How to connect Xiaomi AirDots to your phone: instructions for all models (2026)

Xiaomi AirDots wireless headphones remain among the brand’s most popular accessories due to their combination of price, sound quality and convenience. However, even with such simple devices, users often have questions about how to connect them to a smartphone, why one earphone does not work, or how to reset the settings to factory ones. This article will help you understand everything from basic pairing to solving non-standard problems.

We will look at the connection for all current models: AirDots Basic, AirDots Pro, AirDots 2/3, AirDots SE and Air 2/3 Pro. Instructions are universal for smartphones on Android (including Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO) and iOS (iPhone).

1. Preparation of headphones for the first connection

Before pairing with a phone, make sure that Xiaomi AirDots headphones are ready to go, and here are the key points that users often miss:

• 🔋 Charging headphones and case: Make sure both headphones are in the case for at least 10 minutes. The indicator on the case should burn white or red (depending on the model). If the indicator does not glow, connect the case to charging for 15-20 minutes.
• 📦 Extract from packaging: On models AirDots 3 Pro and later on the case there is a protective film - it must be removed, otherwise the pairing button will not work.
• 🔄 Resetting previous settings: If the headphones have already connected to another device, they must be returned to the factory settings (instruction in section 3).

Pay special attention to the indicators of the state:

• 🔴 Red flashing – low charge (less than 20%).
• 🔵 Blue flashing - pairing mode (ready to connect).
• ⚪ White permanent – headphones are connected and working.

⚠️ Note: If the indicator on the case flashes red and white alternately, this means a charging error. Try to clear the contacts in the case and on the headphones with a dry cotton swab.

2. Step-by-step instructions: how to connect Xiaomi AirDots to Android

The process of pairing with Android smartphones (including devices Xiaomi, Samsung, Honor, etc.) takes no more than a minute.

1. Open the case cover and pull out both earbuds. They'll automatically turn on.
2. Press the button on the case (usually located on the side or bottom) for 3-5 seconds until the indicator starts flashing blue and white (on new models - just white).
3. On your phone, go to Settings → Bluetooth and turn on device search.
4. In the list, find a device called Mi AirDots Basic, Redmi AirDots or similar (depending on the model).
5. Confirm pairing if you request it. Some models (such as AirDots 3 Pro) will require additional confirmation in the Mi Home app.

Once connected successfully, the indicator on the case will turn white, and the list of Bluetooth devices will appear as "Connected." If one of the headphones is not connected, return it to the case for 10 seconds and try again.

3. Reset Xiaomi AirDots: when and how to do

Reset to factory settings is required in three cases:

1. The headphones were previously connected to another device, and the new pairing fails.
2. One of the headphones is not working or is constantly switched off.
3. After the firmware update, there were problems with sound or connection.

Resetting instructions:

1. Put both headphones in the case and close the lid.
2. Open the lid and press the button on the case for 10-15 seconds until the indicator starts flashing red and white (on AirDots 3 - just red).
3. Release the button. The indicator goes out and then blinks blue, which is a signal for a successful reset.
4. You can now reconnect the headphones to the phone (see section 2).

⚠️ Note: On AirDots Pro 2 and later, the reset is done via the Mi Home app. → Settings → Reset.

4. Connect Xiaomi AirDots to iPhone (iOS)

While Xiaomi AirDots is optimized for Android, it works great with the iPhone.The connection algorithm is almost identical, but there are nuances:

1. Open the case cover and get the headphones out.
2. Press the button on the case before flashing white/blue (usually 3-5 seconds).
3. On your iPhone, go to Settings → Bluetooth and turn on search.
4. In the list, find Mi AirDots... and tap to connect.

Important points for iOS:

• 📱 On some models (for example, AirDots 3 Pro) for full operation you will need to install the Mi Home application from the App Store.
• 🔊 Dual tap and noise reduction functions may not work without additional settings.
• 🔄 To automatically connect when opening the case cover, turn on the option to Connect automatically in Bluetooth settings.

5. Common Problems and Their Solutions

Even after a successful connection, users face typical problems, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

• 🎧 One earbud doesn't connect: Put both earbuds back in the case, close the lid for 10 seconds, then reconnect. If it doesn't work, reset (section 3) and reconnect. On AirDots 3, check if Mono mode (one-way sound) is activated in the app settings.
• 🔊 The sound is interrupted or stuttered: Make sure the distance between the phone and the headphones is less than 10 meters (no obstacles); turn off other Bluetooth devices in range (fitness bracelets, smart watches). → AAC or SBC (Not aptX).

Headphones are discharged quickly

1. Turn off the Always enabled Bluetooth feature in your phone settings.
2. Reset the battery counter: Put the headphones in the case for 12 hours without using.
3. On models with ANC (AirDots 3 Pro), turn off noise cancellation if you don't need it.

💡

If the headphones are connected but there is no sound, check the volume on the phone and in the media player separately. On Android, the settings Multimedia Volume and Call Volume are sometimes confused.

6. Additional settings via Mi Home

The Mi Home app (available for Android and iOS) extends Xiaomi AirDots’ capabilities, especially for Pro-series models. Once you connect your headphones to your phone, install the app and follow the following steps:

1. Open Mi Home and click Add Device (+).
2. Select the Audio category and find your headphone model.
3. Follow the instructions on the screen (usually you need to confirm your connection via Bluetooth).
4. After adding the device will be available options: 🎛️ Customization of control gestures (double tap, retention). 🔇 Noise reduction adjustment (ANC) and transparent regime. 🎧 Selection of sound profile (bass, vocals, balanced). ⚡ Check the charge level of each headphone separately.

On AirDots 3 Pro and later on Mi Home, you can update your headphone firmware to fix plug-in bugs and improve sound quality. To check for updates, go to Device Profile → Firmware Update.

💡

Without the Mi Home app on the Pro-series models, some of the features (ANC, equalizer) will not be available, even if the headphones are connected to the phone.

7.How to connect Xiaomi AirDots to a laptop or PC

Headphones Xiaomi AirDots can be used not only with smartphones, but also with laptops (Windows/macOS) or a fixed PC with a Bluetooth adapter. Instructions for Windows 10/11:

1. Turn on Bluetooth on your laptop: Start → Settings → Devices → Bluetooth and other devices.
2. Activate the pairing mode on the headphones (press the button on the case before flashing blue / white).
3. In Windows, click Add Device → Bluetooth.
4. Select Mi AirDots... from the list and wait for the connection.

For macOS:

1. Open System settings → Bluetooth.
2. Click Connect next to Mi AirDots in the list.
3. If the sound only goes to one headphone, go to Settings of Sound → Exit and select AirDots Stereo.

⚠️ Note: A PC without built-in Bluetooth will require an external adapter (we recommend Bluetooth 5.0 for stable operation).If the headphones connect, but the sound is only in one channel, update the Bluetooth drivers through Device Manager.

FAQ: Frequent questions about connecting Xiaomi AirDots