Xiaomi AirDots are some of the most popular wireless headsets, thanks to a combination of price, sound quality and convenience. However, many users face the problem: after buying or resetting the settings, the headphones stop syncing with each other. One headphone connects to the phone, and the second one is silent or works separately. In this article, we will discuss all the ways to connect AirDots with each other, including forced synchronization, reset to factory settings and fixing typical errors.
The problem of headphone disconnection is common in all models of the series: AirDots Basic, AirDots Pro, AirDots 2/3, AirDots SE and even for the newer Redmi Buds. The reasons can be different from a discharged battery to a firmware failure. We have collected current methods for 2026 that will help to return headphones to work without going to the service center.
Why are Xiaomi AirDots not connected to each other?
Before you start setting up, it's important to understand the cause of the problem, and here are the most common scenarios:
- 🔋 Battery discharge - if one of the headphones is completely dead, it will not be able to sync. Even if the indicator on the case is on, it does not guarantee the charge of both earphones.
- 🔄 Synchronization failure – after updating the firmware or incorrectly disconnecting the headphones can “forget” each other.
- 📱 Phone conflict – if the headphones have been connected to multiple devices, they may be trying to connect to the last active gadget.
- 🛠️ Hardware malfunction – physical damage to contacts in the case or the headphones themselves (for example, after a fall in the headphones).
- 🔧 Outdated firmware – early AirDots software had autosynchronization bugs that were patched with updates.
80 percent of the time, the problem is software-based, you just reset or force the pairing process to start, but if the headphones don't respond to buttons or charge, it could indicate that the Bluetooth controller or battery is broken, and you'll need to repair it.
Preparation for the connection: what to check before setting up
Before trying to connect the headphones, perform the primary diagnosis:
- Charging headphones and case - place both headphones in the case for 10-15 minutes. Make sure the indicators on the case are on (white or red). If the indicators are not active, check the cable and power supply.
- Contact cleaning -- take a cotton swab soaked in alcohol and gently wipe the metal contacts on the headphones and inside the case.Oxidation or dirt can interfere with charging and synchronization.
- Checking on another device, try connecting your headphones to another smartphone or tablet, and if the problem persists, it's the AirDots themselves.
If after charging one of the headphones is not determined by the case (the indicator does not blink when extracted), this may indicate a malfunction of the battery or damage to the plume. In this case, self-repair is not recommended - it is better to contact the service.
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If the headphones have been left unused for a long time, let them discharge completely before connecting, and then charge to 100%.
Method 1: Standard case connection (for most models)
This method works for AirDots Basic, AirDots Pro, AirDots 2/3 and AirDots SE. The algorithm is simple but requires the following steps to be followed precisely:
- Place both headphones in the case and close the lid for 10 seconds.
- Open the case cover - the indicators on the headphones should flash white (search mode).
- Press and hold the button on the case (usually side or back) for 15-20 seconds until the indicators start flashing red and white alternately.
- Release the button – the headphones should automatically connect with each other (the indicators will light up in blue or purple).
- Now you can connect them to the phone via Settings → Bluetooth.
If the indicators do not flash red and white, repeat the procedure by holding the button longer (up to 30 seconds). On some models (for example, AirDots 3 Pro) to reset you need to press the button 5 times in a row at intervals of 1 second.
☑️ Preparation for resetting settings
Method 2: Forced synchronization via touch buttons (for AirDots Pro/3)
AirDots Pro, AirDots 3 and Redmi Buds 3 Pro support an alternative way to connect via touchpads on the headphone case, which is useful if the case is unresponsive or the button is broken.
Instructions:
- Get both earphones out of the case.
- Press and hold the touch buttons on both headphones simultaneously for 10 seconds.
- The lights will flash red, then white, which means the headphones are looking for each other.
- Release the buttons – after 5-10 seconds, the indicators should light up in blue (successful synchronization).
- Place the headphones back in the case for 5 seconds, then pull out and plug into the phone.
If the headphones don't connect after all, try repeating the procedure by turning off Bluetooth on all nearby devices (phone, laptop, smartwatch), sometimes conflicting signals prevents correct synchronization.
What if the lights are red and don’t flash?
