How to sync Xiaomi AirDots S headphones: a complete guide to problem solving

Why Xiaomi AirDots S Headphones Are Not Synced and How to Fix It

Xiaomi AirDots S wireless headphones (also known as Redmi AirDots S or Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2) remain among the most popular headphones. TWS-But many users have problems with the first synchronization: one earphone doesn't connect, the sound is only in one channel, or the device is not detected in the Bluetooth list at all. The reasons can lie in both software failures and in the hardware features of the model.

In this article, we will explore all the ways AirDots S syncs with Android, iOS and PC, including forced resets and solving typical errors, and focus on hidden features that are not mentioned in the official instructions – for example, how to make headphones work in dual connection mode to two devices at the same time or why they can “forget” pairing after updating the firmware of the smartphone.

If you've tried to plug in your headphones and you've encountered an error, skip the introductory section and go straight to "Prevalent Problems and Solutions." For beginners, we've prepared a step-by-step photo instruction that will help you sync AirDots S the first time.

Preparing headphones for synchronization

Before the first connection, you need to follow several mandatory steps, skipping any of them can cause the headphones to not be detected by the device or only partially synchronized (for example, only the right earphone will work).

Here’s what to do before you start to pair:

• 🔋 Charge the case and headphones. Make sure the indicator on the case is white or orange (blinking red means battery dead). It takes about 1.5 hours to fully charge.
• 📦 Remove the headphones from the case. They should automatically turn on, as signaled by the flashing white LED on each earpiece. If the indicator is not on, press and hold the touchpad for 3 seconds.
• 🔄 Reset previous settings (if the headphones have already connected to another device). To do this, place both headphones back in the case, then press and hold the button on the case for 15 seconds until the indicator starts flashing red and white.
• 📱 Disable other Bluetooth devices on your phone/PC to avoid pairing conflicts.

Note: Xiaomi AirDots S supports Bluetooth 5.0 protocol, but is compatible with older versions (4.2).+). However, for stable operation, it is recommended to use devices with Bluetooth 4.1 and later. On very old smartphones (released before 2016) there may be problems with connection.

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If the headphones lie unused for a long time (more than 3 months), before the first turn on, hold them in the charging case for at least 10 minutes - this will restore the minimum charge for starting.

Step-by-step: how to sync AirDots S with Android

Connection process to Android smartphones (including Xiaomi, Redmi devices, POCO) It takes less than 1 minute if you follow the algorithm:

1. Open Bluetooth settings on your phone: go to Settings → Connected devices → Bluetooth (the path may vary slightly depending on the version) MIUI shell).
2. Take both earbuds out of the case, wait for each to flash a white light (meaning they're ready to pair).
3. In the list of available devices, find Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2 (or Redmi AirDots_S) and tap him.
4. Confirm pairing if you have a request. Once you've successfully connected, the headphones will stop flashing and will light up with a constant white light.

If the headphones don’t appear on the list, try the following:

Remove the headphones from the case and wait 10 seconds

Reboot Bluetooth on your phone (turn off/on)

Remove all previously saved devices called "Mi AirDots" or "Redmi"

Update the firmware of the smartphone to the latest version-->

An important nuance: on some firmware MIUI (Especially versions 12.5 and later, you may need to allow access to the location to work Bluetooth.This is due to Android security policy. If the connection is interrupted with an error, check the permissions for the Settings application.

Synchronization with iPhone (iOS) and Mac

While AirDots S is a product of Xiaomi’s ecosystem, it works well with Apple devices. The connectivity algorithm is almost the same as Android, but there are a few features:

1. Open the Settings. → Bluetooth on iPhone or Mac.
2. Take the headphones out of the case and wait for the white indicator to blink.
3. In the list of devices, select Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2. On iOS, you may see a warning about an “uncertified accessory” – feel free to ignore it.
4. Once connected, check the sound: sometimes on iPhone you have to manually select AirDots S as the output device at Control Point (swipe down from the upper right corner).

On iOS 15 and later, headphones can automatically switch between Apple devices (for example, between iPhone and Mac) if they are tied to the same Apple. ID. However, this requires that AirDots S be connected to each device separately.

The problems that iOS users often face:

• 🔊 Low volume level – corrected in the Music settings → Equalizer (select Preset Late Night or Rock").
• 🎧 Sound only in one headphone – try to forget the device in Bluetooth settings and connect again.
• 🔋 Fast battery discharge – disable Automatic device switching in Bluetooth settings.

Connecting to Windows 10/11 op

Sync with Windows or Linux computers is standard, but errors are more likely to occur because of Bluetooth drivers.

1. Turn on Bluetooth on your PC. On Windows, you can do this through Settings. → Devices → Bluetooth and other devices.
2. Take the headphones out of the case and wait for the flashing indicators.
3. Click Add Add the device → Bluetooth and select Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2.
4. If the system requests PIN-code, type 0000 (default for most Bluetooth devices).

Typical PC Problems and Their Solutions:

For Linux users: If the headphones are connected but the sound is intermittent, try installing the pulseaudio-module-bluetooth package and restarting the service:

sudo apt install pulseaudio-module-bluetooth


pulseaudio -k && pulseaudio --start

Common Problems and Their Solutions

Even after successful synchronization, Xiaomi AirDots S users may face a number of problems, and we have compiled the most common ones and ways to fix them.

