How to turn on Xiaomi AirDots 3 headphones: detailed instructions with tips for setting up

Why you can’t turn on AirDots 3 and what to do

Xiaomi AirDots 3 wireless headphones (also known as Redmi AirDots 3 or Mi True Wireless Earphones 3) have become one of the most popular headphones. TWS-The combination of price, sound quality and battery life makes it difficult for users to start using headphones, but even with this simple technique, the main problem is that there is no physical power button. Instead, it uses sensory control, which is not always intuitive.

If your AirDots 3 isn’t on, the reasons can range from a discharged case to software failures. In this article, we’ll look at all the ways to turn on, from basic to alternative methods, and how to avoid common mistakes.

Before proceeding to the instructions, check:

• ⚡ Case Charge: The indicator should burn when connected to the charge (if not, the problem is in the cable or port).
• 🔋 Headphone charge level: put them in the case for 10-15 seconds – if the indicators on the headphones do not light up, they are discharged.
• 📱 Device Compatibility: AirDots 3 works with Bluetooth 5.0+, It can also be used in older versions (with limitations).

Basic way of inclusion: touch control

Unlike previous models, the AirDots 3 lacks mechanical buttons, instead using a touchpad on each earphone that responds to touch, to turn on the headphones:

1. Take both earphones out of the case. They should automatically turn on (indicators blink white).
2. If this does not happen, touch and hold the touchpad on any of the headphones for 3-5 seconds until you hear the beep and see the indicator flashing.
3. Repeat the action for the second headphone if they are not synchronized automatically.

Important: the sensor only responds to prolonged touch (not a short press!). If the headphones don't respond, try:

• 🧹 Clean the touchpad of dust or moisture (use a dry wipe).
• 🔄 Reboot the headphones: Put them in the case for 10 seconds, then pull out.
• 🔋 Check the charge: if the indicator on the case is burning red, the headphones will not turn on.

Case charge ≥ 20%|Headphones clean and dry|Bluetooth on your smartphone is enabled|Distance to device ≤ 1 metre-->

If the headphones are turned on, but not synchronized with each other (only one indicator burns), put them back in the case for 15 seconds, then pull out - this will reset the connection.

How to sync AirDots 3 with each other

One of the most common problems is when one earphone connects to the phone and the other is silent, which means that the earphones didn't pair together.

1. Put both headphones in the case and close the lid for 10 seconds.
2. Pull them out and hold the touchpads on both headphones simultaneously for 10-15 seconds until the lights start flashing alternately red and white.
3. Release – the headphones should emit an audible signal and synchronize (the indicators will light up white).

If the synchronization is not successful:

• 🔄 Repeat the procedure 2-3 times (sometimes several attempts are required).
• 📱 Remove headphones from the list of Bluetooth devices on your smartphone before reconnecting.
• 🔋 Charge the case to 100% - at low charge, synchronization can get lost.

Connecting to a smartphone: step-by-step instructions

Once the headphones are successfully turned on and synced, they need to be connected to a smartphone, a process slightly different for Xiaomi devices and other brands.

For smartphones Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO:

1. Open Settings → Bluetooth and turn it on.
2. Get the headphones out of the case - they should appear on the list as Mi True Wireless Earphones 3 or Redmi AirDots 3.
3. Click on the device name and confirm the connection.

For Android/iOS from other brands:

1. Turn on Bluetooth in the settings.
2. Hold the touchpad on any headphone for 3 seconds until the indicator starts flashing quickly (search mode).
3. Select Mi True Wireless Earphones 3 from the list of devices.

If the headphones are not listed:

• 🔄 Reboot Bluetooth on your smartphone (turn off/on).
• 📱 Remove all previously saved devices called AirDots or Mi Earphones.
• 🚫 Turn it off. VPN Power saving modes – they can block device search.

💡

If the headphones are plugged in but the sound is interrupted, try turning off the AAC codec in Bluetooth settings (if there is such an option) and switch to SBC.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Many AirDots 3 problems are caused by user missteps, and here are the most common errors and solutions:

Another common mistake is using a non-original charging cable, because cheap cables may not provide enough current to charge the case, which means the headphones don't turn on. Always use a kit cable or a certified USB-C.

⚠️ Attention: if after falling or getting moisture headphones stopped turning on, do not try to disassemble them - this can lead to a short circuit.

Alternative ways to turn on (if the sensor is not working)

If touch panels don’t respond to touch, try these methods:

1. Hard reset: Put the headphones in the case. Open the lid and hold the button on the case (if any) for 10 seconds. Pull out the headphones -- they should automatically turn on.
2. Connect to charge: Connect the case to charge for 5-10 minutes, then pull out the headphones. Sometimes it wakes them up.
3. Use a second device: Try connecting your headphones to another smartphone or tablet – sometimes this helps to wake them up.

If none of these methods worked, it may be the firmware problem. In rare cases, headphones require flashing through software like the Mi Earphones App, but that is risky and can be unwarranted.

💡

Before a hard reset, make sure that the case is charged at least 30% - otherwise the procedure may end in error.

How to check the performance of headphones

To make sure AirDots 3 is working correctly, follow the following steps:

1. Sound check: 🎵 Turn on music and alternately close each headphone with your hand - the sound should switch to active. 🔊 Make sure the sound comes from both headphones (sometimes one may be quieter due to a clogged grid).
2. Microphone check: 📞 Call a friend or record a voice message – your voice should be clearly transmitted. 🎤 If the microphone is not working, clean the holes on the headphones (use a toothpick).
3. Sensor check: 👆 Touch the touch panel 1 time (should work pause/playback). 👆 Double touch - the next track. 👆 Triple touch - previous track.

If some features don’t work, try resetting your headphone settings (see section above) or updating your firmware through the official Mi Earphones app.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi AirDots 3