Connection AM61 Xiaomi: all the ways and subtleties of setting up

Xiaomi Soundbar Sound Bar AM61 It has become a popular solution for improving sound among the owners of TVs and multimedia devices of the brand, but many users face difficulties when connecting first - especially when it comes to synchronizing with Mi TVs. TV, Mi Box consoles or other ecosystem gadgets, and in this article, we'll look at all the current ways to connect. AM61 with Xiaomi technology, from the classic HDMI ARC to wireless protocols, and also reveal the nuances, which are not written in the official instructions.

It's important to understand that the way you connect depends not only on your TV or soundbar model, but also on the firmware version, the availability of ports, and even the cables used. TV Q2 2023 may face problems with the use of the HDMI 2.0 instead of 2.1, and in older models of the Mi type TV 4S We tested all scenarios and collected checklists for each connection option.

If you've tried to connect devices before, but the sound never came, don't be quick to blame the technique. 60 percent of the time, the problem is with the wrong signal source settings or transmission protocol conflicts. Next, you'll find step-by-step instructions illustrating key points, a model compatibility table, and answers to frequent questions that will help you avoid typical errors.

1. Compatibility AM61 Xiaomi devices: what you need to know before connecting

Before you start setting up, make sure your sound bar is AM61 Xiaomi can work with a device of its choice, but the manufacturer claims to support most models, but there are important limitations:

• 📺 Xiaomi TVs: Full compatibility with Mi series TV Q2/Q1E (2022–2026), Mi TV P1/P1E, Mi TV ES 2021. Older models 2020 years (e.g. Mi) TV 4S 55") The eARC may not work, but the basic HDMI ARC available.
• 🎮 Configures and media players: Mi Box S, Mi TV Stick and Mi Box 4K support the connection HDMI, but only in Passthrough mode (no audio processing).
• 📱 Smartphones and tablets: Direct audio transmission is only possible via Bluetooth (profile) A2DP). Connection to USB-C 3.5 mm requires adapters.
• 💻 Laptops and PC: You will need to connect to Xiaomi Notebook or RedmiBook HDMI-cable with sound support or Bluetooth 5.0+.

Pay special attention to the version HDMI-port. AM61 plug-in HDMI 2.1 with eARC support, but if your TV has only HDMI 2.0 (e.g. Mi) TV 4A), piece:

• 🔊 The sound will be transmitted in a compressed format (for example, Dolby Digital instead of Dolby Atmos).
• 🔄 Function CEC (Controlling one remote control may not work smoothly.
• 📶 Maximum frequency of video updates when transmitting sound through HDMI fall down 4K@30Hz.

⚠️ Note: If your Xiaomi TV is released before 2019, check for firmware updates. on some models (e.g. Mi). TV 4 55) support HDMI ARC It was only added after the updates.

2. Connection AM61 Xiaomi HDMI ARC/eARC: step-by-step

Method HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel is the best option for Xiaomi TVs, as it allows you to transmit sound in both directions (from TV to soundbar and back) and control volume from one remote. ARC), You will also get access to Dolby Atmos formats. DTS:X.

What you need:

• 🔌 Cable HDMI 2.1 (length up to 3 m for minimum signal loss).
• 📺 Xiaomi TV with port HDMI ARC/eARC (usually marked).
• ⚙️ Remote from TV or soundbar (for settings) CEC).

Connection steps:

1. Turn both devices off the socket.
2. Connect one end. HDMI-port-wire HDMI ARC on the TV, the other to the connector. HDMI OUT (ARC) on AM61.
3. Turn on the TV and go to Settings → Sound. → Sound output.
4. Choose. HDMI ARC or HDMI eARC (if available).
5. Turn on the soundbar, it's automatically determined. If it's not, press the Source button on the remote. AM61 and choose HDMI ARC.
6. Activate the function CEC in the settings of the TV (usually Settings) → System system → Management HDMI).

After a successful connection, check the sound by running a video from Dolby Atmos (for example, on Netflix or Disney).+). If there's no sound:

• 🔄 Reboot both devices.
• 🔧 Check that the TV settings have the correct sound format (Auto or Passthrough).
• 🔌 Try another one. HDMI-cable (not all cables support) ARC!).

⚠️ Attention: On Mi TVs TV 4S mi TV 4A when connected HDMI ARC Solution: Turn off the audio settings option Automatic formatting and select PCM.

3. Wireless connectivity: Bluetooth and Wi-Fi (Mi Home)

If wires aren't your option, AM61 It supports two wireless methods of connecting to Xiaomi devices: Bluetooth and Wi-Fi (via the Mi Home app:

Bluetooth connection:

1. Turn on the soundbar and put it into pairing mode by holding the Bluetooth button on the remote (or on the back) until the indicator blinks.
2. On Xiaomi device (smartphone, TV, tablet) go to Settings → Bluetooth.
3. Choose from the Mi Soundbar list AM61 (It can be displayed as Xiaomi. SB-AM61).
4. Confirm the pairing. The sound must be automatically redirected to the soundbar.

For Wi-Fi connectivity (only available for Xiaomi TVs with Mi Home):

1. Make sure the TV and soundbar are connected to the same 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network.
2. Open the Mi Home app on your smartphone and add a new device (+ → Sound devices → Xiaomi Soundbar AM61).
3. Follow the instructions on the screen. The TV should automatically detect the soundbar on the network.
4. In the settings of the TV (Settings) → Sound. → Output devices) select AM61 (Wi-Fi).

