Xiaomi AirDots 2: How to connect to a computer on Windows and macOS

Xiaomi AirDots 2 wireless headphones (also known as Redmi AirDots 2) have long been a hit with users due to their combination of price, sound quality and compactness. But if they are synchronized with smartphones in just two clicks, connecting to a computer is often a question, especially for those who are faced with this task for the first time.

The problem is that PCs — especially stationary ones — don't always have a built-in Bluetooth module, and even if they do, drivers can malfunction. In this article, we'll look at all the ways you can connect, from standard pairing to external adapters, and why AirDots 2 can't be detected by the system and how to fix it.

Important: The instructions are relevant for Windows 10/11 and macOS (including the latest versions) 2026 If you have a different OS or headphone modification (e.g. AirDots Pro) 2), Some steps may be different – we’ll mention that too.

1. Compatibility check: what you need to connect

Before you try to connect Xiaomi AirDots 2 to your computer, make sure your system meets the minimum requirements:

• 🖥️ Bluetooth adapter: Must support Bluetooth 4.2 or later (AirDots 2 has this one). + X → Device Manager → Bluetooth).
• 🔄 Drivers: Windows must have updated adapter drivers (not standard from Microsoft!) on macOS, there are usually enough built-in drivers.
• 🔋 Headphone charge: battery level should be at least 30%.AirDots 2 may not be in pairing mode.
• 🎧 Pair mode: Headphones should be in search mode (white flashing indicator). How to activate it - read in the next section.

If your PC is not equipped with Bluetooth (typical for many desktop computers), you will need an external adapter.+, for example:

⚠️ Note: If you use a USB-Bluetooth adapter, connect it to the port USB 2.0 (usually black) Ports USB 3.0 (blue) can cause interference and cause communication breakdowns.

Also check if the adapter is in conflict with other devices, for example, some 2.4GHz Wi-Fi routers may interfere with Bluetooth, in which case you might try temporarily turning off Wi-Fi or switching your router to 5GHz.

2. Headphone preparation: how to transfer to pairing mode

To make Xiaomi AirDots 2 visible to your computer, you need to put them in search mode.

1. Get both earphones out of the case. They'll automatically turn on.
2. Press and hold the touchpad on both headphones simultaneously during the 5-7 seconds until the indicators start flashing white and red alternately.
3. Put the headphones back in the case, then pull them out again, and now they have to flash white only, which means that the pairing mode is activated.

If the lights don’t flash or burn red, try:

• 🔄 Reboot the headphones: Put them in the case, close the lid for 10 seconds, then pull out.
• 🔋 Check the charge: connect the case to the charge on 15-20 minute.
• 🧹 Clear contacts: wipe metal contacts in the case and on headphones with an alcohol napkin.

On macOS and some versions of Windows, it may be necessary to disable previously paired devices to avoid conflict.For example, if AirDots 2 has already been connected to a phone, they may automatically try to connect to it, ignoring the PC.

3. Connecting to Windows 10/11: step-by-step

If your computer is equipped with Bluetooth, follow this instruction:

1. Open Windows Settings (Win) + I) and go to the Devices → Bluetooth and other devices.
2. Activate the Bluetooth slider (if it is turned off).
3. Click Add Bluetooth or another device → select Bluetooth.
4. In the list, find Mi True Wireless Earphones Basic 2 (or similar title) and click on it.
5. Confirm the pairing. The headphones will connect automatically.

If AirDots 2 is not listed:

Make sure the headphones are in pairing mode (white indicator flashes)

Check if Bluetooth is enabled on your PC (the indicator in the tray should burn blue)

Update Bluetooth drivers through Device Manager

Restart your computer and try again.

Try connecting from another device (phone) to rule out headphone malfunction

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Windows 11 has a slightly different interface, but the algorithm is the same. If you only have one earphone after you've connected, check the audio output settings:

1. Click on the speaker icon in the trey with the right button → Open sound parameters.
2. In the Withdrawal section, select Mi True Wireless Earphones.
3. Press the device properties → Check what Stereo is selected (not the head phone).

⚠️ Note: On some Windows builds 10/11 Xiaomi AirDots 2 It is defined as a low energy audio device (LE Audio. In this case, the sound may be interrupted. Solution: disable support. LE Audio in Bluetooth Adapter Settings (via Device Manager) → Properties → Additionally).

4. Connecting to macOS: nuances and problem solving

On Apple computers, pairing is easier, but there are pitfalls. Here's how to connect AirDots 2 to a Mac:

1. Open System settings → Bluetooth.
2. Make sure Bluetooth is on (on button at the top of the window).
3. Activate the pairing mode on the headphones (see section 2).
4. In the list of devices, find Mi True Wireless Earphones and click Connect.

If the headphones are connected but the sound is missing or interrupted:

• 🔊 Check if AirDots 2 is selected as the output device to System Settings → Sound. → Conclusion.
• 🔄 Reboot the Mac Bluetooth Module: Hold the Shift + Option and click on the Bluetooth icon in the menu → Reset the Bluetooth module.
• 📱 Disable other Bluetooth devices (mouse, keyboard) that may interfere.

On macOS Ventura and the newer Xiaomi, AirDots 2 can automatically switch between Apple devices (such as iPhone and Mac) if they are tied to the same Apple. ID. To disable this function, go to System Settings → Bluetooth → Settings (⚙️) → Deactivate "Automatic switching".

If your headphones stopped connecting after the macOS update, try removing them from the list of devices and re-cooking them. NVRAM (When the Mac is off, press Power. + Command + Option + P + R. 20 seconds).

5.Use of an external Bluetooth adapter: when necessary

If your PC doesn't have Bluetooth built-in or your adapter is outdated (version below 4.0), the external module will be the only solution.

Adapter selection criteria:

• 📶 Bluetooth version: 4.2 minimum, 5.0 ideal+ (stable-connection).
• 🖥️ OS Compatibility: For macOS, it is better to take adapters on a Broadcom chip (for example, ASUS USB-BT500).
• 🔌 Type of connection: USB-A or USB-C (depending on the ports of your PC).

Instructions for connection:

1. Insert the adapter in USB-Wait for the driver to install automatically (Windows may need to restart).
2. Activate the pairing mode on AirDots 2.
3. Follow the standard connection procedure (see Sections 3 or 4 depending on the OS).

If the adapter is not defined:

• 🔧 Install drivers manually from the manufacturer’s website (for example, for TP-Link) UB500 driver downloads here).
• 🔌 Try another one. USB-port (preferably) USB 2.0).
• 📋 Check the adapter on another device to rule out marriage.

⚠️ Cheap Chinese adapters without a brand (price below 300) ₽) They often have problems with the codecs of the sound, and because of this, AirDots 2 may not have sound or there is a delay.

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If after connecting the AirDots 2 adapter, you connect, but the sound is interrupted, try the Bluetooth adapter settings (Device Manager). → Properties) disable the option "Allow the device to remove me from the waiting mode".

6. Common Problems and Their Solutions

Even with the right connection with Xiaomi AirDots 2, there can be problems.

If AirDots 2 is connected but the sound is distorted or stuttered:

• 🎵 Check the bitrate of the sound: in the playback settings (Windows) select 16 bits, 44100 Hz (not 48000 Hz).
• 🔄 Disable audio enhancements: in device properties (control panel) → Sound) in the Improvements tab select "Disable all sound effects".
• 📡 Reduce the distance between the headphones and the adapter (maximum) 5-7 footprint).

On macOS, a common problem is automatically switching the sound to the speakers.

1. Open the Terminal.
2. Type the command: defaults write com.apple.BluetoothAudioAgent "Apple Bitpool Min (editable)" 40
3. Restart the Mac.

This will increase the priority of Bluetooth devices when playing.

7. Alternative ways to connect: if Bluetooth does not work

If Bluetooth connectivity is not possible (e.g., the adapter is broken or incompatible), there are workarounds:

• 🎧 3.5 mm audio cable: connect headphones to the PC through an adapter USB-C/Lightning → 3.5 mm (if your PC has audio input) minus - wireless functionality will be lost.
• 📱 Using your smartphone as an intermediary: Connect AirDots 2 to your phone. On your phone, activate Wi-Fi audio transmission (e.g. SoundWire or AudioRelay). On your PC, install server software and connect to your phone.

USB Bluetooth transmitter

1Mii B06 Plus

The most reliable option of alternatives — USB-It costs less than a new Bluetooth adapter and often provides a more stable connection, and the main thing is to choose a model that supports aptX Low Latency (for example, Creative Latency). BT-W5), avoiding sound delays.

⚠️ Note: When using a smartphone as an intermediary, a delay in sound will appear (100-300 This is critical for games or video, but it's good for music or calls.

8.Sound optimization: settings for better quality

Even after a successful connection, the sound in Xiaomi AirDots 2 may seem worse than on a smartphone, due to the default audio output settings.

For Windows:

1. Open the control panel. → Sound.
2. Choose Mi True Wireless Earphones → Properties.
3. In the tab Additional set: Default format: 16 bits, 44100 Hz (Quality) CD). Turn off all sound effects (on the Improvements tab").

Apply the settings and restart the playback.

For macOS:

• Open the audio. MIDI-Setting up (find through Spotlight).
• Select AirDots 2 from the list of devices.
• Set a sample rate of 44.1 kHz (not 48 kHz).
• Turn off the "Use Sound Effects" option (if any).

For bass lovers:

• 🎛️ Use the Equalizer: Equalizer is suitable for Windows APO, on macOS - eqMac.
• 🔊 In the headphones themselves, you can activate the “Reinforced Bass” mode through the Mi Home app (but for this they must first be connected to a smartphone).

If you use AirDots 2 to play or watch videos, turn on Windows or MacOS in your audio settings, which will reduce lags but may slightly degrade the sound quality.

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For maximum connection stability, disable the “Allow device to save energy” option in the Bluetooth adapter settings (Device Manager).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions