Why Xiaomi AirDots Headphones Stop Working Together and How to Fix It
You pulled out of the Xiaomi AirDots case, but one headphone doesn't connect, stay silent, or work separately from the pair? This is a common problem faced by owners of Xiaomi wireless headphones - from budget Redmi AirDots to flagship AirDots Pro 3. The reasons can be different, from accidental resets to hardware failures. But in 90% of cases, the problem is solved by simply resynchronizing the headphones with each other.
In this article you will find:
- 🔍 Step-by-step instructions for synchronizing left and right earphone for all AirDots models (including AirDots) 2/3/Pro and Redmi Buds).
- 🛠️ Diagnostic methods if the headphones are not synchronized (battery check, reset to factory settings).
- ⚠️ Common mistakes that may cause the procedure to fail the first time.
- 📱 Setting up the connection to the smartphone after synchronization (Android/iOS).
Don't rush your headphones to the service center, and in most cases you can do it yourself in 5-10 minutes, starting with the simplest method.
1. Basic synchronization of headphones Xiaomi AirDots (method for all models)
This method works for AirDots of any version, including AirDots Youth Edition, AirDots Pro 2 and AirDots 3. The main condition is that both headphones must be charged at least 30% (otherwise they will not be able to complete the process).
Algorithm of action:
- Place both headphones in the charger case and close the lid for 10 seconds.
- Pull them back and hold the buttons on both headphones for 15-20 seconds until the indicators start flashing red and white alternately.
- Place the headphones back in the case (without closing the lid!) and wait 30 to 40 seconds. The indicators should go out - this is a signal of successful synchronization.
- Take out the headphones and check if they connect to the phone as a single device.
If the indicators continue to blink chaotically or one earphone does not respond, move on to the next method.
Charge the case and headphones up to 50%+
Make sure the headphones are clean (contacts are not oxidized)
Disconnect them from all devices in Bluetooth settings
Use the original cable to charge the case-->
2. Forced resetting of settings (if base synchronization did not work)
If Xiaomi AirDots headphones have previously been connected to another device or a software failure has occurred, a complete reset may be required.This method is suitable for AirDots Pro, AirDots 3 and Redmi AirDots 2 models.
Instructions:
- Place both headphones in the case and leave the lid open.
- Press and hold the button on the case (located behind or below) for 20-30 seconds until the indicator flashes red.
- Take the headphones out of the case and hold the buttons on both headphones for 10 seconds until you hear the beep (or see white flashing).
- Repeat the basic synchronization (method 1).
Important: Once reset, the headphones will lose all the stored devices in memory, and they will have to be reconnected to the phone, as after purchase.
What to do if the button on the case does not respond?
3.Diagnostics of problems: why headphones are not synchronized
If neither method worked, it could be hardware or software malfunctions, and we'll check the most likely scenarios.
| Symptoms. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| One earpiece is off. | Battery discharged or board damaged | Charge the case for 1-2 hours, check the contacts of the headphone for oxidation |
| Indicators flash chaotically | Firmware failure or Bluetooth connection conflict | Reset the settings (method 2) and repeat the synchronization |
| The headphones are connected separately. | A couple is torn (for example, after connecting to two different phones) | Use the Forced Synchronization Method (Section 1) |
| The sound is interrupted or lost. | Interference from other Bluetooth devices or weak signal | Reboot your phone, disable other gadgets, reconnect |
If Xiaomi AirDots headphones still don’t work together, check out:
- 🔋 Case and headphone charge level (use the original cable) USB-C or micro-USB).
- 📱 Bluetooth version on your phone (AirDots 3 requires Bluetooth 5.0)+).
- 🛡️ Physical damage (cracks on the body, water under the mesh speaker).
4. Sync through the Mi Home app (for AirDots Pro and later)
For AirDots Pro, AirDots 3 and Redmi Buds 3 Pro models, there is an alternative way to sync via the official Mi Home app (available for Android and iOS), which is useful if the headphones are defined by the phone but don't work together.
Step-by-step:
- Install the Mi Home app from Google Play or the App Store.
- Open the app and go to Devices → Add Device (+) → Headphones.
- Select your AirDots model and follow the on-screen instructions (usually you need to hold buttons on your headphones).
- After a successful connection, the application will offer to update the firmware – be sure to agree, this often solves synchronization problems.
If the app doesn't see the headphones:
- 📱 Check if Bluetooth and geolocation are enabled (required to find devices).
- 🔄 Restart your phone and try again.
- 🗑️ Remove headphones from the list of conjugated devices in Bluetooth settings.
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If Mi Home doesn't find headphones, try using Mi Earphones (AirDots-specific software) app, which is available in the same stores and often works better at syncing.
5. synchronization features for different models Xiaomi AirDots
Not all AirDots sync the same way, but here are the key differences for popular models:
| Model | Synchronization method | Features |
|---|---|---|
| AirDots (1st generation) | Holding buttons on both headphones (15 seconds) | No reset button on the case, only a software reset |
| AirDots Pro / Pro 2 | Reset button on the case + hold the buttons on the headphones | Supports firmware updates through Mi Home |
| AirDots 2 / 3 | Automatic synchronization when extracted from the case | May require manual reset after connecting to 3+ devices |
| Redmi AirDots | Similar to the 1st generation, but with longer retention (20 seconds) | Often lose contact with a low case charge |
For AirDots 3 and later, it is not recommended to use reset methods from older models - this can lead to a firmware failure.
💡
If you have AirDots 3 or AirDots Pro 2, try updating your firmware through Mi Home first. 70% of the time, this solves sync problems without manual reset.
6 What to do if nothing helps: extreme measures
If you’ve tried all the methods, but Xiaomi AirDots headphones still don’t sync, the following options remain:
⚠️ Warning: Check before contacting the service whether the warranty is valid. Opening the case or headphones will cancel it yourself.
Resuscitation methods:
- 🔌 Deep discharge/charging: Completely discharge the case and headphones (leave for 24 hours without connecting), then charge 3-4 hours with the original cable.
- 💻 PC firmware: For some models (AirDots Pro) there are informal utilities for flashing (risky!).
- 🔧 Clean contacts: Gently wipe contacts on headphones and in the case with alcohol (do not use abrasives!).
- 📞 If headphones are guaranteed, contact the official Xiaomi service.
The cost of repair in informal services is usually 800-1500 rubles (replacement of the board or battery). For models older than 2 years it is cheaper to buy new headphones.