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, itβs important to understand why AirDots may not pair, and most often, one of the following factors is the problem:
- π A discharged battery in one or both headphones
- π± Previous connection to another device (phone, tablet)
- π Software failure after firmware update
- π οΈ Mechanical damage to contacts in the case
- π 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.
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.
- Put both earphones in the charge case and close the lid. Wait until the indicators start flashing red (charging) or white (full charge).
- Remove the headphones from the case and make sure they're on. On most AirDots models, the switch is accompanied by an audible beep.
- If the headphones were previously connected to another device, remove them from the list of conjugated devices in your smartphoneβs Bluetooth settings.
Important: If the headphones donβt 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-->
β οΈ 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:
- Put both headphones in the case and close the lid for 10 seconds.
- Open the case cover. The headphones should flash red and white alternately.
- Press and hold the button on the back of the case for 5-7 seconds until the indicators start flashing white synchronously.
- 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 headphones | Method of activating mating | Indication of successful connection |
|---|---|---|
| AirDots Basic | Holding the button on the case 5 seconds | Double beep + white light |
| AirDots Pro / 2 | Holding the 7 sec button or triple touching | Voice message "Connected" |
| AirDots 3 / 3 Pro | Triple touch of the touch panel | Sound signal + synchronous blinking |
| AirDots SE | Automatically when extracted from the case | Brief flashing blue |
π‘
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.
β οΈ 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:
- π§ 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.
- π 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.
- πΆ 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?
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.
- Remove both earphones from the case.
- Press and hold the buttons on both headphones simultaneously for 10 seconds.
- Wait for the double beep.
Xiaomi AirDots Pro / AirDots 2
Supports more advanced features, including automatic reconnection, for forced mating:
- Put the headphones in the case.
- Touch the touch panel on the case 4 times in a row.
- 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).
π‘
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:
- Sound test: Play stereo audio (e.g., left/right balance music) and the sound should be evenly distributed between both headphones.
- Indication: On most models, when successfully connected, the indicators flash synchronously white (or blue on AirDots 3).
- Xiaomi Wear app: In the "My devices" section, the headphone icon with the inscription "Stereo mode" should be displayed.
- 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).