How to connect Xiaomi Airdots to the phone: step-by-step instructions

Xiaomi’s wireless headphones, known as Airdots, Redmi Buds or Mi True Wireless Earbuds, have become a hit because of their sound quality and affordable price. However, the first experience of interacting with them is a question for many users, especially if you have previously used a wired headset or other brands. The process of initial pairing may seem unobvious, since the headphones do not have an on button as usual, and the search mode activation occurs automatically when you extract from the case.

In this detailed guide, we’ll take a look at all the nuances of how to dodge Xiaomi Airdots headphones with your smartphone, whether it’s an Android or iOS device. We’ll look at the standard procedure, possible left-right-channel synchronization issues, and forced resetting techniques. Understanding these processes will help you avoid common bugs and enjoy wireless sound without delays and connection breaks.

It is worth noting that the range is constantly updated, and the procedures for the Airdots 2, Airdots Pro or the base version may have minor differences in the indication.However, the basic algorithm of actions remains the same for the entire ecosystem of TWS (True Wireless Stereo) from the Chinese giant.

Preparation of headphones and smartphone for pairing

Before trying to connect devices, make sure both gadgets are ready to go. Often users forget basic things like removing protective films from charging contacts or having a charge in the battery. Xiaomi Airdots headphones come with factory insulation on metal contacts that blocks charging and turning on.

Make sure your smartphone has Bluetooth enabled. To do this, lower the notification curtain and activate the appropriate icon, or go to the system settings. It is also recommended to update the list of previously connected devices by removing old entries about headsets that you no longer use to avoid confusion in the list of available gadgets.

Place both earbuds in a charge case and close the lid for a few seconds, then open it. The indicators inside the case or on the headphones themselves should light up red to signal the start of charging. If the indicators are not burning, check if the headphones are properly installed in the sockets - the magnets should attract them tightly.

⚠️ Warning: If the headphones don't light up when placed in the case, there's probably a protective blue or transparent film on the contacts.

β˜‘οΈ Connection readiness

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Standard procedure for connecting to Android and iOS

The process of connecting to Android and iOS smartphones is almost identical, as it uses the standard data protocol. Once the headphones are removed from the case, they automatically go into the Passing Mode. At this stage, the indicators begin to flash white at different frequencies: one flashes slowly, waiting for the connection to the second, the other quickly, signaling readiness to pair with the phone.

Open the Bluetooth settings on your smartphone and click the scan button or "Device Search." The list of available gadgets should show the name of your model, for example, MI True Wireless EBs Basic or Redmi Airdots. Click on this name to initiate the mating process.

Successful connectivity is confirmed by the sound in the headphones (voice message "Connected" or characteristic sound) and the change of status in the phone menu to "Connected". Now the indicators on the headphones should flash blue less often, which means a stable connection to the phone, not search mode.

πŸ“Š What device do you connect your headphones with?
Android-smartphone
iPhone (iOS)
Tablet
Laptop
Other

Solving problems with desynchronization of the left and right channel

One of the most common problems faced by Xiaomi Airdots owners is when the phone sees the headphones as two separate devices or the sound comes from only one ear, due to the dissynchronization of the left and right channels between each other.

To fix this, you need to perform a reconnection procedure. First, remove the device from the list of paired Bluetooth phone settings (β€œForget device” or β€œUnpair”). Then turn off Bluetooth on your smartphone to interrupt any attempts at automatic reconnect.

Put both earbuds in the case, close the lid and wait 5-10 seconds. Take them out at the same time. If they start flashing differently again (one fast, the other slow), then they are out of sync with each other, in which case you will need the forced reset procedure described below.

⚠️ Note: When you desynchronize, don't try to connect to each earpiece separately through your phone's settings. This will exacerbate the problem.

How to reset Xiaomi Airdots (Hard Reset)

If standard methods don't work, or the headphones don't behave properly, you need to perform a full reset (Hard Reset), which will return the device to the factory settings and clear the memory of previous connections. For Airdots and Airdots 2 models, the procedure is performed mechanically through touch panels.

Remove the headphones from the case. Press and hold the touch areas on both headphones simultaneously for 5-7 seconds until the indicators go out (turn off). Keep your fingers on hold for another 15-20 seconds. The indicators should flash red several times, signaling a reset.

Then put the headphones back in the case, and the next time you pull them out, they're automatically synchronized with each other, and one of the lights goes out, and the other one flashes white, waiting to connect to the phone, and you can now re-search the device in the menu of the smartphone.

Reset nuances for different models
The Airdots 2 sometimes requires holding the buttons for 20 seconds until double blinking red. For the Airdots Pro (feet), the reset is often done through prolonged pressing (20 seconds) on the touch zone until the indicator lights up orange. In rare cases, older firmware versions require pressing 5 times in a row to turn off, and holding it 6 times.

Table of indicators and their significance

Understanding color is key to quickly diagnosing problems. Different blinking modes tell the user about the current status of the device. Below is a table that helps decipher LED signals on Xiaomi Airdots.

Color of indicatorBlinking modeMeaning
Red.It's burning all the time.Headphone charging's coming.
WhiteFast blinking.Bluetooth Search Mode (Pairing)
BlueSlow blinkingHeadphone connected to phone
Red.Slow blinkingLow battery charge (less than 10-15%)
Red.Double blinking.Resetting or shutting down is performed

Note that some firmware versions may have slightly different colors (e.g., using orange instead of red when discharged). However, the logic remains the same: fast flashing light means search activity, smooth or slow blinking means stable operation.

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To save battery power, don't leave your headphones out of the case unless you plan to use them. On standby, they continue to consume energy to keep in touch.

Use the Mi Wear app for advanced settings

For a deeper setup of the functionality of Xiaomi Airdots, it is recommended to use the official Mi Wear app (formerly Mi True Wireless) or Xiaomi Earbuds. This software allows you not only to track the battery charge of each headphone with an accuracy of up to a percentage, but also to update the firmware of the device.

Firmware Update is an important process that often solves problems with connection stability and sound quality. In the application, you need to go to the device settings and select the update point, it is important not to interrupt this process and keep the headphones close to the phone.

You can also configure touchpad management through the app, and you can assign actions to a single, double or triple touch: call the voice assistant, switch tracks, change volume, or activate low latency game mode.

⚠️ Warning: During firmware updates, it is strictly forbidden to open the case cover or remove the headphones from the phone.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why does the phone only see one headphone?
Most likely, the headphones are out of sync with each other. Try removing the device from Bluetooth, turning off Bluetooth on your phone, putting the headphones in your case, and then performing a Hard Reset procedure, holding the sensors until red flash.
Can I use only one headphone?
Yes, Xiaomi Airdots supports mono-use. You can only take out the right or left earphone from the case, and it automatically connects to the phone as a mono-headset.
The headphones are not charged in the case, what to do?
Check if the safety film is removed from the contacts. Wipe the contacts with dry cloth. Make sure the case is charged. If the indicator on the case does not light up when you connect the cable, try replacing the Micro-USB/Type-C cable.
How do you get into game mode?
In most Airdots models, the Low Latency Mode is activated by triple tapping the right earphone touchpad, and when you hear a voice message or a signal, you know that mode is on, and triple tapping it again turns it off.

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The main problem when connecting is channel desynchronization. 90% of cases are solved by a complete reset of settings through prolonged retention of sensors.

To sum up, connecting Xiaomi Airdots is straightforward, if you know the right sequence, and you need to keep track of the display and not be afraid to use the reset function if the devices are behaving strangely, and the right synchronization will provide you with quality stereo sound and stable connection for a long time.