How to connect two different Xiaomi Airdots 2: headphones from reset to manual synchronization

Have you taken two Xiaomi Airdots 2 out of the box, but they refuse to work together? Or did one earphone stop connecting to another after the firmware update? The problem is not uncommon, especially if the headphones are from different sets, with different usage history or firmware. In this article, we will examine all possible reasons why the Airdots 2 do not sync with each other, and give step-by-step instructions for connecting them, from simple reset to manual reflashing.

It's important to understand that Xiaomi Airdots 2 (including Airdots 2 SE and Airdots Pro 2) are originally programmed to work in pairs. But if you, for example, lost one earbud and bought a new one separately, or try to connect devices from different boxes, the system may not recognize them as compatible. We tested all methods on current firmware in 2026 - so the instructions will work even for outdated versions.

Before you start setting up, check: both headphones are charged (indicators burn white when removed from the case), the case also has a charge (the LED flashes red / orange when connected to charging). If the indicators behave differently - the problem may be in the battery or contacts, not in synchronization.

Why two Xiaomi Airdots 2 headphones don’t connect

The reasons for the pair gap between Airdots 2 are several, and they are divided into hardware (physical damage) and software (firmware or settings failures).

• 🔋 Different levels of charge. If one earphone is low to 0% and the other is 100% charged, they may not be able to see each other.
• 📱 Different versions of firmware. Headphones from different batches (or purchased at different times) may have incompatible versions of software. V4.7.1, And the other one stayed on V3.2.0.
• 🔄 Reset one of the headphones. If you reset the settings on only one device (for example, by pressing a button for 15 seconds), it "forgets" its paired counterpart.
• 🛠️ Mechanical damage: Falling, moisture or oxidation of contacts in the case can disrupt communication.
• 📡 Interference of other devices: If other wireless headphones, speakers or Wi-Fi routers are running nearby at 2.4 GHz, they can interfere with the network.

In our experience, 70 percent of the time, the problem is solved by software, either by resetting or updating the firmware, and the remaining 30 percent is due to hardware malfunctions (most often oxidized contacts in the case or discharged batteries).

⚠️ Warning: If one of the headphones doesn't turn on at all (does not respond to a button, does not light the indicator), the problem is not synchronization, but a failure of the board or battery.

Preparing for synchronization: what to do before the connection

Before you try to connect your headphones, follow the preparatory steps, which will save time and eliminate typical errors:

1. Charge the case and headphones. Connect the case to charge for 30 minutes, even if the indicator is on, sometimes low charge blocks the synchronization functions.
2. Clean the contacts. Wipe the metal contacts in the case and on the headphones with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. Oxidation or dirt can disrupt charging and communication.
3. Make sure the buttons are working. Press the button on each earphone, it's going to sound like a beep (or it's going to light up), and if there's no response, it's not working.
4. Disable other Bluetooth devices. In your smartphone settings (Settings → Bluetooth), remove all saved headphones, speakers and other gadgets.

If you bought the headphones separately (for example, one lost and the other bought), check their serial numbers. They should start with the same characters (for example, MDZ-12-AB... and MDZ-12-AC...). If the first 6-8 characters are different, the headphones are from different batches and may not sync.

Method 1: Standard resetting of headphones to factory settings

The most reliable way to get the headphones back up is to reset them completely, and it erases all the settings that you've saved, including the pair information, and it's important that you reset both of them at the same time.

Instructions:

1. Place both headphones in the case and close the lid.
2. Open the lid and press the buttons on both headphones for 15-20 seconds. The indicators should flash red first, then white.
3. Release the buttons. The headphones must automatically connect with each other (the indicators will flash alternately white).
4. Connect them to your phone via Bluetooth, and you'll see one name on the device list: Mi True Wireless. EB2 Basic_R or Redmi Airdots_R.

If the headphones still do not connect after reset, try to repeat the procedure, but this time:

• 🔌 Connect the case to the charger during reset (sometimes this helps stabilize the process).
• 📱 Remove all Xiaomi devices from Bluetooth memory on your phone.

