Modern wireless headsets have become an essential accessory for smartphones, providing freedom of movement and high-quality sound. Xiaomi Airdots models and their numerous modifications (Basic, Redmi, 2, 3, Pro) have gained popularity due to their compact size and affordable price. However, the process of initial pairing often causes difficulties for new owners, especially if the device has previously been used with another gadget.
The challenge is that many users try to find the device in the phone's Bluetooth menu without having to search the headphones themselves, which causes the smartphone to not see the headset and the user to panic, believing that the product is defective. In fact, the connection algorithm requires a strict sequence of actions, ignoring which makes connection impossible.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the setup process for different operating systems, look at the nuances of working with one and two headphones, and provide solutions for typical errors, learn how to correctly reset settings if standard methods do not work, and how to optimize the microphone for comfortable conversations.
⚠️ Before starting the procedure, make sure that the charge of the case and the headphones themselves is at least 30-40%. A discharged battery can lead to unstable operation of the Bluetooth module during pairing.
Preparation of headphones and smartphone for work
The first step is to get the equipment properly prepared. If you've just unpacked the device, remove the protective films from the contact areas on the headphones themselves. This is critical, because many users forget to do this, after which the headset simply doesn't charge or turn on. Place the headphones in the case and let them charge for 15-20 minutes, even if the indicators show full charge.
Next, you need to activate Bluetooth on your mobile device. In Xiaomi smartphones with a MIUI shell or HyperOS, this is done through the control center or settings menu. For iPhone owners, you need to go to the wireless settings section. Make sure that the Bluetooth module is active and visible to other devices, although in most modern OSes this happens automatically when turned on.
The important thing is to clean the list of conjugate devices. If your Airdots have previously connected to another phone or tablet, they may try to automatically connect to it, ignoring your current request, so on the old device you need to select the headset in the list and click "Forget the device" or turn off Bluetooth completely on it.
- 📱 Check that Bluetooth on your phone is on and active.
- 🔋 Make sure that the case and headphones have sufficient battery power.
- 🧹 Remove old headset entries from other Bluetooth gadgets list.
- 📶 Remove protective films from charging contacts on headphones.
Instructions for the first connection to Android and iOS
The synchronization process with Android smartphones and iPhones has its own peculiarities, but the basic principle of entering pairing mode is the same for all models. Remove both earphones from the charging case. Each one has a hidden touch zone on its body. You need to press and hold this area on both headphones simultaneously for 3-5 seconds.
The headphones should light up red and then start flashing white (or red and white alternately, depending on the model). It is the flashing indicator that signals that the device has switched to Pairing Mode. Now you can open the list of available devices on the phone.
The network name will appear on the list of networks you find, like Redmi Airdots, Xiaomi Earbuds Basic, or just Airdots. Click on the name. The system can request a confirmation of pairing, agree. Once the connection is successful, the voice assistant will notify you of the status: Connected or TWS pairing.
☑️ Checking a successful connection
It's worth noting that some versions of the firmware first pair the left and right earbuds together (as the voice message tells you), and only then they become visible to the phone. If you hear only one message about the connection, then the mono mode is activated, and you need to repeat the procedure for extracting and holding the buttons.
Features of connecting to iPhone and Apple devices
Apple owners often find that iOS behaves more selectively when connecting third-party accessories. The principle of entering the pairing mode remains the same: extract from the case and long-term retention of touch areas until the white flashing indicator appears. However, unlike Android, the iPhone may not display the charge level of each earphone separately without third-party applications.
When connecting to an iPhone or iPad, it’s important to wait for the internal sync between the left and right channel to complete, so if you pull out your headphones and start looking for them in Bluetooth, the phone can only see one of them (usually the right one), in which case the menu will display one device, and the sound will only go to one ear.
There's a proven method for solving this problem on iOS, and once you remove your headphones and you have a white light, don't rush to connect. 10-15 It's a second before the lights go out or dim. TWS-The headphone connection is set. Only after that, open the Bluetooth settings on your iPhone and connect.
⚠️ Warning: If your iPhone says "Unconnected," try finding the device in Bluetooth settings, clicking on the "i" icon, and selecting "Forget this device." Then repeat the pairing login procedure again.
