How to connect Xiaomi AirDots to a laptop: full instructions with solutions to typical problems

Xiaomi AirDots wireless headphones (including Redmi AirDots, Mi True Wireless Earbuds and Mi Air models) 2/3) They've become a popular accessory because of the combination of price, sound quality and convenience, but many users have difficulty connecting to a laptop for the first time, especially when it comes to Windows. 10/11, Unlike smartphones, where the process is often automated, PCs require manual Bluetooth setup and sometimes additional drivers.

In this article, you will find step-by-step instructions for all popular operating systems, as well as solutions to common problems: why the headphones are not located, how to reset them to factory settings, what to do if the sound is interrupted or absent. We will also analyze the features of connecting different models - from the first AirDots Basic to the latest AirDots 3 Pro with support LC3 and AAC.

If you’ve tried to connect your headphones before but have encountered an error (e.g., “Device failed to connect” or “Driver not found”), skip the basic instruction and go straight to the “Problem Solutions” section. For Linux owners, there’s a separate unit with commands to install the required packages.

Preparing headphones for connection

Before pairing with a laptop, you need to put Xiaomi AirDots in search mode, which varies depending on the model, but the general logic is maintained.

• 🔋 Charge your headphones and case. Make sure the indicator on the case is white or green (depending on the model). If the indicator is red, plug the case into the charger for 10-15 minutes.
• 🎧 Take the headphones out of the case. They should automatically turn on (white/red LED flashes). If not, press and hold the touchpad on each earphone for 3-5 seconds.
• 🔍 Activate the pairing mode: For AirDots 1/2/2S: Press and hold the button on the case (near the indicator) 5–7 It's a second before the light starts flashing red and white. 3/3 Pro: Open the case cover and hold the button on the back 3 seconds (indicator flashes white).
• 📱 Disconnect your headphones from other devices.If they were previously connected to your smartphone, remove them from the list of Bluetooth devices on your phone to avoid conflicts.

Important: Headphones Xiaomi AirDots 3 Pro support simultaneous connection to two devices (for example, to a laptop and a smartphone), but for the first pairing with a PC, it is recommended to disconnect them from all other gadgets.

⚠️ Attention: If the indicator on the case does not flash after holding the button, try to reset the headphones. To do this, place them in the case, then press and hold the button on the case for 15-20 seconds until the indicator goes out and flashes red.

Connecting to a laptop on Windows 10/11

In Windows, the Xiaomi AirDots connection process is standard, but may require additional drivers to work properly with the microphone or codecs (e.g., the device’s codecs, AAC or aptX. Follow the instructions:

1. Open Windows Settings (click Win) + I) and go to the Devices section → Bluetooth and other devices.
2. Make sure Bluetooth is on (slider in "On.") If it's not on the list, check if you have a Bluetooth adapter installed on your laptop (Device Manager).
3. Click "Add Bluetooth or other device" → select "Bluetooth".
4. In the list of available devices, find Xiaomi AirDots (can appear as "Mi True Wireless", "Redmi AirDots" or "Mi True Wireless "LE-..."). Choose them and wait until they are finished.

Once connected, the headphones will appear in the list of audio devices to check their performance.

1. Right-click on the volume icon in the treasury → Open sound parameters.
2. In the Withdrawal section, select Xiaomi AirDots as the default device.
3. Test the sound by playing an audio file or video.

If the sound is interrupted or missing, go to the "Problem Solutions" section, and check if the codec is installed. AAC (This may require updating the Bluetooth driver).

Connect to a MacBook or laptop on macOS

On macOS (including Ventura and Sonoma), the Xiaomi AirDots connection usually goes smoothly, but sometimes you need to reset your Bluetooth settings.

1. Open System Settings (Icon) ⚙️ Dock or Apple Menu).
2. Go to the Bluetooth section and make sure the adapter is on.
3. Click "Connect" next to Xiaomi AirDots in the list of devices. If there are none, update the list (Update button or ↻).
4. Confirm pairing on Mac (you may receive a request to enter code – usually 0000 or 1234).

Once connected, the headphones will automatically become a sound output device to check the microphone (if it is used for calls):

1. Open System settings → Sound. → Entrance.
2. Select Xiaomi AirDots as your input device.
3. Talk to the microphone – the sound level indicator should respond.

⚠️ Note: On macOS Monterey and older, there may be a problem with automatically switching audio between headphones and speakers. To avoid this, turn off the option "Automatic Switching of Output" in Bluetooth settings (right click on Xiaomi AirDots) → Parameters).

If the headphones are connected but the sound is distorted or interrupted, try turning off the codec. AAC (In some versions of macOS, it's not stable:

1. Open the Terminal (Programs) → Utilities → Terminal).
2. Type the command: sudo defaults write bluetoothaudiod "Enable" AAC codec" -bool false
3. Restart the Mac.

Connect to a Linux laptop (Ubuntu, Fedora, Arch)

On Linux, the pairing process of Xiaomi AirDots may require additional packages, especially for codec support. AAC Below is a universal guide for distributions based on Ubuntu/Debian, Fedora and Arch Linux.

