Wireless headphones Xiaomi AirDots (and their modifications: AirDots Pro, AirDots) 2/3, Redmi AirDots have become popular due to a combination of price and quality, but many users face problems when connecting for the first time: the device is not on the Bluetooth list, the sound is interrupted or the headphones turn off after a few seconds. In this article, step-by-step instructions for all models, solving typical errors and hidden settings that will improve the quality of communication.
We will look not only at standard pairing via Bluetooth, but also at alternative methods for Android, iOS and other applications. Windows/macOS. We will pay special attention to the unique problem of AirDots models. 2S and pro 2 Lite โ conflict with Bluetooth protocols 5.2 on new smartphones, because of which headphones may not connect to Android devices 12+ iPhone 13/14.
1. Headphone preparation for connection: reset and activation
Before the first pairing, Xiaomi AirDots must be switched to search mode. If the headphones have already been used with another device, reset.
For AirDots Basic, AirDots 2 and Redmi AirDots:
- ๐ Charge the case to 100% (the indicator burns white.
- ๐ง Take both headphones out of the case โ they will automatically turn on (blinks red/white LED).
- ๐ Press the touchpad on both headphones for 10-15 seconds until the indicators start flashing red and white alternately (reset mode).
- ๐ฑ After reset, put the headphones back in the case, then pull them out again - they will go into search mode (white flashing lights).
For AirDots Pro, AirDots 3 Pro and AirDots SE process:
- Take the headphones out of the case and wait for automatic switching on.
- Tap the right earphone touch panel three times, it will go into pairing mode (the voice assistant will tell โReady to pairโ).
- To reset, press the sensor on both headphones for 20 seconds until the signal sounds.
โ ๏ธ Warning: If your headphones don't flash white after reset, check the contacts in the case for oxidation.
2. Standard Bluetooth connection (Android/iOS)
The most common way is to pair via the Bluetooth menu, which is universal for all smartphones, but there are nuances for different versions of Android and iOS.
For Android (versions 8โ14):
- Open Settings โ Connected devices โ Bluetooth.
- Activate Bluetooth and wait for the Mi True Wireless device (or Redmi AirDots for the corresponding model) to appear in the list.
- Click on the headphone name. If you have a request to confirm the code, type 0000.
- After successful connection, the status will display โConnected for audioโ.
For iPhone (iOS 14-17):
- ๐ฑ Go to Settings. โ Bluetooth.
- ๐ In the list of โOther devicesโ find Xiaomi AirDots (may appear as Mi True Wireless). EB old-model).
- ๐ Click on the name and wait for pairing. iPhone does not require confirmation code.
| Model headphones | Displayed name in Bluetooth | Whether required PIN-code | Support for AAC/aptX |
|---|---|---|---|
| AirDots Basic | Mi True Wireless EB | Yes (0000) | AAC (no aptX) |
| AirDots 2 | Mi True Wireless ES | No. | AAC |
| AirDots Pro | Mi True Wireless Pro | No. | AAC + LHDC (Android) |
| AirDots 3 Pro | Xiaomi Air 3 Pro | No. | AAC + aptX Adaptive |
โ ๏ธ Note: On the iPhone models AirDots Pro and newer will work only in mode AAC โ support LHDC/aptX Available only on Android with MIUI or through third-party firmware.
Make sure the headphones are charged|Activate Bluetooth on your phone|Get both earphones out of the case.|Reset your headphones when you connect to the previous one-->
3. Alternative ways of connecting
If the standard method doesn't work, try these options, which are especially useful for devices with unstable Bluetooth or older versions of protocols.
Method 1: Connect via the Mi Home app (Android only)
- ๐ฒ Install the Mi Home app from Google Play.
- ๐ Launch the application, go to the Profile โ Settings โ Add the device.
- ๐ง Select the Audio category and find your AirDots model.
- ๐ Follow the instructions on the screen. The app will automatically update the headphone firmware if a new version is available.
Method 2: Manually select Bluetooth profile (for Android)
On some smartphones (such as Samsung or OnePlus), AirDots only connect as a "phone call device," not for music.
- Connect the headphones via Bluetooth.
- Open the Settings. โ Connected devices โ Settings (โ๏ธ) near AirDots.
- Enable the options โMedia Audioโ and โHigh-quality Audioโ.
- Reboot the headphones (put in the case for 10 seconds and get it out).
Method 3: Connection to PC (Windows) 10/11 macOS)
To use AirDots with a computer:
- ๐ฅ๏ธ On Windows: Open the settings โ Devices โ Bluetooth, click Add Device and select AirDots from the list.
- ๐ On macOS: Go to System Settings โ Bluetooth and pair. For models with LHDC It may be necessary to install a driver LHDC Encoder.
๐ก
If the headphones are plugged in but the sound is interrupted, turn off the Absolute Volume option in Bluetooth settings, which will solve the volume synchronization problem on Android.
4. Solving common problems
Even after a successful connection, users face common bugs, and here's how to fix them:
Problem 1: Headphones are not on the Bluetooth list
- ๐ Check the case charge - at a discharge below 20%, the headphones are not activated.
