Reset Xiaomi AirDots: full instructions for all models

Xiaomi AirDots are some of the most popular wireless headsets on the market due to their combination of price, quality and functionality. However, even with such a technique, sometimes problems arise: unstable connection, poor sound quality, failure of touch buttons or inability to sync with the phone. In 90% of cases, these problems are solved by completely resetting the settings to factory parameters.

In this article, you will find step-by-step instructions for all current AirDots models (including Pro 2/3, SE, Youth Edition, etc.), and learn when a reset is really necessary and when the problem can be solved more easily, we will analyze the unique button combinations for each version, warn against typical errors, and give tips for restoring work after a reset.

When do I need to reset AirDots settings?

Resetting headphones is not necessary at the first malfunction β€” often the problem lies in the smartphone or software. Here are clear signs that it is time to return factory settings:

  • πŸ”Œ The headphones don’t connect to the phone, although they used to work consistently (even after removing the device from the Bluetooth list and trying again)
  • πŸ”Š The sound is interrupted or distorted, although on other devices the headphones work normally.
  • 🎧 One earphone does not sync with the second (for example, the right is working, and the left is silent)
  • πŸ”„ Touch buttons do not respond to touch or trigger arbitrarily
  • πŸ“± Headphones are defined as an β€œunknown device” in Bluetooth settings

If you plan to sell or transfer the headphones to another person, a reset is also mandatory – this will delete all information about the paired devices and return the factory sound parameters.

⚠️ Warning: Resetting will not help if the problem is caused by physical damage (such as moisture or a fall.

πŸ“Š What kind of AirDots problem are you facing?
Not connecting to the phone.
One earpiece is down.
Poor sound quality
The buttons are not working.
Another problem.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Before you reset your settings, follow a few simple steps to avoid additional problems:

  1. Remove the headphones from the Bluetooth list on all devices they have been connected to, which will prevent conflicts when pairing again.
  2. Charge the case and headphones to a minimum of 30%. Discharged devices can interrupt the reset process.
  3. Check the firmware version (if possible). Outdated software sometimes causes crashes that are solved by updating, not resetting.

For AirDots Pro 2/3 and AirDots SE models, it is also recommended to:

  • πŸ“± Disable the developer mode on the smartphone (if it was turned on)
  • πŸ”‡ Turn off all audio notifications in Bluetooth settings

Remove the device from Bluetooth on all gadgets|

Charge the case and headphones up to 30%+|

Disable Developer Mode (for Pro versions)|

Take the headphones out of the case and put them next to you |

Prepare the needle/clip for the discharge (if required)

-->

Resetting settings for different AirDots models

The reset procedure varies depending on the headphone version, and below are the exact instructions for each popular model, and if your version isn't on the list, use the AirDots Basic method.

1. Xiaomi AirDots (Basic, Youth Edition, 1st generation)

These models are reset by prolonged pressing of the touch button:

  1. Get both earphones out of the case.
  2. Press and hold the touch button on both headphones simultaneously for 15 seconds.
  3. The indicators will flash red and white, which is a signal of a successful reset.
  4. Place the headphones back in the case, close the lid and wait 10 seconds.

2. Xiaomi AirDots Pro / Pro 2 / Pro 2s

In these models, the reset is performed through the case:

  1. Put both headphones in the case and close the lid.
  2. Press and hold the button on the back of the case (near the USB-C connector) for 20 seconds.
  3. The indicator on the case will start flashing orange, then go out - the reset is completed.
What to do if the button on the case does not respond?
If the button on the AirDots Pro case doesn't work, try: 1. Connect the case to charge for 5 minutes, then try again. 2. Use a thin object (needle, paperclip) to press - sometimes the "drows" button. 3. Reset the headphones separately (see the instructions for AirDots Basic), even if the Pro model.

3. Xiaomi AirDots SE / AirDots 3 (Pro and Lite)

For these models, a combination of touches is used:

  1. Get the headphones out of the case.
  2. Touch the touch panel on the right earphone 5 times in a row (with an interval of ~1 second).
  3. The indicator should flash purple, then go out.
  4. Repeat the same for the left earpiece.
  5. Place both headphones in the case and close the lid for 10 seconds.