1. One earphone is not working (no sound or no connection)

This is the most common problem that arises from:

• 🔋 A discharged battery in one of the headphones (even if the case is charged).
• 🔄 Synchronization failure between left and right headphones.
• 🎛️ Software failure in the firmware of headphones.

Decisions:

1. Put both earbuds in the case, close the lid, and wait 10 seconds. Then pull them out and try to reconnect.
2. Reset your headphone settings: press and hold the button on the case for 15 seconds (the indicator should flash red and white).
3. If the problem remains, try to connect only the problem headphone: get it out of the case first and wait for the indicator to blink.

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If one earphone never connects after reset, check it on another device. If the problem persists, it is a hardware malfunction (most often the battery contact goes away).

2.The headphones are plugged in, but the sound is interrupted

Reasons:

• 📶 Weak Bluetooth signal (much interference, long distance from source).
• 🔊 Codec conflict (e.g., using aptX on an incompatible device).
• 📱 Energy-saving settings on the smartphone that limit the operation of Bluetooth.

Decisions:

• 📍 Bring the headphones closer to the device (optimal distance - up to 1 meter).
• 🔧 In Bluetooth settings on Android, select AirDots S profile A2DP (transmission of sound instead HSP/HFP (call-up).
• ⚡ Turn off power saving mode or add AirDots S to the exclusion list (on Xiaomi: Settings) → Battery → Energy conservation → Annexes).

3.The headphones discharge quickly

The standard operating time of the AirDots S on a single charge is about 4 hours. If the battery goes down in 1-2 hours, the reasons may be as follows:

• 🔋 Battery wear (if headphones are used for more than 2 years).
• 📱 Permanent Bluetooth connection (for example, if you do not disconnect the headphones from the phone).
• 🔊 High volume or use of noise maker.

Decisions:

• 🔄 Turn off Bluetooth headphones when you’re not using them (or put them in a case – they’ll automatically shut down).
• 📉 Reduce the volume to 70-80% of the maximum.
• 🔋 If the battery is worn out, try calibration: completely discharge the headphones (before turning off), then charge to 100% without interruptions.

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To check the actual battery level of the headphones, use the Mi Home app (if it supports your model) or Bluetooth Battery Monitor for Android.

4. Headphones are not on or charged

If the headphones don’t burn at all, follow the following steps:

Check the charge of the case (connect to the charge)

Clean the contacts of headphones and case with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol

Try charging headphones from another case (if possible)

Connect the case to another cable/charger-->

If none of these methods worked, the problem is likely to be:

• 🔌 Faulty battery headphone or case.
• 🔧 Oxidized contacts (especially if the headphones were exposed to moisture).
• 🛠️ Damaged management board (requires repairs).

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If the case is charging, but does not charge the headphones, try to slightly press the headphone when placed in the case - sometimes the contacts do not touch due to deformation.

Resetting and flashing

If no methods help, you may need a full headphone reset or even a firmware reflash.Officially, Xiaomi does not provide tools for manually updating the AirDots S firmware, but there are alternative methods.

How to make a hard reset

This procedure will return the headphones to the factory settings:

1. Place both headphones in the case and close the lid.
2. Connect the case to the charge (the indicator should burn orange).
3. Press and hold the button on the case for 20 seconds until the indicator flashes red and white.
4. Turn off the case from charging, take out the headphones and try to connect again.

Attention: after a hard reset, the headphones will forget all previously conjugated devices, and they will have to be connected again.

Reflashing (to advanced users)

If the reset didn't work and the headphones aren't working smoothly, you can try updating the firmware manually.

• 🖥️ Windows computer.
• 🔌 Bluetooth adapter with Qualcomm support (most modern laptops are suitable).
• 📁 Firmware for AirDots S (can be found on forums such as: 4PDA or XDA Developers).

Instructions:

1. Download the QFlash Tool utility and firmware for your model.
2. Connect the headphones to the PC in firmware mode: to do this, when connecting, hold the touch panel on both headphones for 10 seconds.
3. Launch the QFlash Tool, select the downloaded firmware and follow the program instructions.

⚠️ Warning: Flawed firmware can completely disable headphones, a method only recommended for advanced users. If you're not sure, contact the service center.

Care and extension advice

To make Xiaomi AirDots S last longer, follow these guidelines:

• 🚿 Avoid moisture despite the declared protection IPX4, Prolonged exposure to water or sweat can damage contacts.
• 🔋 Don't keep your headphones discharged. The optimal charge level for long-term storage is 40-60%.
• 🧼 Clean your headphones regularly. Use a soft brush or cotton swab soaked in isopropyl alcohol to clean your speakers and contacts.
• 🌡️ Avoid extreme temperatures. Do not leave your headphones in the sun or in the cold (optimal range: from 0)° 35°C).
• 🎧 Don't use your headphones at maximum volume, which shortens the life of your speakers and batteries.

It is also important to remember that the battery life in TWS-In headphones, you have about 300 to 500 full charge cycles, and then you have a really big drop in battery capacity to extend the life of the battery:

• 🔌 Do not keep your headphones on charge longer than necessary (it is enough 1.5-2 hours for a full charge).
• 📉 Try not to discharge the headphones "to zero" (plug the case to charge when the indicator turns red).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions