Connecting Xiaomi AirDots to a smartphone: instructions from A to Z

Xiaomi AirDots wireless headphones (including AirDots Basic, AirDots Pro, AirDots 3 and AirDots Youth) have become some of the most popular accessories due to the combination of price, sound quality and convenience. However, many users face difficulties when pairing first — the device is not detected, only one earbud connects or the connection is constantly broken. In this article, we will analyze all the ways of connecting (including iPhone and Windows devices), consider typical errors and give recommendations for optimizing work.

It’s important to understand that pairing may vary depending on the headphone firmware version and your gadget’s operating system. For example, AirDots 3 Pro supports Bluetooth 5.2 with LE Audio, which requires an updated Bluetooth stack on your smartphone. If your device is released before 2019, you may need a pre-update.

Before you start setting up, make sure that:

• 🔋 Headphones charged (indicator on the case burns white or green when opened).
• 📱 Bluetooth enabled on the smartphone (in the Quick Settings menu or through Settings) → Connections).
• 🔄 Headphones are not connected to another device (if yes, reset, see the section below).

1. Standard pairing with an Android smartphone

For most Xiaomi AirDots models (except Pro versions), the connection process is the same.

1. Remove both earphones from the case. They will automatically turn on and go into pairing mode (indicators will flash red and white).
2. On your smartphone, open Settings → Bluetooth.
3. In the list of available devices, find the name of your model (for example, Mi True Wireless EBs). Basic_R right-handed).
4. Click on the name and confirm the connection. In 5-10 seconds, both earbuds will connect as a stereo.

If only one headphone ( R or L) is displayed in the list, it is normal - the second will connect automatically after pairing the main one. Exception: AirDots 3 and later models require manual confirmation of the second headphone connection via the Mi Home app (see section 3).

Charge the case to 100% | Remove the headphones from the list of associated devices (if connected earlier) | Update the firmware of the smartphone |Reboot the Bluetooth module (disable / turn on)

-->

2. Connection to iPhone (iOS)

While Xiaomi AirDots is optimized for Android, it is compatible with the iPhone, but with some nuances:

1. Open the case and get your headphones out. Wait for the lights to flash (about 15 seconds).
2. On the iPhone, go to Settings → Bluetooth.
3. In the list, find a device called Mi True Wireless... and tap on it.
4. Wait 10-20 seconds – both headphones must be identified as Stereo (otherwise, reboot Bluetooth on your phone).

On iOS, you may not have a headphone battery indication in the status bar to turn it on:

1. Put the headphones on.
2. Open the Batteries app (widget on the screen today).
3. Slip on Show percentage to display the charge level.

⚠️ Note: iPhones with iOS below 14.5 may have microphone problems while calling. Update system or use headphones only to listen to music.

3.Use of the Mi Home app for advanced features

The Mi Home app (available for Android and iOS) allows you not only to connect headphones, but also:

• 🔊 Set up an equalizer (Presets Basa, Vocals, Classics).
• 🔄 Update the firmware of headphones (critical for AirDots 3 Pro models with support) LC3-codec).
• 📊 View usage statistics (work time, case charge level).
• 🔇 Activate Game Mode (reduced latency to 88 ms).

To connect headphones through Mi Home:

1. Install the app from Google Play or the App Store.
2. Sign up or sign in to your Xiaomi account.
3. Click Add Device (+) → Select Headphones → Mi True Wireless Earphones.
4. Follow the instructions on the screen (you will need to confirm the connection in the Bluetooth settings).

For AirDots 3/Pro models, Mi Home offers dual connectivity, which allows headphones to connect to two devices at the same time (e.g., a smartphone and a laptop).

Mi Home → Device → Settings → Dual connection → Enable

4. Connect to a PC or laptop (Windows/macOS)

Pairing with a computer is similar to connecting to a smartphone, but there are features:

For Windows 10/11:

1. Open Settings → Devices → Bluetooth and other devices.
2. Click Add Bluetooth or another device → Bluetooth.
3. Select Mi True Wireless from the list.
4. Confirm the connection. If the sound is only coming to one earphone, go to Control Panel → Sound, select the headphones and click Setup → Specify the Stereo format.

For macOS:

1. Open System settings → Bluetooth.
2. Hold the button on the case for 5 seconds until the indicator starts flashing white.
3. Select the headphones in the list and click Connect.

⚠️ Warning: Windows with older Bluetooth drivers (especially laptops until 2018) may have codec issues AAC. In this case, in the sound settings, select the codec. SBC steady-work.

Android-smartphone|iPhone|Laptop/PC on Windows|MacBook|Other-->

5. Solving Connection Problems

If the headphones are not defined or are connected incorrectly, use the table below:

If the problem persists, check the headphone firmware version.

1. Connect the headphones to the Mi Home.
2. Go to the Device Settings → Information.
3. Compare the version with the latest one on Xiaomi’s official website.

💡

If the headphones are not connected to the iPhone, try “forgetting the device” in the Bluetooth settings, then reset the network (Settings → Main → Reset → Network settings reset).

6. Resetting headphone settings to factory

Hard reset helps in 90% of unstable work, and the instructions depend on the model.

AirDots Basic/Youth/Pro (1-2 generation)

1. Put both headphones in the case and close the lid.
2. Open the lid and hold the button on the case for 15 seconds until the indicator starts flashing red and white.
3. Close the lid and wait for the automatic shutdown (the indicator will go out).

For AirDots 3/3 Pro:

1. Get the headphones out of the case.
2. Press and hold the touch panels on both headphones for 10 seconds until you hear the beep.
3. Return the headphones to the case - reset is complete.

Once reset, the headphones will automatically go into pairing mode. Connect them again, as described in section 1.

💡

Resetting removes all the stored connections and returns the headphones to factory settings, and after the procedure, you will need to re-pair all the devices.

7. Optimization of the headphones

To extend your life and improve sound quality, follow the following tips:

• 🔋 Charge the case with the original cable only. USB-C (For 3rd generation models, or Micro-USB (for AirDots Basic), uncertified chargers can damage the battery.
• 🎧 Clean speakers and microphones regularly with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol (at least 70.
• 📱 Turn off Bluetooth on your smartphone when the headphones aren’t in use – this saves battery life for both devices.
• 🔄 Update your firmware through Mi Home at least once every 3 months. Newer versions fix plug-in bugs and add codec LC3 (support-model).

For models with active noise cancellation (AirDots 3 Pro):

• 🎛️ Turn on the mode. ANC Only in noisy places (metro, plane) - this reduces the working time to 4-5 hours.
• 🔇 Turn off the phone for conversations. ANC, The microphone can suppress your voice.

8. Frequent questions and answers