How to sync headphones Xiaomi AirDots: full instruction with solutions to problems

Xiaomi AirDots headphones (including AirDots Pro, AirDots 3, AirDots Youth, and others) remain among the most popular wireless headsets due to the combination of price, sound quality and convenience. However, many users face difficulties in the first synchronization โ€” the headphones are not located, only one of them connects, or the connection is constantly interrupted. In this article, we will analyze all possible ways of connecting (to a smartphone, PC, Mac, and even a TV), and solve typical problems.

The AirDots feature is True Wireless, where each headphone connects independently, and it requires the right sequence of actions, especially if you sync them for the first time or after a reset. We'll look at not only the standard process, but also hidden features like low latency for games, and also explain why sometimes headphones refuse to work with iPhones or laptops on Windows.

1. Preparation of headphones Xiaomi AirDots for synchronization

Before you first connect, you need to make sure that the headphones are charged and in pairing mode.

  • ๐Ÿ”‹ Case and headphone charge: Connect the case to the power source for 10-15 minutes, even if the indicator shows residual charge.
  • ๐ŸŽง Removing headphones: Take both earphones out of the case - they should automatically turn on (blitzes white indicator).If this does not happen, press and hold the touchpad on each earphone for 3-5 seconds.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Reset to factory settings (if previously connected): Place the headphones back in the case, then press and hold the button on the case for 15 seconds until the indicator starts flashing red and white.

Important: If the indicator on the case flashes red, it means low charge (less than 20%), in which case the synchronization may be interrupted. Charge the case to green or white.

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If the headphones do not respond to touch, wipe the touch panels with a dry wipe โ€“ fat or moisture can block the operation.

2. Standard synchronization with Android-smartphone

The most common scenario is to connect to an Android phone (e.g. Xiaomi, Samsung, Redmi).

  1. Open Settings โ†’ Bluetooth on your phone and turn on the module.
  2. Remove the headphones from the case โ€“ they will automatically go into pairing mode (the indicators will flash red and white).
  3. In the list of available devices, find the name of your model (for example, Mi True Wireless Earphones 2 or Redmi AirDots 3) and tap it.
  4. Confirm the pairing if a request appears.

Once connected successfully, the headphones will light up blue (or go out). If only one headphone is connected, see the problem-solving section.

Headphones are displayed in the list of connected devices|The sound is played in both headphones.|The indicators on the headphones are burning blue or are extinguished|In the Mi mobile app Home/Bluetooth charge-level-->

Some Xiaomi smartphones (such as the Redmi Note 10 or POCO X3) may notify you of additional audio settings.

  • ๐ŸŽต Improved sound (if available)
  • ๐ŸŽฎ Low Delay Mode (for Games)
  • ๐Ÿ”Š Mono mode (if you need to use one headphone)

AirDots (1-generation)|AirDots Pro|AirDots 2/2S|AirDots 3/3 Pro|Redmi AirDots|Another model-->

3. iPhone synchronization (iOS) and features

While AirDots is optimized for Android, it is compatible with the iPhone, but there are some nuances:

  1. Open the settings โ†’ Bluetooth on the iPhone.
  2. Take the headphones out of the case and wait until they appear in the list of Other devices (can take up to 30 seconds).
  3. Slip on the model name. If the connection is not happening, turn off and turn on Bluetooth again on the iPhone.

On iOS, the following problems may occur:

  • โš ๏ธ No charge indicator: iPhone doesn't display headphone battery level (this is normal for most AirDots models).
  • โš ๏ธ Sound is interrupted: Turn off the Automatic Sound Switch function in Bluetooth settings.
  • โš ๏ธ Only one headphone is connected: Reset the headphones (see Section 5) and repeat pairing.
Why iPhones can't see AirDots?
On the iPhone, there is a restriction on connecting devices with uncertified Bluetooth chips. If the headphones don't appear in the list, try: 1. Reboot the iPhone. 2. Connect the headphones to another device (Android), then try again on the iPhone. 3. Update iOS to the latest version (old versions had bugs with Bluetooth 5.0).

4. Connection to a laptop or PC (Windows, macOS, Linux)

Syncing with your computer requires a little more action, especially on Windows, where additional drivers may be needed.

For Windows 10/11:

  1. Press Win + I, select Devices โ†’ Bluetooth and other devices.
  2. Turn on Bluetooth and press Add Device โ†’ Bluetooth.
  3. Select Xiaomi AirDots from the list. If the device is not found, update Bluetooth drivers through Device Manager.

For macOS:

On a MacBook or iMac, the process is simpler:

  1. Open System settings โ†’ Bluetooth.
  2. Take the headphones out of the case, they should appear on the list. Press Connect.

On Linux (Ubuntu, Mint, etc.), use Bluetooth Manager or command in the terminal:

bluetoothctl


power on




agent on




scan on




pair [MAC- headphone address]

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On Windows 10 PCs, you sometimes need to disable Hands-Free Profile (HFP) support in your headphone settings to avoid sound issues.

