How to sync Xiaomi Redmi Airdots headphones with each other: the complete guide

Xiaomi Redmi Airdots wireless headphones (including Redmi Airdots 2/3/Pro) have become one of the most popular gadgets due to the combination of price and quality. However, many users face a typical problem: one headphone connects to the phone, and the second one is silent or works separately, the reason most often lies in the loss of synchronization between the left and right headphones – they stop “seeing” each other as a pair.

In this article, we'll not only break down the standard synchronization method, but also look at the hidden features that help restore communication even in difficult cases. You'll learn why headphones desynchronize, how to avoid this problem in the future, and what to do if none of the methods worked.

Why are Redmi Airdots headphones out of sync?

Before you start setting up, it's important to understand the root of the problem, because it's always preceded by one of the following events:

• 🔋 Battery discharge up to 0% in one of the headphones (especially if they lie for a long time without using them).
• 📱 Incorrect disconnection from the device (for example, pulling the earphone from the ear without turning off Bluetooth).
• 🔄 Reset settings on a smartphone or tablet to which headphones were connected.
• 🎧 Connecting to multiple devices at the same time (e.g., phone and laptop).
• 🛠️ Software failure after updating the firmware of headphones or smartphone.

The most common situation is when the user turns on the headphones separately, and they do not combine into a stereo pair, which is because each Redmi Airdots headphone has its own unique Bluetooth address, and without proper synchronization, they work as two independent devices.

⚠️ Attention: If one of the headphones does not turn on at all (the indicator does not flash, there are no audio signals), the problem may be a hardware malfunction.

Preparing for synchronization: what to do in advance

Before you start setting up, follow a few mandatory steps that will save time and increase your chances of success:

Make sure both earphones are charged (the indicator burns red when connected to the case)|Disconnect Headphones from All Devices in Bluetooth Settings|Place the headphones next to you (no more than 10 cm away)|Close all applications that use Bluetooth (music, games, fitness trackers)|Reboot your smartphone or device to which you will connect the headphones-->

Pay special attention to the charge level, and if one of the headphones is running out below 15 percent, the sync may be interrupted midway through the process.

1. Put the headphones in the case and close the lid.
2. Press the button on the case - the number of flashing indicators will show the level of charge: 🔴 1 flashing - 0-25% 🟡 2 blinkings - 25-50% 🟢 3 blinks - 50-75% 🔵 4 flashes - 75-100%

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If the indicators on the case are not burning at all, try to clean the contacts of the headphones and the case with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. Contact oxidation is a common cause of problems with charging.

Standard synchronization method for Redmi Airdots

This method works 90% of the time and is suitable for all models in the series.

1. Remove both earphones from the case. They should automatically turn on (white light flashes).
2. Press the touch buttons on both headphones for 10-15 seconds until the indicators start flashing red and white.
3. Put your headphones next to you (like on a table) and wait until they sync: 🔊 The sound signal in both headphones. 💡 Permanent white light (not flashing) on the right earpiece.

Connect the headphones to the smartphone

Redmi Airdots_R

If the synchronization is not achieved after 30 seconds of waiting, repeat steps 2-3. Sometimes 2-3 attempts are required, especially if the headphones have not been used for a long time.

1-2 times|3-5 times|More than 5 times|Never had a problem.-->

Alternative synchronization methods

If the standard method didn't work, try one of these options, which are less well known, but often help in difficult cases.

Method 1: Forced association through a case

This method is suitable for models with a case that supports automatic synchronization (for example, Redmi Airdots 3 Pro):

1. Put both headphones in the case and close the lid.
2. Wait 20 seconds – the case should initiate synchronization.
3. If the lights flash in sync, the connection is restored.

Method 2: Connect via the Mi Home app

For owners of Xiaomi or Redmi smartphones, hidden functionality is available in the proprietary application:

1. Install Mi Home (if not already installed).
2. Open the app and go to Profile → Settings → Add the device.
3. Select Headphones → Redmi Airdots and follow the instructions on the screen.

Method 3: Manual assignment of the main headphone

If the left earpiece is permanently switched off, you can make it "leader" instead of the right one.

1. Synchronize the headphones in the standard way.
2. Connect them to your smartphone.
3. In Bluetooth settings, click on the icon ⚙️ near Redmi Airdots.
4. Select Forget the device and reconnect by holding the button on the left earphone.

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If the headphones are not synchronized on the 5th attempt, the problem may be a hardware malfunction of the Bluetooth chip, in which case only the service center will help.

What do you do if nothing helps?

If you’ve tried all the methods but the headphones still work separately, try these radical measures:

1. Update to the headphone firmware

Outdated firmware can cause conflicts between headphones.

1. Connect the headphones to the smartphone Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco.
2. Open Settings → About the phone → Update MIUI.
3. If an update for headphones is available, an update notification will appear for Redmi Airdots.

2. Checking for compatibility with the device

Some Redmi Airdots headphones (especially early versions) are incompatible with:

• 🖥️ Windows devices 7/8 (Bluetooth required 4.2+).
• 📱 Smartphones with custom firmware (for example, LineageOS).
• 🎮 Game consoles (PS4, Xbox) without adapter.

3. Contact the service center

If the headphones:

• Not included at all (no indication).
• They are not defined by any device.
• They make extraneous sounds (crackling, squeaking).

In this case, only the diagnostics in the authorized service of Xiaomi will help.

• Battery replacement: 800–1,200 ₽.
• Repair of Bluetooth module – 1,500-2,500 ₽.
• Full replacement of the headphone – 2000-3000 ₽.

How to Prevent Dissynchronization in the Future

To avoid the problem again, follow these rules:

• 🔌 Charge your headphones regularly. Don't let the discharge below 10% - this disrupts the stability of the connection.
• 📴 Turn off Bluetooth correctly. Before removing the earbuds from your ears, first turn them off in the settings, and then put them in the case.
• 📱 Do not connect to multiple devices at the same time. Use the Multiconnection feature only if it is officially supported by your model.
• 🛡️ Update your firmware. Check for updates in Mi Home or Settings MIUI once-in-a-half-month.
• 🧹 Clear the contacts. Oxidation or dirt on the case and headphone contacts can cause charging and synchronization failures.

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If you often lose communication between headphones, try using a Bluetooth transmitter (such as the Xiaomi Bluetooth Audio Receiver), which stabilizes the signal and reduces the number of out-of-synchronizations.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions