How to connect headphones Xiaomi AirDots with each other: the complete guide

Xiaomi AirDots wireless headphones have become a hit with a combination of affordable price and sound. However, many users are faced with the problem of how to properly connect the headphones with each other if they do not sync automatically, a problem that is especially relevant after prolonged downtime, resetting or buying a used device.

Unlike wired models, where the connection is provided physically, wireless AirDots require a special pairing procedure. If you are first faced with such a task or previous attempts have been unsuccessful, do not worry. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways of synchronization, including hidden functions and solving typical errors.

Why are Xiaomi AirDots headphones not connected to each other?

Before you start setting up, it’s important to understand why AirDots may not pair, and most often, one of the following factors is the problem:

  • πŸ”‹ A discharged battery in one or both headphones
  • πŸ“± Previous connection to another device (phone, tablet)
  • πŸ”„ Software failure after firmware update
  • πŸ› οΈ Mechanical damage to contacts in the case
  • πŸ•’ Long-term downtime without use (more than 3 months)

Especially often, users are faced with a situation where one earbud connects to the phone and the second one is silent, because the main earbud (usually the right one) is responsible for synchronizing, and if it does not recognize the left one, the connection is not established, in some cases a simple reboot helps, but sometimes a complete reset is required.

πŸ“Š What kind of AirDots model do you have?
AirDots Basic
AirDots Pro
AirDots 2
AirDots 3
Another model

Preparing headphones for mating: Step-by-step

Before you start the connection, you need to make sure that both earbuds are ready for the procedure.

  1. Put both earphones in the charge case and close the lid. Wait until the indicators start flashing red (charging) or white (full charge).
  2. Remove the headphones from the case and make sure they're on. On most AirDots models, the switch is accompanied by an audible beep.
  3. If the headphones were previously connected to another device, remove them from the list of conjugated devices in your smartphone’s Bluetooth settings.

Important: If the headphones don’t burn at all, this may indicate a full battery drain or malfunction, in which case, charge the case fully first (at least 2 hours), and then try again.

Charging the case to 100% | Removal of headphones from the Bluetooth list on the phone | Checking indicators on headphones | Cleaning contacts in the case with a dry wipe-->

⚠️ Warning: If one of the headphones is not turned on after extraction from the case, try to gently clean the contacts in the case socket with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. Often, oxidation of the contacts leads to problems with nutrition.

The standard way to connect Xiaomi AirDots

If the headphones are new or previously worked successfully in a pair, use this method:

  1. Put both headphones in the case and close the lid for 10 seconds.
  2. Open the case cover. The headphones should flash red and white alternately.
  3. Press and hold the button on the back of the case for 5-7 seconds until the indicators start flashing white synchronously.
  4. Wait for the beep in both headphones (usually a short double sound).

After that, the headphones must automatically connect to each other and become searchable via Bluetooth. On some models (for example, AirDots 3 Pro), instead of a button, the touchpad is used, in which case you need to touch it 3 times in a row.

Model headphonesMethod of activating matingIndication of successful connection
AirDots BasicHolding the button on the case 5 secondsDouble beep + white light
AirDots Pro / 2Holding the 7 sec button or triple touchingVoice message "Connected"
AirDots 3 / 3 ProTriple touch of the touch panelSound signal + synchronous blinking
AirDots SEAutomatically when extracted from the caseBrief flashing blue

πŸ’‘

If the headphones don't respond to the push of a button, try plugging the case into a 10 minute charge and then try again. Sometimes the low charge of the case blocks the mating function.

Manual resetting (if the standard method does not work)

If the headphones refuse to connect despite all attempts, a complete reset to factory settings will be required, which removes all previous connections and returns the devices to their original state.

For reset, perform the following actions:

1. Put both headphones in the case and close the lid.


2. Connect the case to the power source (even if it is charged).




3.Push and hold the button on the case for 20 seconds.




- First, the indicators will light up red (5 seconds),




- then go out (10 seconds),




Then flash red and white alternately (reset signal).




4. Release the button and wait for the reboot (about 30 seconds).

Once reset, the headphones automatically switch to pairing mode the next time they are removed from the case, which works for 90% of cases where devices fail to sync.

⚠️ Note: On AirDots 3 Pro and newer models, the reset is performed differently: you need to quickly touch the touch panel 5 times with the case cover open".

Synchronization problems: typical errors and solutions

Even after successful mating, users sometimes face problems, and here are the most common scenarios and ways to solve them:

  • 🎧 One earbud doesn't make sound: Check the balance of the sound in Bluetooth settings (sometimes left/right ear is software-disabled). Change the headphones in places - if the problem moves to another earbud, the case is to blame.
  • πŸ”Œ Headphones are constantly disconnecting: Update your firmware through the Mi Home or Xiaomi Wear app. Turn off energy-saving mode on your phone for Bluetooth devices.
  • πŸ“Ά Constant interference and communication interruptions: Make sure there are no sources of interference (microwaves, other Bluetooth devices) nearby.

