Xiaomi AirDots wireless headphones (including AirDots Pro, AirDots 3, and AirDots Youth Edition) have become a popular choice due to the combination of sound quality, compactness, and affordable price. However, many users face difficulties in the first setup: the headphones do not sync with each other, connect separately, or are not determined by the phone at all. In this article, we will analyze the step-by-step synchronization algorithm, consider typical errors and give recommendations for stable operation.
AirDots uses Bluetooth 5.0 technology with A2DP profile support for stereo sound, which means that the headphones must first connect to each other (form a stereo pair) and then to the phone, and if this process is disrupted, you will hear the sound in only one earbud or encounter constant communication interruptions, then you will learn how to avoid these problems and configure the device the first time.
Preparation of headphones for synchronization: charging and resetting
Before you first connect, make sure both Xiaomi AirDots headphones are fully charged. A discharged battery is one of the main causes of sync failures. Check the indicators on the case:
- π White light β charging completed (100%).
- π΄ Red light β charging required (less than 20%).
- π Orange light - charging in the process.
If you have already used headphones and have problems with connection, reset to factory settings.
- Place both headphones in the case and close the lid.
- Press and hold the button on the case for 15 seconds until the indicator flashes red and white.
- Open the lid - the headphones will automatically go into pairing mode.
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If the headphones don't flash white after reset, remove them from the case and tap the touchpads of both headphones simultaneously for 10 seconds, which force the search mode to activate.
Reset removes all the stored devices from AirDots memory, so you have to reconnect them after the procedure, which is especially useful if the headphones were previously paired with another phone or tablet and "forgot" the current device.
How to synchronize Xiaomi AirDots headphones with each other
The main problem with the headphones is that they connect to the phone separately, not as a stereo, which happens when the right and left headphones are not synchronized.
- Get both earbuds out of the case. They're supposed to turn on automatically.
- Place them near you (no more than 5 cm away).
- Press and hold the touchpads on both headphones for 5 seconds until you hear a beep (usually a short squeak).
- After the signal, release the buttons β the indicators on the headphones will start flashing alternately white and red, which means successful synchronization.
If the synchronization has not occurred:
- π Try repeating the process by first resetting the headphones (see previous section).
- π± Make sure there are no other Bluetooth devices nearby β they may interfere with your Bluetooth.
- π Check battery power: if the level is below 30%, the headphones may not sync.
Both earphones flash white and red|Audible confirmation signal|Headphones are defined as one device in Bluetooth.|The sound is played in both headphones.-->
Critical nuance: in AirDots Pro and AirDots 3 models, synchronization between headphones occurs automatically when removed from the case. If this does not happen, update the firmware through the Mi Home app.
Connecting Xiaomi AirDots to the phone: step-by-step instructions
Once the headphones are successfully synchronized, you can start connecting to your phone. The algorithm is the same for Android and iOS, but there are nuances:
- Activate Bluetooth on your phone: on Android β in the notification panel, on iPhone β in Settings β Bluetooth.
- Remove the headphones from the case β they will automatically go into pairing mode (the indicators will flash white).
- In the list of available devices, find Mi True Wireless Earphones (or a similar name for your model) and click Connect.
- Confirm the pairing if necessary.
Android devices (especially Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO) may be asked to install additional services to improve sound, and we recommend that you agree that this activates noise reduction and equalizer functions.
| Model phone | Features of connection | Permits required |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO | Automatically defined as "Mi Earphones." You can install proprietary software. | Bluetooth, microphone access, notifications |
| iPhone (iOS) | It's connected like a standard Bluetooth device, and the noise reduction function may not work. | Bluetooth, access to microphone |
| Samsung | You may need to manually confirm your Settings β Connections β Bluetooth. | Bluetooth, access to contacts (optional) |
| Other Androids | You may have microphone problems when making calls. It is recommended to use the Mi Home app. | Bluetooth, access to microphone and phone |
AirDots (1-I'm a generation)|AirDots Pro|AirDots 2/2S|AirDots 3/3 Pro|Another model-->
If the phone can't see the headphones:
β οΈ Attention: On Android 12+ iOS 15+ You can use a restriction on connecting devices with an outdated version of Bluetooth. Update the firmware of the headphones through Mi Home or reset their settings.
