How to switch tracks to Xiaomi Redmi Airdots: all ways + fixing

Xiaomi Redmi Airdots wireless headphones (including Redmi Airdots models) 2/3/Pro/Lite) They are among the most popular budgets. TWS-However, many users have difficulty switching the track directly from the headphones – standard gestures do not always work intuitively, and instructions often lack details. This article will reveal all possible ways to control playback, including hidden features and workarounds for different versions of firmware.

We're going to look at not only basic touch combinations, but also alternative methods, from voice commands to customization through the Mi Home app, and focus on the typical problems of having headphones "disobey," skipping tracks, or resetting the connection with a double tap, and if you've tried to switch songs without success, you'll find a solution here even for the non-obvious.

1. Standard control gestures on Redmi Airdots: what works out of the box

Most Redmi Airdots models use touchpads on the headphone body to switch tracks, but the touch algorithm differs depending on the firmware version and model. Here are the universal combinations that should work on all devices in the series:

  • 🎡 Double tap on the right earpiece - the next track (forward).
  • 🎡 Double tap on the left earpiece - the previous track (back).
  • ⏸️ Single tap on any earpiece - pause / playback.
  • πŸ“ž Triple tap - refusal of incoming call (on some firmware).

Important: on Redmi Airdots 3 Pro and newer models may need to hold tap 1-2 You can switch the track for a second to avoid accidental triggers. If the double tap doesn't work, try increasing the interval between touches to 0.5 seconds.

πŸ“Š What Redmi Airdots model do you use?
Redmi Airdots (1st generation)
Redmi Airdots 2
Redmi Airdots 3/3 Pro
Redmi Airdots Lite
Another model.

In practice, users often confuse gestures to switch tracks with volume control (which is implemented through swipe up/down on some models).If your headphones do not respond to double tap, check:

⚠️ Note: On Redmi Airdots Lite, track switching is disabled by default – it must be activated via the Mi Home app (see Section 3).

Model headphones"Go" gesture.Back gesture.Notes
Redmi Airdots (1-gen)Double-tap rightDouble tap left.It only works when connected to Mi devices.
Redmi Airdots 2Double-tap rightDouble tap left.It requires firmware no lower. V1.4.0
Redmi Airdots 3 ProHolding 1.5 seconds rightHolding 1.5 sec leftSupports customization through Mi Home
Redmi Airdots Liteβ€”β€”Requires manual adjustment

2 Why Track Switching Doesn't Work: 5 Common Reasons

If the headphones ignore your touches or instead of switching the track, put the playback on pause, the problem lies in one of the following factors:

  1. Outdated firmware. The versions below. V1.2.6 (Airdots 2) controls are unstable. Update the software via Mi Home.
  2. Application conflict: Some players (e.g. Spotify or Spotify) VK Music) block external controls. Check player settings.
  3. Incorrect sequence of touches. The interval between taps should be 0.3-0.7 seconds. Too fast or slow touches are not recognized.
  4. Hardware reset: If the headphones have previously connected to another device, their settings may have reset. Reset (see section 5).
  5. OS restrictions: On iPhone or Android 12 devices+ Media management permission may be required in Bluetooth settings.

A critical feature for Redmi Airdots 3 Pro owners: if the headphones are connected to two devices at the same time (for example, a phone and a laptop), the control gestures will work only on the device where the sound is currently played.

πŸ’‘

Before setting up gestures, disconnect the headphones from all devices except the one you're testing from, which will eliminate Bluetooth protocol conflicts.

To diagnose the problem, perform a simple test:

  1. Put the headphones on the phone.
  2. Run a standard player (e.g. Google Play Music).
  3. Make a double tap on the right earpiece.
  4. If the track has not switched but the playback has been interrupted, the problem is the firmware. If there is no reaction at all, check the sensor (see section 6).

3.Configure control through the Mi Home application: step-by-step instructions

Mi Home allows you to reassign gestures or enable additional control features, a technique that is particularly relevant for Redmi Airdots Lite and Airdots 3 Pro, where standard combinations are disabled by default.