- ๐ Reset the headphones (see section 1).
- ๐ฑ Reboot your smartphone and re-activate Bluetooth.
- ๐ ๏ธ If you are using Android 12+, Turn off the Quick Connection feature in Bluetooth settings โ it can block new devices from being discovered.
Problem 2: The sound is interrupted or lagged
Causes and solutions:
| Symptoms. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The sound โbreaksโ every 5-10 seconds. | Wi-Fi conflict (both run at 2.4GHz) | Turn off Wi-Fi or switch router to 5GHz |
| Sound delay in games/video | SBC codec is used instead of AAC. | In Bluetooth settings, select โSound Quality Priorityโ |
| Headphones turn off when you call. | Microphone conflict | Turn off the option ยซHD-voice" in settings SIM-map |
Problem 3: Only one earphone works
This is most often due to:
- ๐ Different levels of headphone charge (check in the Mi Home app).
- ๐๏ธ Sync failure. Put both earbuds in the case for 30 seconds, then pull out.
- ๐ Contamination of contacts in the case, wipe them with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.
What if the headphones are connected as a โphoneโ and not โmusicโ?
5. Sound and battery optimization
Once connected, configure AirDots for maximum comfort.
Sound tuning
- ๐ต In the Mi Home app, select the sound profile: Balance โ universal mode; Enhanced bass โ for music; Clear voice โ for podcasts / calls.
- ๐ On Android with MIUI activate LHDC (for AirDots Pro 2 and later in Settings โ Connections โ Bluetooth settings โ Sound quality.
- ๐ง To reduce noise outside, turn on Transparent Mode (available on AirDots 3 Pro and AirDots) SE).
Battery savings
To extend the working hours:
- โก Turn off Automatic Turnoff in the headphone settings (if you do not use them more than 1 time a day).
- ๐ต Manually disable Bluetooth headphones when not needed โ this will save up to 20% of charge.
- ๐ Store headphones in a case - even when turned off, they discharge in 2-3 days.
Hidden functions
Few people know that AirDots supports:
- ๐ฎ Low-latency mode for games: touch left earphone three times (works on AirDots 3 Pro and newer).
- ๐ Fast switching between devices: pinch the sensor for 2 seconds to transition to the last connected gadget.
- ๐ฑ Voice assistant: Double tapping right earphone calls Google Assistant/Siri.
๐ก
For maximum stability, turn off the battery saving feature for Bluetooth devices on your phone. On Android, this is done in Settings โ Annexes โ Special access โ Battery Optimization (Find Bluetooth and Turn Off Optimization).
6. Connection to TVs and other devices
Xiaomi AirDots can be used not only with smartphones, but letโs look at the nuances of connecting to popular gadgets.
Xiaomi TVs (MI TV, Redmi TV)
- ๐บ Go to Settings. โ Bluetooth and devices โ Add the device.
- ๐ Select AirDots from the list. On some models TV may be required PIN-code.
- ๐ To synchronize the sound in games, turn on in the settings TV โLow delay of soundโ modeยป.
Game consoles (PS4/PS5, Nintendo Switch)
There is no built-in AirDots support on PlayStation and Switch, but you can use a Bluetooth adapter:
- ๐ฎ Connect the adapter (for example, 8BitDo Wireless USB Adapter 2) to the console.
- ๐ Put the adapter in pairing mode and connect AirDots as usual.
- ๐ Nana PS5 You may need to turn off the microphone in the sound settings.
Smart watches and fitness bracelets
Some models (e.g. Xiaomi Watch) S3 Redmi Watch 3 supports AirDots for listening to music:
- Open the Bluetooth menu on the watch.
- Activate device search and select AirDots.
- Confirm the pairing. The sound will only be played from the clock (not at the same time as the smartphone).
โ ๏ธ Note: AirDots cannot be connected on the Apple Watch โ watchOS supports only headphones with an Apple chip W1/H1.
7. Update of firmware and diagnostics
If the headphones are unstable, the reason may be outdated firmware, and you can update it in two ways:
Method 1: Through the Mi Home app
- ๐ฒ Connect AirDots to your phone via Bluetooth.
- ๐ Open Mi Home, find the headphones in the list of devices.
- ๐ฅ If an update is available, a notification will appear. Click Update and wait until it is completed (don't turn off the headphones!).
Method 2: Manual firmware (for advanced users)
For models AirDots Pro and AirDots 3 Pro, you can install firmware manually through ADB:
adb shell am start -a android.settings.BLUETOOTH_SETTINGS
adb push firmware.bin /sdcard/
adb shell am startservice -n com.xiaomi.bluetooth/.update.FirmwareUpdateServiceโ ๏ธ This method is risky, because if you make a mistake, your headphones may stop turning on. MIUI.
Diagnosis of malfunctions
If the headphones are not on or charged:
- ๐ Check the voltage on the contacts of the case with a multimeter (should be) ~3.7V).
- ๐ Inspect the headphones for physical damage (cracks, bloating battery).
- ๐ ๏ธ For disassembly, use a plastic spatula - metal tools will damage the body.