How to reset Xiaomi Airdots headphones to factory settings: 3 working methods

Xiaomi Airdots wireless headphones (including Redmi Airdots, Mi True Wireless Earbuds and Mi Air models) 2/2S/3) Sometimes you need to reset completely to the factory settings, which can be necessary for hanging up, problems with connecting to the phone, noise failures, or if you transfer the device to a new owner. TWS-Headphones Xiaomi has nuances – wrong actions can lead to complete inoperability of the headset.

In this article, you will find 3 official reset methods (including the hidden method for older firmware versions), a model compatibility table, and solutions to typical errors - from flashing red indicator to no response to buttons. All instructions are current for firmware 2023-2026 and tested on devices with Qualcomm QCC3020/QCC3040 chips.

Why you might need to reset Xiaomi Airdots

Factory reset is not a universal solution to all problems, but it helps in 80% of system failures. Here are 5 of the most common reasons to return headphones to their original state:

• 🔄 Headphones don’t connect to the phone – the device doesn’t show up in the Bluetooth list or connects and immediately shuts down.
• 🎵 The sound is interrupted or distorted – even after clearing the Bluetooth cache on your smartphone.
• 🔋 Incorrect battery charge – one headphone discharges in 10 minutes, although it used to work normally.
• 🔊 Different volume in left/right earphone – the problem is not solved through the sound balance settings.
• 📱 Conflict with a new smartphone – for example, after switching from Android to iPhone or vice versa.

It is important to understand that resetting will not help if the problem is related to:

• 💧 Physical damage (water hit, fall, rupture of the membrane).
• 🔌 Failure of the charging case (if the headphones are not charged at all).
• 🔄 Outdated firmware - in this case, you need an update, not a reset.

⚠️ Warning: After resetting, all user settings (including device binding and gesture settings) will be deleted. If the headphones were connected to the Mi Band or Xiaomi Wear, they will have to be synced again.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Before you drop Xiaomi Airdots, follow 4 mandatory steps to avoid additional problems:

1. Check the headphones, the battery level should be at least 30%. If the charge is lower, connect the headphones to the case for 15-20 minutes.
2. Disconnect from all devices — remove the headphones from the list of associated devices on the phone, tablet and PC. On Android, this is done in Settings. → Bluetooth → ⚙️ near Xiaomi Airdots → Delete.
3. Use the original case – resetting through third-party chargers can lead to errors.
4. Prepare a backup connection method – after reset, the headphones will be called Mi True Wireless... or Redmi. Airdots_XXXX, They will not keep their former name.

If you are resetting your headphones before selling, be sure to check that:

• 📦 There are no foreign objects in the case (dust, debris, moisture).
• 🔌 Charging contacts on headphones and in the case are clean (wipe them with a dry cotton swab).
• 🔋 The case is charged at least 50% – this is necessary for the correct completion of the procedure.

Method 1: Standard reset via a button on the case (for all models)

This is the main method that works on 90% Xiaomi Airdots models including Redmi Airdots, Mi Air 2/2S Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2. The instructions are suitable for firmware V12.2.6.0 newer.

Step-by-step procedure:

1. Place both headphones in the charging case and close the lid.
2. Wait 10 seconds – the headphones should start charging (the indicators on the case will light up in orange).
3. Open the case cover and press the synchronization button (located on the back side of the case) for 15-20 seconds.
4. Indicators on the case and headphones will start flashing red and white - this is a signal of the beginning of the reset.
5. Release the button and close the lid. In 30 to 60 seconds, the reset will be complete (the indicators will go out or light up white).

If the indicators don’t flash red/white, try:

• 🔄 Repeat the procedure by holding the button longer (25-30 seconds).
• 🔋 Connect the case to charging for 5 minutes, then repeat the reset.
• 📱 Make sure the headphones aren’t connected to the phone in the background (sometimes Android automatically restores the connection).

⚠️ Note: On the Mi Air 2 Pro and Mi Air 3, the reset button can be touch-sensitive (touch zone on the case cover.

