Modern wireless headsets from Xiaomi have gained popularity due to the excellent ratio of price and quality, but the process of their initial setup often raises questions for beginners. Many users are faced with a situation where one headphone works and the second is silent, or the smartphone simply does not see the device in the list of available Bluetooth gadgets. The correct sequence of actions at the first launch is critical for the stable operation of the stereo pair in the future.
In this article, we will discuss in detail how to tie Xiaomi Airdots headphones of various modifications to your mobile device. We will consider not only the standard connection algorithm, but also the specific nuances for different operating systems, as well as methods for solving common technical problems. Correct synchronization of the left and right channel is the key to high-quality sound and no delays when watching videos.
Before we get to the practical steps, it’s worth noting that the procedure can vary slightly depending on the specific model of your device, whether it’s classic Redmi Airdots, advanced Airdots Pro or the latest Airdots 3. Understanding the basic principles of Bluetooth protocol operation in the Mi True Wireless ecosystem will help you avoid errors and quickly customize the gadget for everyday use.
Preparing headphones for the first connection
The first and most important step is to properly prepare the headset for pairing. Many users make the mistake of trying to plug in a device that is still in transport mode or has a discharged battery. Remove the headphones from the charging case and make sure that they are removed from the protective films from the contacts, if any were included.
Note the indicators: when extracted from the case, they should light up, signaling to turn on. If this does not happen, place them back in the case for charging for 10-15 minutes. The battery should have enough charge so that the Bluetooth module can work in search and pairing mode.
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If the indicators do not light up even after charging, wipe the metal contacts on the headphones and inside the case with a dry soft cloth - oxidation or dust can block charging.
It's important to understand that both headphones need to be activated at the same time to set up the first setup, and unlike reconnecting when you just open the case, the first run requires manually switching on both modules so that they can find each other and combine into a stereo pair before connecting to the smartphone.
Instructions: how to connect Xiaomi Airdots to Android
Android provides a lot of peripheral control, but the standard connectivity algorithm remains the same for most manufacturers. First, you need to activate the pairing mode on the headphones themselves. To do this, while they are outside the case, press and hold the touch zones (or physical buttons) on both headphones simultaneously for 3-5 seconds, until the indicators start flashing quickly white.
After activating the visibility mode, take your smartphone and follow the following steps:
- 📱 Open your device settings and go to the Bluetooth section.
- 🔍 Press the Device Search button or make sure the Bluetooth switch is active.
- 🎧 In the list of available devices, find the name of your model (for example, Redmi Airdots or Mi True Wireless EBs Basic).
- ✅ Click on the name to initiate the pairing process.
☑️ Checklist of successful connection
Once you've successfully connected, you'll hear a distinctive beep in your headphones, and the headset battery icon will appear in the status bar of your smartphone. If the system requests permission to access contacts or call logs, confirm the action to make the microphone work properly. The pairing is complete, and now the device will connect automatically when removed from the case.
Xiaomi Airdots pairing with iPhone (iOS)
Apple device owners need to consider the features of the iOS ecosystem, which strictly controls access rights to the Bluetooth module. The procedure begins similarly: remove the headphones from the case and put them in mode (arms), clamping the touch panels until a white pulsating indicator appears.
Next, open Settings on your iPhone or iPad and select the Bluetooth partition. Make sure the slider is activated. In the "Other Devices" list, your Xiaomi Airdots should appear. Tap the name and the system will request confirmation.
⚠️ Note: iOS sometimes requires double validation. If nothing happens after clicking on the name, try closing the headphones in the case, opening them again and trying again in 10 seconds.
The feature of connecting to iOS is that there is no detailed battery widget in the standard menu, unless you use third-party apps. However, the charge level of each headphone and case is often displayed in the Battery widget on the home screen, if the devices are compatible with the Apple H1/W1 protocol or are certified accordingly.
Once the connection is successfully installed, check the microphone through the recorder to ensure that the recording permissions are correctly granted, and then switching between Apple devices (e.g., iPhone to iPad) will occur automatically if they use the same Apple ID.
Synchronization of left and right headphone (Resetting settings)
One of the most common problems is desynchronizing channels, where the sound comes from only one earbud, or they are defined as two different devices, in which case you need to perform a full reset (Hard Reset) and reconnect them, a process often confused with the usual disconnection from the phone.
To perform the reset, place both earbuds in a charging case. Without closing the lid, press and hold the touchpads on both headphones simultaneously for 15-20 seconds. Indicators should flash red several times, then go out or light up white, signaling a successful reset.
| Model headphones | Indication of discharge | Retention time | Post-discharge action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi Airdots / Airdots Basic | 3 times flashes red | ~20 seconds | Remove from Bluetooth and reconnect |
| Airdots S / 2 | Blinking red | 15-20 seconds | Automatic pairing of a couple |
| Airdots Pro / Pro 2 | Orange indicator | 10 seconds. | Resetting network settings |
| Airdots 3 / 3 Pro | White flashing | 10 seconds. | Switching to search mode |
Why are the headphones out of sync?
Once the lights are gone, close the case for 5-10 seconds. Then remove both headphones at the same time. They must automatically find each other, and one of them (usually on the right) will slowly blink white while waiting for a phone connection, while the second will flash rarely or not at all, a sign that the stereopara is restored.
Use the Mi Wear app to customize
To enhance headphone management, Xiaomi has developed a special Mi Wear app (formerly known as Mi True Wireless) that allows not only to tie the device, but also to adjust touch control, update firmware and change the equalizer.
Download the app from Google Play or the App Store and sign up for your Mi Account. Open the app and click the add-on button. It automatically scans the airwaves and prompts you to connect your Airdots. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.
- 🎚️ Equalizer: Select (preset) audio profile or adjust frequencies manually.
- 👆 Control: Set actions for double or triple pressing (pause, track forward, voice assistant).
- 🔋 Diagnostics: Check the exact charge level of each earphone and battery wear.
⚠️ Note: For some functions, such as firmware updates, headphones must be charged at least 50% and the distance to the smartphone should not exceed 1 meter.
The app also lets you find headphones if they get lost nearby, making a loud sound. However, this feature only works if the headphones are within Bluetooth range and connected to the phone. Regular updates to firmware through the app improves connection stability.
Problem Solving: Headphones are not connected
If standard methods don't work and the smartphone still can't see the headset, you need to do a deep diagnosis, and often the problem lies not in the headphones themselves, but in the cache of the phone's Bluetooth module or the conflict of profiles.
Try to perform the following actions:
- Go to your phone’s Bluetooth settings, find your Airdots in the list of previously used devices, and click Forget Device (Forget/Unpair).
- Turn off Bluetooth on your phone, restart your smartphone and turn on the module again.
- Perform a full reset of the headphones (as described in the section above) and try to plug them in as a new device.
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If nothing works, try connecting your headphones to another smartphone, and if they work there, the problem is with your main phone's Bluetooth settings (resetting your network settings). If not, you may have a hardware defect in your headphones.
In some cases, clearing the Bluetooth cache helps. Go to Settings on Android → Apps → Show system processes → Bluetooth → Memory → Clear the cache. After that, the phone will re-scan the ether and can detect “lost” devices.
It’s also worth checking if the list of conjugated devices is overloaded. Some Xiaomi Airdots models have a limit on the number of gadgets remembered. If the limit is exhausted, old connections need to be manually deleted via the Bluetooth menu.