How to sync Xiaomi AirDots headphones: the full guide 2026

Why AirDots Are Not Synced and How to Fix It

Xiaomi AirDots (including the Pro 2/3, SE and Lite) have become one of the most popular wireless headsets due to a combination of price and quality. However, many users face the problem of mismatched left and right earphones — one of them may not connect, lag behind in sound or not be determined by the device at all. The causes range from software failures to hardware malfunctions, but in 90% of cases the problem is solved without contacting the service.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to synchronize AirDots with each other and with the sound source (smartphone, laptop, TV), as well as consider the typical errors that interfere with stable operation.

If your headphones were working normally before, but Suddenly stopped syncing, don’t throw them away. It’s likely a Bluetooth memory failure or a conflict with another connected device, and you’ll learn how to diagnose the problem and bring the headset back to life in 5-10 minutes.

Preparing for synchronization: what to check before starting

Before you start setting up, make sure that the basic conditions for a successful connection are met, and neglecting these points is the main reason why users spend hours pointlessly manipulating headphones.

• 🔋 Charge level: Both earbuds should be charged at least 30%. If the indicator on the case flashes red, plug it into charging for 15-20 minutes. AirDots Pro 2 may not turn on when the discharge is below 10%.
• 📱 Device compatibility: Make sure your smartphone or PC supports Bluetooth 4.2 or later. AirDots 3 Pro models require Bluetooth 5.0.
• 🔄 No conflicts: Disable all previously paired devices in Bluetooth settings. On Android, this is done via Settings → Connected devices → Headphones → Forget it.
• 🛠️ Clean contacts: Wipe metal contacts on headphones and in the case with a dry wipe.Oxidation or dirt can block charging and synchronization.

If you use AirDots with an iPhone or MacBook, note that some features (such as low latency) may not work properly due to iOS limitations.

⚠️ Warning: Do not try to sync your headphones if one of them is discharged to 0%.This can cause the paired keys to reset in the chip memory, and you will have to perform a complete reset.

Method 1: Standard case synchronization (for new headphones)

If you’ve just bought Xiaomi AirDots or reset them to factory settings, use this method.It’s suitable for all models, including AirDots Youth Edition and Redmi AirDots.

1. Put both earbuds in the case and close the lid for 10 seconds. Then open it - the indicators on the headphones should flash white (search mode).
2. On your smartphone, activate Bluetooth and find a device called Mi True Wireless (or Redmi AirDots for the corresponding model) in the list.
3. Click on the headphone name and confirm the pairing. In 5-10 seconds, both earbuds should connect automatically.

If after connecting the sound is only in one headphone, perform the following actions:

1. Remove both headphones from the case and wait until they synchronize with each other (indicators should blink blue 2 times).
2. Put them back in the case, then pull them out again. Reconnect to the phone.

Both earbuds flash white when searching.

Bluetooth Settings displays one device (not two separate devices)

The sound is played in stereo mode (left + right channels)

Indicators go out after connecting-->

⚠️ Attention: On Android 12+ You may see a notification saying, "Device supports high-quality sound." Turn off this option, which often causes delays in AirDots.

Method 2: Manual pairing of left and right earphone

If the standard method doesn't work, you'll have to manually synchronize the headphones, which is the same as AirDots Pro 2 and later, which supports Dual Mode.

Instructions:

1. Remove both headphones from the case and hold the touchpads on each for 15 seconds until the indicators start flashing red and white alternately.
2. Place the headphones back in the case and close the lid for 30 seconds. Then open it - the headphones should automatically sync (double blinking in blue).
3. Connect them to the phone as usual.

For AirDots 3 Pro models, the process is slightly different:

• 🎧 Hold the button on the case for 10 seconds until orange blinks.
• 🔄 Get your headphones out – they should sync automatically.
• 📱 Connect to the device via Bluetooth.

💡

If the headphones don't sync after reset, try connecting them alternately to the phone and then putting them back in the case, which sometimes works better than a simultaneous reset.

Method 3: Sync through the Mi Home app (for advanced models)

AirDots Pro 2 and AirDots 3 Pro support advanced settings through the official Mi Home app (available for Android and iOS), which allows you not only to sync your headphones, but also update your firmware, customize gestures and check the charge level of each earphone separately.

Step-by-step:

1. Install the Mi Home app from Google Play or the App Store.
2. Connect the headphones to the phone via Bluetooth.
3. Open Mi Home, press + → Add Device → Headphones and select your model.
4. Follow the instructions on the screen. The app will automatically update the firmware (if a new version is available) and sync the headphones.

In the headphone settings section you can:

• 🔄 Update the firmware (critical for models of 2022 and older).
• 🎛️ Set up touch gestures (such as double touching to call a voice assistant).
• 🔋 View the charge level of each headphone and case.
• 🔊 Enable "Game Sound" mode (reduces latency to 80 ms).

⚠️ Warning: Don't interrupt the firmware update via Mi Home. This can lead to the headphones becoming "bricky" and you'll have to carry them to service. It takes 3-5 minutes to complete.

💡

Using Mi Home is the only official way to update AirDots firmware. Alternative methods (via ADB or third-party utilities) can disrupt the device.

Problem Solving: Frequent Errors and Corrections

Even after successful synchronization, users face typical problems, and here are the most common ones and how to fix them:

1.One earphone is not connected

Reasons:

• 🔋 The battery is discharged in one of the headphones (check the indicator on the case).
• 🔄 Synchronization failure between headphones (reset as described in Method 2).
• 🛠️ The Bluetooth module is damaged (most often in the right headphone).

2. The sound is interrupted or lagged

Decisions:

• 📶 Move closer to the sound source (maximum distance for AirDots is 10 meters without obstacles).
• 🔄 Turn off the “High Quality Sound” feature in Bluetooth settings on Android.
• 🎮 For games, turn on Low Lag mode in Mi Home (available for Pro) 2/3).

3 Headphones are not defined by the device

Action:

• 🔄 Reboot the Bluetooth module on your phone (turn off/on Bluetooth or reboot the device).
• 📱 Remove the headphones from the list of paired devices and connect again.
• 🔋 Check the case charge - at a discharge below 20%, the headphones may not turn on.

If neither method worked, try connecting your headphones to another device (like a Windows laptop), and if the problem persists, you may have a hardware malfunction.

Synchronization with a PC or laptop (Windows/macOS/Linux)

Connecting AirDots to your computer has its nuances, especially on Windows 10/11, where there are often problems with the audio codec.

For Windows:

1. Turn on Bluetooth on your PC and put the headphones into search mode (see Method 1).
2. In the taskbar, click on the Bluetooth icon → Add the device → Bluetooth.
3. Select Mi True Wireless and wait for the connection.
4. After connecting, go to Control Panel → Sound, find AirDots and install them with the Default device.

For macOS:

On a MacBook or iMac:

1. Open System settings → Bluetooth.
2. Click Connect next to AirDots.
3. If the sound is only in one headphone, open the Audio MIDI Setup (via Spotlight) and select "Use as a stereo".

For Linux (Ubuntu/Debian):

Use commands in the terminal:

bluetoothctl


power on




agent on




scan on




pair [MAC- headphone address]




connect [MAC-address

To find MAC-Address, use hcitool scan command (you need to install bluez package).

⚠️ Note: On Windows after updating to version 22H2 Solution: roll back the Bluetooth driver in Device Manager or manually install it from the laptop manufacturer's website.

FAQ: Frequent questions about AirDots synchronization