⚠️ Note: If after reset, one earphone does not flash white, but burns red or does not react at all, its board is damaged).

Method 2: Manual synchronization through forced connection

If a standard reset doesn't work, try to force the headphones to be paired manually, a method that works when one earphone "sees" the phone and the other doesn't.

Algorithm of action:

1. Take both earphones out of the case. They should automatically turn on (indicators are on white).
2. On your phone, turn on Bluetooth and find both headphones separately in the list of devices (usually they are displayed as Redmi). Airdots_L redmi Airdots_R).
3. Connect first to the right earpiece ( R). Wait for the audible signal to connect.
4. Without turning off the right one, press the button on the left earphone for 5 seconds until it emits a double beep. Now both must connect.

If the headphones connect to the phone separately but don’t work together, try:

• 🔄 Reboot your phone (sometimes helps to reset your Bluetooth cache).
• 📴 Disable Power Saving Mode (It May Limit Bluetooth Operation).
• 🔗 In Bluetooth settings on your phone, find the option of dual-channel sound or Stereo Mode and enable it.

Method 3: Update firmware through Mi Home or third-party utilities

If the headphones are from different sets, their firmware may not be compatible, in which case a forced software update will help. Xiaomi does not officially provide firmware for Airdots 2, but there are workarounds.

Option 1: Through the Mi Home app (if the headphones connect to the phone):

1. Install Mi Home (or upgrade to the latest version).
2. Connect your headphones to your phone (albeit separately).
3. In the application, go to Profile → Settings → Update firmware.
4. If an update is available, follow the instructions on the screen.

Option 2: Through third-party utilities (for advanced users):

• 🖥️ Use the Airdots Flasher Tool (available on the forums) 4PDA or XDA-Developers).
• 🔧 You'll need a Type-C cable — USB-A and Windows computer.
• ⚠️ Risk of “bricking” headphones – update the firmware only if you are sure of compatibility versions.

⚠️ Note: If after updating the firmware headphones stopped turning on (indicators do not burn), this is a sign of incompatibility. Try to roll back the firmware through the Airdots Flasher Tool or contact the service.

Method 4: Hardware Diagnostics – When the Problem Is Not in Settings

If all the software methods have been tried, but the headphones still don't connect, the reason may lie in the hardware.

• 🔋 Battery: If the earphone is discharged in 5-10 minutes, its battery is worn out. Check the voltage with a multimeter (normal: 3.7–4.2V).
• 📶 Bluetooth antenna, which can move the antenna wire away from the board when you fall, visually check the board for breaks.
• 🔌 Contacts in the case. Oxidized or bent contacts disrupt charging and synchronization. Clean them with a blower or alcohol.
• 🎛️ Microphone or speaker: If one earphone makes wheezing or doesn't make sound, the problem may be the speaker (check on another device).

For self-repair will require:

• 🔧 Setting screwdrivers T5 and T6 (case-breaker).
• 🔍 Loupa and tweezers (contacts are very small).
• 🧴 Thermopaste (if the charge is overheated).

💡

If the earphone is not charging in the case, try to press it slightly when the lid is closed. Sometimes the contacts do not touch due to deformation of the case.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Many users make the same mistakes when trying to connect Airdots. 2. Here's the top.-5 Failures and how not to repeat them:

1. Reset only one headphone. If you reset on only one device, the other one doesn't recognize it. Always reset both!
2. Using a non-original case: Cheap substitutes can mischarge the headphones, causing synchronization failures.
3. Connect to the phone before synchronization, first the headphones must connect to each other (flashing white alternately), and then to the phone.
4. Ignoring the lights. If the light is red, the earpiece is dead or broken. White flashing is ready to connect. White always burning is already connected.
5. Blind firmware update. Don't install the first firmware you see. Check version compatibility (see table above).

Another common myth is that "Airdots 2 can be connected to Airdots 3 or Redmi Buds," which is impossible because these models have different communication protocols and chips.

💡

If the headphones are from different sets, they can only be connected if the firmware versions and the batteries are working, otherwise you will need to flash or replace one of the headphones.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions