Xiaomi’s wireless headphones, especially the AirDots and Redmi Buds series, are popular because of their affordable price and decent sound quality. However, the initial pairing process often raises questions among users who are first to encounter the problem of the new generation of headphones. TWS-Unlike normal Bluetooth devices, there are some nuances associated with the operation of the case and synchronization of the left and right headphones.
To connect successfully, you need to understand that the basic case is not only the charger, but also the signal transmitter when you first set up. It is activating the pairing mode inside the case that is a key step that is often missed by beginners. If you ignore this step, the phone may not see the headset or connect to only one of the channels.
In this article, we will discuss in detail the algorithm for Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic, Essential and AirDots 2 models. You will learn how to properly activate search mode, what to do if devices are out of sync, and how to optimize the microphone for calls. Following the instructions will avoid typical errors and enjoy music without delay.
Preparation for the first connection and charge check
Before you start any manipulation with Bluetooth, you need to make sure that the devices are ready to work. Often the problem of the "invisibility" of the headphones lies in the elementary discharge of the battery. The charge case must be charged, because it transfers energy to the headphones only when the right contact is made. If the indicator on the body does not light up when you put the headphones inside, check for protective films on the contacts.
Take both headphones out of the case. Pay attention to LED lights: they must flash red to signal a low charge level or charging process, or burn white/red at full charge. For the first turn on, you often need to remove insulation stickers from the contacts if they are present on the new model.
⚠️ Warning: Do not try to connect headphones unless the indicators on them light up when removed from the case. This may indicate a deep discharge - leave them in the case on the case. 15-20 minute.
Make sure your smartphone has Bluetooth enabled and open access to find new devices. In Android or iOS settings, it is advisable to clear the list of old, no longer used connections to avoid address conflicts. This is especially true if you have previously tried to connect the same headphones, but without success.
It is important to distinguish between models, as the activation method may differ slightly. Classic Mi AirDots and Redmi AirDots feature physical buttons on the headphones themselves, while newer versions may use touch controls or automatic on. The exact model is usually shown on the bottom of the case in fine print.
Activation of the pairing mode (Pairing Mode)
The most important step is to put the headset in visibility mode, unlike many others. TWS-In headphones, Xiaomi, this process requires you to press the buttons on both headphones simultaneously. Take both headphones out of the charging case. Find a circular touch or physical button on the inside of each headphone.
Press and hold the buttons on both headphones simultaneously. It takes about 5-7 seconds to hold. First, the indicators can flash red, then they must switch to alternate flashing white light. It is the white flash that indicates that the device is in search mode and ready to connect.
☑️ Preparedness
If the white light doesn't turn on and the headphones keep flashing red or turning off, then the pairing mode is not activated. Try repeating the procedure, making sure that the fingers don't block the microphones, and the pressing was long enough. Sometimes you need to press the buttons a little harder, especially on new devices.
In some revisions Xiaomi Mi AirDots 2 or Essential procedure can be simplified: just remove the headphones, and they will automatically go into pairing mode if it is their first turn on.
Connection with Android and iOS devices
Once you activate the white flash, pick up your smartphone. Open your Bluetooth settings and start scanning the available devices. The list should include Mi True Wireless EBs Basic, Redmi AirDots, or simply AirDots. The name may vary depending on the regional version of the firmware.
Click on the name of the device to connect. The system can request a pairing confirmation — agree with it. Successful connection is usually accompanied by a voice message "Connected" in the headphones themselves and changing the color of the indicator to permanent white or turning it off.
It is worth noting that after the first successful connection to both headphones, in the future they will connect automatically when removed from the case. Reactivation of the buttons will only be required if you connect to a new device or after resetting. For iOS, the algorithm is identical, but the Bluetooth settings interface may differ in the location of the elements.
If the phone finds the device but writes "Unconnected" or "Pairing error," try forgetting the device in the Bluetooth list and repeating the procedure of entering pairing mode (white flashing) again.
Microphone setup and control
After you connect, you should pay attention to the microphone. TWS-Xiaomi headsets are active only one microphone (usually right earphone), the second works in standby or as a backup. for calls this is not critical, but for a voice recorder or video recording, it is important to know which earphone to bring to your mouth.
Playback and call management is done via touch zones or physical buttons, and the standard Xiaomi Mi AirDots configuration includes the following:
- 🎵 One tap: Play/Pause (playback/pause)
- 📞 Double tap: Accept the call / Repeat the last number
- 📞 Triple press: Calling the voice assistant (Siri / Google Assistant)
- 🔇 Hold 2 seconds: Reject incoming call / End call
⚠️ Attention: Track switching function (Next/Previous) The default is often not activated or requires triple tapping, which depends on the firmware version. In some models, volume control is absent and is only adjusted from the phone.
For more subtle adjustments, such as changing the order of tracks or activating game mode (low audio latency), a third-party application may be required, since there is no regular application for older AirDots models.
Synchronization of left and right headphones
One of the most common problems is desynchronization, where the phone sees two devices with the same name or only one headphone is connected, which happens when the left-right link is disrupted, and you need to do a full reset to fix this.
Place both earbuds in the case. Make sure they charge (red lights burn). Remove them and turn them off (press the buttons for 5 seconds until they turn off). Then press the buttons on the earbuds off for 20-25 seconds. The indicators will flash red, then white, then red again - hold until they flash red 2-3 times and turn off.
Signs of successful synchronization
After a successful reset, remove the device from the Bluetooth list on your phone ("Forget the device"). Place the headphones in the case again, close it, open it and re-start the pairing mode (double tap until white flashing) Now they must connect to each other, and then to the phone as a single device.
It is important to do this away from other Bluetooth devices to avoid interference, and if the problem is repeated, you may need to update the firmware if the model supports it, or replace the case that may not be transmitting synchronization data correctly.
Table of compatibility and characteristics
Different generations of Xiaomi headphones have similar, but not identical, features. Below is a comparison table of the main characteristics of popular models, so you understand what to expect from your device.
| Model | Bluetooth version | Codec | Autonomy (with case) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mi True Wireless Earbuds Basic | 5.0 | SBC | 12 hours |
| Redmi AirDots | 5.0 | SBC | 12 hours |
| Mi AirDots 2 / Redmi AirDots 2 | 5.0 | SBC, AAC | 20 hours |
| Redmi Buds 3 Lite | 5.2 | SBC, AAC | 18 hours |
Note that newer models support AAC codecs, which provide better sound quality when playing music from iPhones and modern Android smartphones. Older models only use the basic SBC codec, which can affect the detail of high frequencies.
Also, consider that the declared operating time is indicated for medium volume. At maximum volume and active use of the microphone for calls, the actual operating time can be 20-30% less than specified in the specification.
Frequent problems and ways to solve them
Even with the right connection, users can experience quiet sound, delays or interruptions.A quiet sound is often solved by clearing the speaker grid of earwax or raising the volume directly on the headphones (if there is such a feature in the app) and on the phone at the same time.
Latency in video or games is a feature of Bluetooth technology, but in games-enabled models, it can be minimized. Activation usually requires a triple tap, but the exact combination is best looked for in the manual of the particular version, as it often changes.
💡
If the sound is interrupted only in one headphone, try to clean the contacts in the case with an alcohol napkin - oxidation of contacts is a common cause of charge loss in one of the channels.
If the headphones spontaneously turn off, check your smartphone's power saving settings. Android can aggressively "kill" Bluetooth processes to save energy. Add Bluetooth to the exceptions or whitelist of your antivirus/optimizer.
If you're completely out of service, and neither method works, it makes sense to check the headphones on the other phone, and if there's a problem, the hardware module or battery probably doesn't work, and maintenance is required.