Xiaomi AirDots: how to connect to the phone in 2 minutes - instructions with photos and videos

Xiaomi AirDots wireless headphones (including the Pro, Pro 2, 3, SE and other models) remain among the most popular gadgets in the Mi line due to the combination of price, sound quality and convenience. However, many users face difficulties when connecting first: headphones are not determined by the phone, only one earphone is connected, or the sound is interrupted. In this article, we will analyze all possible pairing methods (including for iPhone and Android devices), consider typical errors and give recommendations for optimizing work.

It's important to understand that the connection process can vary depending on the version of the headphone firmware and the smartphone operating system. For example, AirDots 3 Pro supports Bluetooth 5.2 protocol with low latency, and older models (AirDots Basic) work on Bluetooth 4.2 - this affects the stability of the connection. We took into account all the nuances and prepared a universal guide that will help even if you have never used wireless headphones before.

Preparing headphones for connection: charging and resetting

Before you start pairing, make sure the headphones are fully charged. The indicator on the case should be white or green (depending on the model) - this signals 100% charge. If the indicator is red or flashing, connect the case to the power source for 30 to 60 minutes. AirDots will not turn on in battery mode, even if you press the pairing button.

If the headphones are already connected to another device, you need to reset them to the factory settings.

1. Put both headphones in the case and close the lid.
2. Open the lid and hold the button on the case (or touchpad on the headphones, if it is AirDots 3/Pro) for 10-15 seconds until the indicator starts flashing red and white alternately.
3. Close the case, the reset is complete.

💡

If the indicator does not flash after 15 seconds of holding, try to connect the case to the charge and repeat the procedure.

After reset, the headphones automatically go into pairing mode the next time you pull them out of the case. If this does not happen, remove them and hold the touchpad on each earphone for 3-5 seconds until you hear a voice message "Pairing" (for models with support for voice prompts).

Connecting Xiaomi AirDots to Android-smartphone

On Android devices (including Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO) the connection is made via the standard Bluetooth menu.

Open Bluetooth settings on your phone

Remove the headphones from the case and wait for the indicator to blink

Select "Mi AirDots Basic" (or your model) from the list of devices

Confirm the pairing if a request appears

Check the sound in both headphones-->

1. Go to Settings → Connections → Bluetooth (the path may differ depending on the shell).
2. Activate Bluetooth and wait for the phone to start searching for devices.
3. Remove both headphones from the case – they should automatically turn on and appear in the list of available devices called Mi AirDots Basic, Redmi AirDots or similar (depending on the model).
4. Click on the headphone name in the list. If you request confirmation of pairing, click "Connect."

Once successfully connected, the phone will have an earphone icon in the status bar, and the Bluetooth settings will mark the device as “Connected.” If the sound is only in one earphone, check if Mono mode is activated (see “Problem Solving”).

Connection to iPhone (iOS) and features of work

While Xiaomi AirDots is optimized for Android, it also works well with iPhones (iOS 12 and later).

• 🔊 There is no charge level display in the status bar (unlike AirPods).
• 🎵 Sound delay can be more noticeable, especially in games or videos (solved by setting up the codec, see below).
• ⚙️ No support for branded features (e.g. Dual Device in AirDots 3 Pro).

To connect to the iPhone:

1. Open Settings → Bluetooth.
2. Remove the headphones from the case and wait for the appearance in the list of the device called Mi AirDots.
3. Click on the name and confirm the connection.

If the sound is interrupted or there are delays, go to Settings → Bluetooth → i (near the headphone name) → Sound and select the codecs in this priority order:

1. AAC (optimum for music)
2. SBC (Universal, but with the Worst Quality)

💡

On the iPhone, Xiaomi AirDots will work in Mono mode if you only remove one headphone from the case. Always use both for stereo sound.

Solving Connection Problems

If the headphones do not connect or work incorrectly, use this table for diagnosis:

One of the most common problems is asynchronous headphones (lag in one of them), which is typical for AirDots Basic and AirDots Youth models, because of the peculiarities of the Bluetooth 4.2 protocol.

• 🔄 Reconnect the headphones (forget the device in Bluetooth settings and re-spoil).
• 📱 Update the firmware of headphones (instructions in the next section).
• 🎧 Try using headphones with another device – if the problem persists, a hardware defect is possible.

Not connecting to the phone.

Only one headphone is connected.

The sound is interrupted or delayed

They're discharged fast.

Another problem.-->

Update of the headphone firmware

Xiaomi AirDots firmware affects connection stability, sound quality and running time. For example, V4.7.1 firmware for AirDots 3 Pro fixes iOS connection bugs, and V3.5.8 for AirDots Basic improves synchronization between headphones. You can update the firmware only through the official Mi Home app (available for Android and iOS).

Instructions for updating:

1. Install the Mi Home app from Google Play or the App Store.
2. Connect your headphones to your phone (they should be in the Bluetooth device list).
3. Open Mi Home, click Add Device (+) and select Audio category.
4. Follow the instructions on the screen. If an update is available, the app will prompt you to install it.

💡

Before updating the firmware, make sure that the charge level of the headphones and case exceeds 50%.

If your headphone model is not displayed in Mi Home, try:

• 📲 Update the Mi Home app to the latest version.
• 🌍 Change the region in the application profile to “China” (some firmware is only available there).
• 🔌 Connect your headphones to another phone (sometimes changing your device to upgrade helps).

Optimizing the sound and adjusting gestures

By default, Xiaomi AirDots uses standard audio settings, but they can be optimized to suit your preferences, for example, AirDots 3 Pro models have sound modes available:

• 🎶 Balanced (balanced).
• 🎤 Vocal (amplification of voices for podcasts).
• 🎵 Bass (reinforced low frequencies).

To change the regime:

1. Put the headphones on the phone.
2. Open Mi Home, find your headphones in the list of devices.
3. Go to “Sound Settings” and select the desired profile.

AirDots 3/Pro also supports touch gestures.

💡

To turn off gestures (for example, if they are triggered accidentally), go to the headphone settings in Mi Home and deactivate the Touch Control option.

Tips for care and extension of service life

To make Xiaomi AirDots last longer, follow these guidelines:

• 🔋 Charge the case with the original cable (or certified) only. USB-C/Micro-USB Using cheap cables can damage the power controller.
• 🧼 Clean your headphones once a week with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol (do not use water!). Pay special attention to the speaker grid and charging contacts.
• 🌡️ Avoid overheating: Do not leave the case in direct sunlight or near heat sources (e.g., on the dashboard of the car).
• 📵 Keep your headphones in your case when you're not using them, and this protects them from dust and prevents the battery from draining.

The average battery life in AirDots is 2-3 years when used actively. If the headphones are rapidly discharged (less than 2 hours of operation), this is a sign of battery wear.

1. Discharge the headphones until completely shut down.
2. Put them in the case and charge 8-12 hours without interruptions.
3. Repeat the discharge / charge cycle 2-3 times.

💡

If the calibration time has not improved, the battery needs to be replaced, and Xiaomi service centers offer this service for 800-1500 rubles (depending on the model).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi AirDots