Xiaomi Airdots headphones do not synchronize with each other – what to do?

Xiaomi Airdots wireless headphones (including Redmi Airdots, Mi True Wireless Earphones, Air 2/3 Pro and others) have become a popular choice due to the combination of price and quality. However, many users face a common problem: one headphone connects to the phone, and the second one is silent or works separately, the reasons for this behavior can be either software (firmware failure, pairing error) or hardware (battery discharge, damage to contacts).

In this article, we will analyze all possible reasons for the lack of synchronization between Xiaomi headphones and offer step-by-step instructions for troubleshooting – from the simplest methods (reboot, reset) to advanced ones (firmware, repair). Special attention will be paid to the unique features of models with a chip Qualcomm QCC3020 (Air 2 Pro, where the synchronization algorithm differs from the budget versions.

Why Xiaomi Airdots headphones don’t sync: the main reasons

Before you start repairing or settings, it is important to understand what caused the problem, and here are the key factors that can cause the headphones to disconnect:

• 🔋 Different Charge Levels: If one earphone is discharged to 0% and the other is charged, they won’t be able to sync automatically.
• 📱 Firmware failure: after software update or incorrect disconnection, the configuration of the Bluetooth module can fly.
• 🔄 Pairing error: Headphones "forgot" each other after connecting to a new device or resetting phone settings.
• 🛠️ Mechanical damage: oxidation of contacts in the case, falling or getting moisture (relevant for models without protection) IPX4).
• 📡 Bluetooth interference: devices running nearby at 2.4 GHz (Wi-Fi routers, microwaves) can block the signal.

Interestingly, in Xiaomi Air 2S and later, the problem is often associated with automatic codec switching (for example, from SBC to AAC). If the phone does not support the codec selected by the headphones, one of them can “drop out” of communication, you can check this in the Bluetooth settings of your smartphone (section “Sound quality”).

Method 1: Rebooting headphones and case

Start with the simplest one, forced reboot, which works in 60 percent of cases where the problem is caused by a temporary communication failure between the headphones.

1. Place both headphones in the case and close the lid.
2. Wait 10 seconds, then take them out.
3. Press and hold the touch buttons on both headphones for 15 seconds (until the red/white light flashes).
4. Return the headphones to the case, close the lid and wait 30 seconds.
5. Remove them again – they should automatically sync (the indicators will flash alternately white and red).

If the headphones are still out of sync after the reboot, try an alternative method: plug the case into charging for 5 minutes, then repeat the steps above. Sometimes the low charge of the case prevents the earphones from being properly initialized.

Method 2: Resetting headphones to factory

If the reboot didn't work, the next step is to reset the settings completely, which will delete all the connections saved and return the headphones to their original settings, and importantly, after the reset, you have to re-match them with the phone.

Instructions for most Xiaomi Airdots models:

1. Place the headphones in the case and close the lid.
2. Open the lid and hold the button on the case (if any) for 20 seconds. For models without a button on the case, use the touch panels on the headphones themselves (hold 30 seconds).
3. The indicators will flash red and white at the same time, which is a signal of a successful reset.
4. Remove the headphones from the case – they should automatically synchronize (the indicators will flash alternately).

For the Air 2 Pro and Air 3 models, the reset process is different:

1. Get the headphones out of the case.


2. Hold the touch panels on both headphones for 30 seconds.




3. Wait for the double beep and the blinking of purple.




4. Place the headphones back in the case for 10 seconds, then retract.

⚠️ Warning: Once reset, the headphones can be temporarily defined as two separate devices in the Bluetooth list.Do not connect them separately - wait for automatic synchronization (usually takes up to 1 minute).

Method 3: Checking battery charge and case contacts

One of the most common reasons for the lack of synchronization is the insufficient charge of one of the headphones or the case, and the problem may not be obvious: for example, the case shows 30% charge, but because of the oxidation of the contacts, the earphone does not charge.

How to diagnose and eliminate:

• 🔋 Check the charge level of each headphone in the Mi Home or Xiaomi Wear app (Devices section" → "Headphones. If the difference is more than 20%, charge both to 100%.
• 🔍 Check the contacts in the case and on the headphones for oxidation or contamination. Clean them with a cotton swab soaked in alcohol.
• 🔌 Connect the case to another charger (preferably Quick Charge-enabled) and sometimes non-original cables don't provide enough current to charge.

If the problem persists after full charging, try calibrating the battery:

1. Discharge the headphones until completely shut down.
2. Place them in the case and charge for 12 hours (even if the indicator shows 100% sooner).
3. Repeat the discharge / charge cycle 2-3 times.

