How to reset Xiaomi AirDots headphones to factory settings: the full guide

Xiaomi AirDots are some of the most popular wireless gadgets, thanks to a combination of price, sound quality and functionality. However, even such reliable technology sometimes requires a factory reset. This may be necessary if the headphones have stopped connecting to the phone, are intermittent, or you want to transfer them to another user. Unlike smartphones, where the reset is done through menus, wireless headphones have their own nuances — and are not always obvious to beginners.

In this article, we’ll look at all the possible resets for different AirDots models (including AirDots Pro, AirDots 3, AirDots Youth, and others), explain why headphones may not reset the first time, and give tips for correcting common bugs. If you encounter a problem where one headphone is not synced with another or the device is not identified in the Bluetooth list, here you will find a solution.

When do I need to reset Xiaomi AirDots?

Factory reset is a last resort when other methods fail, and these are the most common situations where the procedure is justified:

• 🔄 The headphones don’t connect to the phone, although they used to work normally.
• 🎧 One earphone is not synchronized with the other (for example, the right one does not see the left one).
• 🔊 Persistent sound interruptions, communication interruptions or poor playback quality.
• 📱 Headphones are connected but do not play sound (for example, in calls or music).
• 🔋 Fast battery discharge, although previously held the charge longer.
• 🤝 You transfer the headphones to another person and want to remove all the associated devices.

It is important to understand that resetting does not correct hardware breakdowns (for example, a damaged speaker or charging connector). If the problem persists after reset, you may need to repair or replace your headphones. Also note that after the procedure, all saved settings (for example, EQ-Settings in the Mi Home app will be lost.

Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance

Before you start resetting, follow a few simple steps to avoid additional problems:

1. Check the battery. Make sure both earbuds are at least 30 percent charged. If the battery is discharged, the reset may not be correct.
2. Turn off the headphones from all devices. Go to the Bluetooth settings on your phone/laptop and remove Xiaomi AirDots from the list of conjugated gadgets.
3. Put the headphones in the case and close it for 10 seconds – this sometimes helps to reset temporary communication errors.
4. Update the firmware (if available). Some models (such as AirDots 3 Pro) support the update via the Mi Home app.

If you're using AirDots Pro 2 or a newer model, check if Low Latency is on, which can interfere with resets. Turn it off in the Bluetooth settings on your phone.

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If headphones have not been used for a long time, leave them on charge in a case for 1-2 hours before reset. A discharged battery is a common cause of a failed reset.

Xiaomi AirDots Reset Methods: Step-by-step instructions

The reset method depends on the headphone model. Below we have instructions for the most popular versions. If your model is not specified, try the universal method (section 4).

1. Xiaomi AirDots (1st generation) and AirDots Youth

These are the very first models and are reset via physical buttons:

1. Get both earphones out of the case.
2. Press and hold the touchpads on both headphones simultaneously for 15-20 seconds.
3. The indicators on the headphones will start flashing red and white – this is a signal of a successful reset.
4. Put the headphones back in the case, close it and wait 10 seconds.
5. Take out your headphones and try to connect again.

If the indicators do not flash, repeat the procedure by holding the buttons for longer (up to 30 seconds), for some users, it only works after 3-4 attempts.

2. Xiaomi AirDots Pro and AirDots Pro 2.

These models are reset differently:

1. Put both headphones in the case and close it.
2. Open the case and press the button on the back of the case (near the USB-C connector).
3. Hold the button for 10-15 seconds until the indicator on the case flashes red.
4. Close the case, wait 10 seconds, then pull out the headphones and try to connect.

If the button on the case does not respond, check if the USB-C connector is not contaminated - sometimes this interferes with the correct operation of the electronics.

3. Xiaomi AirDots 3, AirDots 3 Pro and new models

In these headphones, the reset is performed through touch control:

1. Get both earphones out of the case.
2. Press and hold the touch panels on both headphones at the same time.
3. After 5 seconds, the indicators will start flashing purple - keep holding.
4. After another 5 seconds (only 10 seconds), the indicators will be replaced by flashing red and white - the reset is performed.
5. Put the headphones back in the case for 10 seconds, then try connecting.

If the headphones don’t respond, try resetting them individually: first, reset the right one, then the left one.

Charge headphones at least 30% |

Remove the device from the Bluetooth list on your phone |

Take the headphones out of the case |

Hold the touch panels 10+ seconds-->

4. Universal method (for all models)

If the previous methods didn’t work, try this algorithm:

1. Put the headphones in the case and close it for 30 seconds.
2. Take out the headphones and don't put them back.
3. Press and hold the touch panels on both headphones for 20 to 25 seconds.
4. If the indicators started flashing red and white, the reset was successful.
5. If not, repeat the procedure by rebooting your phone (sometimes the problem is with the smartphone’s Bluetooth module).

This method often helps when headphones are “hung” after a failed firmware update or conflict with another Bluetooth device.

Table: Comparison of reset methods for different AirDots models

If your model is not listed in the table, try the universal way or contact Xiaomi support through the Mi Home app.

What to do if the reset does not work?

Sometimes the headphones don't stick to dropping even after a few tries.

• 🔋 Check the case's charge. If the case is discharged, it may not be powering the headphones to reset.
• 📱 Reboot your phone. Sometimes the problem is with your smartphone's Bluetooth module, not your headphones.
• 🔄 Try another phone. Connect your headphones to another device (like a tablet) and reset from there.
• 🛠️ Clean the contacts. Dirt or oxidation on the contacts of the case or headphones can interfere with the reset.
• 📦 Update the firmware. Some models (such as AirDots 3 Pro) are available with updates via Mi Home that fix reset bugs.

If nothing helps, it is possible that the headphones have a hardware malfunction, in which case, contact the Xiaomi service center or check the warranty.

How to connect AirDots after resetting?

After a successful reset, Xiaomi AirDots headphones return to factory settings and are ready for a new pairing.

1. Open Bluetooth settings on your phone and enable device search.
2. Remove the headphones from the case – they should automatically go into pairing mode (the indicators will flash white).
3. In the list of available devices, find Mi True Wireless Earphones (or a similar name for your model) and click Connect.
4. Confirm the pairing if necessary.
5. After connecting, check the sound in both headphones.

If the headphones don't appear on the Bluetooth list, reset or try connecting from another device, and make sure the phone has power-saving mode turned off for Bluetooth, which can interfere with device search.

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Once reset, the headphones lose all previous pairings. If they don't automatically connect, remove them from the Bluetooth list on the phone and perform the pairing again.

Typical Resetting Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Many users make the same mistakes that make the reset fail, and here are the most common ones:

⚠️ Warning: Do not hold the reset buttons for more than 30 seconds - this can cause hardware failure (for example, the headphones will stop turning on).If the reset does not occur in 20-25 seconds, release the buttons and try again later.

• ❌ Insufficient charge. Headphones with a discharged battery will not be able to complete the reset. Always check the charge level before the procedure.
• ❌ Non-synchronous pressing. If you're holding the buttons on your headphones at the same time, the reset won't work. Ask someone to help or use two fingers.
• ❌ Ignoring indicators: Many people release buttons as soon as they see a flash, but to completely reset, you need to wait for the indicator to change color (for example, from purple to red and white).
• ❌ Some models (like AirDots 1) don't reset through a button on the case -- only through touchpads on the headphones.

If you make one of these mistakes, just repeat the procedure based on the recommendations. In most cases, the reset is successful with 2-3 attempts.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi AirDots reset