How to connect both headphones Xiaomi Redmi Airdots: step-by-step guide 2026

Xiaomi Redmi Airdots wireless headphones remain among the most popular budget headphones TWS-But many users are faced with a typical problem: only one headphone works after connecting to a phone, and the reasons can vary from a simple battery discharge to a failure of synchronization between left and right modules. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to connect both headphones for models Redmi Airdots (1st generation), Airdots 2, Airdots 3 and their modifications.

It's important to understand that the pairing algorithm of these headphones is different from the classic Bluetooth headsets. It uses True Wireless technology, where each headphone connects independently, but it must be synchronized with the master module (usually the right one). If the synchronization is lost, you will hear the sound in only one ear. Next, you will find step-by-step instructions, a table of compatibility with devices and solutions to common errors.

1. Preparation of headphones for connection

Before you try to connect Redmi Airdots, make sure that both earphones are charged and in good condition.The minimum charge level for successful synchronization is 30%.

  • πŸ”‹ Red light – charge below 30%, recharging is required.
  • 🟑 Yellow light: charge from 30% to 70%.
  • 🟒 Green light – charge above 70%, ready to go.

If the indicator doesn't burn at all, try cleaning the contacts on the headphones and in the case with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. The oxide film on the contacts is one of the main reasons why the headphones are not identified by the case as charged. Also make sure that the case is charged on its own (the indicator on the front panel should flash when connecting to the USB).

Next, remove both earbuds from the case. They should automatically turn on (you will hear the beep). If this does not happen, press and hold the touchpad on each earbud for 5 seconds until the white indicator flashes.

πŸ“Š What kind of Redmi Airdots do you have?
Redmi Airdots (1st generation)
Redmi Airdots 2
Redmi Airdots 3
Redmi Buds 3/4
Another model

2. Standard method of connection (for most models)

This method works for Redmi Airdots 2/3 and most versions.

  1. Turn on Bluetooth on your smartphone (go to Settings β†’ Connections β†’ Bluetooth).
  2. Remove both earphones from the case. They should automatically turn on and start flashing red and white (pairing mode).
  3. In the list of available devices, find the name Redmi Airdots_R (where "R" is the right earpiece. Press it to connect.
  4. After successful connection, the right earphone will emit an audio signal, and the left one will automatically synchronize with it (the indicator on it will go out).

If the left earphone is not connected, put both earphones back in the case, close it for 10 seconds, then repeat the process. 90% of the time, this solves the problem.

Both earphones charged (>30%) |

Bluetooth on your phone turned on |

Headphones removed from the case and flashing |

The list of devices shows "Redmi". Airdots_R"-->

3. Manual pairing of left and right headphones

If the standard method doesn't work, you'll have to manually synchronize the headphones between each other, which is a technique that's relevant for the 1st generation Redmi Airdots and some clones:

  1. Put both headphones back in the case and close it.
  2. Remove only the right earphone and hold the touchpad for 15 seconds until the indicator starts flashing red and white alternately (reset mode).
  3. Remove the left earphone and hold its touchpad for 10 seconds until it starts flashing white.
  4. Place both earbuds side by side (at a distance of 5-10 cm) and wait until they synchronize. Successful synchronization is confirmed by a double beep.
  5. Now connect the right earphone to the phone - the left will connect automatically.

If the left earphone doesn't work after this manipulation, try changing the headphones into the case (put the right one in the left socket and vice versa) and repeat the process, sometimes helping to "reset" their roles (leader/subject).

What to do if the headphones do not blink?
If the headphones don’t respond to pressing, this could mean: 1. Full battery drain (set on charge for 30+ minutes). 2. Touchpad sticking (wipe it with dry cloth). 3. Hardware failure (repair required). In the latter case, try connecting the headphones to another device (tablet, laptop) to rule out a smartphone problem.

4. Device compatibility table

Not all smartphones and operating systems work equally well with Redmi Airdots. Below is a table of compatibility with popular devices:

Device/OSSupport for AACStability of communicationsSound delayNotes
Xiaomi (MIUI 12+)βœ… Yes.⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐~100 ms.Better compatibility, automatic codec switching.
Samsung (One UI 3.0+)βœ… Yes.⭐⭐⭐⭐~120 msSometimes manual switching to the AAC codec is required.
iPhone (iOS 14+)βœ… Yes.⭐⭐⭐⭐~150 msNo support for aptX, rare communication breaks are possible.
Windows 10/11❌ No.⭐⭐⭐~200 ms.Manual installation of drivers for AAC is required.
MacOS (Monterey+)βœ… Yes.⭐⭐⭐⭐~130 msThere may be problems with the microphone in the phone.

If your device is not on the list, look for the Bluetooth version.Redmi Airdots requires Bluetooth 4.2 or later to work properly.Older smartphones (such as Bluetooth 4.0) can experience severe audio delay or communication interruptions.

