How to connect headphones Xiaomi AirDots: all ways and solutions to problems

Xiaomi AirDots wireless headphones (including Redmi AirDots, Mi True Wireless Earbuds and Xiaomi Buds) have become some of the most popular accessories thanks to a combination of price, sound quality and convenience. However, even with such simple devices, users often have questions: how to properly sync them with the phone, why one earbud does not connect, or how to reset to factory settings. This article covers all the current ways of connecting, including nuances for different models and operating systems.

We'll look at not only standard Bluetooth pairing, but also alternative methods like connecting to a Windows/macOS laptop, syncing with a Xiaomi TV, or even using headphones with multiple devices at once. Special attention is paid to the Low Latency mode for games and videos, which is often overlooked in reviews. If you encounter errors like "can't connect" or "sound is interrupted," there's a solution section at the end of the article.

1. Preparation of Xiaomi AirDots headphones for the first connection

Before pairing, make sure the headphones are charged and in working order. For models with a case (such as Redmi AirDots 3 Pro or Xiaomi Buds 4), check:

  • ๐Ÿ”‹ Case indicator: should burn white or green when opening the lid (if flashing red โ€“ charging is required).
  • ๐ŸŽง Headphones in case: when extracted, both should automatically turn on (blinks red/white LED).
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Resetting: If the headphones have already been paired with another device, a reset may be required (see Section 5).

For models without a case (for example, Xiaomi Mi Sports Bluetooth Earphones), it is enough to hold the power button for 3-5 seconds until the indicator starts flashing blue/white. Importantly, some versions of AirDots have a hidden reset button inside the hole on the body - you need to press it with a clip if the headphones do not respond.

๐Ÿ“Š What model of Xiaomi AirDots you use?
Redmi AirDots (1/2/3 generation)
Xiaomi Mi True Wireless Earbuds
Xiaomi Buds (3/4 Pro)
Another model

2. Standard smartphone connection (Android/iOS)

The process of pairing with the phone is the same for most models of Xiaomi AirDots, but there are nuances for different OS.

  1. Open the case cover (for models with a case) or turn on the headphones with a long press of a button.
  2. On your smartphone, go to Settings โ†’ Bluetooth and activate the search for devices.
  3. In the list, find the name of your model (for example, Redmi). AirDots_R Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic 2).
  4. Click on the name and confirm pairing. Some Xiaomi phones will have a pop-up offering to install the Mi Earphones branded app โ€” not necessarily, but give you access to additional settings (see section 4).

On the iPhone, the process is similar, but you may need to allow access to contacts and a microphone (if the headphones support Hands-Free Profile).Please note: Xiaomi AirDots use the A2DP protocol for sound and AVRCP for control - if these profiles are not activated automatically, the sound can be transmitted with distortion.

โ˜‘๏ธ Checking a successful connection

Done: 0 / 4

3. Connection to a laptop or PC (Windows/macOS/Linux)

Pairing with a computer usually doesn't cause problems, but there are specific points for each OS. On Windows 10/11:

  1. Open Settings โ†’ Devices โ†’ Bluetooth and other devices.
  2. Click Add Add the device โ†’ Bluetooth.
  3. Select Xiaomi AirDots from the list. If the device doesn't show up, update your Bluetooth drivers through Device Manager.

On macOS, go to System Settings โ†’ Bluetooth and select headphones. Importantly, some models (e.g. Redmi AirDots 2) may require manual audio profile selection in Settings โ†’ Out. For Linux (Ubuntu/Debian), use the command:

bluetoothctl


power on




agent on




scan on




pair [MAC- headphone address]




connect [MAC-address

If the sound is interrupted or late, try turning off the aptX codec (if it is used) in the Bluetooth settings. For games, it is better to activate Low Latency mode - more about this in the next section.

๐Ÿ’ก

On Windows, if the headphones connect as โ€œPhoneโ€ instead of โ€œAudio Device,โ€ remove them from the list of devices and repeat pairing โ€“ this will solve the problem with sound quality.

Activation of low latency (Low Latency)

One of the key advantages of Xiaomi AirDots is its support for low latency, which is critical for watching videos and games.

  • ๐ŸŽฎ On Android: Open the Mi Earphones app (if installed), go to Headphone Settings โ†’ Game mode.
  • ๐Ÿ–ฅ๏ธ On Windows: In the Control Panel โ†’ Sound. โ†’ Select a Headset profile instead of Stereo (reduces latency but reduces sound quality).
  • ๐Ÿ“บ On Xiaomi TVs: Select Low Delay Mode (available for models with Bluetooth menus) MIUI TV 3.0+).

Important: Low Latency can reduce headphone battery life by 10 to 15 percent, and some models (like Redmi AirDots 3) automatically switch to this mode when you start games through the Xiaomi Game Turbo.

Why is the sound late even in Low Latency?
The reason is often Bluetooth codecs. Android can default to SBC (standard ~200ms latency codec). To reduce lag: 1. Install Developer Options app and activate Force AAC codec or LDAC (if supported). 2. On Windows, disable audio enhancements in Bluetooth driver settings. 3. Check if the app (e.g. YouTube) uses its own audio buffering.

5.Reset Xiaomi AirDots settings to factory

If the headphones don't connect, the sound gets distorted or one of them doesn't work, resetting will help.

