How to connect headphones Xiaomi AirDots to your computer: all the ways + mistake-making

Xiaomi AirDots wireless headphones (and their modifications – Redmi AirDots, Haylou) GT1/GT2, Mi True Wireless Earphones have long been a popular smartphone accessory, but when it comes to connecting to a computer — whether it's Windows. 10/11 or even macOS — users often face problems: headphones are not located, connect only as a headset, the sound is interrupted or not at all. In this article, we will discuss all the working ways to connect AirDots to a PC, including workarounds for older adapters and solving typical errors.

The main difficulty lies in the fact that Xiaomi optimizes its headphones primarily for mobile devices, while computers often use outdated versions of Bluetooth (for example, for example, the headphones are optimized for mobile devices, 4.0 instead 5.0) or do not support the required sound transmission profiles (A2DP music, HSP/HFP Plus, Windows doesn't always install drivers for wireless devices correctly, but don't rush into buying a new Bluetooth adapter. 90% In some cases, the problem can be solved programmatically.

We tested all methods on AirDots Pro 2, Redmi AirDots 3 and Haylou models. GT1 With different versions of Windows (7 to 11) and macOS (Monterey, Ventura), instructions are valid for both laptops and desktops, as long as you have a Bluetooth module (or external adapter) on board. If your headphone model is not mentioned in this article, don't worry: The connection algorithm is identical for the entire Xiaomi lineup.

1. Preparing AirDots headphones for connection

Before you pair the headphones with your computer, you have to pair them, which is a must-do step, because without it, the PC won't see the device, and the procedure is a little different depending on the model, but the general principle is the same.

For most AirDots (including Redmi AirDots) 2/3 Haylou GT1/GT2):

• 🔋 Get both earphones out of the case – they should automatically turn on.
• 🎧 Press the touch button on both headphones simultaneously for 5-7 seconds until the indicators start flashing red and white alternately.
• 🔴 Make sure the indicator on the case (if any) flashes white – this means that the headphones are ready to pair.

AirDots Pro and Mi True Wireless Earphones 2:

• 🔋 Take the headphones out of the case and wait for automatic switching on (white indicator will light up).
• 🎵 Triple touching on the touch panel of any headphone will put them in pairing mode (indicators will start flashing red and white).
• 🔄 If the headphones have already been connected to another device, reset: press the button for 10 seconds until you hear the reset sound.

⚠️ Warning: If the lights flash only red, it means the headphones are discharged. Charge them in the case for at least 10 minutes before trying to connect. Also make sure that the case is charged itself - some models (Haylou) GT1) Do not give headphones in the conjugation mode at a low level of the battery case.

After activation of the pairing mode, the headphones will be available for search during the 3–5 If you don't get a connection, repeat the procedure. Some users mistakenly try to connect only one headphone — remember that AirDots work in pairs, and the PC should see them as a single device (for example, Mi True Wireless Earphones or Redmi). AirDots_XXX).

2. Connection via built-in Bluetooth (Windows) 10/11)

If your computer or laptop has a built-in Bluetooth module (version 4.0 and higher), you can connect AirDots using standard Windows tools, which is the easiest method, but often requires additional driver configuration.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the settings. → Devices → Bluetooth and other devices (or press Win) + I and select the appropriate section).
2. Make sure that Bluetooth is on (slider in the "On" position).
3. Click Add Bluetooth or another device → select Bluetooth.
4. In the list, find your headphones (the name will contain Mi, Redmi or Haylou).
5. Confirm the pairing on the PC (if necessary).

Once successfully connected, the headphones will appear on the list of devices, but there may be a problem: Windows often defines AirDots as a headset only (Hands-Free). AG Audio, not as a full-fledged audio device, which means that the sound will be of poor quality (mono, no bass:

• 🔊 Go to the Control Panel. → Sound (or right-click on the speaker icon in the tray).
• 🎧 Find Mi True Wireless Earphones (or similar name) in the list, right-click → Properties.
• 📋 On the Service tab, make sure that Stereo ticks are marked (A2DP Sink and Voice Control (Hands-Free Telephony).
• 🔄 If A2DP no, update the Bluetooth driver (more on this in the next section).

Headphones appear in the list of Bluetooth devices|The lights on the headphones are white (do not blink)|In the sound settings appeared a new device|When playing music, sound goes through headphones.-->

⚠️ Note: Some laptops with Realtek Bluetooth headphones Xiaomi connect only in mode HSP/HFP (The solution is to install the Generic Bluetooth Adapter driver instead of the native one (instructions in the driver section).

If the audio is interrupted or delayed after the connection, try turning off the audio enhancements:

1. Open the control panel. → Sound. → Headphone properties.
2. Go to the Improvements tab and mark Disable all sound effects.
3. Apply the settings and restart the headphones (put in the case for 10 seconds).

3. Update and install Bluetooth drivers

One of the most common causes of AirDots connection problems is outdated or incorrect Bluetooth drivers, especially for laptops with Realtek, Broadcom or Qualcomm adapters, where Windows installs universal drivers that do not support the same. A2DP.

How to check and update the driver:

• 🖥️ Press Win. + X → Select Device Manager.
• 🔍 Deploy the Bluetooth partition and find your adapter (e.g. Realtek Bluetooth 4.2 Adapter).
• 🔄 Right-click. → Update the driver → Automatic search.
• 📥 If Windows doesn’t find updates, download the driver from the laptop manufacturer’s website (e.g., support.lenovo.com for Lenovo) or directly from the laptop manufacturer’s website. Realtek/Intel.

For Realtek adapters (the most problematic option) we recommend:

1. Remove the current driver through Device Manager (right-click) → Delete the device, tick the tick Remove driver programs).
2. Download the universal driver from the Microsoft website: Catalog of the Microsoft Update (see the adapter model).
3. Install the driver manually through Device Manager → Update the driver → Search for drivers on this computer.

If after updating the drivers AirDots still connect only as a headset, try to force the profile to turn on A2DP:

1. Open the control panel. → Sound.
2. Right-click on the headphones → Properties → tab Additional.
3. In the default format section, select 2 channels, 16 bits, 44100 Hz (CD-quality).
4. Click Apply and restart the headphones.

💡

If after updating the drivers headphones stopped connecting at all, roll back to the previous version through Device Manager → Adapter properties → Driver. → Recoil.

4. Connection via an external Bluetooth adapter

If the built-in Bluetooth module is outdated (version below 4.0) or does not support A2DP, The only reliable solution is to use an external Bluetooth adapter, which is true for desktop PCs without built-in Bluetooth or laptops with problem chips (for example, Broadcom 2046).

Recommendations for choosing an adapter:

• 🔍 Minimum version: Bluetooth 5.0 (provides stable connection and support) A2DP).
• 🎵 Profiles: should support A2DP (music), AVRCP (reproduction), HSP/HFP (call-up).
• 🖥️ Compatibility: for Windows, it is better to choose adapters on a chip CSR 8510 or Intel.
• 🔌 Interface: USB-A or USB-C (depending on the ports of your PC).

Top.-3 Adapter for AirDots (in terms of price/quality ratio):

Instructions for connecting via external adapter:

1. Connect the adapter to USB-PC port (preferably) USB 3.0 for stability).
2. Wait for the automatic installation of drivers (if not installed – download from the manufacturer’s website).
3. Put AirDots in pairing mode (see Section 1).
4. In Windows Settings, add a new device (the algorithm is the same as for built-in Bluetooth).
5. After connecting, check that in the Control Panel → The sound of the headphones is displayed as Stereo (A2DP).

⚠️ Attention: Cheap adapters on a chip CSR 4.0 (price below 500) ₽) often A2DP Xiaomi AirDots. Before buying, check reviews for mentions of stereo problems.

If the sound is interrupted after connecting via the adapter, try:

• 🔌 Connect the adapter to the back USB-port (on fixed PCs this reduces interference).
• 📶 Reduce the distance between the adapter and headphones (optimally up to 1 meter).
• 🔋 Disable other Bluetooth devices (mouse, keyboards) that may interfere.

5. Connect to macOS (MacBook, iMac)

On Apple computers, the Xiaomi AirDots connection usually goes smoothly, but there are nuances with the audio setting. A2DP by default, however, sometimes headphones are defined as Headset instead of Dynamics.

Step-by-step instructions for macOS:

1. Turn on Bluetooth: Click on the Bluetooth icon in the menu bar → Turn on Bluetooth.
2. Put AirDots in pairing mode (see Section 1).
3. In the Bluetooth menu, select Connect the device → Find Mi True Wireless Earphones (or similar name) and click Connect.
4. Confirm the pairing if necessary.

If the sound is in mono mode or low quality:

• 🎧 Open System settings → Sound. → Exit.
• 🔊 Select your headphones in the list of devices.
• 📋 Make sure that the bottom of the window indicates Exit: Stereo (if not, turn off and reconnect the headphones).

AirDots Pro and Redmi AirDots 3 models may need to reset their headphone settings before connecting to a Mac:

1. Put the headphones in the case.
2. Press the button on the case for 15 seconds until the indicator starts flashing red.
3. Take out the headphones and repeat the pairing.

6. Solving typical problems

Even after a successful connection, Xiaomi AirDots users face a number of problems, from lack of sound to constant connection breaks, and we will analyze the most common errors and their solutions.

🔇 Problem: Headphones are connected, but there is no sound

Causes and solutions:

• 🔊 Incorrect output device: Click on the speaker icon in tray → Select AirDots manually.
• 🎵 Missing profile A2DP: Update the Bluetooth driver (Section 3) or install Bluetooth Audio Receiver (Free Forced Enablement Utility) A2DP).
• 🔋 Low charge headphones: Charge them in a case for 10-15 minutes and reconnect.

🎵 Problem: The sound is interrupted or delayed

What to do:

• 📶 Interference from other devices: Disable all unnecessary Bluetooth devices (mouse, keyboards).
• 🖥️ Outdated Bluetooth: Use an external Bluetooth 5.0 adapter (Section 4).
• 🎧 Codecs of sound: In the control panel → Sound. → Headphone Properties Select 16-bit, 44100Hz (Stop 48,000Hz if you have problems).

🔄 Problem: Headphones only connect as a headset (mono sound)

Decisions:

• 🔧 Install the Generic Bluetooth Radio driver instead of the native one (Section 3).
• 📋 In Device Manager, remove the headphones, then connect again.
• 🖥️ Use Bluetooth Command Line Tools to force you to turn on A2DP: btcom -d "Mi True Wireless Earphones" -a (Requires Administrator Rights).

🚫 Problem: Windows can't see headphones

Checklist:

• ✅ Bluetooth is enabled on PC and headphones in pairing mode.
• ✅ Bluetooth Driver Updated (Section 3).
• ✅ Headphones are not connected to another device (unplug them from your smartphone).
• ✅ The problem isn’t with the adapter: try connecting another Bluetooth device (like a smartphone in file transfer mode).

💡

If none of the methods worked, try connecting AirDots through the USB Bluetooth adapter on a chip CSR 8510 - it is guaranteed to support A2DP and compatible with Xiaomi.

7. Alternative ways of connecting

If Bluetooth connection is not possible (for example, there is no module on a PC or an adapter is incompatible), workarounds can be used. These are less convenient, but work 100% of the time.

📱 Method 1: Connect via smartphone as an intermediary

It will require:

• Android smartphone with Bluetooth 4.0+.
• SoundWire application (for transferring sound from PC to phone over Wi-Fi).

Instructions:

1. Connect AirDots to your smartphone.
2. Install SoundWire on your phone and PC (client) + server).
3. Connect your phone and PC to a single Wi-Fi network.
4. Start the sound transmission through the application.

Cons: sound delay ~0.5-1 seconds, dependency on Wi-Fi.

🎧 Method 2: Use of the USB-C/3.5 mm adapter

For AirDots models with wired connectivity (e.g. Redmi AirDots 3 Pro):

• Buy an adapter. USB-C → 3.5 mm (if there is no audio output on PC).
• Connect the headphones to the adapter via cable (if supported).

Limit: only works for models with a charging/audio connector.

💻 Method 3: Emulate Bluetooth via a virtual machine

For advanced users:

• Install VirtualBox or VMware.
• Create a virtual machine with Linux (like Ubuntu).
• Connect the Bluetooth adapter to the virtual machine.
• Set up sound transmission via PulseAudio.

Difficulty: Requires skills in working with virtual machines.

⚠️ Warning: Alternative connectivity methods usually cause latency and poor quality, and should only be used if Bluetooth connection is not possible.

FAQ: Frequent questions