How to reset Xiaomi AirDots headphones to factory settings: the full guide

Xiaomi AirDots wireless headphones have been a hit with a combination of price, sound quality and convenience. But even the most reliable technology sometimes fails: the headphones stop connecting to the phone, sync with each other, or start to “glut” when playing, and in 90% of these cases, a full reset to factory settings helps - a procedure that returns the device to the original parameters and eliminates software errors.

In this article, you’ll find step-by-step instructions for all popular models, from classic AirDots Basic to AirDots 3 Pro, and also look at the typical problems that arise after a reset. We won’t tell the obvious things like “turn on Bluetooth” but instead focus on the hidden nuances that are not covered in standard manuals, such as why one earphone can “fall off” after a reset or how to avoid a repeat failure.

When you need to reset headphones Xiaomi AirDots

Resetting headphones to factory settings is not necessary at the first malfunction, but only in specific cases.

• 🔴 Headphones are not defined in the list of available Bluetooth devices, although charging is full and the indicators are on.
• 🔴 The left and right headphones do not synchronize with each other (one connects, the second does not).
• 🔴 The sound is interrupted every 5-10 seconds, although on other devices the headphones work normally.
• 🔴 After updating the firmware, artifacts of sound appeared (wheezing, hissing).
• 🔴 Headphones spontaneously turn off after 1-2 minutes of use.

If the problem is hardware-related (e.g., a physical break in a speaker or battery), resetting won't help. In such cases, repair or replacement is required. To distinguish a software failure from a hardware malfunction, try connecting the headphones to another device (e.g., a laptop or tablet). If the problem is repeated, it's likely the firmware that's to blame.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Before you start resetting, follow a few simple steps to avoid the typical mistakes:

1. Check the battery. Make sure both earbuds are at least 30 percent charged. If the indicators on the case are not on, plug it into the charge for 10 to 15 minutes.
2. Turn off the headphones from all devices. Go to your Bluetooth settings on your smartphone, find AirDots in the list of associated devices, and click "Forget" (or "Disable").
3. Some models (such as the AirDots 3 Pro) require the headphones to be in their home case for a successful reset.
4. Check the firmware version (optional). If you have AirDots 3 or later, you can find out the current firmware through the Mi Home app (Devices → Headphones → About) to help you see if the crash is related to the update.

⚠️ Note: If you use custom firmware headphones (for example, you have reflashed them through a custom firmware). AT-The reset can lead to "bricking", in which case the only way to restore the functionality is through special software like Flashing Tool.

Make sure the headphones are charged

Disable them from all devices in Bluetooth

Put both headphones in the case

Close the case cover (for some models)

Prepare a pin or paperclip (for AirDots Basic)-->

Step-by-step: how to reset different models of AirDots

The way you reset depends on the generation of headphones, and below are the current instructions for all popular Xiaomi models (2026).

1. Xiaomi AirDots Basic (1st generation, Mi True Wireless Earphones Basic)

This model requires mechanical reset through a button on 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 for 15-20 seconds until the indicator flashes red and white.
3. Release the button. The headphones will automatically reset and reset.

If the button doesn’t respond, try using a pin or paperclip – sometimes the contacts oxidize and a stronger press is required.

2. Xiaomi AirDots 2 / AirDots Pro / AirDots SE

For these models, a combination of touches is used:

1. Get both earphones out of the case.
2. Press and hold the touchpads on both headphones simultaneously for 10 seconds.
3. The indicators will flash red, then white – this is a signal of a successful reset.
4. Put the headphones back in the case and close the lid for 5 seconds.

⚠️ Warning: AirDots Pro may need to reset control gestures (double touch, hold) after reset.

3. Xiaomi AirDots 3 / AirDots 3 Pro

In these models, the reset is performed through a mobile application:

1. Open the Mi Home app (or Xiaomi Earbuds for some regions).
2. Go to the Devices section → select your headphones.
3. Click on the three dots in the top right corner → Settings → Resets.
4. Confirm action. The headphones will reboot and be ready for a new pairing.

If the app doesn't see headphones, try:

• 🔄 Reinstall Mi Home.
• 🔄 Connect to headphones via another device (e.g., tablet).
• 🔄 Update the case firmware (if available).

Table: Comparison of discharge methods for different models

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For models older than 2020 (AirDots 3 and later), application reset is more reliable than mechanical, due to the updated firmware that blocks hard reset.

What to do after resetting: setting up and pairing

After a successful reset, Xiaomi AirDots headphones return to factory settings.

• 🔹 They will disappear from the list of associated devices on all gadgets.
• 🔹 Control gestures (double touch, hold) will reset to standard.
• 🔹 The equalizer settings (if any) will return to factory settings.

To reconnect the headphones:

1. Open the case cover (earphones must automatically turn on).
2. On your smartphone, turn on Bluetooth and find a device called Mi True Wireless or AirDots_XXXX.
3. Press "Connect." If you need to. PIN-code, enter 0000.
4. For models with Mi Home support (AirDots 3 and later), install the app and perform additional configuration.

⚠️ Attention: On Android 12+ iOS 15+ You may be asked to allow access to contacts and microphones, and if you refuse, some functions (such as voice assistant) will not work.

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If after resetting the headphones connect, but the sound is only in one of them, try to manually synchronize them: take both headphones out of the case, wait for the double flashing of the indicators, then put back and close the cover for 10 seconds.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even with the right reset, users often face problems, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:

1. Headphones are not reset (indicators do not blink)

Causes and solutions:

• 🔋 Battery discharged → Charge the case and headphones for at least 30 minutes.
• 🔧 Contaminated contacts → Wipe contacts in the case and on headphones with an alcohol napkin.
• 📱 Conflict with another device → Turn off Bluetooth on all gadgets within a radius of 10 meters.

2.After reset, the headphones do not connect

What to check:

• 🔍 Make sure the headphones are in pairing mode (indicators should flash white).
• 🔄 Restart your smartphone or tablet.
• 📲 Remove all old AirDots profiles in Bluetooth settings.

3.One earphone is working, the second is not

Decisions:

• 🔄 Reset again, holding the buttons 3-5 seconds longer.
• 🔋 Check the charge of the second headphone – sometimes it discharges faster.
• 🔧 In the Mi Home app, select “Reconnect Connection” (for AirDots) 3/Pro).

How to avoid repeated failures: prevention

To ensure that Xiaomi AirDots headphones work stably and do not require frequent reset, follow these recommendations:

• 🔋 Don't discharge your headphones to zero. The optimal charge level for a long battery life is 20 to 80%.
• 📱 Regularly update your firmware through Mi Home (for supported models).
• 🌡️ Avoid overheating. Do not leave your headphones in direct sunlight or near heat sources.
• 🔄 Periodically reset the connection. Every 1-2 months, remove the headphones from the list of Bluetooth devices and reconnect.
• 🚫 Do not use non-original chargers.Fast charging from powerful adapters can damage the power controller.

If you often experience connectivity problems, try changing the region in the Mi Home app. For example, AirDots 3 Pro sometimes helps to choose the region “India” or “Singapore” – these versions of the firmware are less likely to encounter bugs with Bluetooth.

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The most common cause of AirDots crashes is a firmware conflict with the Bluetooth version on your smartphone. If your headphones start to glittle after the Android/iOS update, try rolling back the headphone firmware through Mi Home (if available).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi AirDots reset