ModelResetting methodNotes
Redmi AirDots (1/2)Hold the button on both headphones for 15 seconds until the indicator flashes red/white.After resetting, the headphones will automatically turn off.
Xiaomi Mi True Wireless EarbudsPlace both headphones in the case, then hold the button on the case for 10 seconds (the indicator will flash orange).Reconjugation is required.
Xiaomi Buds 3/4 ProPress the touch panel on each headphone three times for 2 seconds.Reset only works at a low charge level (<30%).

Once reset, the headphones will go back to the factory settings, and they'll have to be paired again.

  • ๐Ÿ”Œ Case and headphone charge (minimum level for work - 20%).
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Bluetooth Compatibility: AirDots Require Bluetooth 4.2 or Newer.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Update to the firmware headphones (via the Mi Earphones app).

๐Ÿ’ก

Resetting your headphones erases all the conjugated devices from memory, and if you use them with multiple gadgets, you'll have to reconnect them to each one after the reset.

6 Connect to multiple devices at the same time

Most Xiaomi AirDots models support multipoint (simultaneous connection to 2 devices), but with the following reservations:

  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ+๐Ÿ’ป You can connect to your phone and laptop, but the sound will only play on one device.
  • ๐ŸŽฎ+๐Ÿ“บ For games and TV will require manual switching in Bluetooth settings.
  • ๐Ÿ”Š When you call on your phone, the sound from the PC will automatically be muffled.

To set up a multipoint:

  1. Connect the headphones to the first device (such as a phone).
  2. Without disabling them, activate Bluetooth on the second device and find AirDots in the list.
  3. Confirm the connection. Some models (such as the Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro) require 3 seconds to hold the touchpad.

Limitation: If the headphones are connected to two devices, Low Latency mode will only work on one of them, and there may be a faster decline in battery power.

๐Ÿ’ก

For easy switching between devices, use the Mi Earphones widget on Android or the Bluetooth Auto Connect (Play Market) utility.

7. Solving common problems

If the headphones donโ€™t connect or work incorrectly, check the following points:

โš ๏ธ Warning: If one earphone doesn't make a sound, but the light is on, try cleaning the contacts on the case and earpiece with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.

Problem.Possible causeDecision
Headphones are not in searchDischarged or not in the coupling modeCharge the case, perform reset (section 5)
The sound is interrupted.Bluetooth interference or weak signalMove closer to the device, disable other Bluetooth devices
The microphone is not working.Hands-Free profile not selectedIn Bluetooth phone settings, select Use for calls
Different volumes in headphonesContamination of speakers or balance failureClean the speaker grid, reset the settings

For models with ANC (active noise cancellation) (for example, Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro), sound problems can occur due to improper operation of noise reduction microphones.

  1. Turn off the ANC in the Mi Earphones app.
  2. Update the headphone firmware.
  3. If the problem persists, contact the service center - a defect in the microphone is possible.

8 Additional features and hidden capabilities

In addition to basic connectivity, Xiaomi AirDots supports a number of hidden features:

  • ๐ŸŽถ Control Customization: In the Mi Earphones app, you can assign a double/triple touch on the touchpad (for example, calling a voice assistant or switching tracks).
  • ๐Ÿ”Š Equalizer setting: Presets available for bass, vocals or classical music.
  • ๐Ÿ“ก Transparency mode: on models with ANC You can turn on the transmission of external sounds (useful for conversations without removing headphones).
  • ๐Ÿ”‹ Fast charging: 10 minutes in a case gives up to 2 hours of playback (for Redmi AirDots 3 Pro).

For models with Xiaomi HyperSync support (such as Xiaomi Buds 4), sync with Mi TVs is available to automatically switch audio when watching movies.

  1. Connect the headphones to the TV via Bluetooth.
  2. In the settings of the TV, select Sound โ†’ HyperSync.
  3. Activate the option of Autoconnect headphones.

๐Ÿ’ก

The Mi Earphones app is only available for Android. iOS users can manage basic features through standard Bluetooth settings, but without access to equalizer and firmware updates.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi AirDots

Can I use Xiaomi AirDots with an iPhone?
Yes, all Xiaomi AirDots models are compatible with iPhones via standard Bluetooth protocol, but some features (such as customization of management or firmware updates) will not be available without an Android device.
Why do headphones discharge quickly?
The reasons can be different: Active use of ANC or Low Latency mode. Too high volume (optimum level - 60-70%), Battery wear (life of lithium polymer batteries - 2-3 years). Check the operating time in the Mi Earphones application (Battery status section).
How to update the headphone firmware?
The update is only available through the official Mi Earphones app for Android: Connect your headphones to your phone. Open the app and go to Settings โ†’ Update firmware. If a new version is available, follow the on-screen instructions (do not turn off the headphones during the process!). โš ๏ธ Warning: Interrupting firmware updates may cause headphones to "brick" and make sure the case charge level is above 50%.
What if the headphones are connected but there is no sound?
Try the following steps: Check if AirDots is selected as the output device in the phone/PC settings. Turn off and reconnect the headphones. Reset the settings (section 5) and reconnect. On Windows, update the Bluetooth driver through Device Manager. If the problem persists, check the headphones on another device - the speaker may be faulty.
Can I swim or shower in Xiaomi AirDots?
Most models have IPX4 protection (splash protection), but are not designed to be submerged. Redmi AirDots 3 Pro and Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro have IP54, which allows them to be used in the rain, but not in the pool or shower. Getting water into the case charging connectors can put it out of order.