Xiaomi AirDots headphone does not work: what to do if one or both headphones do not connect, charge or remain silent

Xiaomi AirDots wireless headphones (including AirDots Basic, AirDots Pro, AirDots models) 2/3 Redmi AirDots are some of the most popular TWS-But even with proven technology, there are failures: one earbud doesn't connect, both are silent, do not charge or suddenly turn off, the reasons can be either software (firmware failure, pairing error) or hardware (battery discharge, damage to contacts).

In this article, we provide step-by-step diagnostic and repair instructions to help bring headphones back to life without going to the service, and we will analyze typical malfunctions, from trivial (discharged case) to complex (breaking Bluetooth module), and also give tips on how to avoid problems in the future.

If your AirDots stop working after a fall, moisture or firmware update, don't panic. In 80% of cases, you can solve the problem yourself in 10 to 30 minutes, the main thing is to correctly identify the symptom and apply the appropriate recovery method.

1. Diagnostics of the problem: why the headphone is not working

Before you start repairing, it is important to understand which earphone is faulty and how it manifests itself.

One headphone is not connected (the second one works normally):

• 🔋 The battery is discharged in the headphone or case.
• 📶 Failure of synchronization between headphones (rassynchrone).
• 🔌 Oxidation or contamination of contacts in the case.
• 🤖 Software firmware failure.

Both earphones are not working:

• 🔋 Completely discharged case or headphones.
• 📱 Problems with Bluetooth on a smartphone/PC.
• 🔄 Failure of pairing (earphones do not appear in the list of devices).
• 💥 Hardware malfunction (damage to the board, dynamics).

The headphones are plugged in, but there's no sound:

• 🎧 Stub in dynamics (dust, moisture).
• 🔊 Incorrect sound settings on the device.
• 📲 Failure in the firmware of headphones.

To narrow down the possible causes, answer the questions:

1. How long has the problem been around?
2. Were there physical effects (fall, water, overheating)?
3. Is there a problem after updating the firmware or changing the smartphone?

Basic checks: what to do first

Start with simple steps – often the problem is solved in 2-3 minutes:

Check the charge of the case and headphones:

• 🔌 Connect the case to charge for 10-15 minutes (use the original cable) USB-C Micro-USB, depending on the model).
• 🔋 If the indicator on the case does not burn, try another cable / charger.
• 📱 Check the charge level of the headphones in the Mi Home app (if they have ever connected before).

Reset the headphones:

1. Put both earphones in the case.
2. Close the lid and wait 10 seconds.
3. Open the lid - the headphones should turn on automatically.
4. If it does not help, remove the headphones from the case and press the buttons on both headphones for 15 seconds (up to a double beep).

Check the connection to the device:

• 📱 Remove headphones from the list of conjugated devices in Bluetooth settings.
• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone/PC.
• 🔗 Try to connect again (earphones should be outside the case and flash white / red).

Critical information: if after charging the indicator on the case flashes red for more than 5 minutes, but the headphones do not turn on - this is a sign of a deep discharge of the battery.

3. If one earphone is not connected: synchronization and reset

Rassynchrone is the most common problem with Xiaomi AirDots, and it's like this: one headphone connects to the phone, and the other one is silent or disconnected after a few seconds, and it's solved by forced synchronization:

Method 1: Manual synchronization

1. Put both headphones in the case and close the lid.
2. Take out only the work headphone and wait until it connects to the phone.
3. Now, take out the second headphone – it should automatically sync (you will hear the beep).
4. If it does not help, change the headphones (get the problem first).

Method 2: Resetting settings

• 🔧 Remove both earphones from the case.
• 🖐️ Press the buttons on both headphones simultaneously for 20 seconds (up to double beep and flash red/white).
• 📱 Remove headphones from Bluetooth memory on your phone.
• 🔄 Connect again (earphones should flash white).

Method 3: Update firmware

If the reset didn’t help, try updating the firmware through the Mi Home app:

1. Put the headphones on the phone.
2. Open Mi Home → Find the AirDots device → Check for updates.
3. If the update is available, install it (don’t turn off the headphones during the process!).

💡

If the headphones don’t sync after reset, try connecting them to another device (like a tablet or PC), sometimes because of a Bluetooth cache on the main smartphone.

