Why Xiaomi Airdots headphones don’t work: a full analysis of the causes and solutions

Xiaomi Airdots wireless headphones (including Redmi Airdots, Mi True Wireless Earphones and Mi Air models) 2/2S/3) They've become some of the brand's most popular gadgets because of their combination of price and quality, but even the most reliable technology sometimes fails: one earphone doesn't connect, the sound is interrupted, charging is not going on, or the device is not determined by the phone at all. If your Xiaomi Airdots stopped working, do not rush to bring them to the service. 80% In some cases, the problem can be solved independently.

In this article, we will look at all possible causes of malfunctions, from the common (discharged battery) to the complex (damage to the board), you will learn how to diagnose the problem, which settings to check first, and when to really go for repairs. And for models Airdots 3 Pro and later, we add some recommendations taking into account their features (for example, support for the new model). LC3-codec and Bluetooth 5.3).

Warning: If the headphones hit the water or fell from a height of more than 1.5 meters, the chances of recovery without replacing components are minimal.

1. Headphones do not turn on or respond to buttons

The most common user complaint is that Xiaomi Airdots don't turn on despite charging in the case, and there may be several reasons, and the first of them is the full discharge of the case battery, and even if the indicator on the case is on, it does not guarantee that the headphones are actually charging.

To check it out:

• 🔋 Connect the case to the charger for 30 to 60 minutes (use the original cable) USB-C Micro-USB depending on the model).
• 🔄 After recharging, remove the headphones and hold the button on each of them for 10-15 seconds (until the indicator flashes).
• 📱 Try to connect again through Settings → Bluetooth on your phone.

If the headphones do not light up at all, the problem may be:

• 🔌 Faulty cable or power supply (try another charger).
• 🔋 Bloated batteries in a case or headphones (visually check the case for deformation).
• 🛠️ Damaged charging contacts (clean them with a cotton swab soaked in alcohol).

⚠️ Warning: If the headphones are turned on after charging, but immediately switched off, this is a sign of critical wear of the battery. ~800–1500 ₽ service).

For Airdots models 3/3 Pro add firmware verification: sometimes a firmware failure blocks the onset. software update via the Mi Home app can solve the problem (instructions in the section) 5).

2.One earphone is not connected or is not working

A situation where one Xiaomi Airdots earphone is not connected and the second one is working normally is usually associated with synchronization between the headphones or damage to one of them.

1. Check the charge on both earbuds. Often, the dead earbud is just more discharged. Place both in the case for 10 to 15 minutes, then try reconnecting.
2. Reset the headphone settings: 🔄 Hold the buttons on both headphones for 20–25 seconds (until double flashing in red/white). 📱 Remove the device from the list of conjugates in Settings → Bluetooth on your phone. 🔗 Connect again, starting with the right earphone (most models have it as the main one).

If the reset did not help, check the physical condition of the broken earphone:

• 🔊 Listen, does it make sounds when it's on (clicks, squeaks) and the absence of those sounds is a sign of hardware failure.
• 🕳️ Check the speaker for dirt or moisture (clean your toothpick carefully).

For Airdots 3 Pro and later, there is a caveat: they support independent connection of each earbud (for example, only the left to one device, and the right to another).

1. Turn off Bluetooth on your phone.


2 Hold the button on the WITHOUT earphone for 10 seconds (until blinking).




3. Connect it separately via Bluetooth menu.

⚠️ Warning: If after all the manipulations, one earphone never connects, but the indicator on it burns - a problem in the Bluetooth module of this earphone. Repair will cost 1000-2000 ₽, This is often unprofitable for budget models.

Checking the charge of the case and headphones|Resetting settings (20)+ sack)|Contact cleanup and dynamics|Attempting a separate connection (for Airdots 3)+)|Checking the sound of the switching on-->

3.Sound problems: interruptions, noise, quiet sound

If Xiaomi Airdots is connected but the sound is distorted (interrupted, wheezing, too quiet), the phone settings and hardware malfunctions may be to blame.

A. Programmatic reasons

• 📱 Bluetooth Codec: Outdated models (e.g. Redmi Airdots 1) only work with SBC, It's a mediocre quality, and new smartphones can automatically pick out. AAC Or aptX, which is not compatible with headphones. Solution: In Bluetooth settings (on Android), select the codec for the device. SBC.
• 🔊 Equalizer: Active equalizer settings in the player or system settings (such as Dolby Atmos) can distort sound. Solution: Disable all effects in Settings → Sound. → Sound effects.
• 📶 Interference: Headphones at 2.4 GHz conflict with Wi-Fi routers or microwaves Solution: Reconnect to headphones less than 1 meter from your phone or change the Wi-Fi channel in the router.

B. Hardware causes

For Airdots 3 Pro models with support ANC (Active noise reduction, add a check:

• 🎧 Turn it off. ANC Mi Home – sometimes the noise reduction algorithm conflicts with the sound source.
• 🔋 Make sure your headphones are above 30% — ANC consumes a lot of energy and can shut down when charged low.

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If the sound is distorted only in calls, and the music is normal, the problem is in the headphone microphone. Try using the phone microphone (turn off "Audio over Bluetooth" in the call settings).

4. Headphones don't charge in the case

If Xiaomi Airdots don't charge, even though the case shows charge, the problem lies in one of three components: contacts, the case battery or the headphone batteries.

1. Clearing contacts: 🧹 Take a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol (at least 70%). 🔍 Gently wipe the gold contacts on headphones and inside the case. 🌬️ Please take 10-15 minutes before connecting.
2. Case check: 🔌 Connect the case to the charger and see if the indicator is on. If not, the battery of the case is defective. 🔋 If the indicator is on, but the headphones are not charged - the problem is in the case power controller.

