Why charging Xiaomi Redmi Airdots is more important than you think
Xiaomi Redmi Airdots wireless headphones have become a hit with users due to a combination of price, sound quality and compactness. But even such simple devices require the right treatment β especially when it comes to charging. Failure to follow basic rules can lead to rapid battery wear, unstable operation, or even a case breakdown.
Many owners face typical problems: headphones do not charge in a case, the indicator does not burn as expected, or the battery goes down too quickly. Most often these problems are not related to defects, but to errors in operation. In this article, we will discuss all the charging methods for different Redmi Airdots models (including the Airdots S, Airdots 2 and Pro), explain how to avoid common errors, and give tips for extending the battery life.
We'll focus on the hidden nuances that aren't mentioned in the official instructions, like why you can't use powerful smartphone chargers, how to store your headphones in a case, and what to do if one headphone charges longer than the other. If you've just bought a Redmi Airdots or have been using them for a long time, but want to optimize the charging process, this article is for you.
What models Redmi Airdots are and how they differ in charging
Xiaomi Redmi Airdots range includes several models, and although the charging principle of the two is similar, there are important differences.
- π§ Redmi Airdots (first generation, 2019) - basic model with a case of 300 mAh and headphones of 40 mAh each. Charging only through Micro-USB, no fast charging.
- π§ Redmi Airdots S (2020) β improved version with a case for 350 mAh and Bluetooth 5.0 support. Charging is still via Micro-USB, but charging time is reduced.
- π§ Redmi Airdots 2 / Airdots 2S (2020-2021) β case 400 MACh, headphones on. 55 There's a connector. USB-C (In some versions, support AAC pitch-wise.
- π§ Redmi Airdots 3 / 3 Pro (2021-2022) β case 500 MACh, headphones on. 60 mAh, full-fledged USB-C, fast charging (up to) 1.5 full-cycle).
The main difference in charging is the type of connector (Micro-USB or USB-C) and battery capacity. For example, the Redmi Airdots 3 Pro charges almost 2 times faster than the first generation, thanks to increased charging current.
Important: if you have a Micro-USB model, you can't use cables from modern USB-C smartphones, which can damage the case charging port. Always check the cable's compatibility!
Step-by-step instructions: how to charge the case and headphones
The Redmi Airdots charging process consists of two steps: charging the case itself and charging the headphones inside it, and we'll go through both in detail.
Charging the case
- Connect the cable to the case. For models with Micro-USB, use the original cable from the kit. For USB-C, any certified cable (for example, from Xiaomi, Samsung or Anker) will work.
- Connect the other end of the cable to the charger. The optimal charging current is 1A (5V). Powerful charging (2A and higher) can shorten battery life.
- The indicator on the case will flash red (unloaded) or burn white (charging is going), when the case is fully charged, the indicator will go out or light up green (depending on the model).
Charging headphones in the case
- Place both earbuds in the case. Make sure the contacts on the headphones match the contacts in the case (they should "click").
- Close the case cover. The headphones will start charging automatically if the case is sufficiently charged (at least 10-15%).
- The headphones (if any) will flash red while charging. On Airdots 3 Pro models, you can check the charge level through the Mi Home app.
Full charge time:
| Model | Case charging time | Time to charge headphones in the case | Max. Headphone time. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Airdots (1st generation) | ~2.5 hours | ~1.5 hours | 4 hours |
| Redmi Airdots S | ~2 hours | ~1.2 hours | 4.5 hours |
| Redmi Airdots 2 / 2S | ~2 hours | ~1 hour | 5:00 |
| Redmi Airdots 3 Pro | ~1.5 hours | ~40 minutes. | 6 hours |
Make sure that the contacts of the headphones and the case are clean
Use an original or certified cable
Check charging indicators (color and blinking)
Do not leave the case on charging for more than 3 hours in a row-->
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes that shorten the lifespan of Redmi Airdots, and here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:
β οΈ Warning: If the headphones are not charging in the case, check if the contacts are dirty. Often the cause is a buildup of dust or sweat. Wipe the contacts with an alcohol wipe and try again.
- π Use non-original chargers. Cheap charges can give off unstable voltages, which can cause the battery to overheat. Use labeled chargers. 5V/1A or 5V/2A from proven brands.
- π Keeping your headphones discharged. If you leave your Airdots without charge for a few weeks, your battery may fail. Charge your case at least once every 2 weeks, even if you don't use your headphones.
