How to connect two headphones Xiaomi AirDots: full instructions for all models

Why Xiaomi AirDots sometimes work separately and how to fix it

You pulled both Xiaomi AirDots headphones out of your case, but one of them doesn't connect, stay silent or work on its own? This problem is familiar to many owners of the brand's wireless headphones. It most often occurs after a setup reset, firmware update or prolonged inactivity of the device. 90% of the time, it's not the hardware defect that is to blame, but the synchronization failure between the left (L) and right (R) headphones.

In this article, we will look at all the possible ways to connect two headphones, from basic reset to manual flashing. Instructions are suitable for AirDots Basic, AirDots Pro, AirDots 2/3, Redmi AirDots and their clones. Importantly, the algorithm of actions may vary slightly depending on the firmware version and year of release (for example, AirDots 3 Pro has a different reset order).

If you’ve tried standard Bluetooth connectivity before, but one headphone stubbornly “can’t see” the other, don’t rush to bring the device to the service. In most cases, the problem is solved in 5 minutes with hidden button combinations or software tricks.

Preparation: what to check before connecting headphones

Before you start resetting or flashing, make sure that the problem is not the trivial stuff.

• 🔋 Battery charge: both earphones must be charged at least 30%. If the indicator on the case flashes red - connect it to the charger on the case 15-20 minute.
• 📱 Device Compatibility: Check if your smartphone (or PC) supports Bluetooth 5.0+. On Android, this can be done in Settings → The phone. → Bluetooth version.
• 🔄 Reboot the sound source: sometimes it's not the earphone that's bugging, but the phone. Restart it before you plug in.
• 🎧 Physical injuries: Check the contacts on the headphones and in the case for oxidation or dirt.

If everything is fine, but the headphones are still working separately, go to action. Let's start with the simplest method.

Method 1: Standard reset and re-synchronization

It’s a versatile way that works on 80% of Xiaomi/Redmi AirDots models.The point is to force the current pair to break and force the headphones to create a new connection.

Instructions:

1. Put both headphones in the case and close the lid for 10 seconds.
2. Pull them out and hold the touch buttons on both headphones for 15-20 seconds until the indicators start flashing red and white alternately.
3. Place the headphones back in the case and close the lid again for 5 seconds.
4. Get them out – they must now automatically sync (indicators blink white at the same time).
5. Connect to them via Bluetooth on your phone (one name will appear on the list of devices, such as “Mi True Wireless”).

If after these actions one earphone still does not connect, try an alternative combination:

• 🔹 Press the button of the headphone that works, 3 times in a row (with an interval of 1 second).
• 🔹 Hold the button on the second (non-working) headphone for 10 seconds until the red indicator flashes.
• 🔹 Put both headphones in the case and reconnect.

⚠️ Note: AirDots 3 Pro and AirDots SE Reset is performed differently – hold the buttons for 25 seconds until the voice confirmation “Reset successful” sounds".

Method 2: Manual connection via engineering menu (for advanced)

If a standard reset doesn’t work, you can try forced synchronization via service commands, a method that requires an Android smartphone with Bluetooth 4.2+ support and an nRF Connect app (available on Google Play).

Algorithm of action:

1. Install the nRF Connect app and open it.
2. Turn on Bluetooth on your phone and connect to the earpiece that works (it will show up as "Unknown Device" or "LE-Audio").
3. In the app, go to the UART tab and send a command: AT+RESET This will reset the headphone settings.
4. Then send the command to force synchronization: AT+PAIR=FORCE
5. Repeat steps 2-4 for the second headphone.
6. Put both headphones in the case for 30 seconds, then pull out - they should automatically connect.

This method works on AirDots 2/3 and Redmi AirDots, but may not be supported by older models, and if the commands don't pass, your firmware version is not compatible with manual control.

Method 3: Update the firmware via Mi Fit or Mi Home

Sometimes the problem with the decoupling of headphones arises from outdated firmware. the manufacturer periodically releases patches that fix synchronization bugs.

For AirDots/AirDots Pro:

• 📱 Install Mi Fit (for AirDots) or Mi Home (for AirDots Pro).
• 🔍 Connect your headphones to your phone via Bluetooth.
• 🔄 In the app, go to the device section and check for updates.

For AirDots 3/Redmi AirDots:

• 📱 Use the Xiaomi Wear app (formerly Mi Wear).
• 🔍 In the headphone menu, find the item "Firmware update".
• ⚠️ If the update is stalled, wait 10 minutes, then restart the headphones (hold the buttons for 15 seconds).

Critical information: On AirDots 2 models with firmware below 1.4.0.9, an update via Mi Fit may cause one of the headphones to "brickle up." Before upgrading, check the current version of the software in your device settings.

💡

If after updating the firmware headphones stopped turning on, try to "wake" them using the charger at 5V/2A. Connect the case to such an adapter for 1 hour - sometimes it resets the got stuck software.

Method 4: Hardware reset via case contacts (for experienced)

If software methods don't work, you can try hardware resets through hidden contacts on the case board, which is risky and unwarranted, but sometimes saves "brick" headphones.

You'll need:

• 🔧 Thin screwdriver or plastic spatula.
• 🔌 Multimeter (optional, to check the voltage).
• 📎 Paperclip or tweezers.

Instructions:

1. Carefully open the case, pulling the lid off the end, be careful - there are thin plumes inside!
2. Find contacts on the board that are marked RST (reset) and GND (ground), usually located next to the battery.
3. Close the RST and GND contacts with a paper clip for 5-7 seconds.
4. Put your case together and put your headphones in it, and close the lid for 30 seconds.
5. Get your headphones out – they should automatically sync.

⚠️ Attention: Incorrectly closing contacts can cause the case charger to fail. If you are not sure of your skills, contact the service center. On AirDots 3 Pro models, the case board has reset protection, so this method may not work.

Method 5: Alternatives (if nothing helps)

If all previous methods have proved useless, try these non-standard solutions:

• 🔄 Connect to another device: sometimes headphones "remember" incorrect Bluetooth settings from one phone. Try connecting them to another smartphone, tablet or PC.
• 🎵 Use mono-connection: If one earbud works and the other doesn't, try connecting the work earbud separately, then put both in the case for 1 minute.
• 🔌 Charging from another source: connect the case to charging from another adapter (for example, on the 9V/2And instead 5V/1A) A change in voltage may reset the power controller.
• 📡 Reset Bluetooth network on your phone: on Android go to Settings → System system → Reset → Resetting Wi-Fi, Mobile Network and Bluetooth.

If none of these methods worked, it's probably a hardware problem with one of the headphones.

• 🔋 Battery (blown or loss of capacity).
• 📡 Bluetooth module (antenna break).
• 🔌 Charging contacts (oxidation).

In this case, there are two options: contact the Xiaomi service center (if the warranty is valid) or try self-repair (replacement of the battery or Bluetooth module).

💡

Before contacting the service, check if the warranty period has expired. Headphones Xiaomi AirDots have a warranty of 12 months from the date of purchase, but it is valid only if there is a check and an intact seal on the case.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi AirDots connection