First, make sure your laptop has a Bluetooth adapter and it's on.

hciconfig -a

If the adapter is disabled, turn it on with the command:

sudo hciconfig hci0 up

Next, install the necessary packages for working with Bluetooth and audio:

Now transfer the headphones to pairing mode (see the section "Hearphone Preparation") and perform in the terminal:

bluetoothctl

In interactive bluetoothctl mode, enter commands in order:

power on


agent on




scan on

Wait until your device appears in the list (usually displayed as a LE-... Or Mi True Wireless. Copy it. MAC-address (e.g, XX:XX:XX:XX:XX:XX) and do it:

pair XX:XX:XX:XX:XX:XX


connect XX:XX:XX:XX:XX:XX




trust XX:XX:XX:XX:XX:XX

Once you've successfully connected, close the bluetoothctl (exit command) and check the sound through pavucontrol (PulseAudio graphic mixer).

pulseaudio -k && pulseaudio --start

⚠️ Note: Some distributions (e.g. Ubuntu 22.04)+) PipeWire is used instead of PulseAudio. If the audio is interrupted after connecting, try switching to PulseAudio or upgrading PipeWire to the latest version.

💡

If after connecting the sound goes to only one headphone, open pavucontrol, go to the Configuration tab and select a profile A2DP Sink, not HSP/HFP).

Solving Typical Connection Problems

Even after successful pairing, users often face problems: the sound is interrupted, the headphones are not located, the microphone is not working or the connection is constantly broken.

1.The laptop doesn't see Xiaomi AirDots

• 🔄 Reboot Bluetooth Adapter: On Windows: Open Device Manager, find Bluetooth, right-click on the adapter → Disable the device → On macOS: turn off and turn on Bluetooth in System settings. On Linux: run sudo systemctl restart bluetooth.
• 📱 Remove headphones from the list of devices on all gadgets they previously connected to (smartphone, tablet).
• 🔋 Check the charge of the case and headphones. If the indicator flashes red, charge them for 10-15 minutes.
• 🔍 Update the Bluetooth driver: On Windows: Download the latest version from the laptop manufacturer’s website (e.g. Intel) AX200 On Linux: Update the bluez package to the latest version.

2.The sound is interrupted or distorted

• 🎵 Change the audio codec: On Windows: Open the Control Panel → Sound, select Xiaomi AirDots, click Properties → Plus, and try. SBC instead AAC. On macOS: Turn it off AAC via the Terminal (see "Connecting to macOS" section").

3. The microphone is not working.

• 🔄 Switch Bluetooth profile: On Windows: in Control Panel → Sound select Xiaomi AirDots → Properties → Additionally. → Install Hands-Free AG Audio (for microphone) instead of Stereo. On Linux: in pavucontrol, select a profile HSP/HFP.

Features of connecting different models of AirDots

While the overall logic of Xiaomi AirDots connectivity is the same, some models have unique nuances. Below is a comparison table with key differences:

For AirDots 3 Pro and later, it is recommended to update the firmware through the Mi Home app (even if you connect them to a laptop), which will fix the bugs with the connection and add support for new codecs.

1. Connect your headphones to your smartphone via Mi Home.
2. Go to the device section → Firmware update.
3. Wait until the process is complete (don’t turn off the headphones!).

Xiaomi AirDots 2S And now, they're going to support fast switching between devices, to activate this function:

1. Connect the headphones to your laptop and smartphone.
2. Tap the touchpad three times on any headphone and switch between the last two devices.

💡

For older models 2020 of the year (AirDots) 2 and newer) it is recommended to use a codec AAC on macOS/iOS and SBC on Windows/Linux steady-work.

Alternative ways of connecting

If Bluetooth on the laptop is unstable or absent, you can connect Xiaomi AirDots via a Bluetooth adapter or even an audio cable (for models with a connector). USB-C, For example, AirDots 3 Pro. Let's look at both.

1. Connection via an external Bluetooth adapter

If the built-in Bluetooth module of the laptop is outdated (for example, Bluetooth 4.0), buy an external adapter with Bluetooth 5.0 support.+ (Recommended models: TP-Link UB500, Asus USB-BT500). Connection:

1. Insert the adapter in USB-port.
2. Install drivers (usually automatically loaded into the Windows/macOS).
3. Put the headphones in pairing mode and connect them to the adapter (see instructions for your OS above).

2. Connection through USB-C (Only for AirDots 3 Pro)

Xiaomi AirDots 3 Pro supports wired connection via cable USB-C → 3.5 mm jack (requires an adapter:

1. Connect the headphones to the case via cable (included).
2. Connect the case to the laptop via the adapter USB-C → 3.5 mm (or directly if the laptop has one) USB-C audio-enabled).
3. In the sound settings of the laptop, select USB Audio as an output device.

Note: in this mode, the microphone will not work, and the sound will be mono (without stereo effect).

⚠️ Note: AirDots 3 Pro wired connection is designed for emergencies (for example, if the Bluetooth adapter broke.

Frequently asked questions