Control and microphone settings
Most Xiaomi Airdots models do not have their own application for deep customization, management is carried out through standard OS tools or universal applications like Xiaomi Earbuds (for new models) or Mi Buds M8. Basic commands such as playback control and call assistant, are stitched into firmware headphones and work automatically.
The standard control scheme is usually as follows: a single touch pauses the track or resumes playback. Double tap on the right earphone often activates the voice assistant (Siri or Google Assistant), and on the left switches tracks or does nothing (depending on the version). Triple tap usually calls the last subscriber or switches noise reduction modes in older models.
The microphone is particularly noteworthy, because by default, only one microphone can work in talk mode (usually on the right earpiece); if the person is not hearing well, check the sound settings on the phone; in some cases, switching the sound source during a call from Dynamic to Headphone and back helps, and the quality of communication depends on the version of the Bluetooth protocol of your smartphone.
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To improve the quality of voice recording, try not to cover the bottom of the earphone with your finger, where the microphone holes are located. Fat hands or covers can silence the sound.
If you use headphones for games, turn on Game mode (if supported by the model), which usually requires triple tapping the left earpiece, which reduces latency by making shots and steps synchronized with the picture on the screen, although it can slightly reduce autonomy.
Problem Solving: Headphones don’t connect or work one at a time
The most common problem is channel desynchronization, when only one earbud is running, or the phone sees two devices with the same name, which often happens if one earbud expires faster than the other or was removed from the case later, in which case a forced reset is required.
To perform the reset, place both earbuds in the case. Make sure they start charging (the indicators burn red). Then, without removing them (or taking them out, depending on the model, but more often you need to hold in your hands), press the touch areas for 10-20 seconds. The indicators should flash red several times and go out. After that, repeat the procedure of the primary connection again.
Another common problem is intermittent sound or low volume, which may be due to contamination of the speaker mesh with earwax or dust, clean the mesh carefully with a soft dry brush, and may also be due to weak Bluetooth signal due to interference from the Wi-Fi router or microwave oven.
| Symptoms. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Phone can't see headphones | The pairing mode is not included | Press the buttons until white flash. |
| Only one headphone works. | TWS synchronization | Complete reset (Hard Reset) |
| Quiet sound | Grid pollution or volume limit | Clean the grid, check the sound security settings |
| Persistent communication breaks | Interference or discharge | Charge the device, move away from sources of interference |
Model Comparison and Bluetooth Version Compatibility
Airdots ranges from Basic to Pro and 3rd version, all using Bluetooth 5.0 and higher, which provides backward compatibility with older smartphones (Bluetooth 4.0 and 4.2). However, the functionality may differ: older phones may not support simultaneous use of two microphones or a quick transition between devices.
Models with the Pro or Youth Edition often have a more stable communication module and better protection from moisture. When buying a used device, it is important to know the exact model, since reset instructions can differ in the number of seconds of holding a button. For example, some versions of Redmi Airdots 2 require holding buttons for 20 seconds, whereas for Basic it is enough to hold buttons for 5-7.
It is important to understand that the full functionality of codecs (AAC, aptX) is revealed only when the support smartphone and headphones work together. If your phone does not support the AAC codec, the sound will be transmitted in the basic SBC format, which can subjectively reduce the quality of playback at high frequencies.
Codec compatibility table
Extension advice and
To keep your Xiaomi Airdots lasting, keep the chargers clean in your case, and over time, dust and oxides accumulate, causing your headphones to undercharge. Rub your contacts with a cotton swab lightly soaked in alcohol once a month.
Don't keep the headset completely discharged. Lithium polymer batteries degrade if the voltage drops below a critical level. If you don't plan on using the headphones for a long time, charge them to 60-70% and remove them from the case by storing them in a dry place.
Avoid extreme temperatures. Left in the sun in the summer or forgotten in the cold, headphones can lose battery capacity or damage the board. Also try not to drop the case, as the internal spring-loaded contacts can shift and stop reaching the headphones.
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Regular cleaning of charging contacts in the case is the main secret of a long life of wireless headphones, preventing 90% of discharge problems.