Add headphones to Mi Home (Devices section" β†’ "Add")|Update the headphone firmware to the latest version|Disconnect Headphones from Other Devices|Close background applications that use Bluetooth-->

Instructions for setting:

  1. Open Mi Home and select your Redmi Airdots from the device list.
  2. Go to Settings. β†’ Touch control (the name of the item may vary depending on the version of the application).
  3. Enable the Music Management option (if disabled).
  4. Set up actions for: 🎡 Double-tap right β†’ "Next track" 🎡 Double tap left. β†’ "Previous track" ⏸️ Single tap β†’ "Pause/reproduction"

Save the settings and reconnect the headphones.

If there is no gesture control in Mi Home, upgrade to version 6.0.100+ Or use an alternative method:

Alternative way to customize for older versions of Mi Home
1. Remove the headphones from the list of devices in Mi Home. 2. Reset the headphones to factory settings (hold the button on the case for 10 seconds until the indicator flashes red). 3. Re-add the device to Mi Home - after that, you will be able to adjust gestures.

Android 11.+ You may need to further allow Mi Home to access media management in your system settings:

Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Mi Home β†’ Permissions β†’ Media and Device Management

4. Voice control and alternative ways to switch tracks

If sensory gestures are uncomfortable or do not work, use one of the following alternative methods:

4.1 Voice commands via Google Assistant/Siri

Activate the voice assistant and use commands:

  • 🎀 "Next Track / Next Track"
  • 🎀 "Previous Previous post: β€œPrevious Track"
  • 🎀 "Pause/Play"

For stable operation, make sure that the Bluetooth settings on the phone include the option of Media control via voice.

Player widgets on the lock screen

On Android and iOS, most music apps display controls on the lock screen. Just swipe across the screen to unlock the player and press the go/back buttons.

4.3. Companion applications (for advanced users)

If standard methods do not suit, install one of the specialized applications:

  • πŸ“± Headset Button Controller (Android) – allows you to reassign the headphone buttons.

πŸ’‘

Voice control is the most reliable way if the touch panels of the headphones are damaged or are not working stable.

For iPhone, the only reliable way (other than voice commands) is to use Control Center:

  1. Swipe your finger down from the top right corner of the screen.
  2. Press the player widget.
  3. Use the forward/back buttons.

5. Resetting and flashing: if nothing helps

If the headphones stop responding to gestures or malfunction, perform a hardware reset, which will return factory settings and often solve control problems.

Resetting instructions for all Redmi Airdots models:

  1. Place both headphones in the case and close the lid.
  2. Hold the button on the back of the case for 15-20 seconds until the indicator flashes red and white.
  3. Open the case cover - the headphones will automatically go into pairing mode (the indicator flashes white).
  4. Put them back on the phone.

If the reset didn’t help, try updating the firmware manually:

  1. Download the latest firmware version for your model from the official Xiaomi website (Support section).
  2. Connect the headphones to the PC via Bluetooth.
  3. Use the Mi Flash Tool utility to install the firmware (instructions are attached to the archive with the software).

⚠️ Note: Handheld firmware can result in a loss of warranty if executed incorrectly.For Redmi Airdots 3 Pro and later, use only official updates via Mi Home.

After resetting or firmware, you may need to re-set your gestures (see Section 3).If the problem persists, check the headphones on another device to help determine if the problem is in the Airdots themselves or in your smartphone.

6.Diagnostics of sensor faults: when to contact the service

If the headphones do not respond to touch at all (not only when switching tracks), hardware malfunctions are possible:

  • πŸ”‹ Battery discharge – at a charge level below 10%, the sensor can be turned off.
  • πŸ’§ Moisture infestation - even a slight humidity disrupts the work of touch panels.
  • πŸ”§ Mechanical damage – cracks in the body or deformation after falling.
  • πŸ”„ Software failure – Flashing required (see Section 5).

To check the performance of the sensor:

  1. Put the headphones on the phone.
  2. Start recording voice (for example, via voice recorder).
  3. Touch the Touch Bar – If the recording is interrupted or clicks are heard, the sensor is serviceable.

