Xiaomi AirDots: how to connect two headphones at the same time – full instruction with solutions to problems

Xiaomi AirDots wireless headphones (including AirDots Pro 2/3, Redmi AirDots and Mi True Wireless Earbuds) have long been popular for their value for money. However, many users face a typical problem: only one headphone works after buying or resetting, and the second one is silent or not determined by the phone, the reason lies in the violation of synchronization between the headphones themselves (called a “stereo pair”) or incorrect connection to the device.

In this article, we’ll look at all the possible ways to connect both headphones, from basic synchronization to solving complex cases when the device “can’t see” one of the modules. Particular attention will be paid to models with a Qualcomm QCC3020 chip (for example, AirDots Pro 2), where the pairing process is different from the budget versions.

Why are both Xiaomi AirDots headphones not connected?

Before we go into the instructions, it's important to understand the root of the problem, and 90 percent of the time, there are three things that are to blame:

• 🔋 A discharged battery in one of the headphones (even if the indicator is on, the voltage may not be enough to synchronize).
• 🔄 Synchronization failure between headphones – they “forgot” each other after resetting or prolonged inactivity.
• 📱 Bluetooth conflict on your phone – especially relevant for iPhone (iOS limits work with “uncertified” devices) or older versions of Android (below 8.0).

Less commonly, the problem is hardware malfunctions: oxidation of contacts in the case, damage to a Bluetooth antenna in one of the headphones or failure of the power controller. If after all the manipulations the second headphone did not work, check it on another device or contact the service center.

Preparing headphones for connection: charging and resetting

Before synchronizing headphones with each other and with your smartphone, follow the basic preparatory steps:

1. Charge the case and headphones to 100%. The indicator on the case should be green (in some models – white). If the indicator flashes red or orange, connect the case to charge for 30-60 minutes.
2. Remove both headphones from the case – they should automatically turn on (blitzes red/white LED).
3. Check the physical condition: whether there is damage to the contacts inside the case or on the headphones themselves (especially the Type-C connector).

If the headphones have already connected to the phone before, but now work separately, perform a full reset:

Place both headphones in the case and close the lid.|Press and hold the button on the case for 15-20 seconds (until the red/white indicator flashes)|Remove the headphones – they should sync automatically (blink alternately)|Remove the device from the list of conjugates in the Bluetooth phone settings-->

Attention! On AirDots Pro 2 and later, the reset is performed differently: you need to quickly press the touch panel of any headphone 5 times within 3 seconds after removing it from the case.

Synchronization of headphones with each other (creation of a stereo pair)

If the headphones are still running separately after reset, they need to be forced to synchronize, a process called "pairing" and different for different generations of AirDots.

Method 1: Automatic synchronization (for most models)

1. Place both headphones in the case and close the lid for 10 seconds.
2. Open the lid – the headphones should automatically turn on and start flashing.
3. Wait for the lights on both earbuds to flash in sync (usually white), which means that the stereo is created.

Method 2: Manual pairing (for AirDots Pro 2/3 and Mi True Wireless)

If the automatic synchronization does not work:

1. Remove both earphones from the case.
2. Press and hold the touchpads on both headphones simultaneously for 10-15 seconds until you hear the beep (or see the lights blinking in unison).
3. Place the headphones back in the case for 5 seconds, then remove - they should connect to each other.

Note: On Qualcomm chip models (such as AirDots Pro 2), a special Mi Earphones app (available for Android) may be required to manually sync, which includes a "Reset Earbuds" feature that restores communication between the headphones.

Connecting a stereo pair to a phone (Android/iOS)

Once the headphones are successfully synchronized, you can connect them to your smartphone, a process that's a little different for Android and iOS.

For Android.

1. Open Settings → Bluetooth and turn it on.
2. Remove the headphones from the case – the model name should appear on the list of available devices (for example, “Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2”).
3. Click on the name, the connection will occur. If the system requests confirmation, select "Connect".

For iPhone (iOS)

iPhones may be in trouble due to Apple's restrictions on uncertified devices.

1. Open Settings → Bluetooth.
2. Remove the headphones from the case and wait until they appear on the list (it may take 20-30 seconds).
3. Click on the device name. If the connection is not happening, turn off and turn on Bluetooth again on the iPhone.

Important: On iOS, some AirDots features (such as touch controls) may not work properly. It is recommended to use an Android device to work properly.

💡

If the headphones connect to the phone but only sound in one, check the sound settings in the app (e.g. Mi Earphones or system settings). Sometimes the stereo balance is confused with "mono".

Table: Common Problems and Solutions

Update of the headphone firmware

If the headphones are unstable (for example, spontaneously switched off or not synced), the reason may lie in outdated firmware, you can update it through the official Mi Earphones app (available for Android):

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Put the headphones on the phone.
3. Open Mi Earphones and go to the "Firmware Update" section.
4. If a new version is available, click "Update" and wait for the process to be completed (don't turn off the headphones!).

Warning: Don't interrupt the upgrade process! This can cause the Bluetooth controller in the headphones to break. If the update freezes, wait for the battery to run out (the headphones will shut down themselves), then repeat the procedure.

💡

The firmware update via Mi Earphones is only available for models with Qualcomm chips (such as AirDots Pro 2). Budget versions (Redmi AirDots) are updated only through the service center.

What do you do if nothing helps?

If after all the manipulations the second headphone still does not work, check the following:

• 🔍 Testing on another device: connect your headphones to another phone or tablet. If the problem persists, a malfunction in your headphones.
• 🔧 Contact check: inspect metal contacts inside the case and on headphones. Oxidation or contamination can disrupt charging and synchronization.
• 📞 Contact the service: if headphones are guaranteed, contact Xiaomi support or contact an authorized service center.

Attention! Don't try to disassemble the headphones yourself, it will lead to a loss of warranty. 80% of the time, the problem is solved software (reset, firmware update), not hardware.

If you bought AirDots hand-held and they don't sync, chances are that the previous owner used unofficial firmware, and then only flashing through the service center will help.

FAQ: Frequent questions about connecting Xiaomi AirDots