How to turn on wireless headphones Xiaomi AirDots: full instructions with photos and tips

Xiaomi AirDots wireless headphones are some of the brand’s most popular gadgets, but even they sometimes baffle users with the simple question, “How do you turn them on?” If you just unpacked the box and don’t know which button to start with, or headphones suddenly stopped responding to clicks – this article will help you understand. We will explain in detail how to activate the on mode, synchronize the headphones with each other and connect them to a smartphone, tablet or laptop.

It's important to understand that the process can vary slightly depending on the model: AirDots Basic, AirDots Pro, AirDots 3 or Redmi Buds. However, the basic principles of operation are the same for everyone. We will also reveal hidden features that are not written in the official instructions - for example, how to reset headphones to factory settings if they "hang" or why one headphone can not connect. Ready? Then let's get started!

1. Preparation of headphones for the first turn on

Before you press the buttons, make sure you follow all the preliminary steps, which will save you 90% of the connection problems.

First, check the charge level of the case. Even if the headphones are new, they may have run out during storage in the warehouse. Connect the case to the charger (use a USB-Type-C or Micro-USB cable depending on the model) and wait for the indicator to light up white or green (in some models blue). If red burns, the charge is less than 20%, orange - from 20% to 80%. Full charge of the case takes about 1.5-2 hours.

Second, remove the headphones from the case. Most AirDots models turn on automatically when they are removed, but if they don't, don't panic. This is normal for some firmware versions. You can manually turn on the headphones with a long press on the touchpad (on AirDots 3) or a physical button (on AirDots Basic/Pro).

• 🔋 Case Charging: Use the original cable or certified analogue (adapter power is 5B/1A or 5B/2A).
• 🎧 Removing headphones: Remove them at the same time to avoid synchronization problems.
• 🔄 Reset before turning on: If headphones have been used before, it is better to reset (instruction in section 5).

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If the indicator on the case does not burn when you connect to the charge, try another cable or socket. Sometimes the problem lies in the oxidized contacts - gently wipe them with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.

2. How to turn on Xiaomi AirDots headphones: step-by-step instructions

Now, the main thing is to activate headphones, and it depends on the model, but we will describe a universal method that works for 95% of Xiaomi devices.

For AirDots Basic, AirDots Pro and Redmi Buds (1st and 2nd generation):

1. Get both earphones out of the case.
2. Press and hold the physical button on each earphone for 5-7 seconds until the indicator flashes red and white (or red and blue on some models).
3. After that, the headphones are automatically synchronized with each other (you will hear the beep), and one of them will go into search mode to connect to the phone (the indicator will flash white).

For AirDots 3, AirDots 3 Pro and later:

1. Get the headphones out of the case.
2. Touch and hold the touchpad on each earpiece for 3-5 seconds until you hear a voice message “Power on” (in Chinese firmware) or see the indicator blink.
3. Headphones automatically connect to each other, after which one of them will go into the waiting mode of connection (the indicator flashes white).

Headphones emit an audible signal when turned on |

Indicators flash red and white (synchronization)|

One of the headphones flashes white (connection mode)|

The list of Bluetooth devices includes “Mi AirDots Basic” or similar name.-->

If the headphones don’t turn on or sync, try the following:

• 🔄 Reboot the case: Put the headphones back, close the lid, wait 10 seconds, then try again.
• 🔋 Check the charge: if the indicators do not burn at all, the headphones are discharged - put them in the case for 15-20 minutes.
• 📱 Make sure that the Bluetooth on your phone is on and in search mode.

AirDots Basic (1st generation) |

AirDots Pro/Pro 2|

AirDots 3/3 Pro|

Redmi Buds 3/4|

Another model |

3. synchronization of headphones with each other

One of the most common problems is when the headphones are on but not working together: the sound is only in one, or they connect to the phone as two separate devices, which means that the synchronization between the left and right earphones is broken, and there are several ways to fix this.

Method 1: Automatic synchronization

1. Put both headphones in the case and close the lid.
2. Wait 10-15 seconds, then pull them out at the same time.
3. Press and hold the button (or sensor) on one earphone for 5 seconds until the indicator flashes red and white.
4. Repeat the same for the second headphone. They should automatically connect (you will hear a beep).

Method 2: Forced synchronization (if the automatic synchronization fails)

1. Turn on both headphones (as described in Section 2).
2. Place them near each other (at a distance of 1-2 cm).
3. Press and hold the buttons on both headphones simultaneously for 10-15 seconds until the lights start flashing synchronously (usually white).
4. Wait for the beep (or voice message on AirDots 3).

