How to use Xiaomi AirDots: from connectivity to hidden features

Xiaomi AirDots are some of the most popular wireless headphones in Xiaomiโ€™s lineup, combining affordable price, high-quality sound and usability. However, even these simple devices have nuances, from first connection to gesture control and solving typical problems. This article will help you understand all the subtleties โ€“ whether you bought Redmi AirDots 3 Pro, classic Mi True Wireless Earphones 2 or any other model in the series.

We're not going to be limited to basic instructions: here you'll find hidden features (like activating low latency for games), ways to extend battery life, and also solve common bugs, from connection problems to distorted sound. If you've just unpacked your headphones or already encountered difficulties, read on.

1.The first connection of Xiaomi AirDots to the phone

The process of pairing the headphones with the device depends on the model, but the general algorithm is the same for most AirDots. Important: before the first connection, fully charge the case (the indicator on the front panel should burn green). If the indicator flashes red, connect the case to charge for 30-60 minutes.

To connect to Android or iPhone:

  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Open the case cover - the headphones will automatically go into pairing mode (indicators on the headphones will start flashing white / red).
  • ๐Ÿ” On your phone, turn on Bluetooth and find the device in the list of available devices. The name will contain Mi True Wireless, Redmi AirDots or similar.
  • ๐Ÿ”— Click "Connect." Once successfully paired, the headphones will go out and the phone will have a notification.

If the headphones are not displayed in the list of devices:

โš ๏ธ Note: On AirDots 3 Pro and later, you may need to press and hold a button on the case (usually 3-5 seconds) until the indicator flashes white.

๐Ÿ“Š What model of Xiaomi AirDots you use?
Redmi AirDots 3/3 Pro
Mi True Wireless Earphones 2
AirDots SE
Another model
I don't know.

2. Managing gestures and buttons

All Xiaomi AirDots support touch controls or physical buttons (depending on the model).

Action.Gesture (touch panel)Button (for models with buttons)
Reproduction/pauseSingle touch of any headphoneOne click on the button
Next trackDouble touch of the right earpieceDouble click on the button
Previous trackDouble touch of the left earpieceTriple click on the button
Reject the challengeHold the touch for 1-2 secondsHold the button for 2 seconds
Activation of the voice assistantTriple touch of any headphoneHold the button for 3 seconds

The AirDots 3 Pro and Mi True Wireless 3 have added support for transparent mode (transmission of external sounds).

  1. Hold the touch on the left earphone for 2 seconds.
  2. Repeat the action to shut down.

๐Ÿ’ก

If gestures work unstablely, wipe the touch panel of headphones with an alcohol napkin - fat and sweat can interfere with the recognition of touches.

3. Sound and equalizer tuning

By default, Xiaomi AirDots uses a neutral sound profile, but it can be changed through the Mi Home app (for Android) or Xiaomi Wear (for iOS).Importantly, not all models support equalizer customization - check compatibility in the description of your version.

How to tune the sound:

  1. Put the headphones on the phone.
  2. Open the Mi Home app, find the device in the list, and select โ€œSound Settings.โ€
  3. Choose one of the pre-profiles (Bases, Vocals, Balance) or create your own by moving the sliders.

For supported models LC3-codec (e.g. AirDots 3 Pro):

  • ๐ŸŽต Enable the โ€œHigh Qualityโ€ option in your phoneโ€™s Bluetooth settings (if available).
  • ๐Ÿ”Š In the Mi Home app, activate Low Lag Mode for games and videos.
How to check supported codec?
On Android, open Settings โ†’ Bluetooth, find connected AirDots and click on the icon โš™๏ธ The codec section will show the current code (SBC, AAC or LC3).

4. Connection problems and their solution

The most common complaint of users is that the headphones do not connect to the phone or only connect one at a time.

โš ๏ธ Warning: If only one earpiece is turned on after being removed from the case, check the charging contacts in the case - they may have oxidized.

Step 1. Reset the headphones.

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Place both headphones in the case and close the lid.
  • ๐Ÿ”‹ Hold the button on the case for 15-20 seconds until the indicator starts flashing red and white alternately.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Remove the headphones from the list of Bluetooth devices on your phone and connect again.

Step 2. Check compatibility.

Xiaomi AirDots headphones may conflict with some versions of Android (especially custom firmware).If the connection is constantly reset:

  • ๐Ÿ“ฒ Update your phone to the latest version.
  • ๐Ÿ”ง In Bluetooth settings, turn off the option of โ€œDual Connected Audioโ€ (if any).

