How to connect headphones Xiaomi AirDots with each other: 3 working methods + problem solving

Xiaomi AirDots wireless headphones are hugely popular due to the combination of price, sound quality and convenience. However, many users face the problem when one headphone stops syncing with the second one - the sound is only in one, and the second is silent or flashing red. The reasons can be different from accidental resets to software failures. In this article, we will analyze all the working ways to connect AirDots with each other, including hidden functions that are not written in the official instructions.

It's important to understand that the synchronization process depends on the model: AirDots Basic, AirDots Pro, AirDots 3 or AirDots SE have nuances in the pairing algorithm. We'll look at the universal methods, as well as the individual instructions for each version. If you've already tried the standard method (holding a button on a case) and it didn't work, don't rush to bring the headphones to the service. In 90% of cases, you can solve the problem yourself in 5-10 minutes.

Before you start setting up, make sure that:

• 🔋 Both headphones are charged (indicators on the case are white or green).
• 📱 The phone/tablet is within a radius of 1 meter from the case.
• 🔄 Headphones are not connected to other devices (turn them off in Bluetooth settings).

1. Standard synchronization method (for all AirDots models)

This method works for most versions of Xiaomi AirDots and is recommended by the manufacturer. If the headphones used to work together but suddenly disconnected, start with it:

1. Put both earbuds in the case and close the lid for 10 seconds, which will reset the current connections.
2. Open the case cover. The headphones should flash white (search mode).
3. Press and hold the button on the case for 15-20 seconds until the indicators start flashing red and white (reset mode).
4. Release the button. The headphones automatically sync with each other (the indicators will light up in constant white).
5. Connect your headphones to your phone via Bluetooth as a new device.

If one of the headphones still doesn't connect after this, move on to the next method. In AirDots Pro 2 and newer models, the button on the case can require holding up to 30 seconds - watch the indicators!

Charge your case and headphones to 100% | Disconnect AirDots from all devices in Bluetooth settings | Make sure the headphones are clean (contacts are not oxidized) | Try connecting the headphones to another phone for the test-->

2. Manual synchronization via resetting (for AirDots Pro and AirDots 3)

More advanced models (AirDots Pro, AirDots 3, AirDots 3 Pro) support forced reset via touch sensors, which helps when the standard method fails:

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 start flashing purple. Release the buttons.
4. Put the headphones back in the case and close the lid for 5 seconds.
5. Open the lid – the headphones should automatically sync (blinking white → constant white light).

If the lights flash red after reset, it means that the headphones have failed to connect.

• 🔄 Repeat the resetting procedure again.
• 🧹 Wipe the contacts on headphones and in the case with an alcohol napkin (oxidation can interfere with charging and synchronization).
• 🔌 Try charging the case from another cable/charging device.

3. Sync via Mi Home app (for AirDots 3 and later)

AirDots 3, AirDots 3 Pro and AirDots SE support management via the official Mi Home app (available for Android and iOS).This is the most reliable way if software failures interfere with manual synchronization.

1. Install the Mi Home app from Google Play or the App Store.
2. Sign up or sign in to your Xiaomi account.
3. Click Add Device (+) → Select Audio → Xiaomi AirDots 3 (or your model).
4. Follow the instructions on the screen. The app will automatically find the headphones and prompt you to update the firmware (if available).
5. After updating, restart the headphones (put them in the case for 10 seconds) – they sync automatically.

If the app doesn't see the headphones:

• 📱 Reboot your phone and turn on Bluetooth again.
• 🌐 Connect to another Wi-Fi network (sometimes corporate networks block the connection to Xiaomi devices).
• 🔄 Update the Mi Home app to the latest version.

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If after updating the firmware through Mi Home, the headphones began to work unstable (sound breaks, low volume), reset through sensor retention (see section 2) and repeat the connection procedure.

Table: Differences in synchronization by AirDots model

Note that AirDots Basic (first generation) doesn’t support the Mi Home app, so you can only sync them manually. If you have this model and a standard reset doesn’t work, try the alternative method in the next section.

5. Alternative method for AirDots Basic (if nothing works)

If your AirDots Basic refuses to sync and the button on the case does not work, use this method:

1. Take the right earphone out of the case and connect it to your phone via Bluetooth.
2. Put the right earphone back in the case, but don't close the lid.
3. Take out the left earpiece and hold the touchpad on it for 10 seconds until the indicator starts flashing red and blue.
4. Return the left earphone to the case next to the right and close the lid for 5 seconds.
5. Open the lid – the headphones should sync (the indicators will light up white).

This method works because the right earpiece in AirDots Basic is the master headphone and the left headphone is the slave headphone. Forced resetting of the left earphone forces it to reconnect to the right one.

⚠️ Warning: If after this procedure, the headphones connect to the phone, but only sound in one, check the Bluetooth settings on the phone. → Bluetooth → Settings (⚙️ near AirDots) → Audio Profile - Choose Stereo (A2DP).

6. Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Many users make the same mistakes when trying to sync AirDots, and the most common ones are:

• 🔋 Headphones discharged: If the charge is below 20%, the sync may not start. Charge the case to 100% (the indicator on the case is burning green).
• 📶 Weak Bluetooth signal: Make sure there are no interference sources nearby (Wi-Fi routers, microwaves, other wireless devices).
• 🔄 Incomplete reset: Many release the button on the case too early. Hold it until the indicators start flashing red and white (or purple for the Pro versions).
• 🖥️ Conflict with other devices: If the headphones have previously connected to a laptop or tablet, they can automatically reconnect there.

Another common problem is that one earphone connects as a mono (only one sound) and it's solved like this:

1. Open Bluetooth settings on your phone.
2. Find Xiaomi AirDots in the list of devices and click on ⚙️ (setting).
3. Select Disconnect, then reconnect.
4. When connecting, select a Stereo profile (A2DP) rather than a Phone Call (HFP).

7. When to contact the service: signs of hardware malfunction

If you’ve tried all of these but the headphones still don’t sync, there may be a hardware problem. Contact Xiaomi’s service center if you see the following symptoms:

• 🔴 Indicators do not light up even after a long charge.
• 🔊 The sound is missing from both headphones, but they connect to the phone.
• 🔌 Headphones are not charged in the case (contacts are clean, the case is charged).
• 📡 Constant communication interruptions even at a short distance from the phone.

The average cost of repairing Xiaomi AirDots in service centers:

⚠️ Note: If your AirDots are warranty, don't try to disassemble them yourself! Xiaomi may refuse free repairs if there are traces of an autopsy. Warranty coupon is valid 12 months from the date of purchase.

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Before visiting the service, back up your phone data – the wizard may need to reset Bluetooth settings for diagnosis.

FAQ: Frequent questions about synchronization Xiaomi AirDots