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If Bluetooth audio is interrupted, try turning off the Absolute Volume feature on your smartphone (in Bluetooth settings), which will reduce delays when adjusting volume.

Critical feature: when connecting over Wi-Fi soundbar AM61 It may conflict with other Xiaomi devices on the network (such as a robot vacuum cleaner or a smart lamp). IP-router.

4. Connection via optical cable (TOSLINK)

Optical input is a reliable alternative HDMI, Especially if your Xiaomi TV doesn’t support you. ARC Or you have trouble synchronizing. AM61 ported TOSLINK, It transmits sound in digital format without compression (unlike Bluetooth).

What do you need?

• 🔌 Optical cable (length up to 5 m).
• 📺 Television with optical output (in Mi) TV 4S And newer, it's on the back).

Instructions:

1. Connect the optical cable to the Optical In port AM61 Optical Out on TV.
2. Turn on the soundbar and press the Source button on the remote by selecting Optical.
3. On the TV, go to Settings. → Sound. → Output sound and select Optical or S/PDIF.
4. Set the sound format: For movies: Dolby Digital or DTS. For music: PCM (compressively).

If there's no sound:

• 🔄 Check if the optical output on the TV is silenced (sometimes it turns off in the Sound settings). → Additionally).
• 🔧 Make sure the cable is inserted before the click (optical connectors are dust sensitive - clean them with a dry cotton swab if necessary).
• 📶 Try restarting both devices by disconnecting them from the network for 30 seconds.

⚠️ Note: Optical cable does not transmit sound from the remote (unlike the remote). HDMI ARC). To adjust the volume, use the remote from AM61 Or set up a universal remote via the Mi Remote app.

5. Connection AM61 smartphones and tablets Xiaomi

Redmi owners, POCO Xiaomi Pad can be used for use AM61 You can listen to music, play games or watch videos:

• 📶 Bluetooth: the easiest way, but with a delay of sound ~150–200 ms (critical for gaming).
• 🔌 USB-C → 3.5mm: via adapter (e.g. Xiaomi Type-C to Audio), but audio will be transmitted in format PCM without Dolby support.
• 🎵 Aux (3.5mm): if your smartphone is still equipped with a connector (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro).

Bluetooth connection:

1. Activate Bluetooth on your smartphone and translate AM61 in pairing mode (Bluetooth button on the remote).
2. In Bluetooth phone settings, select Mi Soundbar AM61.
3. To reduce the latency of sound in games, turn on the developer settings (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Tap 7 times) Option Turn off the absolute volume of Bluetooth.

Connection through USB-C:

1. Connect the adapter. USB-C → 3.5 mm to the smartphone.
2. Connect the adapter to the soundbar via Aux cable (included) AM61).
3. Nana AM61 Select the source of Aux with the source button.

For games (such as Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile) it is better to use it. USB-C, Because the delay in Bluetooth will make the gameplay uncomfortable, the difference is not so noticeable in multimedia applications (YouTube, Netflix.

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For smartphones Xiaomi with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2+ (For example, Xiaomi 14) is available codec aptX Adaptive, which reduces Bluetooth latency to 80 ms. To activate it, in Bluetooth settings, select High audio quality.

6. Customization of sound effects and equalizer

AM61 It offers several preset sound modes, but for a full immersion, you should adjust the equalizer manually, especially when connected to Xiaomi TVs, where bass can “muffle” the voice in dialogues.

Available modes (mode button on the remote):

• 🎬 Movie: High and medium frequencies enhanced to clarify dialogues.
• 🎵 Music: Emphasis on bass and top (suitable for pop music).
• 🎮 Game: 3D-shooter-action.
• 📻 News: Minimum processing for natural sound.

Manual equalizer setting:

1. Press and hold the Mode button on the remote. AM61 within 3 seconds.
2. With the buttons +/– Select the frequency range (100 Hz to 16 kHz).
3. Set the volume level for each frequency (from -6 dB to) +6 dB).
4. Save the preset by pressing OK.

For Xiaomi TVs, we recommend the following settings:

• 📺 Movies/Series: Increase 2-4 kHz per +3 dB (for vocals) and reduce 250 Hz by -2 dB (so bass doesn't drown out speech).
• 🎮 Games: Raise 100-150 Hz by +4 dB to amplify low frequencies (explosion, steps).
• 🎶 Music: V-shaped equalizer (+4 dB per 100 Hz and 10 kHz, 0 dB in the middle).

If you're plugging in. AM61 mi TV through HDMI ARC, in the settings of the TV (Settings) → Sound. → Additionally) can also be activated:

• 🔊 Dolby Audio: Improves volume but can reduce volume.
• 🎛️ Volume normalization: useful for TV shows with different sound levels.
• 🔇 Night mode: suppresses loud sounds (convenient for late viewing).

7. Solving common problems

Even with the right connection, users are faced with typical errors, and we have compiled proven solutions for the most common cases:

Additional advice:

• 🔄 If AM61 suddenly shuts down, check the settings of Energy saving in the TV - some models turn off HDMI-dormant.
• 🔧 To reset the soundbar to factory settings, press and hold the Source button. + Volume – within 10 seconds.
• 📡 If the sound is distorted by Bluetooth, try to disable the dual audio function on your smartphone (in Bluetooth settings).

FAQ: Frequent questions about connection AM61 Xiaomi