Modern users are often looking for ways to wirelessly connect their gadgets to a large screen to watch content or games. The question of how to connect a computer to a TV via Bluetooth is especially relevant for owners of smart TVs Xiaomi Mi TV and Redmi TV, running on Android TV. However, there is an important technical nuance, which is not known to everyone.
Direct transmission of video from computer to TV exclusively via Bluetooth protocol is technically impossible due to the low bandwidth of this channel. Bluetooth speed is not enough to broadcast images in high resolution in real time. However, this interface is actively used for audio streaming or device control, which can also be useful in certain smart home use scenarios.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the real-world Bluetooth connectivity between Xiaomi PCs and TVs, and consider alternative wireless methods that will allow you to broadcast a wireless image. You will learn about audio tuning, the use of special adapters, and the nuances of the PatchWall operating system or pure Android TV.
Technical limitations of Bluetooth protocol for video transmission
Bluetooth was originally designed to replace cable connections for peripherals such as mice, keyboards and headsets, and its theoretical maximum speed in recent versions (5.0 and higher) is 2 Mbps, which is ten times less than it takes to transmit even a compressed HD video stream, which is why you won’t find the Bluetooth option on Xiaomi TV menus.
But that doesn't mean that the technology is useless in a PC-TV bundle. The main application of Bluetooth in this context is to create an audio channel. You can use the TV as an external speaker system for your laptop or desktop computer. This is especially true if the built-in speakers on the PC are of poor quality or damaged.
⚠️ Note: Do not try to find the “Connect to Display” function in standard Windows settings via Bluetooth panel. The operating system does not support the transmission of video signal over this protocol by native means without the use of third-party specialized hardware.
In addition, the bandwidth of the channel limits not only video, but also sound quality when using low-bitrate codecs.For comfortable listening to music or watching movies, both devices must support modern codecs such as AptX or AAC. Otherwise, you may encounter noticeable audio delay or compression artifacts.
Why is video slowing down on Bluetooth?
Using Bluetooth to transfer sound from PC to Xiaomi TV
The most realistic scenario for using Bluetooth in a computer-TV bundle is audio output. Owners of Xiaomi Mi TV Stick or Android TV can turn their TV into a Bluetooth headset for Windows 10 or 11, which allows you to free up the computer's audio output and use the powerful acoustics of the TV.
To get started, you need to put the TV in pairing mode. On the Xiaomi remote control, press the settings button or go to the main menu. Find the section responsible for peripherals and activate visibility for search. The computer should find the device in the list of available gadgets.
- 📺 Go to the menu of the Xiaomi TV and select Settings (cog in the corner).
- 🔗 Open the Devices and Connections section or Remotes and Accessories.
- 📡 Select Add Accessory and wait for the search indicator to appear.
- 💻 On the computer, open the settings → Devices → Bluetooth and other devices.
Once you find a TV in the list on your PC, click "Hide." The system can request confirmation of the code that will appear on the TV screen. Once you successfully connect, the sound from all Windows applications will default to the TV speakers. If that does not happen, manually change the playback device in the volume mixer.
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If the audio is delayed, try turning off Hands-free mode (if it is active for that device) in the Bluetooth adapter settings on your PC and leaving only Stereo or A2DP mode to improve the transmission quality.
Step-by-step instruction: Device pairing
The pairing process may vary depending on the version of the operating system installed on your Xiaomi TV (PatchWall or the international version of Android TV).It is important to follow the steps precisely to avoid authorization errors.In some cases, a re-start of the search is required if the device is not found on the first attempt.
On the computer side, make sure the Bluetooth module is on and drivers are updated. Older versions of drivers may not support a stable connection to modern TVs. Open Device Manager and check for no yellow exclamation points next to the wireless module.