4. Charging problems: Case doesn't charge headphones

If the headphones discharge in a few minutes or the case does not charge them at all, the reasons may be as follows:

Contact contamination

• 🧴 Gently wipe contacts in the case and on headphones with a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol (do not use water!).
• 🔍 Check if there is oxidation on the contacts (green plaque) - this is a sign of moisture getting into the contacts.

Case battery malfunction

If the case does not hold the charge (discharged in an hour or not charged at all):

1. Try another cable and power supply (preferably with Quick Charge support).
2. Check if the charging indicator on the case is lit when connecting to the network.
3. If the indicator is not on, the charging controller may be damaged (repair required).

Deep-field headphones.

If the headphones were long dead, their batteries could go into sleep mode to wake them up.

1. Put the headphones in the case and connect the case to charging for 1-2 hours.
2. After an hour, take out the headphones and try to turn on (press the button for 5 seconds).
3. If it does not help, repeat the procedure, but leave it on charging for 4-6 hours.

⚠️ Note: Do not use abrasive materials ( sandpaper, metal objects) to clean contacts - this will damage the coating and worsen conductivity.

5. Hardware malfunctions: when disassembly is needed

If the software methods didn’t help, the problem could be in the hardware:

• 🔊 Damage to the speaker (wheezing, lack of sound).
• 🔋 Battery bloating (case does not close, headphones do not lie tightly).
• 📡 Bluetooth module malfunction (headphones are not determined by any device).
• 💧 Corrosion after moisture is injected.

How to disassemble the headphone Xiaomi AirDots:

This will require:

Step-by-step:

⚠️ Note: Disassembly of headphones Xiaomi AirDots voids warranty. If the device warranty - contact the service center. Self-repair is recommended only when the warranty period expires or there are no official services in your region.

Typical failures in disassembly:

• 🔋 Bloated battery – needs replacement (can be purchased on AliExpress at the request “Battery for Xiaomi AirDots").

6 Bluetooth problems: Headphones don't connect to the phone

If the headphones don’t appear in the list of devices or connect with an error, the problem may be:

• 📱 Bluetooth failure on a smartphone.
• 🔄 Conflict with other devices.
• 📡 Incompatibility of Bluetooth versions.

Decisions:

1. Reboot Bluetooth on your phone: Open Settings → Bluetooth. Turn off Bluetooth, wait 10 seconds and turn it on again.

Reset the network settings:

• On Android: Settings → System → Reset → Reset settings Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth.
• On iPhone: Settings → Mainstream → Removing or resetting iPhone → Reset → Reset the network settings.
• Check compatibility: Xiaomi AirDots require Bluetooth version 4.2 or higher.If your smartphone is older than 2016, there may be connection issues.
• Disable other devices: Sometimes the headphones conflict with other Bluetooth devices (fitness bracelets, speakers).

If the headphones are connected, but the sound is interrupted:

• 📶 Reduce the distance between the headphones and the phone (maximum 10 meters without barriers).
• 🔋 Check the charge level of the headphones (at a discharge below 20%, communication breaks are possible).
• 📵 Turn off Wi-Fi on your phone (sometimes interferes with Bluetooth connection).

💡

If the headphones connect to the phone but don't play audio, check the audio output settings. On Android: In the notification bar, click on the Bluetooth icon and select AirDots as the output device.

7. Prevention: How to prolong the life of Xiaomi AirDots

To avoid problems in the future, follow these guidelines:

• 🔋 Do not discharge headphones "to zero" - charge the case at a level below 30%.
• 💦 Avoid moisture, even if the model has protection. IPX4, Long-term contact with water will lead to corrosion.
• 🧴 Clean contacts once a month with a cotton swab with alcohol.
• 📱 Update your firmware via Mi Home (but not during use!).
• 🧊 Do not leave in the cold / heat - the optimal storage temperature: 10-35°C.

How to store it properly:

• Keep your headphones in your case (even if you don’t use them).
• If you do not use it for a long time, charge the case up to 50% every 2 months.
• Avoid pressure on the case (do not put heavy objects on top).

⚠️ Warning: Do not use aggressive chemicals (acetone, gasoline) to clean your headphones.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi AirDots