Xiaomi’s modern smart TVs, which are powered by Android TV or PatchWall, offer many ways to integrate with mobile devices. One of the most popular user requests is the ability to wirelessly connect to transmit audio or files. Xiaomi Mi TV and Redmi sub-brand models have a built-in Bluetooth module that allows them to be used not only to manage the remote, but also to create a local network with the phone.
The pairing process can be required in different situations: for example, if you want to bring the sound to an external Bluetooth speaker, connect headphones to watch movies at night without household members, or simply transfer a photo from your phone to the big screen. It is important to understand that the functionality may vary depending on the firmware version and device model. In this article, we will discuss all the nuances of settings, possible errors and ways to solve them, so you can enjoy multimedia content without unnecessary wires.
Before you start setting up, make sure that both devices are charged and in close proximity to each other.The distance should not exceed 5-7 meters for a stable connection, although it is better to reduce it to a minimum for the initial setup. Proper equipment preparation is the key to successful pairing the first time, which will save you time and nerves.
Preparation of equipment and compatibility check
The first step before any manipulation should be to check the technical capability of your devices. Not all models of Xiaomi TVs support the transfer of files over the OBEX protocol, although the function of connecting audio devices (earphones, soundbars) is present in almost all modern Smart TVs. If your goal is to transfer photos or videos, make sure that the TV has a file manager with Bluetooth support, such as X-Plore or built-in File Manager.
It is also critical to check the Bluetooth version on both devices. For stable operation and support for high-quality codecs (such as aptX or LDAC), it is desirable that both gadgets support Bluetooth 4.0 and higher. Older versions may work unstable or have data transfer speed limits. On the TV, information about the module version can be found in the About System section.
⚠️ Note: If your Xiaomi TV doesn’t see your phone in search mode, it’s possible that the TV already has a maximum number of devices connected (usually up to the phone’s search mode). 5-7). Turn off unused gadgets in the Bluetooth menu before starting a new procedure.
Make sure your smartphone does not activate the power saving mode, which may limit the background work of the Bluetooth scanner.In some MIUI or HyperOS shells, aggressive battery optimization may interrupt device search.Temporarily turn off the "Energy Saving" mode for stable detection of the TV in the list of available networks.
Activation of Bluetooth on Xiaomi TV
Xiaomi TVs may have different interfaces depending on the regional firmware version (Global, China, Russia) and model year. However, the logic of settings search remains similar. You need to go to the main settings menu. To do this, click the button with the image of the gear on the remote control or select the Settings icon in the upper right corner of the main screen.
In the menu that opens, find the connection section, and most of the time it's called "Bluetooth," "Accessories Add," or "Accessories Remotes and Accessories." The path can look like this: Settings. → Devices and accessories → Bluetooth. Make sure that the Bluetooth power slider is put into the active position. If the module is off, the TV will not be visible to other devices.
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If you can’t find the Bluetooth icon on the home screen, try voice search on the remote: press the microphone button and say “Bluetooth”, the system will open the desired menu itself.
Once the module is turned on, the TV will automatically go into search mode or prompt you to click the Add Device button, in which the Xiaomi TV becomes visible to external gadgets. Pay attention to the name of the device that is displayed on the screen - this is the name under which your phone will see the TV.
Connecting a smartphone to a TV
Now, to your mobile phone settings, the process may be slightly different on Android and iOS, but the overall algorithm is the same. Open your smartphone settings and go to the Connections section. Make sure the Bluetooth adapter is activated.
Run a scan of available devices. Your TV name (e.g. Mi TV 4A or Android TV) should appear on the list of found gadgets. Click on it to start the pairing procedure. A confirmation request with a confirmation code may appear on the TV screen. Use the remote to select "Confirm" or enter the code if it is displayed on the smartphone screen.
☑️ Checklist of successful pairing
Sometimes the system may ask permission to access contacts or call histories. To use the TV as a media center, these permissions are not required, they can be safely denied. The main task is to establish a communication channel for the transmission of audio streams or files. Once the connection is successful, the status will change to "Connected", and you will hear a characteristic beep.
Using Bluetooth to transmit sound
One of the most popular Bluetooth scenarios on Xiaomi TVs is the output of sound to external devices, which allows you to connect wireless headphones for quiet watching movies or improve the sound quality by transmitting a signal to a powerful Bluetooth speaker or home theater.
To adjust the output, go to Settings → Sound → Output (the path may vary). Select the option “Bluetooth” or “Add device.” If the headphones or speakers have already been paired with the TV, just select them from the list. If not, put the audio device in pairing mode and find it through the TV menu.
| Type of device | Codec | Sound quality | Delay (Latency) |
|---|---|---|---|
| SBC (basic) | Low/Mediocre | Normal. | High (notable in games) |
| AAC | High. | Excellent. | Medium |
| aptX | Very high. | Premium | Low. |
| LDAC | Hi-Res Audio | Studio | Minimum |
It is important to note that audio quality is directly dependent on the codecs you support. If your TV and headphones support aptX Low Latency, the audio delay when watching video will be almost invisible, otherwise you may experience audio and video desynchronization, which can be adjusted in the audio settings by changing the "Bluetooth Latency" setting.
File transfer and multimedia
While Bluetooth file transfer is considered outdated due to its slow speed, it can still be useful for transferring small documents, photos or settings when the internet is not available, and a file manager must be installed on the TV to support OBEX file reception.
On your smartphone, select a file (like a gallery photo), click Share and select Bluetooth. Find your Xiaomi TV in the device list. A request for permission to receive the file will appear on the TV screen. Confirm the action with the remote. The file will be stored in the TV memory, usually in the Bluetooth or Downloads folder.
Why is file transfer slow?
To view the transferred photos or videos, open the file manager on your TV and go to the appropriate folder. If the built-in player does not open the file, the necessary codec may not be available, in which case it is recommended to install a third-party player, such as VLC for Android, through the Google Play Store or GetApps app store.
Solving and eliminating errors
Despite the simplicity of the technology, users may face difficulties, and one of the common problems is that the TV sees the phone but doesn't connect, or the connection is constantly broken, which can be caused by interference from other wireless devices (Wi-Fi routers, microwave ovens) operating in the 2.4 GHz band.
Try to move the router away from the TV or switch Wi-Fi to 5GHz if possible. Also helps is rebooting the Bluetooth module: turn off Bluetooth on both devices, wait 10 seconds and turn on again. If the problem persists, try Forget the device in the Bluetooth settings and pair again.
⚠️ Warning: If after many attempts the TV still does not see the phone, check whether the smartphone is not enabled mode "Visibility only for contacts" or hidden mode. In the Bluetooth settings of the smartphone, the name of the device should be visible to everyone.
Another cause of failures can be overcrowded TV memory: If the internal storage of Android TV is full, the system may not work properly with new connections, clear the app cache or delete unnecessary files to make room for stable system operation.
Alternative ways of connecting
If you don't like the quality of your Bluetooth connection or the functionality isn't enough, consider alternatives: Wi-Fi Direct or Cast allows you to transfer high-resolution video and photos without delay, and both devices must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
For iPhone users, AirPlay 2 is a technology that is supported by many new Xiaomi models, which provides stable image and sound transmission with minimal latency. USB-cable if the TV is in the mode MTP, This is less convenient because of the length of the cable.
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Bluetooth is ideal for sound and small files, but for watching video in the video 4K It is better to use Wi-Fi Cast or HDMI-cable.
The choice of method depends on your goals. For music and games, Bluetooth is great, especially with modern codecs. For presentations or watching heavy video content, you should use wired or high-speed wireless technologies. The Xiaomi ecosystem allows you to flexibly combine these methods.