- π‘οΈ Charging at extreme temperatures. Do not leave the case on charging in direct sunlight or in a cold room (below). +5Β°C) Optimum temperature for charging β 10-35Β°C.
- π If you turn off the case from charging to full charge, it can lead to a "memory effect" of the battery. 100% once 2-3 cycle.
Another common problem is uneven charging of the headphones, and if one headphone charges longer than the other, it may be due to:
- Contamination of contacts in the case or on the headphone.
- Battery wear in one of the headphones (typical for models over 1.5 years old).
- Software failure (solved by resetting settings via Mi Home).
What to do if the case is not charged at all?
How to extend the life of Redmi Airdots battery
The batteries in wireless headphones wear out over time, but proper care can slow this process down significantly. Here are some tips from experts:
- π Charging cycles. Try to keep the case and the headphones from running full. 20-30% Full discharge (up to the remaining charge) 0%) reduce battery life.
- π Use original accessories. Xiaomi's cables and chargers are optimized for Redmi Airdots and provide stable voltage.
- π± Update your firmware. The Mi Home app periodically releases updates to improve power management. For example, Airdots 3 Pro has 10 times more time after upgrading to version 1.4.5%.
- π§Ό Clean the contacts. Once a month, wipe the headphones and case contacts with a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol, which improves conductivity and prevents corrosion.
You should also pay attention to storage conditions, if you do not use headphones for a long time:
- Charge the case and headphones to 50-60%.
- Store in a dry place at room temperature.
- Turn on your headphones every 1-2 months and discharge/charge them to 100% to keep your battery healthy.
π‘
If the headphones start to run out quickly, try calibrating the battery: completely discharge them before turning them off, then charge to 100% without interruption. Repeat the procedure 2-3 times.
Frequent problems and their solutions
Even when used properly, there can be problems, and let's look at the typical scenarios and how to fix them.
Problem 1: Case is not charging
Possible causes and solutions:
- π Problem with the cable or the charger. Try another cable and the power supply. If the case starts charging, the problem is the accessories.
- π Charging port malfunction. Check the port for damage or debris. Clean it carefully if necessary.
- π Charging controller failure. Try to reset the case by pressing the button on 15-20 If that doesn't work, call the service.
Problem 2: Headphones donβt charge in the case
What to do:
- Check if the headphones are properly installed in the case (should be a click).
- Wipe the contacts on headphones and in the case with alcohol.
- Make sure the case itself has a charge (the indicator should burn when you press the button).
- If you only have one headphone problem, try swapping it. If the second headphone is charging and the first one isn't, it's the headphone problem.
Problem 3: Fast discharge of headphones
Possible causes:
- π΅ High volume. At maximum volume, the operating time is reduced by 30-40%. Try to lower the volume to 70-80%.
- πΆ Unstable Bluetooth connection. If the signal is weak, the headphones spend more energy on maintaining communication.
- π Battery wear: If headphones are older than 2 years, it may be time to replace the battery (at the service center).
π‘
If the headphones discharge in 1-2 hours at normal volume - this is a sign of a malfunction of the battery. In this case, self-repair is not recommended, contact an authorized service.
Alternative charging methods
Sometimes the standard way to charge via cable is not available. Let's look at the alternatives.
Charging from power bank
You can charge a Redmi Airdots case from an external battery (power bank), the main thing is to follow two rules:
- Use power bank with 5V/1A or 5V/2A output.
- Do not charge in the cold (below +10 Β° C) - this can damage the battery of the case.
Charging from a laptop or computer
USB-A laptop or PC port is also suitable, but there are nuances:
- π» USB 2.0 gives current to 0.5A, So charging will be slower (up to 4 hours).
- β‘ USB 3.0 (Blue ports) can give up to 0.9A, closer to optimal current.
- β οΈ Don't use it. USB-hubs without separate power supply β they may not provide sufficient current.
Wireless charging (only for some models)
Redmi Airdots 3 Pro and later support wireless charging according to Qi standard.
- Place the case on a wireless charging station (e.g., Xiaomi Wireless Charging Pad).
- Make sure the indicator on the case is lit (white or green).
- The charging time wirelessly increases by 20-30% compared to wired.
β οΈ Note: Not all wireless charging is compatible with Redmi Airdots.Use devices with power 5W or 10W Cheap charging can overheat the case.