Xiaomi AirDots wireless headphones (including AirDots Pro, AirDots SE, AirDots 3 and AirDots Youth) remain among the most popular gadgets of the brand due to the combination of price, sound quality and convenience. However, many users face difficulties in the first synchronization: headphones are not on the list of devices, only one earphone is connected or the connection is constantly interrupted. In this article, we will analyze all the ways of synchronization from basic connection to a smartphone to solving non-standard problems.
The AirDots feature is that they use TrueWireless (TWS) technology, where each headphone connects independently but syncs with each other via the main (usually the right one), and if it doesn't go as intended, it could be due to firmware errors, Bluetooth profile conflicts, or hardware malfunctions, and we'll look at step-by-step instructions for Android, iOS, and Windows, and give tips for troubleshooting.
1. Preparation of headphones Xiaomi AirDots for synchronization
Before you first connect, make sure that Xiaomi AirDots headphones are ready to pair. A common mistake users make is trying to connect to headphones that are in standby or discharged.
Here's what we need to do:
- π Charge the case and headphones, the minimum charge level for synchronization is 30%. If the indicator on the case does not burn or flashes red, connect it to charging for 15-20 minutes.
- π¦ Remove the headphones from the case. They should automatically turn on (white light flashes). If this does not happen, press and hold the touchpad on each earphone for 3-5 seconds.
- π Reset your previous settings (if the headphones have already connected to another device). To do this, press and hold the touchpads on both headphones simultaneously for 10-15 seconds until the indicators start flashing red and white.
If after these actions, the indicators on the headphones flash red and white alternately, this means that they are ready for synchronization. If only one color flashes (for example, only white), repeat the reset.
β οΈ Note: Some AirDots models (such as AirDots 3 Pro) have a separate reset button on the case. If the standard method didn't work, check the documentation for your model.
2. Synchronization of Xiaomi AirDots with Android-smartphone
Connecting to Android devices (including Xiaomi, Samsung, Realme, etc.) usually goes smoothly, but there are nuances.
- Open Settings β Bluetooth on your phone and turn on the module.
- Remove the headphones from the case. They should appear on the list of available devices like Mi True Wireless Earphones or Redmi AirDots (depending on the model).
- Click on the headphone name on the list. PIN-Type 0000 (standard code for most Xiaomi devices).
- Wait for the "Connected" message. Both earbuds should sync automatically.
If only one headphone is displayed in the list (for example, Mi True Wireless). Earphones_R), This means that the main earpiece (usually the right earpiece) is connected, but the left earphone is not synchronized:
- π Return both headphones to the case, close it for 10 seconds, then reconnect.
- π± Remove the headphones from the list of conjugate devices in Bluetooth settings and try again.
- π Check the charge of the headphones - the left could discharge faster than the right.
βοΈ Check before connecting to Android
Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 12 and later may have a pop-up with a suggestion to install the proprietary Mi Earphones app. It is not necessary for work, but gives access to additional settings, such as equalizer and firmware updates.
3. Connection to iPhone (iOS) and features of the work
While Xiaomi AirDots is optimized for Android, it is compatible with the iPhone, but there are a few important points:
Instructions for iOS:
- Open the settings β Bluetooth on the iPhone.
- Remove the headphones from the case. The device list should be called Mi True Wireless Earphones.
- Click on the name to connect. PIN-code not required.
- Wait 5-10 seconds β both earbuds must connect automatically.
Features of working with iOS:
- π΅ No support. AAC-The headphones will be used. SBC, What can make sound quality worse than Android.
- π± There is no charge indicator in the status bar (unlike AirPods).
- π No way to update the firmware through the official application (it is not available in the App Store).
β οΈ Note: iOS may have a delay in audio when watching videos, due to Apple's Bluetooth stack, and the decision to use headphones only for music or calls.
If the headphones are connected, but the sound is only in one, try:
- Put the headphones back in the case and retrieve them.
- In Bluetooth settings on iPhone, forget the device (Forget this device) and connect again.
- Reboot the iPhone.
4. synchronization with PC (Windows 10/11) and Mac
Connecting Xiaomi AirDots to a computer or laptop has its nuances, especially when it comes to Windows. A common problem is that the headphones connect like Headset instead of Stereo.
