How to connect headphones Xiaomi AirDots to the iPhone: full instructions with solutions to problems

Xiaomi AirDots (including the Pro 2/3, Lite, SE and Youth Edition) have become a popular choice among iPhone users due to a combination of price, sound quality and convenience. However, the process of connecting them to Apple devices has nuances that often raise questions. Unlike Android devices that use the MIUI Pop-up protocol, iPhones require manual tuning through the standard Bluetooth menu.

In this article, you will find a step-by-step instruction with illustrations of key points, an analysis of typical errors (for example, when the headphones are not identified or connected only by one), as well as hidden functions available after pairing. Special attention is paid to the models AirDots Pro 3 and AirDots 3, which support the development of the new model. AAC-If you’ve used Apple AirPods headphones before, comparing them to Xiaomi will help avoid common misconceptions.

1. Preparation of headphones Xiaomi AirDots to connect

Before pairing with an iPhone, you need to put the headphones in search mode, which varies depending on the model:

• 🔋 For new headphones: Take them out of the charging case - they will automatically go into pairing mode when first turned on.
• 🔄 For previously used: Place both headphones in the case, then hold the button on the case for 5-10 seconds (on AirDots Pro 3 - 15 seconds) until the indicator starts flashing white/red.
• 🎧 If the headphones are disconnected: Remove both from the case, hold the buttons on both headphones for 3 seconds (until double beeping).

On AirDots Youth Edition and Lite, the button on the case can be touch-sensitive, in which case the touch is held until the indicator flashes. Importantly, if the indicator flashes blue, the headphones are already paired with another device and need to be reset (instruction in section 4).

Charge the case to 30%+|Remove both earphones|Hold the case button until blinking|Check the color of the indicator (white/red)-->

2. Step-by-step instruction for connecting to the iPhone

The pairing algorithm is the same for all iPhone models (from iPhone 6s to iPhone 15 Pro Max), but may differ depending on the version of iOS:

1. Open Settings → Bluetooth on your iPhone and turn on Bluetooth (the slider should turn green).
2. Make sure that Xiaomi AirDots headphones are in search mode (see section 1). The list of devices will appear Mi True Wireless Earphones (or Redmi AirDots for budget models).
3. Slip on the headphones. In 3-5 seconds, it says Connected. Some iPhone models may require a pair confirmation on the screen.
4. Check the sound: run music or video – audio should automatically switch to AirDots.

On iOS 17.+ After the connection, a notification of support will appear AAC-If the headphones are connected but no sound, check the volume level on the case (on some models it is adjusted separately).

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If the headphones don't appear on the list, try turning off/on Bluetooth on your iPhone or restarting your device. Sometimes resetting your network settings (Settings) helps. → Mainstream → Removing or resetting iPhone → Reset → Reset the network settings).

3. Solving Connection Problems

Typical errors when pairing Xiaomi AirDots with iPhone and how to fix them:

If AirDots Pro 3 headphones are connected but quickly disconnected, check the firmware version through the Mi Home app (available for Android, but you can use an emulator). For iPhone, the current firmware should be at least 3.5.1 (for models 2022-2026).

4. How to reset the headphone settings Xiaomi AirDots

If the headphones were previously paired with another device or are unstable, perform a hard reset:

• 📱 Place both headphones in the charging case and close the lid.
• 🔄 Hold the button on the case for 20 seconds (on AirDots Pro 3 – 25 seconds) until the indicator starts flashing red and white.
• 🎵 Remove the headphones – they will automatically go into pairing mode.

On models without a physical button (such as AirDots 3), the reset is done by triple tapping the touchpad on the case for 10 seconds. EQ-setting.

5. Sound and control optimization on iPhone

After connecting, configure Xiaomi AirDots for maximum comfort:

• 🎛️ Setting up EQ: In Apple Music or Spotify, choose Preset Bass Boost or Electronics – this compensates for the features of Xiaomi’s sound.
• 🔇 Noise reduction: On AirDots Pro 3 activated by double tapping the left earphone (by default).
• 📞 Microphone: Use the right earphone for calls - it has the main microphone with noise cancellation.

To change the purpose of touches:

1. Open the settings → Bluetooth on the iPhone.
2. Slip on the i icon next to AirDots.
3. Select Button Assignment (available only for ANC-enabled models).

Important: On iPhone, you can’t change the Bluetooth codec manually – the system automatically selects AAC or SBC. To check the current codec, use the Bluetooth Audio Codec Checker app (available from the App Store).

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On iPhones with iOS 16+, Xiaomi AirDots headphones support automatic switching between Apple devices (e.g., from iPhone to MacBook) if they are tied to a single Apple ID.

6.Comparison of Xiaomi AirDots and Apple AirPods on iPhone

While Xiaomi AirDots is cheaper than AirPods, they have limitations when working with iPhones:

Advantages of Xiaomi on iPhone:

• 💰 Price 2-3 times lower with comparable sound quality (especially AirDots Pro 3 with a high-performance LDAC Android).
• 🎧 Deeper basses and regulated EQ via third-party applications.
• 🔋 Quick Case Charging (10 Minutes) = 2 hours of playback).

⚠️ Note: You can’t use Mi Earphones (only available for Android) on iPhone. All audio and control settings are done via the standard iOS menu.

7. Frequent questions and answers