If none of the methods worked, the problem could be hardware.

  • Integrity of contacts in the case (often oxidized after moisture).
  • Battery performance in a "silent" headphone (may need replacement).
  • Physical damage to the antenna (for example, after falling).
What if the reset didn't help?
If the headphones don't connect after a full reset, it may indicate a malfunction of the main module (usually in the right earpiece). In this case: 1. Try connecting each headphone separately to the phone (sometimes the left ear can work as the main one). 2. Check the firmware version through the Mi Home app - you may need to roll back on the previous version. 3. Contact the service center if the warranty is still valid. For models older than 2 years, repairs are often unprofitable (the cost of a new kit is comparable to repair).

Specific instructions for different AirDots models

The mating procedure may vary slightly depending on the model, and the following are the nuances for the most popular versions:

Xiaomi AirDots Basic (Redmi AirDots)

The most budget model with minimalist functionality.

  1. Remove both earphones from the case.
  2. Press and hold the buttons on both headphones simultaneously for 10 seconds.
  3. Wait for the double beep.

Xiaomi AirDots Pro / AirDots 2

Supports more advanced features, including automatic reconnection, for forced mating:

  1. Put the headphones in the case.
  2. Touch the touch panel on the case 4 times in a row.
  3. Indicators should flash purple (mating mode).

Xiaomi AirDots 3 / 3 Pro

The most modern models with Bluetooth 5.2 support and LC3-Codec, features:

  • Mating occurs automatically at the first extraction from the case.
  • To reset, use the combination: 3 touch + hold 5 seconds.
  • Support independent connection of each headphone (can be used separately).

πŸ’‘

On AirDots 3 and later, you may need to pair again after the firmware update. Always check the relevance of the software through the Xiaomi Wear app!

How to check the success of the connection?

After you've done all the manipulations, it's important to make sure that the headphones are actually connected. Here are some ways to check:

  1. Sound test: Play stereo audio (e.g., left/right balance music) and the sound should be evenly distributed between both headphones.
  2. Indication: On most models, when successfully connected, the indicators flash synchronously white (or blue on AirDots 3).
  3. Xiaomi Wear app: In the "My devices" section, the headphone icon with the inscription "Stereo mode" should be displayed.
  4. Microphone Test: Call someone and check if the microphone is working on both headphones (the switching happens automatically).

If sound is played in only one headphone, check the balance settings in the player or system audio settings. On Android, you can do this in Settings β†’ Special features β†’ Mono-audio (should be turned off).

Frequently asked questions

Can you use Xiaomi AirDots separately?
Yes, but only on AirDots 3 and later. In older versions (Basic, Pro, 2), headphones only work in pairs. To use one earphone on supported models: Remove the right earphone from the case. Wait for the audible connection. The second earphone will automatically turn off. Note: in mono mode, the sound will play only in one channel (left or right depending on the earphone chosen).
Why did the headphones stop connecting after the firmware update?
This is a typical problem for AirDots 2 and AirDots 3 after upgrading to firmware versions 1.4.0.3 and higher. Solutions: Complete a full reset (see section above). Roll back the firmware through Xiaomi Wear (if the previous version is available). Connect the headphones to another device (like a tablet) and then back to the phone. If the problem persists, wait for the next update - Xiaomi usually fixes such bugs in new versions of the software.
How do you know which headphone is the main (master) and which is the auxiliary (slave)?
In most Xiaomi AirDots, the right earbud is the master and the left earbud is the slave. You can check this by: When connecting to a phone, the Bluetooth device list usually displays only the right earbud (e.g., "Mi True Wireless EB2 R"). When removing from the case, the right earbud connects first (with a characteristic audible signal). On models with touch-controlled basic functions (calling, calling voice assistant) are assigned to the right earbud. Except: AirDots Pro 3 supports dynamic switching roles, so I can switch to the main one.
How long does the first mating take?
The first connection time depends on the model: AirDots Basic: up to 30 seconds (manual synchronization required). AirDots Pro/2: about 15 seconds (partially automatic). AirDots 3/3 Pro: 5-10 seconds (fully automatic). If the process takes more than 1 minute, this indicates a problem. Try restarting Bluetooth on your phone or using another source (tablet, PC) for the first connection.
Can you pair AirDots with headphones of another model (for example, AirDots 2 and AirDots 3)?
No, it's impossible. Xiaomi AirDots headphones use a proprietary synchronization protocol that is incompatible between different models. Moreover, even headphones from one set will not be able to connect to the case from another model - this will lead to a charging error. Except that some models support connection to the case from a newer version (for example, AirDots 2 can be charged in a case from AirDots 3), but synchronization of sound between different models is still impossible.