πŸ’‘

If the headphones are connected but the sound is interrupted, try turning off the Absolute Volume feature in Bluetooth settings on Android. This will reduce the number of data packets and stabilize the connection.

5. Solving common problems

Even after a successful connection, users face typical problems, and here are the most common ways to solve them:

πŸ”Š Problem: The sound is only in one headphone

  • πŸ”„ Reset the headphones: Put them in a case, close for 10 seconds, then pull out.
  • πŸ“± Forget the device in Bluetooth settings and connect again.
  • πŸ”‹ Check the sound balance in your phone settings (sometimes 100% down in one channel).

🎡 Problem: Music is interrupted or slowed down

  • πŸ“Ά Reduce the distance between your phone and headphones (maximum 10 meters without obstacles).
  • πŸ”„ Turn off Wi-Fi on your phone – sometimes it causes interference.
  • 🎧 Change the codec to AAC Bluetooth settings (if available).

πŸ”‹ Problem: Fast battery discharge

  • πŸ”Œ Use the original cable to charge the case.
  • πŸ“΄ Turn off your headphones when not in use (they continue to consume energy in standby mode).
  • πŸ”„ Reset the headphone settings (see Section 3).

⚠️ Warning: If the left earphone is still not connected after all the manipulations, check it on another device. If the problem persists, it is a hardware failure (most often the battery or antenna plume departs), in which case it will cost less to buy new headphones.

6. Alternative ways of connecting

If none of the above has worked, try out the non-standard methods:

πŸ“± Connection via the Mi Home app

For some models (for example, Redmi Airdots 3 Pro) there is a possibility of connection through the proprietary application:

  1. Download Mi Home from Google Play or App Store.
  2. Sign up or sign in to your Xiaomi account.
  3. Click Add Device β†’ Audio β†’ Redmi Airdots
  4. Follow the instructions on the screen.

πŸ–₯ Connection to PC (Windows/macOS)

To connect to a computer:

  1. Turn on Bluetooth on your PC.
  2. Click Add Add Bluetooth device.
  3. Choose Redmi. Airdots_R list.
  4. If the sound is only in one headphone, update the Bluetooth drivers through Device Manager.

Windows may require manual driver installation to support the AAC codec. You can download it on the official Qualcomm website (search Qualcomm AptX/AAC Driver).

πŸ’‘

If the headphones connect to a PC but only sound in one channel, check the sound settings in the control panel. Sometimes Windows automatically selects mono mode for Bluetooth devices.

7. Update to the headphone firmware

In rare cases, the connection problem is due to outdated firmware, which can only be updated through the official Mi Home app (if available for your model).

  1. Connect your headphones to your phone via Mi Home.
  2. Go to the device settings.
  3. If an update is available, the Update Firmware button will appear.
  4. Do not turn off the headphones and do not close the application until the process is complete (it takes ~5 minutes).

⚠️ Warning: Don't interrupt the update process! This can cause the headphones to be completely inoperable. If the connection is interrupted during the upgrade, put the headphones in the case, close it for 30 seconds, then try again.

Currently, the current firmware versions for Redmi Airdots:

  • Airdots 1: V1.4.0.8 (last).
  • Airdots 2: V1.7.1.0.
  • Airdots 3: V2.1.0.3 (with low latency support for gaming)

FAQ: Frequent questions

Can I use left and right headphones separately?
Yeah, but only if they were originally paired together. For this: Put both earbuds on the phone. Put one in the case. The sound automatically switches to the remaining earbud. If you try to use the headphones separately without first synchronizing, they won't work.
Why do headphones discharge quickly?
Redmi Airdots can run for 4-5 hours on a single charge at medium volume. If the battery goes down faster: Check if the noise is on (if it is supported). Turn down the volume - at maximum energy consumption increases by 2 times. Update the firmware (new versions optimized battery consumption).
How to reset headphones to factory settings?
To reset completely: Put both earbuds in the case. Open the case cover. Press and hold the touchpads on both earbuds for 20 seconds until the lights flash red and white. Close the case for 10 seconds, then reconnect. This method removes all the stored pairings and returns the headphones to factory settings.
Can I connect Redmi Airdots to a Smart TV?
Yes, but with reservations: TV Should support Bluetooth 4.2+. In the sound settings TV Choose Redmi. Airdots_R The delay of sound will be more noticeable than on a smartphone (up to the 300 To reduce latency, use a Bluetooth transmitter with support for aptX Low Latency.
Where to buy the original Redmi Airdots, not a fake?
Official sellers: 🌍 Xiaomi official website (international version). πŸ›’ AliExpress (shops with a rating of 98%+ and marked "Official Store"). 🏬 Communication salons (Svyaznoy, MTS, Beeline - but check the package for the presence of a hologram). Signs of forgery: No Mi logo on the case. Indicators burn not like the instructions. The sound wheezes or there is no bass.