How to reset Xiaomi AirDots to factory settings: the complete guide

Xiaomi AirDots headphones (including the Pro, 2, 3, SE and Lite models) sometimes require a complete factory reset, which may be necessary when connecting to a new smartphone, troubleshooting a sound problem, breaking the connection between the left and right earphones or before selling. However, the reset procedure varies depending on the generation of the device and the firmware version - improper actions can lead to a complete failure of the headset.

In this article, you will find 5 proven ways to reset AirDots, including hidden button combinations for old and new models, and instructions for recovery from a failed reset. We will discuss how to distinguish hardware reset from software when you need one or another method, and what to do if the headphones do not respond to standard actions.

When do I need to reset Xiaomi AirDots?

Factory reset is a last resort, but in some cases it's the only one that helps to get the headphones back on track. Here are the typical situations where the procedure is mandatory:

• 🔄 Headphones are not synchronized with each other (left and right work separately or one does not connect).
• 📱 Cannot connect to a new phone after changing the smartphone (in memory there is an old device).
• 🔊 Sound problems: interruptions, low volume, distortion (if cleaning and reconnecting did not help).
• 🔋 Fast battery discharge or incorrect display of charge level in the Mi application Home/Xiaomi Wear.
• 🛒 Preparing to sell or transfer to another user (removal of all associated devices).

It is important to understand that resetting does not help with physical damage (for example, water entering AirDots Lite, which do not have IPX4 protection), a discharged battery or a malfunction of the Bluetooth module of the smartphone.

⚠️ Note: If you reset your headphones before selling, make sure the new owner can plug them in without your smartphone.Some AirDots models (like the Pro 2) require confirmation on the old device when first connected after resetting.

Method 1: Standard button reset (for all models)

This is a versatile method that works on most versions of Xiaomi AirDots, including the Pro, 2, 3 and SE. Only a charging case and headphones themselves will be required to perform.

Step-by-step:

1. Place both headphones in the charger case and close the lid. Make sure the headphone indicators don't burn (meaning they charge).
2. Open the case cover and hold the button on the back (near the USB-C connector) for 15-20 seconds.
3. The headphones will flash red and white (on some models, only white), signaling the start of reset.
4. Release the button and close the lid. In 10-15 seconds, the reset will be complete.

After that, the headphones will automatically reboot and be ready for a new pairing. In the Mi Home app, they will appear as a new device.

⚠️ Note: On the Xiaomi AirDots 3 Pro, the reset button may be inside the case (under a rubber plug).If the standard method does not work, check the technical documentation for your version.

Method 2: Reset via Mi Home (for firmware 2022-2026)

If your AirDots are connected to your smartphone through the official Mi Home or Xiaomi Wear app, you can perform a software reset, which is safer than hardware, since it eliminates the risk of damaging the firmware.

Instructions:

1. Open the Mi Home app and go to Profile → My Devices section.
2. Find your AirDots on the list and tap them.
3. In the upper right corner, click on ⋮ (three dots) and select Device Settings.
4. Scroll down and find Reset Settings (or Delete Device).
5. Confirm action. The headphones will automatically shut down and reboot.

After that, they can be reconnected via the Bluetooth menu of the smartphone, which only works if the headphones are already paired with the phone and displayed in the application.

Method 3: Reset via touch combination (for AirDots 3 and later)

Xiaomi AirDots 3 and 3 Pro headphones support touch reset, a method that is useful if the button on the case does not work or the headphones do not respond to standard actions.

How to do this:

1. Get both earphones out of the case.
2. Press and hold the touchpads on both headphones simultaneously for 10 seconds.
3. The indicators will start flashing red and purple – this is a signal of the beginning of the reset.
4. Put the headphones back in the case and close the lid for 30 seconds.

Once rebooted, the headphones will be ready for a new pairing, which doesn’t work on models older than 2021 (e.g., AirDots Pro 1-gen).

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If the lights flash only red, it means low battery power. Charge the headphones in the case for at least 20 minutes and try again.

Method 4: Hard reset when getting stuck (if the headphones do not respond)

If AirDots are stuck in connection mode, if the lights don't flash or are not detected by the phone, you'll need a forced reboot, a method that is risky -- if you do something wrong, you can damage the firmware, but in 90% of cases it restores performance.

Algorithm of action:

1. Put the headphones in the case and connect it to charging (use the original cable!).
2. Hold the reset button on the case for 30 seconds (even if the indicators don’t respond).
3. Turn off the cable from the case, take out the headphones and put them back.
4. Close the lid and wait 1 minute.
5. Open the lid – the indicators should flash white (pairing mode).

If the headphones don’t connect after that, try resetting Bluetooth settings on your smartphone (Settings) → Bluetooth → ⋮ → Clear the cache).

Method 5: Reset via ADB (for advanced users)

This method is only suitable if you have previously connected AirDots to an Android smartphone and have access to developer mode. It allows you to reset your headphone settings through the command line, but requires technical skills.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on the developer mode on your smartphone: go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and tap 7 times on the build number.
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and activate Debugging over USB.
3. Connect your smartphone to your PC, install ADB-tools and check the connection with the command: adb devices
4. Reset command: Adb shell am start -a android.bluetooth.adapter.action.REQUEST_DISCOVERABLE
5. Then remove the device from Bluetooth memory: adb shell pm clear com.android.bluetooth

This method does not guarantee resetting the headphones themselves, but clears the Bluetooth cache on the smartphone, which often solves connection problems. For a complete reset AirDots use it in combination with method 1 or 3.

What if the reset didn't help?

If after all the manipulations, the headphones still do not work, check the following points:

• 🔋 Case and headphone charge: connect the case to charge for 1-2 hours, even if the indicator is not on.
• 📲 Smartphone compatibility: Some phones (especially iPhones or Android 13 devices)+) Require additional permissions to connect AirDots.
• 🔄 Update firmware: check the relevance of the software through the application Xiaomi Wear. AirDots 3 Pro available branded updates that fix connection bugs.
• 🛠️ Physical injuries: Check the contacts in the case and on the headphones for oxidation or contamination.

If the headphones still do not respond, contact the Xiaomi service center. In 80% of cases, the problem is solved by flashing through specialized equipment (cost from 800 to 1500 rubles).

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Before contacting the service, check the warranty card: if the headphones are less than 12 months old, the official dealer will perform repairs or replacements for free.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi AirDots reset