If the sensor is not responding:

  1. Wipe the surface of the headphones with a dry lilac-free napkin (do not use alcohol!).
  2. Try activating gestures from different angles – sometimes touching closer to the edge of the panel helps.
  3. Connect the headphones to another device (such as a MacBook or Windows PC) – if the problem persists, the hardware malfunction.

⚠️ Warning: Do not try to disassemble the headphones yourself, this will lead to loss of tightness and warranty. For sensor repair, contact authorized Xiaomi service centers.

The cost of repairing the touch panel in the official service is 800-1500 rubles (2026), depending on the model. If the headphones are guaranteed, the repair will be free.

7. Comparison with others TWS-Headphones: What is best for music management

For those who are disappointed with the Redmi Airdots, we compare it to alternative models from Xiaomi and other brands:

ModelTrack switchingVoice controlCustomization of gesturesPrice (2026)
Redmi Airdots 3 ProRetention 1.5 secondsThrough the assistant.Yeah (Mi Home)~2 500 β‚½
Xiaomi Buds 4Swipe up/downBuilt-in voice assistantYes (annex)~5 000 β‚½
Haylou GT1 ProTriple tapThrough the phone.No.~1 800 β‚½
Sony WF-C700NTouching + swipeBuilt-in (DSEE)Yeah (Sony Headphones)~9 000 β‚½

Redmi Airdots lose to more expensive models in flexibility of control, but win in the ratio of price / function. If you are critical to customization of gestures, look at Xiaomi Buds 4 or Sony WF-C700N. For the budget segment, the best alternative is Haylou GT1 Pro, where track switching is implemented via triple tap (which excludes accidental positives).

If you have already purchased Redmi Airdots and do not want to change the model, use a combination approach:

  • 🎧 For quick switching – gestures (after setting up via Mi Home).
  • 🎀 For precise control – voice commands.
  • πŸ“± For rare actions (for example, rewinding inside a track) – lock screens or widgets.

FAQ: Frequent questions about managing Redmi Airdots

πŸ” Why Double Tap Works Like a Single (Pause Instead of Track Switching)?
This is a typical problem on Redmi Airdots 2 with firmware below. V1.4.0. Solutions: Update your firmware via Mi Home. Increase the tap spacing to 0.5-0.7 seconds. Reset your headphones to factory settings (Section 5). If the problem persists, check the headphones on another device - possibly a conflict with your smartphone's Bluetooth stack.
πŸ” Can I reassign gestures to volume instead of switching tracks?
Yes, but only on customization-enabled models (Redmi Airdots 3 Pro and later). β†’ Touch control. Double tap the action "Loud up" or "Loud down." Redmi Airdots 2 and older models can't reassign - volume is controlled only through the phone.
πŸ” Why iPhone doesn’t work on track switching, even though Android is fine?
Apple devices have restrictions on managing media through Bluetooth devices.Solutions: In iPhone settings, go to Bluetooth β†’ (i) near Redmi Airdots β†’ Allow media management. Use Control Center or voice commands (Siri). Install Bluetooth Auto Connect for advanced management. Note: iOS 16+ Some features may be blocked due to Apple's security policy.
πŸ” How to rewind the track forward / back (not to switch, but rewind)?
Redmi Airdots doesn't have a built-in rewind feature, just track switching. Alternatives: Use the player widget on the lock screen of your phone. Install an app that supports rewind gestures (like Poweramp for Android). Activate the voice assistant and say, "Fast forward 30 seconds." On Xiaomi Buds 4 and more expensive models, rewinding is implemented through touchbar retention.
πŸ” After the firmware update, all gestures stopped working?
This is a known problem when upgrading through Mi Home.Order: Reset your headphones (section 5). Remove them from the list of devices in Mi Home and on your phone.Plug them back in and check your gestures.If the problem persists, roll back the firmware to the previous version (contact Xiaomi support).In some cases, connecting the headphones to another device (such as a tablet) and re-tuning your gestures helps.