4. Connect Xiaomi AirDots to a phone or computer

When the headphones are on and synced, the last step is to connect them to the sound source, and let's look at the process for different devices.

Connection to a smartphone (Android/iOS):

1. Open the Settings. → Bluetooth on your phone and turn it on.
2. In the list of available devices, find Mi AirDots Basic (or similar to your model name). If the device doesn't show up, click "Update" or "Device Search."
3. Click on the headphone name and confirm the connection. Some Xiaomi models may require you to enter the PIN- code: the default is 0000 or 1234.
4. After successful connection, you will hear an audible signal in the headphones, and the indicator will stop flashing (it will light up in permanent white).

Connection to a laptop or PC (Windows/macOS):

1. Turn on Bluetooth on your computer (via Taskbar or Settings → Devices → Bluetooth).
2. Click “Add Device” and select Bluetooth.
3. In the list, find Mi AirDots and click "Plug in." If the device is not located, reset the headphones (put in the case and re-retrieve).
4. On Windows, you may need to select a device type: select “Hearbursts” or “Audio Device”.

Connect to a TV or smart speaker:

• 📺 On Xiaomi Mi TV TVs, go to Settings → Bluetooth and Devices → Add Device.
• 🔊 For Xiaomi Mi AI Speaker speakers, say the voice command: "Plug Bluetooth device."
• 🎮 On game consoles (like the Nintendo Switch), Bluetooth is only supported in newer models – check compatibility.

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If the headphones are connected but the sound is interrupted or late, try turning off the aptX or AAC codec in the Bluetooth settings (on Android). To do this, select “Additional Settings” from the device menu and set the SBC codec – it is the most stable for AirDots.

5.Reset Xiaomi AirDots headphones to factory settings

If the headphones are glitchy, not connected, or acting strangely (like spontaneously turning off), hard reset will help, which removes all the stored connections and returns the device to its original settings.

Instructions for all models:

1. Put both headphones in the case and close the lid.
2. Connect the case to the charging (it is necessary!).
3. Open the case cover and press and hold the button on the case (located on the side or bottom) for 10-15 seconds.
4. The indicators on the headphones will start flashing red, and then go out - this is a signal of a successful reset.
5. Remove the headphones from the case and turn them on again (as described in Section 2).

On AirDots 3 Pro models, the reset is performed differently: you need to quickly press the touch panel of each headphone three times, then put them in the case and wait 30 seconds.

⚠️ Warning: After reset, Xiaomi AirDots headphones may temporarily lose communication with the Mi Home app. To regain access to additional features (such as an equalizer or firmware update), you will have to reconnect them through the app.

6. Additional functions and hidden capabilities

Few people know, but Xiaomi AirDots supports several hidden features that are not described in the official instructions.

• 🎵 Change control: Double tap includes voice assistant by default, but this can be changed. In the Mi Home app, go to Device Profile → Control settings and select action: play/pause, next track or call assistant.
• 🔊 Low latency: To play or watch videos, turn on Game Mode in the headphone settings (available on AirDots 3 Pro and later) to reduce the latency to 80-100 ms.
• 🔋 Charge level check: On Android, install the Mi Bluetooth Battery widget, which shows the charge of each headphone and case separately. On iOS, this information is displayed by the standard battery widget.
• 🔄 Automatic shutdown: If the headphones are not in use for 5 minutes, they automatically shut down. To change the timeout, you need firmware from third-party developers (not recommended!).

Also worth mentioning are some firmware from enthusiasts, some users install custom firmware (like AirDots Mod) that add:

• 🎛️ Extended equalizer with presets.
• 🔇 Full microphone shutdown mode (useful for privacy)
• 📡 Improved long-distance communication stability.

⚠️ Warning: Installing unofficial firmware is warranty-free and can cause permanent headphone failure. If you're not sure about your skills, you're better off taking no risks. Official updates are released through the Mi Home app and are completely secure.

7. Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after connecting properly with Xiaomi AirDots, there can be problems, and we have compiled the most common ones and ways to fix them.

If none of these methods worked, maybe the problem is the hardware breakdown.

• 🛠️ Contact the Xiaomi service center (if headphones are guaranteed).
• 🔍 Check the headphones on another device (like a friend's phone) to rule out a problem with your smartphone.
• 📦 If the headphones are new and do not work out of the box, return them to the seller under warranty.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions