Xiaomi AirDots wireless headphones have long been a hit with users due to a combination of price, sound quality and convenience. But what if one headphone from the kit is lost or broke, and the second one remains working? Can you combine the remaining right or left module with an earphone from another set - for example, bought separately or taken from a friend? Answer: Yes, but with nuances?
In this article, we will break down the unique methods of synchronizing AirDots from different boxes, including AirDots Pro, AirDots Pro 2, AirDots S and AirDots 3. You will learn which combinations work out of the box and which require manual intervention through the engineering menu, and we will analyze typical errors (for example, flashing in red and white or no sound in one earphone) and give a checklist to fix them.
Why the headphones from different sets do not sync automatically
The main problem lies in the firmware and hardware identifiers. Each set of Xiaomi AirDots is tied to a unique Bluetooth. MAC-The address and the pair key that's in both earphones' memory, and when you try to connect the left earphone from one set to the right earphone from the other, there's a conflict:
- 🔍 Different firmware versions: For example, AirDots Pro 2019 and AirDots Pro 2 2020 may use incompatible synchronization protocols.
- 🔑 No paired key: Each earpiece only stores the key for the "native" partner, and when you try to connect to another module, you reset.
- 📡 Bluetooth profile conflict: Some models (e.g. AirDots 3) use AAC for sound, and the old — SBC. This can cause communication breakdowns.
In addition, Xiaomi artificially limits cross-synchronization in budget models (such as AirDots Basic or AirDots Youth) to encourage the purchase of new kits. However, in Pro-sell and later models, this block can be bypassed through an engineering menu or manual resetting.
What AirDots models can be synchronized with each other: compatibility table
Not all Xiaomi headphone combinations support cross-synchronization, and here is a compatibility table based on user tests and data from service manuals:
| Model 1 | Model 2 | Compatibility | Action required |
|---|---|---|---|
| AirDots Pro (2019) | AirDots Pro 2 (2020) | ✅ Yes. | Reset via the button for 15 seconds + flashing |
| AirDots S | AirDots 3 | ❌ No. | Qualcomm QCC3020 vs BES2300 chips |
| AirDots Pro | AirDots Basic | ⚠️ Partially. | Only if the firmware V4.7.1 and above |
| AirDots 3 | AirDots 3 Pro | ✅ Yes. | Automatic synchronization after reset |
| AirDots Youth | Any other. | ❌ No. | Closed protocol Mi Bluetooth LE |
Note that even if the models are theoretically compatible, you may need to manually configure through ADB (for Android) or specialized apps like Mi Earphones Helper.
⚠️ Note: If you are trying to sync your headphones with a different type of chip (e.g. Qualcomm and the other two). BES), Connection will be unstable or impossible.Check the chip model in the specs of your AirDots version.
Step-by-step: how to synchronize AirDots from different sets
The process of combining headphones depends on their model and firmware version, and the following is a universal algorithm that works for most AirDots Pro and AirDots 3:
Make sure both earphones are charged at least 50 times%|
Check the headphone models (should be compatible in the table above)|
Download Mi Earphones Helper (for Android) or nRF Connect (for iOS)|
Prepare a device with Bluetooth 5.0 and higher
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- Reset settings for both headphones: Press the touch button on each earphone for 15-20 seconds until the indicator flashes red and white. This signals a reset of the pair key.
- Pair mode activation: Place both headphones in the charging case, then pull them out and hold the buttons on both until double blinking white (search mode).
- Connect via engineering menu (for advanced models): Use the nRF Connect app (iOS/Android), to manually send a synchronization command: AT+CONNECT=MAC_second-earhead address MAC-The address can be found in your smartphone’s Bluetooth settings after connecting one of the headphones.
- Sound check: After a successful connection, play the music and check if the stereo sound is working. If the sound is only in one earpiece, reset again or update the firmware.
For AirDots 3 and later, you can use the official Mi Earphones app (available from the Mi App Store or APKMirror) and it has a "Pairing Mode" feature that simplifies the process.
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If the headphones refuse to sync, try connecting them to another smartphone (especially if you have an iPhone – some AirDots models don’t work well with iOS due to Apple’s restrictions on Bluetooth protocols).
Typical errors and their solutions
Even if you follow instructions correctly, users often encounter problems, and here are the most common mistakes and ways to fix them:
- 🔴 The indicator flashes red and white, but no connection: Reason: firmware conflict. Solution: Update the firmware through Mi Earphones Helper or manually (firmware files can be found on forums) 4PDA or XDA-Developers).
- 🎧 The sound is only in one headphone: Reason: wrong Bluetooth profile. Solution: in your smartphone settings, select a headphone profile "Stereo (A2DP)", Not the phone (HFP)".
- 🔋 Headphones discharge quickly after synchronization: Reason: Constant connection search. Solution: reset to factory and repeat synchronization.
- 📱 Smartphone does not see one of the headphones: the reason: hardware defect or lock MAC-Solution: Check the earphone on another device or use Bluetooth Scanner to diagnose.
⚠️ Note: If after all the manipulations, the headphones still do not sync, they probably use different hardware revisions (for example, AirDots Pro revisions). V1 and V2). In this case, cross-synchronization is impossible – you will have to buy a new kit.
What if one earphone does not respond to a reset?
Update firmware for successful synchronization
In 80 percent of cases, cross-synchronization problems are solved by updating the firmware, and the manufacturer regularly releases patches that improve compatibility between different batches of headphones.
- Check the current version: Connect your headphones to your smartphone, open Mi Earphones Helper and go to Settings → About Headphones. The current firmware version will be listed in X.A.B.C. format.
- Download firmware: Find the right firmware for your model on 4PDA or XDA. For example, for AirDots Pro 2 last-minute 2026 year-end — 4.7.1_1122.
- Installation via ADB (for Android): adb push firmware.bin /sdcard/ adb shell am start -n com.xiaomi.aiasst/.update.UpdateActivity After that, follow the instructions on the screen.
- Check the result: After the update, reset the headphones and try to sync them again.
For iPhone, the firmware update is only possible through the official Mi Earphones app, but it doesn't support all models, so you'll have to use an Android device to run the firmware.
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Updating your firmware is the most reliable way to fix sync problems, but the wrong firmware can turn your headphones into a brick. Always check the file's compatibility with your model!
Alternatives: If nothing helps
If standard methods don’t work, you can try non-obvious solutions that sometimes help even in hopeless cases:
- 🔄 Using a donor case: Try placing both earbuds in a third-set charger case (preferably the same model) and sometimes it resets the link to your "native" partner.
- 📡 PC Connection: Some users successfully sync AirDots via Bluetooth adapter on PC using Bluetooth Command Line Tools utility. 0x1C03 0x0006 0x0002
- 🔧 Replacement of Bluetooth module: In service centers, you can replace the Bluetooth chip in one of the headphones with an identical one from another set: ~1500–2500 rubles.
The last option is to buy one headphone on AliExpress or Avito with the indication “I sell separately left/right”. Check with the seller the revision of the model (should match your headphone).