How to insert headphones Xiaomi AirDots in the ears: instructions with photos and tips

Xiaomi AirDots wireless headphones (including AirDots Basic, Pro, SE and 3 Pro) have become some of the most popular accessories due to the combination of price, sound quality and convenience. However, even such compact devices can cause difficulties for a beginner: improper landing leads to loss during movement, discomfort during prolonged wearing or deterioration of sound insulation. In this article, we will analyze the step-by-step algorithm for putting on, selecting earpieces, checking for leakiness, and give tips on adapting to a new form of headphones.

It's important to understand that the anatomy of the ear is different for everyone -- what sits perfectly on one person may not work for another. So there's no universal recommendation, but there are proven techniques that work 90% of the time. We'll also look at common mistakes (like twisting the earpieces or the wrong position of the bow) and explain how to avoid them. If you've just unpacked a new pair of AirDots or have been using them for a long time, but haven't found comfort, this guide is for you.

1. Preparation of headphones for the first use

Before you insert Xiaomi AirDots in your ears, you need to follow a few mandatory steps, this applies to both new headphones and those that have not been used for a long time:

• 🔋 Charge the case and headphones. Even if the indicator shows charge, connect the case to the power source for 10-15 minutes, this ensures that the battery does not run out during the setup. In AirDots 3 Pro models, the charge level can be checked through the Mi Home app.
• 🧼 Clean the bottles and the case. In the workplace or during storage, microparticles of dust or protective lubricant may remain on the surface. Use a dry wipe made of microfiber (not wet!).
• 🔍 Check the package. The box should have headphones, case, cable. USB-C (Micro-USB for older models, 3-4 pairs of interchangeable bottles of different sizes and instructions.

Pay special attention to interchangeable earpieces, which are marked with the letters S (small), M (medium), L (large). By default, headphones are usually M, but this does not mean that they will suit you. For example, a narrow ear canal may require a size S, and for a wide ear canal - L.

⚠️ Warning: Don't try to remove the earpieces with your nails or sharp objects - this can damage the silicone. gently pull over the edge with your fingers while scrolling through the earpiece.

2. How to determine the correct size of the bottles

Incorrectly selected insulations are the main reason why Xiaomi AirDots fall out or cause pain.

1. Take an M sized earpiece (set by default) and insert the earpiece into your ear without the music being turned on.
2. Pull the earphone down lightly - if it slipped out effortlessly, the size is too large.
3. If you feel pressure or pain after 1-2 minutes, the earpiece is too small.

For accuracy, repeat the test with different sizes. The ideal option is when the earpiece is tight but not pressing, and the sound of the external environment is muted by 60-70%. In AirDots Pro 2 and newer models, the earpieces are oval-shaped — they are better at repeating the contours of the ear, but the selection of size remains relevant.

3. Step-by-step instruction: how to insert Xiaomi AirDots into your ears

Once the size of the bottles is matched, we move on to the process itself.

1. Take the headphone by the body (not the earpiece!) With your thumb and index fingers, press the plastic part with the microphone without touching the silicone nozzle.
2. Turn the earphone forward. On the AirDots Basic and Pro, the bow is angled, and it should be looking upwards, not forwards.
3. Pull the ears up and back, and that opens the ear canal for a deeper entrance of the ear canister.
4. Insert the headphone at an angle of 15-20°. Direct it first inward, then scroll forward slightly so that the arch is fixed on the cartilage.
5. Press the body lightly. You should hear a slight click, which means that the ear canal has been sealed.

Repeat the procedure for the second earpiece, and if one of them is worse, try changing the earpieces, sometimes the left and right ears need different sizes.

The headphone does not fall out when the head is tilted.|The sound of the environment is muted, but not completely blocked.|No pain or pressure in 5 minutes|Microphone directed to mouth (for noise-canceling models)-->

For models with active noise cancellation (AirDots 3 Pro, AirDots Pro 2) after wearing, turn on the ANC mode in the settings - this will help assess the tightness. If the noise cancellation is weak, then the bottles are chosen incorrectly.