4. Redmi AirDots / Redmi Buds 3

Reset is performed by double pressing:

  1. Get the headphones out of the case.
  2. Twice quickly press the touch button on both headphones at the same time.
  3. Wait until the indicators start flashing red and blue alternately.
ModelResetting methodSign of successful dischargeRetention time
AirDots BasicHolding the sensor on both headphonesBlinks red + white15 seconds
AirDots Pro 2The button on the caseIt flashes orange, then it goes out.20 seconds
AirDots SE5 touches on each headphoneBlinking purpleβ€”
Redmi AirDotsDouble-push on bothBlinks red + blueβ€”

πŸ’‘

If the headphones are not detected in Bluetooth after reset, try restarting your smartphone – sometimes the problem lies in the system’s cache, not in the AirDots themselves.

What if the reset didn't help?

In rare cases, even after resetting, the headphones continue to malfunction.

  • πŸ”„ Update your firmware through the official Mi Home or Xiaomi Wear app (if available for your model).
  • πŸ“± Change the device to connect – try pairing the headphones with another smartphone or tablet.
  • πŸ”Œ Check the case: sometimes the problem is in the discharged battery of the case, which does not allow the headphones to properly initialize.
  • πŸ› οΈ Contact the service if the warranty is still valid - a factory marriage is possible.

For AirDots Pro 2/3 models, manual flashing via PC will also help (instructions are available on the 4PDA or XDA-Developers forums), but this is risky and voids the warranty.

⚠️ Note: If one of the headphones stopped turning on after reset, do not try to disassemble it yourself - in 80% of cases this leads to a break in the microphone or speaker.

How to restore work after resetting?

After a successful reset, the headphones will return to the factory settings. To use them again without problems, follow the following steps:

  1. Pair it with the device: Open Settings β†’ Bluetooth on your smartphone. Pull out the headphones from the case β€” they should appear on the list as Mi True Wireless or Redmi Buds. Press "Plug" and confirm the pairing.
  2. Set up touch gestures (if supported): 🎡 Double touch - playback / pause. πŸ“ž Triple touch – Calling the voice assistant. πŸ”‡ Retention – on/off noise reduction (for Pro versions).

Check the sound quality.

  • Include a track with deep bass (e.g., "Seven Nation Army" - The White Stripes).
  • If the sound is quiet, clean the grilles of the speakers from dust with a soft brush.

πŸ’‘

If the headphones are connected after reset, but the sound is only in one, try turning off the option "High Quality Audio" (AAC/aptX) in the Bluetooth settings of your smartphone. Sometimes the conflict codec causes such failures.

Frequent Resetting Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Many users make common mistakes that make it impossible to reset the first time.

  • ❌ Pressing buttons is too weak -- AirDots sensors require a clear, confident touch. If the indicator doesn't respond, try pressing harder.
  • ❌ Interrupt the process – if you start holding the button, hold it until the end of the blink (even if it seems that nothing is happening).
  • ❌ Resetting only one earphone will result in loss of synchronization between the right and left modules.
  • ❌ Using an unoriginal cable to charge the case - this can cause malfunctions in the electronic components.

Another common problem is that the headphones don't blink after reset.

Problem.Possible causeDecision
The indicator doesn't blink.Headphones or case dischargedCharge 30+ minutes, repeat the reset
Only one headphone flashes.Lost synchronization.Reset both headphones separately
It's the wrong color.Wrong combination of buttonsRepeat the procedure strictly according to the instructions
Can I reset the settings if one earphone is broken?
Yes, but only if the second headphone is working. Reset the work unit according to the standard instruction, then try to sync it with the new headphone (if you buy a replacement). However, there is no guarantee that they will work in pairs - sometimes you need firmware through a PC.
When you reset, the headphones plug in, but the sound stops. What do you do?
The problem might be in: πŸ“Ά Bluetooth interference – disable other wireless devices (smart watches, speakers). πŸ”‹ Low charge – charge your headphones to 100%. πŸŽ›οΈ Settings of sound – in the developer, turn off β€œAbsolute volume Bluetooth".
How to find out the firmware version on AirDots?
For most models (except Basic), you can check the firmware version: Connect your headphones to your smartphone. Open the Mi Home app or Xiaomi Wear. Go to the connected device section and select AirDots. The device information will be Firmwer: X.XX.XX. If the app doesn't show the version, your model doesn't support this feature.
Does the reset remove the Mi Music listening history?
No, resetting headphone settings does not affect data in apps (like Mi Music or Spotify) The listening history and equalizer settings are stored on the smartphone, not in the AirDots themselves.
Can I roll back the firmware after a failed update?
Officially, no. Xiaomi doesn't provide tools to roll back firmware on headphones. The only option is to contact the service center or look for unofficial firmware on forums (risky!). If there are crashes after the update, try resetting as described above.