Xiaomi Mi Smart Speaker is not only a voice assistant with support for XiaoAI, but also a full-fledged audio device that can play music over Bluetooth. However, many users face difficulties when connecting for the first time: where to look for the on button, why the phone does not see the speaker, or how to switch between modes. In this article, we will discuss all the ways to activate Bluetooth — from basic pairing to hidden functions that are not written in the official instructions.
It's important to understand that the Mi Smart Speaker supports two types of connectivity: through the Mi Home app (for voice and smart home control) and directly over Bluetooth (for music streaming), these modes are independent of each other — you can only use the speaker as a Bluetooth speaker, without even setting it up in the Xiaomi ecosystem. But there are nuances: for example, in Bluetooth mode, some functions of the voice assistant are disabled.
1.Preparation of the column for the first Bluetooth turn on
Before you search for the Bluetooth button, make sure that the Xiaomi Mi Smart Speaker speaker is ready to go.
- 🔌 Power: The column must be connected to the socket through the original adapter (5V/2A). Using uncertified charging can cause Bluetooth module malfunctions.
- 🔊 Sound signal: When you first turn on, the speaker will make a short sound and a voice greeting in Chinese (even in the global version). If there is no sound, check the volume with the Volume button. +.
- 📶 Indicator: the top panel should flash white LED (standby mode). If orange is on, the speaker in Wi-Fi settings mode.
If you've used the column with the Mi Home app before, you may need to reset it.
- Hold the Mute button (with the microphone image) for 10 seconds until you hear a double beep.
- After resetting, the column will automatically go into Bluetooth pairing mode (blinking blue LED).
⚠️ Warning: If the speaker doesn't make any sounds or respond to buttons after resetting, try disconnecting it from the network for 30 seconds, then turning it back on.
2 How to turn Bluetooth on: 3 official ways
Depending on the firmware version and the regional modification of the speaker, Bluetooth activation may vary, and we will look at all the working methods confirmed by users in 2026.
Method 1: Bluetooth button on the body
The most obvious, but not always intuitive way:
- Find a button with a Bluetooth icon (stylized letter "B") on the top panel of the column.
- Press it briefly once, and the speaker will make a sound, and the indicator will flash blue, which means that the device is ready to pair.
- On your smartphone (Android or iOS), turn on Bluetooth and find Mi Smart Speaker or Xiaomi AI Speaker in the list of devices.
Method 2: Voice command (for Chinese firmware only)
This method only works on speakers with Chinese firmware and an active Wi-Fi connection. If your column is purchased in Russia or Europe, skip this item.
Say it in your voice:
Translated: "Xiaoai, turn on Bluetooth." After the command, the speaker automatically goes into pairing mode.
Method 3: Using the Mi Home application (alternative method)
If the Bluetooth button doesn’t respond, try activating the module through the app:
- Open Mi Home and select your column from the device list.
- Go to Settings → Additional features → Bluetooth mode.
- Activate the switch to Turn on Bluetooth.
The column made a confirmation sound.
The indicator stopped blinking and burns even blue
The phone displays the status "Connected"
Music is played without delay-->
3.Why doesn't the phone see the Xiaomi Mi Smart Speaker over Bluetooth?
If you followed the instructions but the column never appeared on the list of available devices, the reasons may be:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Column does not appear in the list | Bluetooth module is disabled programmatically | Reset the column with the Mute button (see Section 1) |
| The device is visible, but the connection is broken | Conflict with another connected device | Disconnect all other Bluetooth devices from your phone |
| Permanent communication breakdowns | Weak signal or interference | Place your phone and speaker at a distance of no more than 5 meters, without obstacles. |
| Column requires PIN-code | Outdated firmware | Update the software via Mi Home (Section 5) |
Especially often problems arise on the iPhone due to the limitations of iOS.
- 📱 Reboot the phone.
- 🔄 In Bluetooth settings, click Forget this device for all previously connected Xiaomi speakers.
- 🛠️ Update iOS to the latest version (versions below 15.4 have bugs with Mi Smart Speaker connection).
⚠️ Note: On some firmware, the column may require PIN-code 0000 or 1234 on the first connection. If the request appears again, it is a sign of a failure, a reset is required.
Xiaomi Mi Smart Speaker (Version 1)
Xiaomi Mi Smart Speaker Art
Xiaomi Mi Smart Clock Speaker
Another Xiaomi model
Not Xiaomi.-->
4. How to switch between Wi-Fi and Bluetooth?
The Mi Smart Speaker can work in two modes simultaneously: as part of the Xiaomi ecosystem (via Wi-Fi) and as a Bluetooth speaker.
- 🎵 Bluetooth does not work with voice commands for XiaoAI (except for basic ones, such as volume control).
- 🔊 When playing music over Bluetooth, notifications from the smart home are turned off (for example, signals from sensors).
- 📶 If the speaker is connected to Wi-Fi, Bluetooth can automatically shut down after 10 minutes of inactivity (energy saving).
To manually switch between modes:
- To turn off Bluetooth: briefly press the Bluetooth button on the speaker. the indicator will go out.
- To return to Wi-Fi mode, speak with your voice (if Chinese is enabled) or wait for the automatic switch in 10 minutes.
If you want the speaker to be always available over Bluetooth (for example, for a quick connection from your phone), turn off the power saving:
- In the Mi Home app, select the column.
- Go to Settings. → Energy conservation.
- Turn off the option of Automatic Bluetooth Shutdown.
💡
If the speaker often loses Bluetooth connection, try disabling the dual connection feature in the phone settings. On some Android models (e.g. Redmi Note 11), this feature conflicts with the Mi Smart Speaker.
5. Update firmware for stable Bluetooth operation
If your column is released before 2022, chances are that Bluetooth issues are due to outdated firmware. Xiaomi regularly releases updates to fix pairing bugs, especially for global versions of the device.
To update the firmware:
- Open the Mi Home app.
- Select your column in the list of devices.
- Slip on three dots in the upper right corner and select Update firmware.
- If the update is available, confirm the installation. Do not turn off the power during the process (takes 3-5 minutes).
After the update:
- 🔄 The column will automatically reboot.
- 🔊 It will be in Chinese (even in the global version).
- 📱 You may need to re-pair Bluetooth.
⚠️ Note: If the column has stopped responding to buttons after the update, reset (see Section 1). In 0.1% of cases, the update may cause a failure of the calibration of touch buttons - this is treated only by a complete reset.
How to roll back firmware if the update broke Bluetooth?
6. Hidden Bluetooth features in Mi Smart Speaker
In addition to standard music playback, Bluetooth in the Mi Smart Speaker supports several hidden features that are not mentioned in the manual:
- 🎧 Dual connection: You can connect the speaker to two devices at the same time (e.g., a phone) + To do this, plug in the first device. Hold the Bluetooth button for 3 seconds until you hear the second beep. Connect the second device.
- 🎚️ Bluetooth equalizer: in the Mi Home app, you can adjust the sound even for Bluetooth streaming. → Sound. → equalizer.
- 🔋 Low Consumption Mode: If you turn it on in the settings, the speaker will automatically turn off Bluetooth after 30 minutes of inactivity, but connect faster when you next request.