How to turn on noise cancellation on Xiaomi AirDots: detailed instructions with photos

Why is AirDots noise cancellation not working as you expect?

Xiaomi AirDots headphones (including Redmi AirDots 3/4 Pro, Mi True Wireless 2 and AirDots Pro 2) feature active noise reduction (ANC), but many users face problems when activating it. The fact that the ANC algorithm in Xiaomi budget models differs from flagship solutions (for example, Sony WH-1000XM5 or Bose QuietComfort).

If you expect total silence, like in studio headphones, Xiaomi AirDots is physically unable to do so because of the limitations of the hardware platform. However, the right setup of ANC can improve sound quality by 30-40%, especially in noisy areas. In this article, we will discuss how to turn on noise cancellation on different models, why it may not work, and what alternative ways to reduce noise exist.

Which Xiaomi AirDots models support noise reduction?

Not all AirDots headphones are equipped with ANC. The function is available only in the following models:

  • 🎧 Redmi AirDots 3 Pro – Hybrid Noise Reduction (ANC + ENC microphone-wise)
  • 🎧 Xiaomi Mi True Wireless 2 is the base ANC (low-frequency)
  • 🎧 Redmi AirDots 4 Pro - Improved ANC level-set
  • 🎧 Xiaomi AirDots Pro 2 / Pro 2s β€” noise-canceling

Redmi AirDots (1st and 2nd generation), AirDots Youth Edition and AirDots Basic models don’t have ANC features. If you’re not sure about your model, check the box or go to Bluetooth Settings β†’ Device Information on your smartphone.

πŸ“Š What AirDots model do you use?
Redmi AirDots 3 Pro
Xiaomi Mi True Wireless 2
Redmi AirDots 4 Pro
Another model
I don't know.

Method 1: Enable ANC through Mi Home / Xiaomi Wear app

The main way to activate noise reduction is through a proprietary application, the instructions are suitable for all supported models:

  1. Download and install Mi Home (for Android) or Xiaomi Wear (for iOS) from official stores.
  2. Connect the headphones to the smartphone via Bluetooth.
  3. Open the app and find the device in the list (Devices β†’ Headphones).
  4. Go to the sound settings. β†’ Noise suppression.
  5. Select a mode: πŸ”‡ ANC Included – Active noise suppression 🌿 Transparent mode – transmitting external sounds βš™οΈ Adaptive – Automatic Switching (not available on all models)

If the app does not have the item "Noise Reduction", update the firmware headphones (see section below) or check the compatibility of the model.

β˜‘οΈ Pre-insertion check ANC

Done: 0 / 4

Method 2: Activation of noise reduction through sensory control

On Redmi AirDots 3 Pro, 4 Pro and AirDots Pro 2 ANC models, you can turn on without the application - through touching the headphone body.

  1. Put on your headphones and make sure they are connected to the device.
  2. Touch and hold the touchpad on any of the headphones for 2-3 seconds.
  3. Wait for the voice alert: πŸ”Š "Noise suppression on" (ANC activated) πŸ”Š "Transparent mode" (ANC switched off, external sounds amplified)

To switch between modes, repeat the retention.

If the headphones do not respond to touch, reset them to factory settings: press the button on the case for 10 seconds (the indicator flashes red).

πŸ’‘

On models that support adaptive ANC (such as AirDots Pro 2s), hold the touchpad for 5 seconds to activate automatic mode switching depending on the level of external noise.

Why Noise Reduction Doesn't Work: 5 Reasons

If the ANC doesn’t turn on or doesn’t work well, check the following points:

Problem.Reason.Decision
ANC is not in the settingsOutdated headphone firmwareUpdate the software through Mi Home
Noise suppression is on, but it doesn't workA loose landing in the earsChoose the right fittings (in the set of 3 sizes)
ANC shuts down spontaneouslyLow battery charge (<20%)Charge your headphones to 100%
There are extraneous sounds (hisping)Interference from other Bluetooth devicesTurn off unnecessary gadgets or reconnect headphones
ANC only works in one headphone.Synchronization failureReset your headphones and reconnect.

If the problem persists, check the headphones on another device (such as a tablet or laptop). Sometimes conflicts arise because of the features of the Bluetooth stack of the smartphone (especially on iPhones or devices with custom firmware).

How to update the firmware AirDots?
1. Open Mi Home and select your headphones. 2. Go to Settings β†’ Firmware Update. 3. If a new version is available, click Update and wait until it is completed (don't turn off Bluetooth!). 4. Once updated, the headphones will automatically restart. Attention: The process takes 3-5 minutes. Don't remove the headphones from the case until it's finished!

