Using wireless acoustics with Apple devices is a common concern for users who are used to the Android ecosystem, especially Xiaomi Airdots, which were originally designed to work in conjunction with MIUI. However, thanks to the standard Bluetooth 5.0 protocol, these headphones work perfectly with macOS.
Owners of MacBook Air and Pro notebooks appreciate these gadgets for autonomy and compactness, but the process of their initial pairing may differ from the usual “instant” connection of the iPhone.
This article describes in detail an algorithm of actions that will avoid common synchronization errors. We will consider not only the basic setting, but also the nuances of the microphone, as well as ways to fix problems with audio delay.
Preparation of headphones and operating system
Before starting the procedure, make sure your Xiaomi Airdots headphones are charged. If the case is discharged, it may not go into pairing mode or quickly shut down during the setup process. Put both earphones in the charging case and let them lie there for a few minutes if you haven't used them in a long time.
On the laptop side, you need to activate the wireless module. Check that Bluetooth is enabled in the system settings. In newer versions of macOS, this option is controlled in the Control Point or in the basic system parameters.
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Make sure there are no other active Bluetooth devices nearby that can intercept the signal or interfere during the initial pairing.
It's also worth checking if your Airdots are currently connected to a smartphone or tablet. If they're active on another gadget, the MacBook may not see them or the connection will be unstable.
Activation of the pairing mode on Xiaomi Airdots
The most important step is to get the headphones right into detection mode, and unlike many other models, there's no separate button on the case, and you need to remove both of them from the charger case.
Once removed, the device will automatically go to standby mode. The indicators on the headphones themselves should start flashing. If only one of them flashes, then they are synchronized with each other, but not ready to connect to the new device.
⚠️ Warning: If the lights are on or not flashing, it may be that the headphones are already connected to another device or discharged. Force them to turn off, locking the touch areas for 5 seconds, and repeat the extraction procedure.
Guaranteed entry into search mode sometimes requires holding the touchpads on both headphones simultaneously for 3-5 seconds until the indicators flash red and white (or blue) at a high frequency, which means that the (pairing mode) mode is activated.
Connection process through macOS settings
Now, to your MacBook settings, open system settings and find the wireless partition, and depending on your operating system version, the path may be slightly different.
In macOS Ventura and later, the way is: System settings → Bluetooth. In older versions (Monterey and below), it's System settings → Bluetooth or the icon at the top of the menu. Make sure the Bluetooth switch is in the "On" position.
☑️ Checking before connection
The list of available devices should appear the name Xiaomi Airdots or AirDots_R (Press the "Connect" button next to the name. The system may request confirmation or show the pairing code, in which case just confirm the action.
Setting up sound profiles and microphone
When a successful connection is made, macOS automatically selects a sound output profile, but when you're working on Zoom, Skype, or recording audio, you need to set the input device correctly, and often the default is the built-in microphone on the laptop, which reduces the quality of the connection.
To change your settings, go to System Settings → Sound. In the “Output” tab, select your Xiaomi Airdots. Then go to the “Input” tab and also select the headphones as the recording device.
| Parameter | Default value | Recommended value | Impact on work |
|---|---|---|---|
| Output device | MacBook Dynaks | Xiaomi Airdots | The sound goes into the headphones. |
| Input device | Internal microphone | Xiaomi Airdots | The headset microphone is working. |
| Balance | Centre | Centre | Uniform sounding |
| Loudness | 50% | Individually | Comfort of listening |
Note that when you activate the microphone on the headphones, the sound quality in them can decrease. This is a limitation of the HSP/HFP protocol, which is used for voice communication and has a lower bitrate than the A2DP profile for music.
Why does the sound quality drop when talking?
Solving Common Connection Problems
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the MacBook sees the headphones but does not connect, or the connection is constantly broken. First of all, try "forget" the device. To do this, click on the information icon (i) or right mouse button on the device in the Bluetooth list and select "Forget this device".
Once the profile is removed, reset the headphones themselves. For Xiaomi Airdots, this is often done by holding the touch zones on both headphones for 20 seconds until they turn off and enter flashing mode (blinking red 5 times).
⚠️ Warning: Don't remove a device from the Bluetooth list on your iPhone if you want it to work on a Mac.Remove profile on one Apple device ID Can sync and remove it to others.
Also helps reset the Bluetooth module on the Macbook itself. Press the Shift + Option keys and click on the Bluetooth icon in the menu bar. Select "Debug → Reset the Bluetooth module" to restart the drivers without restarting the computer.
Features of working with different versions of macOS
Owners of older MacBooks may experience a lack of support for high-quality AAC codec or unstable Bluetooth 4.0.
On macOS Big Sur and newer versions, connectivity stability with third-party devices is improved. If you have an older OS, you may need to use an external USB Bluetooth adapter for stable operation.
It is worth noting that controlling playback (pause, track switching) through touch zones on Airdots in macOS may not work properly or at all, a limitation of the implementation of the AVRCP protocol in the firmware of Xiaomi headphones for non-Android devices.
Optimizing autonomy and care
To extend the battery life, try not to discharge the headphones to zero. Lithium polymer batteries used in Airdots are better able to tolerate frequent recharges than deep discharge.
Regularly wipe the charging contacts on the headphones themselves with dry cloth. Contact oxidation is a common reason why the case stops charging one of the headphones, which leads to dissynchronization of the left and right channels.
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Connection stability is directly dependent on battery power: at a level below 20%, the power of the Bluetooth signal can decrease, causing interference.
Keep the case dry. Moisture entering the case can short-circuit and cause the power controller, which is responsible for transferring power to the headphones, to fail.