☑️ Algorithm of sound connection
If the connection is successful, the status of Windows devices will change to "Connected: Music, Voice" which means that the A2DP channel is active and ready to transmit stereo streaming. To control volume, you can now use both the computer keyboard and the TV remote control, although synchronizing volume levels may not work properly.
| Parameter | Meaning/Action | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Protocol | Bluetooth 4.0 / 5.0 | Required for stable sound |
| Codec | SBC / AAC / AptX | Depends on TV support |
| Range. | Up to 10 meters. | No barriers. |
| Delay. | 150-300 ms | Normal for video, not enough for games |
Alternatives: Wireless image transmission
Since Bluetooth is not designed for video, Wi-Fi Direct or Miracast technologies should be used to stream images from your computer to your Xiaomi TV. In the Xiaomi and Windows ecosystem, these technologies are implemented sufficiently deep, allowing you to duplicate the screen without the delays that you notice.
The easiest way is to use the built-in Windows Connection feature.The TV must support Miracast technology, which is true for 99% of Xiaomi models released after 2017.The computer and TV must be on the same Wi-Fi network for an initial handshake, although video streaming often goes directly through Wi-Fi Direct.
To start the broadcast, press the Win + K keyboard. The Translation panel will appear on the right side of the screen. Your Xiaomi TV should be displayed on the list of available devices. Press it, and in a few seconds the desktop image will appear on the big screen.
- 🖥️ Press Win. + K on the computer keyboard.
- 📡 Make sure the Wireless Display feature is enabled on TV (often built into the launcher).
- ✅ Select the TV in the list of Windows devices.
- 🎮 Select the “Duplicate” or “Expand” mode in the projection menu.
⚠️ Note: When using wireless screen duplication via Wi-Fi (Miracast), the load on the router and wireless modules increases significantly. If you play dynamic games, the input lag can be anywhere from 50 to 100 ms, which is critical for shooters, but imperceptible when watching videos.
Solving Connection Problems
Even with the right setup, users can face difficulties. Often, the computer simply “does not see” the TV in the list of Bluetooth devices. This may be due to the fact that the Bluetooth module on the TV is busy servicing the Mi Remote remote or other accessories. Some Xiaomi models have a limit on the number of Bluetooth devices connected simultaneously.
Another common problem is intermittent sound or persistent connection breaks, which often occur when there is severe interference in the 2.4 GHz band, where Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and microwave ovens work, and if your router and Bluetooth adapter are running on intersecting channels, the quality of communication will suffer.
You can use Windows built-in tools to diagnose problems. Go to Settings → System → Sound → Device settings and application volume. Make sure your Xiaomi TV is chosen for the output device, not Realtek speakers or other virtual devices.
Use of third-party software and adapters
If the built-in tools don't meet your requirements, you can use external Bluetooth transmitters. These small devices connect to the computer's audio output (3.5 mm or USB) and transmit a signal to the TV if it supports Sink mode, although more often the transmitters work in tandem with Bluetooth headphones than TV.
A more efficient method of software is to use DLNA server applications or specialized software like AirPlay emulators if the TV supports them. However, for a Bluetooth connection, third-party software on a PC rarely gives an advantage over the standard Windows stack, since the constraints lie at the level of hardware and protocol.
Owners of older computers without Bluetooth can buy USB-Adapter: It is important to choose models with Bluetooth 4.0 or 5.0 support and drivers for the current version of Windows. Cheap adapters for 100 rubles often work unstable and create additional delays.
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Bluetooth is perfect for sound, but it's powerless for video. Use Wi-Fi for picture, and direct Bluetooth for sound.
Comparison of methods of connecting PC to Xiaomi TV
The way you connect depends on your end goals, and if you just want to output audio, Bluetooth is a great solution that doesn't require complex network setup, and if you want to show a presentation or watch a photo, you'd better use Wi-Fi technology.
For gamers or users who require minimal latency, no wireless method is ideal. In such cases, it is recommended to use an HDMI cable connection, which guarantees the transmission of the signal without compression and delay. Wireless technology is always a compromise between convenience and quality / speed.
Don’t forget to update the firmware of Xiaomi TV. The company’s engineers regularly release patches that improve the stability of the Bluetooth module and compatibility with various versions of Windows. You can check for updates in the Settings → About the device → System Update.