Xiaomi AirDots: how to connect both headphones to the phone 5 minute

Xiaomi AirDots wireless headphones (also known as Mi True Wireless Earbuds) have become popular due to the affordable price and good sound. But many users face the problem: once connected, only one headphone works, and the second one is silent or not determined, a situation that arises due to the synchronization between the left and right modules, as well as errors in the Bluetooth settings.

In this article, you will find step-by-step instructions on how to connect both Xiaomi AirDots to an Android or iOS smartphone, as well as solutions to typical problems from resetting settings to manually synchronizing headphones. We will analyze the models of AirDots Basic, AirDots Pro, AirDots Pro, AirDots 2/3 And others – the principles of connection they have similar, but there are nuances.

If you've tried to connect your headphones, but you've failed, don't rush them into service, and 90 percent of the time, you solve the problem yourself in 5 to 10 minutes, and let's start with the basic procedure.

Why is there only one headphone connected?

The main reason is a pair synchronization disorder between the left (L) and right (R) headphones, which is due to:

  • πŸ”‹ A discharged battery in one of the modules (even if the indicator is on fire).
  • πŸ“± Incorrect order of connection to the phone (first you need to synchronize the headphones with each other).
  • πŸ”„ Firmware failure after update or abrupt shutdown.
  • 🎧 Mechanical damage to contacts in the case (rare, but it happens).

The second common scenario is Android or iOS remembers only one headphone as a separate device, which happens if you previously connected them separately (for example, for mono mode), and the system can ignore the second module, even if it is functional.

Before proceeding to reset, check:

  1. Case charge and headphones (the indicator should burn white when opened).
  2. No physical damage (try cleaning contacts with a cotton swab with alcohol).
  3. Bluetooth on your phone (try connecting another device).
πŸ“Š What is your model Xiaomi AirDots?
AirDots Basic (1st generation)
AirDots Pro
AirDots 2
AirDots 3
Another model

Preparation for connection: resetting headphones

If the headphones have previously connected to other devices or are not working properly, they need to be returned to the factory settings, which will delete all the saved connections and reset the sync settings.

Instructions for all Xiaomi AirDots models (except AirDots 3 Pro, they have a different algorithm):

Put both headphones in the case and close the lid.|Open the lid and hold the button on the case for 15-20 seconds (until the red/white flash)|Close the cover and wait 30 seconds.|Open the lid - the indicator should burn white (ready to pair)-->

The AirDots 3 Pro is different:

  1. Put the headphones in the case.
  2. Press and hold the button on the case 3 times in a row (with an interval of 1 second).
  3. After the third press, hold the button for 10 seconds until the indicator starts flashing red and white.

Important: after reset, the headphones automatically synchronize with each other, and if this does not happen, there is a problem in the hardware (contact the service).

⚠️ Warning: Do not interrupt the reset until the indicator blinks. If you release the button ahead of time, the headphones may stop turning on.

Step-by-step: how to connect both headphones

Now, to the main stage, which is pairing with your phone, follow the instructions in strict order to avoid errors.

Step 1: Synchronize the headphones with each other

Before connecting to your phone, make sure that the left and right modules are connected to each other:

  1. Get both earphones out of the case.
  2. Press and hold the touchpads on both headphones for 5 seconds until you hear the beep (or see the lights flashing).
  3. Put the headphones back in the case for 10 seconds, then pull out - they should automatically connect.

Step 2: Connect to the phone

The algorithm for Android and iOS is slightly different:

Action.AndroidiOS (iPhone)
Turn on Bluetooth.Go to Settings. β†’ Connections β†’ BluetoothOpen Settings β†’ Bluetooth
Searching deviceClick on β€œSearch for Devices” (or β€œAdd New Device”)Make sure the detection mode is on
Choosing headphonesFind Mi True Wireless Earbuds in the list Basic_R (or)Select a device with R suffix (right earphone)
ConfirmationClick "Hide" (password not required)Confirm the connection.

After successful connection, one device should be displayed in the list of Bluetooth devices - Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic (without suffixes _L/_R). This means that both headphones are connected in stereo mode.

πŸ’‘

If two separate devices ( L and R) are displayed in the Bluetooth list, remove both, reset the headphones, and reconnect.

Step 3: Verification of the work

To make sure that both earphones are working:

  • 🎡 Include any song or video.
  • πŸ”Š Check the sound balance in the phone settings (should be centered).
  • πŸ“± On some Xiaomi models, you can use the Mi Earphone app for diagnostics.

⚠️ Note: If the sound comes from only one headphone, but in the Bluetooth settings one device is displayed - the problem is in the audio settings on the phone. β†’ Sound. β†’ Balance stereo (on Android).

Problem Solving: If both headphones are not connected

If after all the manipulations, one of the headphones still does not work, try the following methods:

1. Manual reconnection

Sometimes forced disconnection and reconnection helps:

  1. Forget the device in Bluetooth settings.
  2. Turn off Bluetooth on your phone.
  3. Put the headphones in the case, close the lid for 30 seconds.
  4. Take out the headphones and reconnect.

Verification of compatibility

Outdated versions of Android (below 8.0) or iOS (below 12) may not work properly with Xiaomi AirDots.