5. Common Problems and Their Solutions

Only one headphone is connected.

This is the most common problem. Causes and solutions:

Reason.Decision
The headphones are not synchronized with each other.Place both headphones in the case, wait for the red flash, then pull out and plug in again.
One earpiece is dead.Check the charge via the mobile app (if supported) or charge the case.
Firmware failureReset the headphones (hold the button on the case for 15 seconds), then update the firmware through Mi Home.
Conflict with another deviceForget the headphones on all previously connected gadgets, then pair again.

Headphones are not on the list of devices

  • ๐Ÿ”Œ Bluetooth Module Problem: Reboot your phone/PC and turn Bluetooth on again.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Conflict with other devices: Disable all other Bluetooth headsets within range.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Outdated firmware: Update your headphones via Mi Home (if the model is supported).

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If the headphones are connected but the sound is only one, try turning off the HD Audio option in your phoneโ€™s Bluetooth settings โ€“ sometimes this helps.

6. Additional settings and hidden functions

After successful synchronization, you can configure AirDots to your needs:

  • ๐ŸŽต EQUALIZER: In the Mi Home application (for supported models) presets of sound are available: Bass, Clarity, Balance.
  • ๐ŸŽฎ Low Latency Mode: Included in Bluetooth settings on your phone (needed for games to keep sound from the picture).
  • ๐Ÿ”Š Voice notifications: Some models (such as AirDots 3 Pro) can enable voice voiceover of charge level and connection status.
  • ๐Ÿ”‹ Automatic Shutdown: Configures the time of inactivity before disconnection (default - 5 minutes).

For models with Mi AI Assistant support (such as AirDots 3 Pro), you can configure the voice assistant:

  1. Open Mi Home and select your headphones.
  2. Go to the voice assistant settings.
  3. Select Mi AI, Google Assistant or Siri (for iPhone).
How to turn on the transparency mode (Ambient Mode)?
This feature is only available in AirDots 3 Pro and AirDots Pro 2. To activate it: 1. Touch and hold the touchpad on any headphone for 2 seconds. 2. You will hear an audible signal, and external sounds will begin to pass through the microphones. 3. Repeat the action to turn off the mode.

7. Update firmware and reset settings

If the headphones are unstable, you may need to update the firmware.

  1. Install the Mi Home app (available for Android and iOS).
  2. Put the headphones on the phone.
  3. Open Mi Home, find your AirDots in the list of devices.
  4. If an update is available, a notification will appear โ€“ follow the instructions on the screen.

โš ๏ธ Warning: Do not interrupt the upgrade process or put the headphones in the case.This can lead to loss of communication between the headphones.

If the update doesnโ€™t work, do a full reset:

  1. Put both earbuds in the case.
  2. Press and hold the button on the case for 20 seconds until the indicator flashes red and white.
  3. Take out the headphones and reconnect.

8. Compatibility with other devices (TV, game consoles)

Xiaomi AirDots can be connected not only to phones and PCs, but also to other gadgets:

  • ๐Ÿ“บ TVs: Most Smart TV (For example, Xiaomi Mi TV, Samsung, LG) Support Bluetooth connection. Use the Settings menu โ†’ Sound. โ†’ Bluetooth devices.
  • ๐ŸŽฎ Game consoles: PlayStation 4/5: Supports AirDots, but a Bluetooth adapter may be needed if the console can't see the headphones.Nintendo Switch: Connection is only possible in mode TV Mode (via Bluetooth adapter).
  • ๐Ÿ’ป Tablets: The process is similar to connecting to a smartphone (see section 2).

โš ๏ธ Note: On PlayStation and Xbox, you may experience microphone problems โ€“ in this case, use headphones only to play audio, and for voice, connect a separate microphone.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can you use Xiaomi AirDots with two devices at the same time?
No, AirDots only support connecting to one device at a time. To switch, disconnect them from the first gadget and connect them to the second.
Why do headphones discharge quickly?
Reasons: Maximum volume use. Low latency (consumes more power) Battery wear (after 1.5-2 years, capacity decreases by 20โ€“30%) Solution: Turn off unnecessary functions in Mi Home and charge the case at least 1 time every 2 days.
How to check the firmware version on AirDots?
Open the Mi Home app, select your headphones, and go to Settings โ†’ About device. The firmware version will be listed in the Information section.
Can I change the airbags to AirDots?
Yes, but only on the AirDots Pro and AirDots 3 Pro, which have removable earpieces, and you can't replace them for other models, you have to buy new headphones.
What to do if the headphones are not turned on?
Try: Charge the case for 1 hour. Reset the headphones (hold the button on the case for 20 seconds). Check the contacts in the case for oxidation (clean with alcohol). If it does not help, contact the service center (possible malfunction of the power controller).