โ˜‘๏ธ Checklist before contacting the service

Done: 0 / 4

5 How to extend the life of the battery

The average lifetime of Xiaomi AirDots on a single charge is 4-6 hours (depending on model and volume) to maximize battery capacity:

  • ๐Ÿ”‹ Do not leave the headphones discharged for a long time - store them in a charged case (optimal case charge level is 30-70%).
  • ๐ŸŒก๏ธ Avoid overheating: Do not leave the case under direct sunlight or near heat sources.
  • ๐Ÿ”Š Reduce the volume to a comfortable level โ€“ at maximum volume, the operating time is reduced by 30-40%.

Critical information: If the headphones have not been used for more than 3 months, charge the case to 100% before the first turn on, then discharge the headphones to 0% and recharge.

For fast-charging models (such as AirDots 3 Pro):

  • โšก 10 minutes in a case, give me ~1 hour of playback.
  • ๐Ÿ”Œ Use the original cable USB-C for charging the case - non-original may not provide the necessary current.

6. Hidden functions and chips

Many users are unaware that Xiaomi AirDots supports additional features:

  • ๐ŸŽฎ Low Delay Mode (for games): activated in the Mi Home app (headphone settings section). Sound delay is reduced with ~200 ms to ~80 ms.
  • ๐Ÿ”Š Mono mode: You can only use one headphone (right or left) while the other is in the case.
  • ๐Ÿ“ž Call Auto Response: If enabled in the settings, the headphones will automatically receive incoming calls in 3 seconds.

For models with a wear sensor (for example, Mi True Wireless 3):

  • ๐Ÿ‘‚ Music is automatically paused if you take off your headphone.
  • ๐ŸŽง When the earpiece is returned to the ear, the playback resumes.

๐Ÿ’ก

Low latency mode significantly reduces battery life โ€“ use it only when needed (for example, for online gaming).

7. Firmware update

Xiaomi periodically releases firmware updates for AirDots, correcting errors and adding new features.

  1. Open the app and find your headphones in the list of devices.
  2. Go to "Settingsยป โ†’ ยซFirmware updateยป.
  3. If you have a new version, follow the instructions on the screen.

Important:

  • ๐Ÿ“ถ During the update, do not remove the headphones from the case and do not close the cover.
  • ๐Ÿ”‹ Make sure the case is at least 50% charged โ€“ interruption of the process may cause a failure.
What to do if the update is suspended?
If the indicator on the case flashes white for more than 10 minutes, try to close and reopen the lid. If this does not help, reset (see section 4) and try again.

FAQ: Frequent questions

โ“ Why does one earpiece work quieter than another?
This can be caused by: Clogging of the speaker (clean with a soft brush); different levels of charge (try to completely discharge and charge both earphones); synchronization failure (do reset, see section 4); If the problem persists, check the phone's sound balance settings (Settings โ†’ Special features โ†’ Mono-audio).
โ“ Can I use AirDots in the rain?
Most Xiaomi AirDots models have protection IPX4, Which means spray resistance: ๐ŸŒง๏ธ Don't put your headphones in water. ๐Ÿ’ฆ After getting moisture, dry them for at least 2 hours before charging.
โ“ How to check the level of charge of headphones?
On Android: Open Settings โ†’ Bluetooth and find your AirDots, the percentage of charge will be displayed next to it. On iPhone: Add the Battery widget to the home screen (slip right โ†’ Edit โ†’ add a widget). Also, the case charge level is displayed when you connect to charging (the indicator is red (0โ€“30%), orange (30โ€“80%) or green (80โ€“100%).
โ“ Why the headphones are discharged quickly?
Main causes: ๐Ÿ”Š Too high volume (optimally 60-70% of maximum). ๐Ÿ“ถ Continuous use of low-latency mode. ๐ŸŒก๏ธ Extreme temperatures (below 0)ยฐC or higher than 35ยฐIf the problem does not disappear after discharge, the battery may be worn out (average service life is 2-3 years with active use).
โ“ Can I connect AirDots to a laptop or PC?
Yeah, but there's nuance: ๐Ÿ’ป Windows may need to manually select a codec AAC Bluetooth settings (often used by default) SBC, which gives the worst quality). ๐Ÿ–ฅ๏ธ On Mac, headphones connect as a standard audio device, but you can't control gestures. For PC games, it is recommended to use wired headphones - Bluetooth latency can reach 150-200 ms.