Solving Connection Problems
Even after successful synchronization, problems can arise, and let's look at typical scenarios and how to fix them:
Problem 1: The sound is only in one headphone
Reasons:
- π The headphones are not synchronized with each other (see section above).
- π± In the settings of the phone, the βMonoβ mode is selected instead of βStereo".
- π Different battery level in headphones (one discharged more strongly).
Decision:
- Reboot both headphones (place in the case for 10 seconds and pull out).
- On Android, check in Settings β Connected Devices β Headphones β In addition, what is selected βStereoβ.
- On your iPhone, go to Settings β Bluetooth, click on the βiβ next to AirDots and select βForget this deviceβ, then connect again.
Problem 2: Constant communication breakdowns
Reasons:
- πΆ Interference from other Bluetooth devices (columns, smart watches).
- π Low battery charge (20% and lower).
- π± Outdated firmware headphones or phone.
Decision:
- π‘οΈ Turn off Bluetooth on other devices within a 5-meter radius.
- π Update AirDots firmware via Mi Home (Device Profile section) β Update of the PO").
- π² On Android, turn on the βSound Priorityβ mode in Bluetooth settings.
How to update AirDots firmware through Mi Home?
Problem 3: Headphones donβt connect after phone upgrade
After updating Android or iOS, the pairing may be lost.
- Remove AirDots from the list of Bluetooth devices.
- Reset the headphones (see the section "Preparation").
- Reconnect by following the standard procedure.
Additional settings to improve sound
After successful connection, you can optimize the sound and control:
Equalizer setting
On Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO:
- Open the settings β Sound β Equator.
- Select the headphone profile and adjust the frequencies to your preferences.
On other Android devices, use third-party apps like Equalizer FX or Poweramp.
Activation of noise reduction (for AirDots Pro/3 Pro)
The Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) function is only available in stitched models to enable:
- Hold the touchpad on the right earpiece for 2 seconds.
- You will hear a voice confirmation "Noise Cancelation On".
- Repeat the action to shut down.
Gesture management
Standard gestures for Xiaomi AirDots:
- π΅ Double touch - playback / pause.
- π Triple touch β Calling the voice assistant (Google) Assistant/Siri).
- π Holding 2 seconds β switching on/off noise reduction (if supported).
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For AirDots 3 and later, gestures are customized via the Mi Home app, and you can reassign actions to your needs (for example, skipping a track instead of calling an assistant).
Compatibility of Xiaomi AirDots with different devices
Xiaomi AirDots headphones work not only with smartphones, but also with other gadgets.
| The device | Support | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO smartphones | Complete. | No. |
| iPhone (iOS) | Partial | No noise reduction, limited gesture settings |
| Laptops (Windows/macOS) | Basic | Possible sound delays, microphone problems |
| Smart TV (Android TV) | Partial | Sound delay up to 200ms, no gesture control |
To connect to Windows 10/11:
- Open the settings β Devices β Bluetooth.
- Press "Add device" β "Bluetooth".
- Select AirDots from the list and confirm pairing.
β οΈ Note: On Windows, headphones can be defined as "Stereo" and "Voice" separately. Select the "Stereo" option for music.
For macOS:
- Go to System Settings. β Bluetooth.
- Click "Connect" next to AirDots.
- If the sound only goes to one headphone, go to Sound Settings and select AirDots as the output device.
How to extend the service life of Xiaomi AirDots
Compliance with simple rules will help to avoid breakdowns and extend the work time:
- π Charging: Use only the original Xiaomi cable and adapter (current) 5V/1A). Avoid wireless charging β they can overheat the case.
- π§Ό Clean: Clean headphones and case from earwax and dust with a soft brush or cotton swab soaked in alcohol (no more than 70%).
- π‘οΈ Temperature: Do not leave headphones in direct sunlight or near heat sources (e.g. on a car torpedo).
- π§ Humidity: Despite protection IPX4, Avoid water. After exercise, dry your headphones. 15-20 minute.
Average life of AirDots battery β 2-3 if the time of operation is reduced to 1-2 In this case, we recommend you to contact the Xiaomi service center for a replacement battery (cost) ~1500-2000 β½).
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To check the actual battery level, use the Battery Info (Android) or Bluetooth Battery Monitor (iOS) app to help track battery degradation.