Xiaomi AirDots wireless headphones remain among the most popular gadgets due to the combination of price, sound quality and convenience. However, even experienced users sometimes have difficulty with first turning on or re-synchronizing after a long downtime. This article will help you understand how to properly activate the headphones, which buttons are responsible for what, and what to do if AirDots are not turned on or are not on the phone.
We'll look at all the current models, from the classic Redmi AirDots to the new Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro, because the process of turning on them is similar, but there are nuances. You'll also learn how to reset headphones to factory if they stopped connecting, and what mistakes users often make.
If you've just unpacked your headphones or they've been lying around for a long time, start by checking the charge of the case and the AirDots themselves. Often the problem lies in the battery being discharged, not in the breakdown. Next, Step-by-step to turn it on.
1. Preparation of headphones for the first turn on
Before you turn on Xiaomi AirDots, make sure that the basic conditions are met:
- 🔋 Case and headphone charge: the case should be lit with a white or orange indicator when connected to the charger.
- 📱 Smartphone compatibility: headphones work with Android 5.0+ iOS 10+. Older versions may have connection problems.
- 🔄 No other connected devices: If AirDots were previously paired with another gadget, they must be reset (instruction below).
If the case is discharged, plug it into the charger for 10-15 minutes. The indicator on the front should light up red (charges) or white (full charge). The headphones start charging automatically as soon as they are placed in the case, as indicated by the flashing of the red LED on each headphone.
2.How to enable Xiaomi AirDots: step-by-step instructions
The process of turning on the same for most models (Redmi AirDots, AirDots 2, AirDots 3 Pro, Buds 4, etc.) The only differences are in the location of the buttons and the color of the indicators.
- Take both earbuds out of the case. They should automatically turn on, as signaled by the flashing of the white/red LED on each.
- Press the touch button on both headphones for 3-5 seconds until you hear a beep and see white and red flashing alternately, which means that the headphones have switched to pairing mode.
- Activate Bluetooth on your smartphone and find Mi True Wireless, Redmi AirDots or a similar name (depending on the model) in the list of devices.
- Connect to the headphones. Once paired successfully, the AirDots indicators will stop flashing and light up in blue (or white for new models).
If the headphones are not turned on when you remove them from the case, try manually activating them with a button. On models with mechanical buttons (for example, Redmi AirDots S), you need to press and hold the button until the beep is sounded. On touch (AirDots 3 Pro) - touch and hold the touchpad.
Remove both earphones from the case|
Make sure the indicators are flashing |
Press the button for 5 seconds for pairing mode |
Turn on Bluetooth on your phone |
Select "Mi True Wireless" from the list of devices-->
3. Features of inclusion for different models of AirDots
While the way Xiaomi AirDots works is similar, there are nuances depending on the generation and series.
| Model | Type of button | Color of indicator in pairing mode | Sound signal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi AirDots (1st generation) | Mechanical | Red + white (flashing alternately) | Double squeak |
| Redmi AirDots 2 | Sensory | White (blinks fast) | One long signal. |
| Xiaomi AirDots 3 Pro | Sensory | Blue (blinks) | Voice message "Pairing" |
| Xiaomi Buds 4 | Touch + button on the case | White (pulsating) | Sound + Voice Assistant |
AirDots 3 Pro and later have an automatic connection to the latest device, so if the headphones have already been paired with the smartphone, they will connect to it immediately after being removed from the case — no additional button retention is required. Exception: if you reset or connect to a new phone.
What if the headphones are connected only one at a time?
4.Why AirDots aren't turned on: Common issues
If the headphones do not respond to pressing or do not blink when extracted from the case, the reasons may be as follows:
- 🔋 Battery discharge: Case or headphones not charged. Connect the case to the network for 30 minutes, then try again.
- 🔄 Synchronization failure: Headphones have "forgot" each other. You need to reset them (instructions in the next section).
- 📵 Interference from other devices: other wireless headphones or Wi-Fi routers are working nearby at 2.4 GHz.
- 💧 Moisture: If your headphones get wet, you need to dry them in rice or silica gel for 24 hours!
Critical error: If the headphones are lit red and do not respond to buttons, it indicates a hardware failure of the controller, in which case only the service center will help.
Redmi AirDots (1st generation) |
Redmi AirDots 2|
Xiaomi AirDots 3/3 Pro|
Xiaomi Buds 4/4 Pro|
Another model-->
5. How to reset AirDots settings to factory
If the headphones don't connect, flash non-standard colors, or work in an unstable way, reset. This will bring all the settings back to the factory and allow the devices to pair again.
- Put both headphones in the case and close the lid.
- Open the lid and hold the button on the case (if any) or touch buttons on both headphones simultaneously for 15-20 seconds.
- The indicators on the headphones should flash red 3 times - this is a signal of a successful reset.
- Close the case, wait 10 seconds, then pull out the headphones and try to connect again.
On models without a button on the case (for example, Redmi AirDots 2), the reset is performed through headphones:
- Get both earphones out of the case.
- Press the touch panels on both headphones simultaneously for 10 seconds until you hear a double beep.
- Put the headphones back in the case, close the lid, then repeat the switching procedure.
💡
Resetting is the only way to get headphones back on track if they have “forgotten” each other or have previously been paired with a lost device.
6. How to connect AirDots to a computer or laptop
The process of connecting to Windows or macOS is almost no different from pairing with a smartphone, but there are nuances:
- Turn on Bluetooth on your computer (via Taskbar or Settings → Devices → Bluetooth).
- Activate the pairing mode on AirDots (hold the button until the indicators blink).
- In the list of available devices, select Mi True Wireless or a similar name.
- If the system requests PIN-Enter 0000 or leave the field empty.
On Windows 10/11, sometimes there's a problem when the headphones are plugged in, but the sound is only going through one.
- Open the control panel. → Sound.
- Find AirDots in the list of playback devices, right-click and select Use by default.
- Go to the Spatial Sound tab and turn off all effects.
💡
For stable work with the PC, disable the option “Reduce sound quality for better compatibility” in Bluetooth settings (if any).
7. Tips for care and life extension of AirDots
To make headphones last longer, follow simple rules:
- 🔌 Charging: Use the original cable or a certified USB-Type-C. Do not leave the case on charge for more than 24 hours.
- 🧼 Clean: wipe your headphones and case once a week with a dry wipe. Use a cotton swab soaked in alcohol to remove earwax.
- 🌡️ Temperature: Do not leave AirDots in direct sunlight or near heat sources (e.g. on the dashboard of a car).
- 🎵 Loudness: Avoid listening at maximum volume – this reduces the life of speakers.
If the headphones are not used for a long time, store them in a case with a charge of 40-60%, and a complete discharge or overcharge of the battery accelerates its degradation.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use aggressive chemicals (acetone, gasoline) or abrasive materials to clean AirDots. This can damage the coating and sealing gums.