Alternative ways to reduce noise (if the ANC is weak)

If the built-in noise reduction is not good for you, try these methods:

  • 🎡 Use uniform sound: Turn on white noise or natural sounds (available on Spotify, YouTube or specialty apps like Noisli) to mask external sounds.
  • πŸ”§ Set up the equalizer: Increase the low frequencies (50–200 Hz) in the smartphone sound settings – this partially compensates for the weaker frequency. ANC.
  • πŸ›‘οΈ Buy a headphone case: Silicone pads (like Comply Foam) improve noise insulation by 15-20%.
  • πŸ“± Activate. ENC For microphone: Redmi AirDots 3 Pro and later has a feature ENC (Environmental Noise Cancellation for microphone – it reduces noise when calling.

For maximum effect, combine ANC with passive noise insulation: correctly select the size of the earpieces and insert the headphones tightly into the ear canal.

πŸ’‘

Noise suppression in budget headphones Xiaomi works on the principle of β€œcheap, but honest”: it will not replace the top-end headphones ANC-headphones, but will significantly improve comfort in transport or office, the main thing is not to expect miracles and properly configure the existing functions.

Comparison of noise reduction in different models of AirDots

To see if it’s worth upgrading for a better ANC, compare the key models:

ModelType ANCEfficiencyAdditionally.
Redmi AirDots 3 ProHybrid (ANC + ENC)Medium (reduces noise by 20-25 dB)Touch control, 28 hours of autonomy
Xiaomi Mi True Wireless 2Basic ANCLow (up to 15 dB)AAC/aptX support, 5 hours of ANC work
Redmi AirDots 4 ProAdaptive ANCHigh (up to 30 dB)3 levels of noise reduction, LDAC
AirDots Pro 2sAdaptive + Transparent ModeVery high (up to 35 dB)Support for fast charging, IP54

If you are critically important quality noise reduction, consider AirDots Pro models 2s or more expensive options from Xiaomi, such as FlipBuds Pro or Buds 4 Pro. ANC-chips and show results at Sony level WF-1000XM4 (but they are in the details).

2. Compare the volume of external noise with the ANC switched off and on.

3.If the difference is noticeable (noise is reduced by 20-30%), the ANC works correctly.

Council

Decibel X

Frequent errors in the use of noise reduction

Many users are misusing the ANC, which causes complaints about its performance.

⚠️ Attention: Don't turn on ANC This puts excessive pressure on the eardrums and can cause discomfort or headaches with prolonged use.

  • 🚫 Use of the ANC In quiet rooms: This function is designed for noisy places, and in silence it can create a vacuum effect and make sound worse.
  • 🚫 Late charging: ANC If the headphone charge is below 20%, the function will automatically shut down.
  • 🚫 Ignoring updates: Xiaomi regularly improves noise-cancellation algorithms. ANC worse.
  • 🚫 Wrong landing: If headphones dangle, ANC It's not effective. You can match the size of the bottles.

Another common problem is hissing or background noise when ANC is activated. This is normal for budget models, but if the noise is too strong, try:

  1. Disable the ANC and turn it back on.
  2. Reset the headphones (put in the case for 10 seconds).
  3. Reset the settings to factory.
Can I turn on noise cancellation on Redmi AirDots 2?
No, the Redmi AirDots 2 model doesn't support ANC. The feature only appeared in AirDots 3 Pro and newer versions.If you need noise cancellation, consider upgrading to AirDots 4 Pro or Mi True Wireless 2.
Why does noise reduction work in only one headphone?
This is a typical problem when you de-synchronize your headphones. Solution: Put both earphones in your case and close the lid. Wait until the light goes out (10-15 seconds); get your headphones out and plug them back in. If it doesn't work, reset (hold the button on your case for 10 seconds); if the problem recurs, go to the service center, there's a hardware defect.
How to turn off noise cancellation if it interferes?
ANC Disablement: Using the Mi Home app: Go to Settings β†’ Noise Reduction β†’ Turned Off. Touch control: Hold the panel on the headphone until you hear "Noise Reduction Off." Activate transparent mode - it turns off the ANC and lets in external sounds. On models without ANC (like AirDots 1/2), the function is simply not on the menu.
How long does the battery last with the ANC on?
Run time depends on the model: Redmi AirDots 3 Pro: up to 5 hours with ANC (20 hours with case); Mi True Wireless 2: up to 4 hours with ANC (18 hours with case); AirDots Pro 2s: up to 6 hours with ANC (24 hours with case). To save battery, turn off ANC in quiet places and use Balance mode (if any).
Can I improve the ANC programmatically?
No, noise reduction algorithms are hardwired into the headphone firmware. But you can: Update the firmware through Mi Home (sometimes Xiaomi optimizes ANC); use third-party equalizer apps (like Wavelet) to tweak the sound; buy better soundproofing insulation insulation insulation insulation (like SpinFit CP360); you can't radically improve the ANC without hardware changes.