How to connect Xiaomi AirDots headphones with each other: a complete guide to solving problems

Xiaomi AirDots wireless headphones (including Redmi AirDots, Mi True Wireless Earphones and their modifications) require periodic synchronization with each other — especially after reset, prolonged inactivity or firmware updates. If one earphone connects to the phone and the second one is silent, the problem most often lies in broken communication between the devices themselves. In this article, we will discuss all the ways of connecting the headphones to each other, including forced reset, manual synchronization and malfunction diagnosis.

It's important to understand that the binding procedure is different from the standard smartphone connection, and this is about the internal synchronization of two headphones into a single stereo pair. If you're first to do this, follow the instructions in order, from simple methods to more complex ones. We'll also look at the unique features of the AirDots 3 Pro and AirDots SE models, where the algorithm may differ.

Why are Xiaomi AirDots headphones not connected to each other?

Before we start setting up, we'll look at the cause of the problem, and most often, synchronization disruption is caused by:

• 🔋 Battery discharge – if one of the headphones is completely sat down, it will not be able to establish a connection.
• 🔄 Firmware failure – after updating or incorrectly disconnecting the headphones can “forget” each other.
• 📱 Conflict with other devices – if the headphones previously connected to several gadgets (for example, a laptop and a smartphone).
• 🛠️ Mechanical damage - ingress of moisture, falls or wear of contacts in the case.
• 🔌 Case problems – if the charging case is faulty, the headphones do not sync when retrieved.

In 80% of cases, the problem is solved by software reset or forced resynchronization, but if the headphones are physically damaged (for example, after falling into water), repair or replacement may be necessary.

Preparation for synchronization: checking the charge and case

Before any manipulation with headphones, make sure that:

1. Both earbuds are charged -- place them in a case for 10 to 15 minutes, even if the lights are on, and sometimes the discharge of one of the devices blocks synchronization.
2. The case is working -- plug it into the charger and check if the light is on, and if it's not, the problem could be a cable or a Type-C connector.
3. Headphones clean – remove dust and dirt from the contacts (metal pads) on the headphone case and inside the case using a dry cotton swab.

If after charging one of the headphones does not respond to pressing or does not blink when extracting from the case, try forcibly restart it:

⚠️ Warning: Do not use sharp objects to clean the contacts, this can damage the coating. If the contacts are oxidized (green coating), wipe them with an alcohol wipe.

Put both earphones in the case for 10 minutes |

Check the charge indicators on the case (white/green lights should be on)|

Clear the headphones and case contacts |

Make sure the headphones are the same model (do not mix AirDots 2 and AirDots 3)

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The standard way to tie headphones Xiaomi AirDots

If the headphones previously worked together but suddenly disconnected, try the standard synchronization procedure:

1. Place both headphones in the charging case and close the lid.
2. Wait 10-15 seconds, then pull them out at the same time.
3. Press and hold the touch buttons on both headphones for 5-7 seconds until the indicators start flashing red and white alternately.
4. Place the headphones back in the case, then remove again - they should automatically connect.

If the lights flash only red, it means that the headphones can't see each other, in which case move on to forced reset (described in the next section).

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If the headphones do not respond to presses, try holding the buttons until double blinking red - this is a sign of a successful reset.

Forced Resetting (Hard Reset)

If standard synchronization doesn’t work, do a full headphone reset, which works for all Xiaomi AirDots models, but the algorithm may vary slightly.

For AirDots 1/2 generation and Redmi AirDots:

1. Place both headphones in the case and close the lid.
2. Open the lid and hold the button on the case (if any) for 10 seconds until the indicator flashes red.
3. Remove the headphones and hold the touch buttons on both for 15 seconds until you hear the beep (or see the flashing in red and white).

For AirDots 3/3 Pro and AirDots SE:

1. Put the headphones in the case.
2. Press and hold the button on the case for 20 seconds until the indicator goes out and flashes red again.
3. Get your headphones out – they should automatically connect (the indicators will light up white).

⚠️ Note: After reset, Xiaomi AirDots 3 Pro headphones may require reconnecting to the Mi Earphones app to adjust sound profiles, ANC) will not work.

Manual synchronization through the Mi Earphones app

For AirDots 3 Pro and AirDots SE models, there is a software way to link through the official Mi Earphones app (available for Android and iOS), which is useful if the headphones are defined by the phone, but the sound is only in one.

Instructions:

1. Install the Mi Earphones app from Google Play or the App Store.
2. Connect at least one headphone to your phone (even if the other one doesn’t work).
3. Open the app and go to the Device Settings → Headphone Synchronization section.
4. Click Start Search and follow the instructions on the screen.

If the app does not see the second headphone:

• 🔄 Restart your phone and try again.
• 📱 Turn off Bluetooth on other devices that your headphones have previously connected to.
• 🔌 Check if Monozvouk mode is enabled in your phone settings (on Android: Settings) → Special facilities → Sound. → Monoaudio).

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The Mi Earphones app only supports official Xiaomi models. If you use clones (like the QCY T1C), this method won't work.

Diagnosis of malfunctions: when binding is impossible

If none of the methods worked, the problem could be hardware.

If Xiaomi AirDots headphones have previously fallen into the water or been severely impacted, the probability of damage to the Bluetooth module is high, in which case self-repair is impossible - you need to change the board.

⚠️ Warning: Don't try to disassemble the headphones yourself, this will lead to loss of warranty. AirDots 3 Pro models use adhesive joints, and once disassembled, they are almost impossible to assemble without special equipment.

Frequent User Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Many synchronization problems are caused by user missteps, and here are the most common errors:

• 🔋 Using an unoriginal cable to charge the case - this can lead to problems with the power controller and, as a result, to synchronization failures.
• 📱 Connecting headphones to multiple devices at once – Xiaomi AirDots does not support multi-connection (except AirDots 3 Pro in Dual Device mode).
• 🔄 Interrupting the reset process – if you release the buttons ahead of time, the headphones can “hang” in an intermediate state.
• 🛠️ Storing headphones outside the case - this leads to battery discharge and loss of communication between devices.

To avoid problems in the future:

• 🔌 Always put your headphones in the case after use.
• 📴 Regularly (every 1-2 months) reset settings.
• 🔄 Do not connect headphones to public Bluetooth devices (such as in fitness clubs or airports).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions