How to sync Xiaomi AirDots with your phone: full instructions + mistake-making

Xiaomi AirDots wireless headphones (including Pro models, SE, 2/3 Generations and Lite remain among the brand’s most popular gadgets due to their combination of price and quality, but many users face difficulties in first synchronization — headphones are not on the list of devices, only one earphone is connected, or the connection is permanently cut off. This article will help you understand all the nuances of connection, from basic settings to solving rare errors.

We will look at the official Bluetooth synchronization methods for Android and iOS, alternative methods for legacy smartphones, and also give a checklist for troubleshooting. Particular attention will be paid to models with a Qualcomm chip (for example, AirDots Pro 2), where the pairing process is different from the budget versions. If you have already tried to connect headphones and got an error, skip the introductory part and go straight to the section "Problem Solutions".

Preparing headphones for synchronization

Before you first connect, you need to make sure that Xiaomi AirDots are in pairing mode, a process that is different for new headphones (out-of-box only) and those that have been used before.

• 🔋 Case and headphone charge: Make sure the indicator on the case is white or green (charge level above 30%). If the indicator is red, connect the case to charge for 10-15 minutes. Headphones should automatically charge when in the case.
• 📦 New headphones: If you've just unpacked the AirDots, they automatically go into pairing mode when you first pull out of the case.
• 🔄 Reset: If the headphones have already connected to another device, reset (press the button on the case for 10-15 seconds before flashing red/white.

Important: AirDots 3 Pro and AirDots models SE The reset button is located inside the case (under the cover). Use a paper clip or toothpick to activate. On budget versions (Lite, Redmi AirDots), the button is located outside.

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If the headphones don't flash, check the contacts in the case -- sometimes they oxidize. Wipe them with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.

Also note the headphone firmware version.Outdated software can cause problems connecting to new smartphones (e.g. Android 13).+ or iOS 16+). You can check the version through the Mi Home app (Devices section). → Headphones → Settings → About the programme).

Synchronization with Android: step-by-step instructions

Connecting Xiaomi AirDots to Android smartphones (including Redmi, POCO, Samsung, Realme) is running through the standard Bluetooth menu, but there are nuances for different OS versions:

1. Activate Bluetooth on your smartphone: go to Settings → Connections → Bluetooth and turn on the switch.
2. Remove the headphones from the case: they should automatically turn on and go into pairing mode (blinking white indicator).
3. Find the device: Mi True Wireless Earphones (or similar for your model) will appear in the list of available devices.
4. Confirm the pairing: the screen will appear a request for connection (for Chinese firmware) or "Hide" (for global).

On smartphones. Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO s MIUI 12+ After the connection, a window will automatically open with a suggestion to install the Mi Earphones branded application. Its installation is optional, but it is recommended to access the app:

• 🎛️ Customization of gestures (double touch, retention)
• 🔊 Equalizer adjustment
• 📊 Check the level of charge of each headphone

Headphones are displayed in the list of connected devices|The headphones are always on white.|The sound is played synchronously in both headphones.|The status bar displays the level of charge-->

If after connecting the sound is only in one headphone, perform the following actions:

1. Place both headphones back in the case for 10 seconds.
2. Remove them and wait for automatic reconnection.
3. If the problem persists, reset the settings (see Reset and Reconnect section).

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

Connection to iPhone (iOS): features and limitations

Synchronizing Xiaomi AirDots with an iPhone or iPad is possible, but has limitations due to Apple's closed ecosystem.

• 🚫 No support. AAC-Codec: on iOS headphones will be used SBC (It's not going to fix it, it's a limit on the firmware level of the headphones.
• ⚠️ No Charge Level Display: iOS does not show AirDots’ percentage of charge in the status bar (unlike AirPods).
• 🔄 Automatic reconnect: after the first pairing, the headphones will connect automatically when removed from the case.

Instructions for connection:

1. Open the settings → Bluetooth on the iPhone.
2. Remove the headphones from the case and wait for the Mi True Wireless Earphones (or similar) item to appear.
3. Click "Connect" and wait for confirmation.
4. If the headphones do not appear, drop them (press the button on the case for 15 seconds) and try again.

⚠️ Warning: On iOS 15 and later, there may be a "Device Failed to Connect" error due to conflict with background processes.Solution: Reboot your iPhone and reconnect.

To improve the sound on iOS, you can manually select the codec:

1. Put the headphones on.
2. Open the Settings. → Bluetooth and click on the "i" icon next to AirDots.
3. In the section "Audio codec" select SBC (Other options may not work consistently).

Use the Mi Home app for advanced settings

The official Mi Home app (available for Android and iOS) lets you not only connect AirDots, but also customize them to your needs.

To connect headphones through Mi Home:

1. Install the app from Google Play or the App Store.
2. Sign up or sign in to your Xiaomi account.
3. Press"+" →"Add the device" → Select "Hearphones".
4. Follow the instructions on the screen (usually you need to confirm the flashing of indicators on headphones).

Note: For AirDots 3 Pro and later, firmware updates can weigh up to 5-10MB. Make sure your smartphone is connected to Wi-Fi, not mobile internet, to avoid additional costs.

Solving synchronization problems

If Xiaomi AirDots are not connected or are unstable, use this diagnostic manual.-5 The most common mistakes and ways to eliminate them.