4.Typical mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes that spoil the experience of Xiaomi AirDots.

• 🌀 The silicone nozzle should sit flat, without folds, if it is twisted, the sound will be distorted, and the leakiness will be disturbed.
• 🔄 The arch (plastic tail) should rest against the coil (cartilage over the earlobe) rather than hanging in the air.
• 🎧 Using different sized earpieces: If one ear is M and the other has L, it can cause discomfort if you wear it for a long time.
• 🚫 Some users wear headphones shallowly for fear of damaging the ear, leading to poor sound insulation and risk of losing the earphone.

Another common problem is discomfort in the cartilage after 30-60 minutes of wearing, which is because the earbuds press on the goat (the cartilage ledge at the entrance to the ear canal).

• Try turning the headphone on 5-10° neckward.
• Use foam embusures (sold separately) - they are softer than silicone.
• Take breaks every 45 minutes, removing the headphones for 2-3 minutes.

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If your headphones keep falling out when you run, try putting them backwards (arc backwards) is a non-standard way to do it, but it works for some users with an unusual shape of the ear.

5. How to get used to new headphones: tips for adaptation

If you have previously used a different form of headphones (such as Apple AirPods or wired plugs), Xiaomi AirDots may seem uncomfortable for the first 2-3 days. This is normal – the ear needs time to adapt.

• ⏱️ Wear headphones in short sessions. Start with 15-20 minutes a day, gradually increasing the time.
• 🎵 Listen to music at medium volume, and loud sound creates additional pressure on your eardrum, which increases discomfort.
• 🧘 Massage the ears. Massage the goat and earlobe in circular motions before wearing, which will improve circulation and reduce sensitivity.

For touch-controlled models (AirDots 3 Pro), try not to touch the first days – get used to the landing first. Also avoid wearing headphones while sleeping (even if they seem comfortable) – this can lead to swelling of the ear canal.

6. Checking of leakage and sound quality

The correct landing of Xiaomi AirDots directly affects the sound. To assess the tightness, perform a simple test:

1. Include a track with pronounced low frequencies (for example, electronic music with bass).
2. If the bass sounds deaf or "drum", the ambusheure is too large or loosely fit.
3. If the bass is barely audible, the earpiece is too small or the earpiece is not inserted deep enough.

To check the microphone (relevant for models with ENC-noise reduction):

• Record a voice message in a quiet room.
• Listen to the recording – your voice should sound clear, without hissing or echoing.
• If the sound is muffled, check the position of the microphone holes (they should be directed to the mouth).

In AirDots Pro 2 and later, there is a built-in leak test in the Mi Home app. Go to Headphone Settings → Check the landing, and the system will assess how tightly the earpieces are sitting.

(1) The earphone does not fall out when the head moves sharply.

(2) External sounds are muted but not completely blocked (you should hear loud speech nearby).

(3) Low frequencies sound rich, without distortion.-->

7 Care for earbuds and headphones for long-term comfort

Over time, silicone embroideries lose elasticity, accumulate earwax and dust, which worsens the tightness, to extend their lifespan:

• 🧼 Clean the bottles 1-2 times a week. Use a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol (not in water.
• 🌡️ Do not store your headphones in a hot or humid place. High temperatures deform silicone. It is optimal to keep them in a case at room temperature.
• 🔄 Change the bottles every 6-12 months. Even with careful care, silicone loses its elasticity. Original parts can be bought on AliExpress or at Xiaomi's branded stores.

If the slacks have become sticky or have lost their shape, you can try to restore them:

1. Wash with warm water and soap (do not use aggressive detergents!).
2. Place for 10 minutes in a bowl of rice - it will absorb excess moisture.
3. If the deformation is severe, replace it with new ones.

⚠️ Warning: Never use hydrogen peroxide or vinegar to clean the bags, because they destroy silicone.

FAQ: Frequent questions about wearing Xiaomi AirDots