Method 3: Resetting settings to factory (Hard Reset)
If standard methods don't work, you'll have to reset completely, which will delete all the connections you saved, and return the headphones to the original settings.
Step-by-step:
- 📱 Disable AirDots from all devices via Settings → Bluetooth (click "Forget the device").
- 🔋 Place both headphones in the case and close the lid for 30 seconds.
- 🔄 Open the lid and press the button on the case 5 times in a row at 1 second intervals. On AirDots 3 Pro, hold the button for 25 seconds until the indicators start flashing red and white.
- 🔍 Wait until the indicators light up blue (synchronization has been successful).
- 📲 Connect your headphones to your phone as a new device.
On AirDots Pro 2 and later, you may need to update your firmware through the official Mi Home or Xiaomi Wear app. If the headphones don't connect after the reset, check the version of the software in the app - you may need to flash it again.
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Resetting is the most reliable way to get your headphones back on track, but it wipes away all the devices you've saved, and use it if other methods haven't worked.
Table: Features of connection for different models Xiaomi AirDots
| Model | Connection method | Reset button retention time | Color of indicator on success |
|---|---|---|---|
| AirDots Basic | The button on the case | 15-20 sec. | Blue |
| AirDots Pro | The button on the case or sensors on headphones | 20 sec (case) / 10 sec (sensors) | Purple. |
| AirDots 2/SE | The button on the case | 15 seconds | Blue |
| AirDots 3 / 3 Pro | Case button or sensors | 25 sec (case) / 10 sec (sensors) | White → Blue |
| Redmi Buds 3 Pro | Case button + sensors | 30s (case) | Red. → White → Blue |
If your model isn't listed in the table, try a generic method: hold the button on the case for 20 to 30 seconds until the indicators start flashing red and white.
Frequent mistakes and their solutions
Even after successful synchronization, users face problems, and here are the common mistakes and ways to fix them:
- 🔊 One earbud is quieter than the other, clean the speaker's mesh of earwax or dust with a soft brush. If the problem persists, check the sound balance in the Bluetooth settings on your phone.
- 🎵 The sound is interrupted or interferes – disable other Bluetooth devices nearby (fitness bracelets, wireless mice) and try reconnecting the headphones indoors without sources of radio interference (microwaves, 5GHz routers).
- 🔋 The headphones discharge quickly — reset the charge cycle counter: place the headphones in the case, connect to the charger and hold the case button for 10 seconds. After that, let them fully charge (at least 2 hours).
- 📵 The headphones do not connect to the phone — remove them from the list of associated devices, then reset (method 3) and reconnect. If you use an iPhone, pre-disable Auto Switch in Bluetooth settings.
If the headphones still don’t connect after all the manipulations, check them on another smartphone (preferably Android and iOS).If the problem persists on all devices, this indicates a hardware malfunction.
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To check the quality of the connection, use a test call to 112 (the call will not be made, but the sound will turn on), which will help to identify delays or communication breaks.
When to contact the service: signs of breakdown
Not all problems are solved software-based, but here are the symptoms for which you should contact a service center:
⚠️ Warning: If headphones don't respond to buttons, don't charge or make extraneous noises (cracking, squeaking), self-repair can aggravate the breakdown.
- 🔌 The headphones don't charge -- even after an hour in the case, the indicators don't burn.
- 🎧 One headphone does not make sound - a break in the speaker or failure of the Bluetooth module is possible.
- 🔄 Permanent reset of the connection – if the headphones disconnect every 5-10 minutes, it can be a firmware failure or damage to the antenna.
- 💧 Moisture intake - if the headphones get wet, they need to be dried in rice or silica gel for at least 24 hours!
The cost of repairing Xiaomi AirDots in service centers varies from 800 to 2500 rubles depending on the breakdown. Replacing the battery is cheaper (about 1000-1500). ₽), a repair of a Bluetooth module or speaker is more expensive (up to 2500) ₽). If headphones are guaranteed, contact the official Xiaomi service - repair will be free of charge.
⚠️ Note: Before visiting the service, back up your phone data if the headphones were tied to your Mi Account. In some cases, login is required to reset the link.