Method 4: Update the firmware of headphones

In some cases, the lack of synchronization is due to outdated headphone firmware. The manufacturer regularly releases updates that correct Bluetooth pairing errors. You can update the firmware through the official Xiaomi Wear app (formerly Mi Home).

Step-by-step:

1. Install the Xiaomi Wear app from Google Play or the App Store.
2. Connect the headphones to your phone (even if they are not synchronized, one of them should be determined).
3. Open the app, go to Profile → My devices → [Name of your headphones].
4. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Firmware Update.
5. If the update is available, follow the instructions on the screen. Don't turn off the headphones during the process!

For the Air 2 Pro and Air 3, it can take up to 10 minutes to update, the headphones will automatically reboot and Attempt syncs, and if there is no update button in the app, your firmware is up to date.

⚠️ Note: if during the update there is a failure (for example, the headphones will run out or communication will be interrupted), they may stop turning on. In this case, you will need to force firmware through the PC (instructions in the next section).

Method 5: Firmware headphones through a PC (advanced method)

If a standard update doesn’t work or the headphones get “bricked” after a crash, you can use manual firmware through your computer, a technique that requires some technical skills, but is effective in 90% of critical failures.

What you need:

• 💻 Windows computer 10/11 macOS.
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (to connect the case).
• 📁 Firmware for your model (you can download it on the forums) 4PDA or Xiaomi.eu).
• 🛠️ QFlash Tool (for Qualcomm chips) or Mi Flash.

Instructions for Qualcomm QCC3020/3040 chips (Air 2/2S/2 Pro/3 models):

1. Download and unpack the archive with firmware (file with the extension.hex or.bin).


2. Connect the case with headphones to the PC via USB (earphones should be in the case, the cover is open).




3. Run the QFlash Tool, select the port (usually COM3 or COM4).




4. In the "Firmware" section, specify the path to the firmware file.




5.Push "Start" and wait for completion (the indicator on the case will flash red).




6.After successful firmware, the headphones will automatically restart.

For models on the BES2300 chip (budget Redmi Airdots), use the BES Flash Tool. The process is similar, but you may need an additional driver (download on the BESTSEMI website).

⚠️ Warning: Incorrect firmware can permanently disable your headphones. Make sure the firmware file matches the exact model of your Airdots (model number is listed on the case cover or in Bluetooth settings).

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Before you run the firmware, back up the current version of the software. To do this, select the "Read Flash" option in the QFlash Tool and save the dump to a separate file. This will help you roll back if the new firmware is unstable.

Method 6: Checking compatibility with the phone

Sometimes the problem is not headphones, but incompatibility with the phone. For example, older smartphones on Android 8 and below may not work properly with Airdots due to outdated versions of Bluetooth (up to 5.0), and conflicts arise with iPhone devices when using AAC or aptX codecs.

How to diagnose and correct:

• 📱 Update your phone’s firmware to the latest version (especially relevant for Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO).
• 🔄 In Bluetooth phone settings, find connected Airdots, click "Forget device" and pair again.
• 🎧 In the phone sound settings, select the codec SBC (the most universal, instead of AAC or.
• 🛡️ Turn off the "Developer Options" function on your phone. → Disable Absolute Volume).

For iPhone owners:

1. Go to Settings → Bluetooth.
2. Find your Airdots in the list and click on the "i" icon next to it.
3. Select "Forget this device", then pair again.
4. If headphones are defined as two separate devices, connect first the right one, then the left one.

Method 7: Hardware diagnostics and repair

If all software methods have been tried, but the headphones are still out of sync, the problem may be hardware.

• 🔊 One earphone is not working: the speaker or audio chip is damaged (replacement is required).
• 🔋 Headphone not charged: malfunction of the battery or power controller.
• 📡 Permanent communication breaks: damage to Bluetooth antenna or chip soldering.
• 💧 Corrosion on the board: the consequences of moisture (even if the headphones are positioned as waterproof).

Self-repair is possible only if you have experience with soldering equipment. For most users, the best option is to contact a service center.

• Battery replacement: 800–1500 ₽.
• Dynamic replacement: 1000–2000 ₽.
• Repair of the board (silting of the chip): 1500-3000 ₽.
• Full replacement of the headphone (if repair is not possible): 2000–3500 ₽.

Before visiting the service, check if the warranty period has expired (usually) 12 For warranty repairs, you will need a check and a box from headphones. Xiaomi official service centers in Russia can be found on the website mi.com/ru/service.

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If the headphones stop syncing after falling, getting moisture or mechanical impact, do not try to repair them yourself. This can lead to short circuit and final breakage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)