1. Headphones are not on the list of devices

Causes and solutions:

• 🔋 Case/earphones discharged: Charge the case to at least 50% (the indicator should burn green).
• 📱 Bluetooth is disabled on your smartphone: Check that Bluetooth is activated and the smartphone is not in mode".
• 🔄 Headphones are not in pairing mode: Reset them (press the button on the case for 15 seconds) and repeat the search.
• 📵 Interference from other devices: Disable nearby wireless headphones, speakers or smart watches.

2 Only one headphone is connected

This problem most often occurs after updating the firmware of the smartphone or headphones.

1. Place both headphones in the case, close the lid for 10 seconds, then remove.
2. Reset the headphone settings (see Reset section).
3. On Android: Remove the headphones from the list of associated devices and connect again.
4. On iOS: Go to Settings → Bluetooth, click on "i" next to AirDots and select "Forget this device".

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If the problem with one earphone persists after reset, it may indicate a hardware malfunction. Contact the service center if the headphones are warranty.

3. Permanent breaks of connection

An unstable connection is usually associated with:

• 📶 Weak Bluetooth signal: Make sure there are no obstacles between the smartphone and the headphones (walls, metal objects).
• 🔄 Conflict with other devices: Disable other Bluetooth gadgets (fitness bracelets, speakers).
• 📱 Power Saving on Smartphone: On Android, Turn Off Battery Optimization for Bluetooth (in the Mi Home app settings).

For AirDots Pro 2 and AirDots 3 models, also check the codec settings in the developer:

1. Activate Developer Mode on Android (7 times click on “Build Number” in your phone settings).
2. Go to Settings. → System system → Developer mode → Bluetooth settings.
3. Choose. AAC or SBC as a priority codec.

4.The headphones plug in, but no sound.

Check the following:

• 🔊 Volume on Smartphones and Headphones: On some models (e.g. AirDots) SE) There is a separate volume control through gestures.
• 🎵 Selected sound source: On Android in the notification bar, click on the headphone icon and select Media Audio".
• 🔕 Quiet Sound Mode: On iOS, check if Do Not Disturb mode or media restrictions are activated.

5. "Device not supported" error

This error occurs when trying to connect headphones to smartphones with older versions of Bluetooth (below 4.2) or uncertified devices (such as some Chinese phones without Google Services).

• 📱 Update your smartphone to the latest version.
• 🔄 Use a Bluetooth adapter (e.g. Avantek) USB Bluetooth Adapter for PC.
• 🛠️ Install custom firmware on your smartphone (for advanced users).

Resetting and reconnecting

If none of these things worked, do a full headphone reset, which removes all the connections you've saved and returns factory settings, and the instructions are different for different models.

AirDots (1st generation), AirDots Lite, Redmi AirDots

1. Place both headphones in the case and close the lid.
2. Open the lid and press the button on the case for 15 seconds (the indicator will start flashing red and white).
3. Release the button when the indicator starts flashing white at an increased frequency.
4. Remove the headphones – they are ready for a new connection.

For AirDots Pro, AirDots 2/3, AirDots SE

1. Put the headphones in the case.
2. Press and hold the touchpad on both headphones simultaneously for 10 seconds.
3. The indicators will start flashing red, then white - the reset is complete.

For AirDots 3 Pro

1. Open the case lid.
2. Press and hold the reset button inside the case (under the cover) for 20 seconds.
3. Indicators on headphones and case flash red 3 times - the device is reset.

⚠️ Note: After reset, AirDots Pro 2 and later headphones may require re-activation via the Mi Home app. Without this, some features (such as noise reduction) will not work.

If the reset didn’t help, check the headphones on another device (such as a tablet or PC). If the problem persists, this may indicate a hardware malfunction (most often the Bluetooth module in one of the headphones fails).

Alternative ways of connecting

If standard synchronization doesn’t work, try these methods:

1. Connection via PC (Windows/macOS)

Xiaomi AirDots headphones can be connected to a computer to listen to music or calls (for example, in Zoom or Discord).

1. Turn Bluetooth on your PC (for Windows: Start) → Parameters → Devices → Bluetooth).
2. Remove the headphones from the case and activate the pairing mode.
3. In the list of devices, select Mi True Wireless Earphones and click Connect.
4. To use as a headset, select the Headphone in the sound settings.

2. Use of third-party applications

If Mi Home doesn’t recognize headphones, try alternative utilities:

• 📱 MaterialPods (Android): allows you to customize gestures and equalizer for unofficial firmware.
• 🎧 Bluetooth Auto Connect (Android): automatically reconnects headphones when removed from the case.
• 🍎 Bluetooth Explorer (iOS, jailbreak required): advanced settings for uncertified devices.

3. Connection to a TV or game console

Some Xiaomi AirDots models (e.g. AirDots) 3 Pro) supports Smart connection TV or PlayStation/Xbox. Features:

• 📺 On Xiaomi or Android TVs TV Use the standard Bluetooth menu.
• 🎮 For PlayStation. 4/5 Bluetooth adapter is required (for example, 8BitDo Wireless Adapter 2).
• 🖥️ There is no official Bluetooth support on Xbox – use the adapter.

When connected to a TV, there may be a delay in sound (latency) to reduce it:

1. In TV settings, select Sound Settings → Audio Latency → Minimum.
2. Use the codec. SBC (Bluetooth-based).
3. For AirDots 3 models, activate the Low Lag mode in the Mi Home app.

FAQ: Frequent questions about synchronization Xiaomi AirDots