Instructions for Windows 10/11:
- Turn on Bluetooth on your PC (via Start β Settings β Devices β Bluetooth).
- Remove the headphones from the case and wait until they appear in the list of available devices.
- Select Mi True Wireless Earphones and click Connect.
- If the sound is only in one headphone, open Control Panel β Sound, find the headphones in the list of playback devices, right-click and select Use as the default device.
If the headphones are defined as a headset (not a Stereo), follow these steps:
- π§ Open Device Manager (Win) + X β Device Manager).
- π Find it in the Bluetooth list and open it up.
- π±οΈ Right-click on Mi True Wireless Earphones and select Update Driver β Search for drivers on this computer β Select a driver from the list.
- π§ Choose Headphones (stereo) instead of Headset.
For the Mac:
The process is similar to the iPhone: open System Settings β Bluetooth, select headphones and connect. On macOS, there is usually no problem with determining the sound profile.
π‘
If your headphones are connected as Headset on Windows, try disabling Handsfree Telephony Support in the Services (services.msc).
5. Synchronization between themselves (left and right earphone)
If Xiaomi AirDots headphones connect to a phone, but only one sound comes, the problem is the inter-ear synchronization. The main headphone (usually the right one) transmits a signal to the left via a separate channel, and if this process is disrupted, the left earphone is silent.
How to restore synchronization:
- Put both headphones in the case and close it for 10 seconds.
- Remove them and wait until the indicators start flashing red and white (pairing mode).
- Connect to them via Bluetooth. If the left earphone is not connected, return it to the case for 5 seconds, then remove it again.
- If the problem persists, perform a hardware reset: press and hold the touchpads on both headphones for 20 seconds until the indicators go out and blink again.
Reasons for non-synchronization:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Left earphone not plugging in | Battery discharged | Charge the case for 30+ minutes |
| The sound is interrupted. | Interference from other Bluetooth devices | Turn off the extra gadgets. |
| Only the right earphone works. | Synchronization failure | Reset the settings (see above) |
| Headphones are undetectable | Outdated firmware | Update via the Mi Earphones app |
β οΈ Note: If the left earphone is still out of sync after reset, this may indicate a hardware malfunction (e.g., damage to the Bluetooth module.
What to do if the reset does not help?
6. Update firmware and solve connection problems
Outdated firmware is one of the main reasons Xiaomi AirDots is unstable, and the manufacturer regularly releases updates that fix synchronization errors and improve sound.
How to update firmware:
- Install the official Mi Earphones app (available for Android on Google Play or APKMirror).
- Put the headphones on the phone.
- Open the application and go to the Firmware Update section.
- If a new version is available, follow the instructions on the screen. Do not interrupt the upgrade process - this can cause the headphones to fail.
If the app doesn't see the headphones:
- π± Make sure they are connected via Bluetooth.
- π Restart the application.
- π AirDots 3 Pro Requires Mi Earphones Version 2.5+. Older models (AirDots 1) may need a Mi Home.
If after the update, the headphones stopped working:
- π Perform the reset (see section 1).
- π΄ Remove them from the list of Bluetooth devices and connect again.
- π Connect the case to charging for 1 hour - sometimes the firmware is reloaded when charging.
π‘
Updating your firmware through unofficial sources (such as third-party firmware) can lead to loss of functionality.
7. Frequent errors and their solutions
Even after successful synchronization, users face typical problems, and let's look at the most common ones.
Problem 1: Headphones are connected, but the sound is interrupted
- πΆ Reason: Interference from other Bluetooth devices or Wi-Fi routers (especially at 2.4GHz).
- π§ Solution: Turn off the extra gadgets or switch the router to 5 GHz. Also try to reduce the distance between the phone and the headphones.
Problem 2: Headphones are quickly discharged
- π Reason: Active use of microphone (for example, for calls) or outdated firmware.
- π§ Solution: Update the firmware and disable the Transparent Mode (if any) function in the headphone settings.
Problem 3: Headphones are not turned on
- π Reason: Full battery discharge or Bluetooth module freeze.
- π§ Solution: Put the headphones in the case and connect it to charge at 30+ If the indicators do not light up, reset (section 1).
Problem 4: Headphones are defined as two separate devices
- π± Reason: Synchronization failure between left and right earphone.
- π§ Solution: Remove both devices from the Bluetooth list, reset your headphones and connect again.