Xiaomi AirDots headphones (including Pro, Pro 2, 3, SE and others) sometimes start to malfunction: they do not sync with each other, do not connect to the phone or give out sound artifacts. 90% of the time, the problem is solved by a complete reset to factory settings - a procedure that the manufacturer calls hard reset. However, many users face difficulties: they can not find the reset button, confuse the sequence of actions or fear of damaging the device.
In this article, we will look at all the official and alternative resets for different generations of AirDots, including hidden features that are not mentioned in the manual. You will learn how to properly prepare your headphones for reset, what to do if they do not respond to presses, and how to avoid typical errors. We will also analyze when a reset is really necessary, and when the problem lies in something else, such as the firmware of the phone or the conflict of Bluetooth protocols.
Important: the reset procedure deletes all user information, including connection history and equalizer settings (if supported by the model).However, this does not affect the warranty - Xiaomi allows hard reset to be performed on its own.
When you need to reset Xiaomi AirDots: 5 clear signs
Don't rush to drop your headphones at the first glitch. Here are situations where hard reset is a must:
- π΄ Headphones are not synchronized with each other (left / right does not connect to the main one).
- π΄ Constant communication breaks with the phone, even if other devices are connected stably.
- π΄ The sound is interrupted or distorted (cracking, hissing), although other headphones have no problems.
- π΄ Indicators burn abnormally (for example, red and white at the same time for more than 10 seconds).
- π΄ Headphones are not defined in the list of Bluetooth devices after the phone firmware update.
If the problem is low volume, fast discharge or poor microphone quality, resetting is unlikely to help.
- π± Bluetooth settings on your phone (codecs) SBC, AAC, aptX).
- π Battery status (use applications like AccuBattery).
- π§ Clean speakers (clogging can mimic malfunction).
β οΈ Note: If headphones Xiaomi AirDots Pro 2 Lite after reset give an error 0x000F β This is a sign of a broken firmware, and you need to flash it through the Mi Flash Tool (instruction below).
Preparation for resetting: what to do in advance
Before resetting, follow 3 mandatory steps to avoid additional problems:
- Charge your headphones and case to 100%. If the charge is below 30%, the reset may be interrupted and the headphones will stop turning on.
- Disconnect them from all devices in Bluetooth settings. On Android: Settings β Bluetooth β βοΈ near AirDots β Forget the device.
- Check the physical condition: is there moisture in the connectors, is not stuck button on the case.
If the headphones do not respond to the pressing of buttons, try:
- π Connect the case to charge for 10 minutes (sometimes it "wakes up" headphones).
- π§² Bring the magnet to the back of the case for 5 seconds (emergency reset may work).
Headphone charge β₯50%|Disconnected from all devices|Case clean, no moisture.|Checked reaction to the pressing of buttons-->
For AirDots 3 Pro and newer models, it is recommended to update the firmware through the Mi Home app (if the headphones are still connected) before reset, which will prevent conflicts after the rest.
Method 1: Standard reset via a button on the case (for all models)
This is the main method that works on 95% of Xiaomi AirDots models.
- Put both headphones in the case and close the lid.
- Connect the case to the charging (important!).
- Press and hold the button on the back of the case for 15-20 seconds.
- Indicators on the case and headphones will start flashing red and white β this is a signal of a successful reset.
- Release the button and wait until the indicators go out.
For AirDots Pro 2 and AirDots 3, the process is slightly different:
- πΉ Headphones should be in the case, but the cover is open.
- πΉ Hold the button for 25-30 seconds until the lights start flashing alternately (first red, then white).
β οΈ Warning: If the headphones donβt sync with each other after reset, put them in a case, close the lid for 10 seconds, then remove and hold the buttons on both headphones for 5 seconds.
| Model | Retention time of the button | Color of indicators when reset | Do I need to plug in the charger? |
|---|---|---|---|
| AirDots (1 gene) | 15 seconds | Red + white | Yes. |
| AirDots Pro/Pro 2 | 25 seconds | Alternate flashing | Yes. |
| AirDots 3/3 Pro | 30 seconds. | White β red β white | No. |
| AirDots SE | 20 seconds | Red. | Yes. |
π‘
If the button on the case is not pressed, try to gently tamper with a plastic card - sometimes it sticks due to dust.
Method 2: Reset via touch buttons on headphones (alternative method)
If the button on the case does not work or it does not work (as in AirDots 3 Pro), use the touch panels on the headphones themselves:
- Get both earphones out of the case.
- Press and hold the touch buttons on both headphones at the same time.
- After 10 seconds, the indicators will start flashing red, then white.
- Release the buttons when the blinking becomes frequent (a sign of a successful reset).
For models with physical buttons (such as AirDots Youth Edition):
- π Hold the power button on each earphone for 15 seconds.
- π When the red light light goes on, release it and press it again for 3 seconds.
If the headphones do not respond to touch, check:
- π Charge level (at a discharge below 10%, sensors are turned off).
- π§΄ Clean touch panels (wipe with an alcohol napkin).
What if the headphones are not turned on after reset?
Method 3: Software reset via Mi Home (for new models)
Headphones Xiaomi AirDots 3 Pro and newer support software reset through the official application Mi Home.This is the safest method, as it does not affect the hardware.
- Connect the headphones to the phone via Bluetooth.
- Open Mi Home, find the device in the list.
- Go to Settings β Reset settings.
- Confirm the action and wait for the reboot (it will take up to 1 minute).
If there is no reset option in Mi Home:
- π² Update the application to the latest version.
- π Reconnect the headphones to the phone.
- π Check the region in the Mi Home profile (should be China or Global).
β οΈ Note: After a software reset, AirDots 3 Pro headphones may require reconfiguring gestures in the Mi Home app. If the gesture setting option is gone, update the headphone firmware.
π‘
Software reset via Mi Home only works for 2021 and newer models. For older AirDots, use physical techniques.
What to do if the reset did not help: diagnosis and repair
If there are problems after reset, check:
| Symptoms. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Headphones are not on | Controller battery discharged | Charge the case for 2-3 hours, then repeat the reset |
| They are not synchronized with each other. | Bluetooth module damaged | Flashing through the Mi Flash Tool |
| The sound is interrupted. | Bluetooth Codec Conflict | In your phone settings, select SBC instead of AAC. |
| The microphone is not working. | Contaminated membrane module | Cleaning with alcohol or replacing the microphone |
To reflash the headphones will need:
- Download firmware for your model (e.g. from Xiaomifirmware.com).
- Install the Mi Flash Tool and Qualcomm drivers.
- Connect headphones to the PC in EDL-mode (for this you need to close contacts on the board).
Warning: The wrong firmware can permanently disable your headphones. If you're unsure of your skills, contact your service center.
How to enter EDL-Mode on AirDots Pro 2?
How to avoid problems after resetting: tips for setting up
After successful discharge:
- π± First, update the firmware through Mi Home (if available).
- π Set up Bluetooth codecs: Select on Android SBC or AAC (model-wise).
- π΅ Calibrate sensors: in Mi Home, find the option Calibration of sensors.
- π Fully discharge and charge the headphones (this helps the power controller to "learn").
For models with active noise cancellation (AirDots 3 Pro):
- π§ After resetting, reset. ANC Mi Home (Option for Noise Reduction Adaptation).
- π If ANC not working, check if the microphones on the headphones are closed (a common problem after cleaning).
β οΈ Note: If after resetting AirDots headphones SE start to discharge quickly, reset the charge cycle counter: put them in the case, hold the case button for 10 seconds, then remove and completely discharge.