and when a problem can be solved in simpler ways, if you are faced with the fact that the headphones are no longer defined by the device or are not working correctly, this guide will help bring them back to life.

When do I need to reset Xiaomi AirDots?

Resetting is an extreme measure that should only be resorted to if other methods have not worked, and here are the main signs that your headphones need a “hard reboot”:

• 🔌 Headphones do not connect to a phone or computer, although they used to work normally.
• 🎧 One of the headphones (left or right) does not make a sound or connects separately.
• 🔊 The sound is interrupted, there are interference or delays (lag) when listening to music.
• 🔄 Headphones spontaneously turn off or reboot.
• 📱 Bluetooth devices are listed as “unknown devices” or not defined at all.

Before you reset your settings, try simpler solutions:

1. Reboot the headphones (turn off and turn on again).
2. Remove them from the list of connected devices on your phone and reconnect them.
3. Check the level of charge – sometimes discharged headphones behave unstable.
4. Update the firmware (if available for your model).

If none of these methods worked, start resetting. We'll go into detail on each model.

How to Reset Xiaomi AirDots Basic (1st and 2nd Generations)

AirDots Basic and AirDots Basic 2 are reset the same way, but the main difference is that the Basic 2 has Bluetooth 5.0 support, but it does not affect the reset process.

1. Put both headphones in the case and close the lid.
2. Open the lid, but don't take the headphones out.
3. Press and hold the button on the case (located at the back or bottom, depending on the version) for 15-20 seconds until the indicator starts flashing red and white alternately.
4. Release the button, the reset is complete. Now the headphones can be reconnected.

If the indicator doesn’t flash red and white, try:

• 🔋 Charge the case to 100% (sometimes the discharged device does not respond to the reset).
• 🔄 Repeat the procedure by holding the button for longer (up to 30 seconds).
• 📱 Make sure the headphones are not connected to the phone at the time of reset.

Once reset, the AirDots Basic headphones will automatically go into pairing mode, and you'll see this from the flashing white light on the case, and you can now plug them into your phone as new devices.

Xiaomi AirDots Pro and AirDots Pro 2

The Pro and Pro 2 have more advanced firmware, so the reset process is a little different, and it's important to synchronize the headphones properly after the procedure, otherwise they can work separately.

Instructions for AirDots Pro/Pro 2:

1. Place both headphones in the case and close the lid for 5 seconds.
2. Open the lid and get both earbuds out.
3. Press and hold the touchpads on both headphones simultaneously for 10 seconds until the indicators start flashing red.
4. Put the headphones back in the case and close the lid for 10 seconds.
5. Get them out – they must now automatically sync (the indicators will flash white).

If the headphones are not synchronized after reset:

• 🔄 Repeat the procedure by holding the sensors for longer (up to 15 seconds).
• 📴 Make sure the headphones are not connected to the phone at the time of reset.
• 🔋 Check the case charge – at low synchronization level, the synchronization may not work.

Important! AirDots Pro 2 models may need to update their firmware through the official Mi Home or Xiaomi Earphones app after reset. If the sound gets worse after reset, check for updates.

Xiaomi AirDots 3 and AirDots Pro 3 reset (2023–2026)

The new AirDots 3 and AirDots Pro 3 have an updated chip and support Bluetooth 5.3, but the reset process remains similar to the Pro series, the main difference is the time of holding the buttons and the order of action.

Instructions for AirDots 3/Pro 3:

1. Place both headphones in the case and close the lid.
2. Open the lid and press the reset button on the case (located on the side) 4 times in a row with an interval of 1 second.
3. The indicator on the case will start flashing purple - this means that the reset is launched.
4. Close the lid and wait 10 seconds.
5. Open the lid – the headphones should automatically go into pairing mode (blinking white light).

Features of AirDots Pro 3:

• 🎛️ Supports LC3-codecs, so after reset, it may be necessary to re-tube the sound quality in the application.
• 🔋 Battery life has increased, but reset still resets usage statistics.
• 📱 For full synchronization after reset, it is recommended to use the Xiaomi Earphones app.

💡

If the sound is quieter after resetting the AirDots Pro 3, check the equalizer settings in the app.Perhaps the reset has returned factory settings where the basses are muted.

If the indicator on the case does not flash purple, try:

• 🔌 Connect the case to charging for 5 minutes, then repeat the procedure.
• 🔄 Press the reset button 5 times in a row (sometimes helps for new firmware).

Table: Comparison of discharge methods for different models

If your model is not listed in the table (such as AirDots SE or regional versions), try the AirDots Basic method – it is universal for most Xiaomi budget models.

Frequent Resetting Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Many users find that the reset doesn't work the first time, and here are the most common mistakes and ways to solve them:

• ⏳ Insufficient button retention time – hold for at least 15 seconds (for Basic) or until the purple indicator (for Pro 3) appears).
• 🔋 A discharged case -- charge it to 100 percent before resetting. With a low charge, the reset may not work.
• 📱 Headphones connected to your phone – remove them from the list of Bluetooth devices before resetting.
• 🔄 Unsynchronized headphones – after reset, give them 10-15 seconds to automatically sync.
• 🎧 Damaged contacts – if the headphones are not charged in the case, clean the contacts with alcohol.

💡

If the reset doesn't work, check the physical condition of the headphones: contacts, microphones and speakers. Sometimes the problem lies in mechanical damage, not software failures.

If you’ve done everything right, but the headphones still don’t work, the problem may be:

• 🔊 Firmware – check for updates in the Mi Home app.
• 📡 Bluetooth Interference – Try Connecting Elsewhere.
• 🔋 Battery – if the headphones are quickly discharged, you may need to replace the battery.

⚠️ Attention! Do not use foreign objects (needles, paper clips) to reset the button on the case. This can damage the mechanism.

What if the reset didn't help?

If after several reset attempts, Xiaomi AirDots headphones still don’t work, try the following steps:

1. Update the firmware through the official application: 📱 Install Xiaomi Earphones or Mi Home from Google Play/App Store. 🔄 Connect your headphones to the app and check for updates.
2. Check compatibility: 📱 Some AirDots models don’t work well with iOS devices (especially older versions). 🖥️ On a PC, an additional driver may be required to work correctly.
3. Contact the service: 🛠️ If the headphones are guaranteed, contact Xiaomi Service. 💰 The cost of repairs outside the warranty usually does not exceed 1-2 thousand rubles.

If you are sure that the problem is software and not hardware, you can try an alternative method of resetting through ADB (for advanced users), however, this requires command line skills and is not suitable for all models.

⚠️ Attention, using unofficial firmware or modified reset applications can cause the headphones to break.

If neither method worked, the headphones may have failed, in which case the best solution would be to buy new ones — repairs could cost more than the cost of a new pair of AirDots.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi AirDots reset