Headphone test:

• 🔄 Change your headphones to the box, and if one is charging and the other is not, it's the headphone battery.
• 🛠️ If none is charged, the case's power connector is faulty.

Cost of repair:

• 🔧 Case battery replacement: 800–1200 ₽.
• 🔋 Replacement of the battery of one earphone: 600-900 ₽.
• 🔌 Repair of the power connector: 1000-1500 ₽.

⚠️ Warning: If the case heats up when charging or the indicator flashes red, you can't continue using! This is a sign of a short circuit that could cause fire.

5. Connection problems over Bluetooth

If Xiaomi Airdots doesn’t connect to the phone or is permanently disconnected, it could be:

• 📱 Outdated firmware headphones or smartphones.
• 🔄 Conflict with other Bluetooth devices.
• 🛡️ Energy savings restrictions on the phone.
• 📡 Interference from other wireless devices.

Step-by-step instructions for elimination:

1. Update the firmware: 📲 For Airdots models 3/3 Pro: Use the Mi Home app (Section "Profile" → Update of the PO"). 📱 For Phone: Check for Updates in Settings → System system → Update of the PO.
2. Reset Bluetooth settings on your phone: 🔄 Go to Settings. → System system → Reset → Resetting network settings. 📱 Restart your phone and try to connect again.
3. Turn off power saving for Bluetooth: 🔋 On Android: Settings → Battery → Energy conservation → Adaptive Battery (Disable). 📱 On iPhone: Settings → Bluetooth – make sure that the headphones are not on the list of “Low-powered devices".

Check the compatibility:

• 📱 Outdated smartphones (e.g., Bluetooth 4.0) may not support Airdots 3 Pro (Bluetooth 5.0 required)+).
• 🖥️ A separate Bluetooth adapter may be required on a PC (Tp-Link is recommended). UB500).

If the headphones are connected but immediately switched off, try:

1. Remove them from the device list.


2. Turn off Bluetooth on your phone for 30 seconds.




3. Turn on Bluetooth and connect again, holding the button on the headphones until appearing in the list.

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For stable connectivity, keep your headphones and phone at a distance of no more than 10 meters without obstacles (walls, metal surfaces degrade the signal).

6.The headphones discharge quickly

The life of Xiaomi Airdots from one charge depends on the model:

• 🔋 Redmi Airdots (1st generation): 3-4 hours.
• 🔋 Airdots 2/2S: 4–5 hours.
• 🔋 Airdots 3 Pro: 6-7 hours (s) ANC — 5:00).

If the headphones discharge much faster (for example, in 1-2 hours), the reasons may be as follows:

To extend the life of the battery:

• 🔋 Do not keep your headphones discharged (optimally 40-60% charge).
• 🔌 Use the original charger (charge current no higher than 1A).
• 🌡️ Avoid overheating (do not leave it in the sun or near the battery).

⚠️ Warning: If the headphones are discharged in a few hours in a case (without use), this is a sign of a short circuit in the battery!

7. Physical injuries: what to do after falling or getting water

If Xiaomi Airdots have fallen into the water or been heavily removed, the chances of recovery depend on the extent of the damage.

A. Water intrusion

Turn off the headphones (hold the 10 sec button)|Wash with a dry wipe (do not rub!)|Place in rice or silica gel on 24+ hour|Do not turn on until completely drying (minimum 48 hours)|Do not use a hair dryer or heat-->

Even if the headphones are turned on after drying, the corrosion of the contacts may occur later. After 2-3 days, check:

• 🔊 Sound quality (wheezing, distortion).
• 🔋 Battery life (water speeds up discharge).
• 📶 Stability of Bluetooth connection.

B. Mechanical damage (fall, compression)

Typical consequences:

• 🔊 Cracks in the body → violation of tightness, dust hitting the board.
• 🔋 Battery disconnection → The headphone does not turn on or discharges quickly.
• 🎛️ Damage to the fees → idleness.

If after the fall:

• 🔊 The sound's quieter. → The speaker probably left (needs rationing).
• 🔄 The headphone is not synchronized with the pair → damaged Bluetooth module.
• 🔋 Not holding the charge. → battery crack.

Cost of repair after physical damage:

• 🔧 Replacement of the hull: 500-800 ₽.
• 🔊 Dynamic repair: 1000–1500 ₽.
• 📡 Replacement of Bluetooth module: 1500–2000 ₽ (Unprofitable for budget models).

8. When to contact the service and how much it costs

If you’ve tried all the ways in this article, but Xiaomi Airdots still don’t work, it’s time to contact specialists. Here are the approximate prices for repairs in 2026 (for Moscow and the regions):

Where to fix:

• 🛠️ Xiaomi official service: Warranty repair (if headphones are younger) 1 Addresses of the year: mi.com/ru/service.
• 🔧 Local services: Search for a rating above 4.5 on Yandex.Maps or 2GIS. The average price is lower, but there are no original spare parts.
• 📦 Self-substitution: On AliExpress you can order spare parts (batteries, speakers), but you need soldering skills.

When repairs are not feasible:

• 💰 The cost of repair exceeds 50% of the price of new headphones.
• 🕳️ Damaged board (for example, after a circuit from water).
• 🔋 Battery swollen (risk of re-circuiting).

⚠️ Warning: Before contacting the service, reset your headphones and remove them from all devices, this will speed up diagnosis and eliminate software errors.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi Airdots