  • πŸ“± On Android: Settings β†’ System system β†’ Updating the system.
  • 🍎 On iPhone: Settings β†’ Mainstream β†’ Update of the PO.

3.Diagnostics through the Mi Earphones app

The official Mi Earphones app (available for Android) allows you to:

  • πŸ” Check the level of charge of each headphone.
  • πŸ”„ Update the firmware (if available).
  • 🎧 Set up sensor control.

Download it to Google Play (no analogue for iOS).

What to do if the app does not see the headphones?
If Mi Earphones doesn't detect AirDots, try: 1. Remove the headphones from the Bluetooth list on the phone. 2. Delete the app cache (Settings) β†’ Annexes β†’ Mi Earphones β†’ Memory. β†’ Clear the cache). 3. Reboot the phone and reconnect.

Hardware malfunctions

If none of the methods worked, the following problems may occur:

  • πŸ”‹ Faulty battery in one of the headphones (does not hold charge).
  • πŸ“‘ The Bluetooth module is damaged (for example, after a fall).
  • πŸ”Œ Oxidation of contacts in the case (try to clean with alcohol).

In such cases, contact the Xiaomi service center or consider a replacement.

πŸ’‘

If the headphones are new and don’t connect the first time, check if they are fake. The original Xiaomi AirDots always have a serial number on the case and headphones, which can be checked on the official website.

Features of connecting to different devices

Xiaomi AirDots is compatible not only with smartphones, but also with other gadgets.

Connection to a laptop (Windows/macOS)

The algorithm is similar to connecting to a phone, but:

  • πŸ–₯️ Windows may need to install a Bluetooth 5.0 driver (unless headphones are detected).
  • 🍎 MacOS sometimes requires manually selecting a profile. A2DP Sink in the device settings.

Connection to the TV

Many are smart. TV (including Xiaomi Mi TV) They support AirDots, but:

  • πŸ“Ί Before connecting, disconnect all other Bluetooth devices from the TV.
  • πŸ”Š In the TV sound settings, select Bluetooth audio as the source.
  • ⚠️ Sound lag can reach 200-300 ms, which is normal for Bluetooth.

Connecting to multiple devices

Xiaomi AirDots (except AirDots 3 Pro) does not support multi-connection.

  1. Turn off the headphones from the current device.
  2. Put them in the case for 5 seconds.
  3. Take it out and connect it to a new device.

Firmware Update: Do I Need It?

The manufacturer periodically releases updates for Xiaomi AirDots, which fix synchronization errors and improve sound, but update the firmware is not necessary if the headphones are stable.

How to check and update the firmware:

  1. Install the Mi Earphones app (Android only).
  2. Put the headphones on the phone.
  3. Open the application and go to the Firmware Update section.
  4. If a new version is available, follow the instructions on the screen.

⚠️ Attention: Don't interrupt the upgrade process! If the headphone battery runs out during firmware, they may fail. Make sure the charge level is above 50%.

The Last Known Stable Firmware for AirDots 2 β€” V4.7.1_20210315. For AirDots. 3 β€” V1.4.0_20221122. If your version is newer, no update is required.

Model Comparison: Which AirDots are easier to connect?

Not all Xiaomi AirDots models are equally easy to set up, and the table below shows a comparison of key parameters:

ModelAutosynchronizationSupport for multi-connectionDifficulty of dischargeFrequent problems
AirDots BasicRequires manual synchronizationNo.Medium (hold the button 15 seconds)Right earphone falls off
AirDots ProAutomatic.No.Simple (3 taps)Mikphone problems
AirDots 2Automatic.No.Medium (hold 10 seconds)Lags when connecting to a PC
AirDots 3 ProAutomatic.Yes (2 devices)Difficult (3+10 sack)Problems with updating

The most stable in terms of connectivity are AirDots 3 Pro and AirDots 2. AirDots Basic most often requires manual configuration, but also costs less.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I use AirDots separately (mono mode)?
Yes, but only the right headphone (R) supports mono mode. The left (L) won't work on its own, as it's a slave device in pairs.
Why do headphones discharge quickly?
Causes: πŸ”‹ Battery wear (life of service) ~2–3 years). πŸ“± Continuous phone connection (turn off Bluetooth if you are not using it). 🎡 High volume (reduces running time by 20–30%) Solution: Calibrate the battery (discharge and charge completely 2-3 times).
How to distinguish the original AirDots from a fake?
Indications of the original: πŸ“¦ Box with hologram and serial number. πŸ”Š Mi logo on case and headphones (not erased). πŸ“± The serial number is checked in the Mi Earphones app.Fakes often have poor sound and unstable connection.
Can I connect AirDots to the PS4/PS5?
Officially, Sony PlayStation doesn’t support Xiaomi AirDots, but there’s a workaround: Buy a Bluetooth adapter for the controller (e.g., a smartphone, 8BitDo WB01). Connect the headphones to the adapter. Set up the output through the controller. ~100-150 ms.
What if the headphones are connected, but there is no sound?
Check it out: πŸ”Š Volume level on the phone and in the app (if used). 🎧 Sound balance in settings (Settings) β†’ Sound. β†’ Stereo balance). πŸ“± Bluetooth Profile (should be) A2DP, not HFP call-in).