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If the headphones do not turn on after reset, place them in the case for 1 minute, then remove and hold the button on each headphone for 10 seconds (until the indicator flashes twice).

Method 2: Reset by multiple pressing (for old firmware)

This method is relevant for Xiaomi Airdots first generation (2019) and devices with firmware older than V10.3.5.0. It works even if the standard reset does not work due to software errors.

Algorithm of action:

1. Get both earphones out of the case.
2. Press and hold the touch button on both headphones simultaneously for 5 seconds until you hear the beep.
3. Release the buttons and quickly press 5 times on the left earphone, then 5 times on the right (with an interval of no more than 2 seconds between presses).
4. Place the headphones back in the case and close the lid for 30 seconds.
5. Get your headphones out – they should automatically go into pairing mode (blinking white indicator).

If the headphones don’t flash white after this procedure, try:

• 🔄 Repeat steps but press buttons 7 times instead of 5.
• 🔋 Completely discharge the headphones (leave for 12 hours outside the case), then charge to 100% and repeat the reset.
• 📱 Connect the headphones to another phone and reset via the Mi Home app (if available).

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On Mi Air 3 and later, resetting multiple times can block the headphones, using only standard method or official software.

Method 3: Software reset via Mi Home (for new models)

If your headphones support Mi Home or Xiaomi Wear (relevant to Mi Air 2S, Air 3 and Dots 3), you can reset through software, which is safer because the firmware is checked for integrity.

Instructions:

1. Install the Mi Home app (for Android) or Xiaomi Wear (for iOS) and log in.
2. Connect the headphones to the phone via Bluetooth.
3. Open the app, find your headphones in the list of devices and go to Settings → General → Resetting.
4. Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed (the headphones will restart).

If the application does not have a reset option, update the headphone firmware:

1. In Mi Home, go to Device Profile → Software Update.
2. Download the latest firmware version (requires a stable Wi-Fi connection).
3. After the update, repeat the reset attempt.

⚠️ Note: On iPhone, resetting via Xiaomi Wear may not work due to iOS limitations.In this case, use the standard method (button on the case).

Typical Resetting Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Even if you follow the instructions correctly, the reset can end in error. Here are 5 of the most common problems and solutions:

• 🔴 The indicators flash red and go out, but no reset occurs Reason: Discharged headphones or case Solution: Charge the case to 100%, place the headphones inside for 10 minutes, then repeat the reset.
• ⚪ Headphones flash white but don't reset Reason: Conflict with previous connection Solution: Remove all devices with name Mi/Airdots from the phone memory, then reset.
• 🔊 After resetting one earphone does not work Reason: Firmware damage or hardware malfunction Solution: Place both earphones in the case, close the lid for 1 minute, then pull out and hold the button on the idle earphone for 15 seconds.
• 📱 Phone doesn't see headphones after reset Reason: Headphones standby. Solution: Press and hold the touch button on both headphones until the beep (usually 3-5 seconds).
• 🔄 Reset interrupted at half the process Reason: Low charge or phone interference Solution: Turn off Bluetooth on the phone, charge the headphones and repeat reset.

If none of the methods worked and the headphones stopped turning on at all, the cause could be damage to the bootloader, in which case you need to flash through the Qualcomm Flash Tool (only for power users!).

What to do after resetting: setup and synchronization

After a successful reset, Xiaomi Airdots headphones will return to factory status. Here are 3 steps to follow first:

1. Connect to your phone: Open the case lid. On your phone, turn on Bluetooth and select Mi True Wireless... or Redmi. Airdots_XXXX Confirm the pairing (enter the code if necessary) 0000).
2. Update your firmware (if available): Open Mi Home or Xiaomi Wear. Go to your headphone profile and check for updates.

Set up your gestures (if supported):

• In the Mi Home app, select Settings → Gesture Management.
• Assign actions for touching (e.g., double touching to play/pause).

If that doesn’t help, do a full reset.