Xiaomi Square Box 2 is a popular solution for high-quality sound in a compact case. However, many users have difficulty connecting it to a computer via Bluetooth. Unlike smartphones, where the pairing process is usually intuitive, on PCs, errors often occur: the device is not detected, the sound is interrupted or absent.
In this article, we will not only discuss the standard connection procedure, but also look at the hidden settings of Windows and macOS that affect connection stability. You will learn how to properly activate the pairing mode on the speaker, what drivers may be required for the computer, and what to do if Square Box 2 refuses to connect at all efforts.
The instructions are suitable for all modifications of Xiaomi Mi Square Box 2 (including versions with support LDAC and AAC), And also for most operating systems, from Windows. 10/11 macOS Ventura/Sonoma. If you use Linux, you will find some recommendations at the end of the article.
1. Preparation of the Xiaomi Square Box 2 column for pairing
Before you connect the speaker to your computer, you need to switch it to Bluetooth device search, a step that is often overlooked, which is why the PC simply does not see Square Box 2 in the list of available gadgets.
Here's how to do it right:
- ๐ Turn on the speaker with a long press on the power button (about 3 seconds.
- ๐ Activate pairing mode: Hold the Bluetooth button (usually marked with an icon) ๐ถ) 5 to 7 seconds until the light flashes blue and white quickly, which means that the speaker is ready to connect.
- โฑ๏ธ Connection time: you have 2 minutes to complete pairing.If time runs out, the column will automatically exit search mode.
If the light flashes red, it signals a low battery charge (less than 10%), in which case the speaker may turn off during pairing, charge it to at least 30% before the procedure.
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If the Bluetooth button doesnโt respond, try resetting the speaker settings: Hold the Power and Bluetooth buttons simultaneously for 10 seconds until you hear a double beep.
2. Connect to a computer on Windows 10/11
The pairing process on Windows is usually smoother than on macOS, but there are some nuances here โ especially if youโre using an external Bluetooth adapter or an older version of drivers.
Follow the step-by-step instructions:
- Open Bluetooth settings: Press Win + I to open the settings. Go to the devices. โ Bluetooth and other devices. Make sure the Bluetooth switch is in the on position..
Add a new device.
- Click Add Add the device โ Bluetooth.
- In the list, find Xiaomi Mi Square Box 2 (can be displayed as a MI Square Box or LE-BT007).
- Select the device and wait for the pairing to be completed.
If the column does not appear in the list, check:
- ๐ง Bluetooth Drivers: Update them through Device Manager (Bluetooth section).
- ๐ก Interference: Disable other Bluetooth devices (earphones, keyboards) and remove the speaker closer to the computer (maximum 1 meter).
- ๐ Pairing mode: Repeat activation on the column (see Section 1).
Make sure Bluetooth is turned on on on your PC|
Update Bluetooth adapter drivers|
Restart your computer (if the column is not detected)|
Try another one. USB-port (for external adapters)-->
Once successfully connected, the speaker should automatically become the output device, and if the sound continues to flow through the speakers of the laptop:
- Click on the volume icon in the tray with the right button.
- Select Open the sound parameters.
- In the Withdrawal section, select Xiaomi Mi Square Box 2.
3. Connect to macOS (Ventura, Sonoma and older)
On a Mac, pairing is easier, but there are pitfalls associated with Appleโs security policies and restrictions on some Bluetooth profiles.
Instructions for macOS:
- Open System settings โ Bluetooth.
- Make sure that Bluetooth is enabled (the icon in the menu bar should be blue).
- Click Connect next to Xiaomi Mi Square Box 2 in the list of devices.
- If you request a code confirmation, type 0000 or 1234 (standard code confirmation). PIN-codes for Xiaomi).
If the column is not displayed:
- ๐ Reset Bluetooth module on Mac: sudo pkill bluetoothd (you need to enter the administrator password).
- ๐ Reboot the column: turn it off and turn it on again, then repeat the pairing mode.
- ๐ฑ Check Compatibility: Some older Macs (until 2018) don't support AAC and aptX, which can cause sound problems.
What to do if macOS asks you to update the column firmware?
After connecting, check the sound settings:
- Open System settings โ Sound.
- Tab Removal โ Choose Xiaomi Mi Square Box 2.
- Make sure the volume slider is not at a minimum.
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On macOS, the speaker can automatically turn off after 10-15 minutes of inactivity. To avoid this, turn off the option โSwitch off Bluetooth devices to save chargeโ in the energy saving settings.
4. Solving common problems
Even after successful pairing, users are faced with common errors, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The column is plugged in, but there's no sound. | Incorrect Default Output Device | Manually select Square Box 2 in the sound settings (see section 2 or 3) |
| The sound is interrupted or delayed. | Interference from other devices or weak signal | Disable Wi-Fi at 2.4 GHz, bring the speaker closer to the PC, update Bluetooth drivers |
| The column goes off in a few minutes. | Energy saving regime Windows/macOS | Disable automatic disabling of Bluetooth devices in power settings |
| Cannot connect after Windows update | Resetting Bluetooth settings | Remove the column from the list of devices and connect again |
If the column is plugged in but shuts off immediately, try:
- ๐ Charge the column to 50% or more.
- ๐ต Disable other Bluetooth devices (mouse, keyboards).
- ๐ Reset network settings on your computer: netsh winsock reset (execute in the command line on behalf of the administrator).
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If the sound is distorted (wheezing, crackling), try setting the default format for Windows sound to 16 bits, 44100 Hz (CD-To do this, right-click on the column in the list of playback devices and select Properties. โ Additionally.
5. Optimization of sound and codecs
Xiaomi Square Box 2 supports several Bluetooth codecs, which depend on the sound quality and stability of the connection. SBC โ The most universal, but not the highest quality codec.
How to check and change the codec on Windows:
- Open the control panel. โ Sound.
- Find Xiaomi Mi Square Box 2, right-click โ Properties.
- Go to the Additional tab and see the current codec in the default format section.
If codec is available AAC Or aptX, choose them for better sound. On macOS, the codec is automatically selected, but you can force it to turn on. AAC through the terminal:
defaults write com.apple.BluetoothAudioAgent "Apple Bitpool Max (editable)" -int 53
defaults write com.apple.BluetoothAudioAgent "Apple Bitpool Min (editable)" -int 40
defaults write com.apple.BluetoothAudioAgent "Apple Initial Bitpool (editable)" -int 40
defaults write com.apple.BluetoothAudioAgent "Apple Initial Bitpool Min (editable)" -int 40
defaults write com.apple.BluetoothAudioAgent "Negotiated Bitpool" -int 53
defaults write com.apple.BluetoothAudioAgent "Negotiated Bitpool Max" -int 53
defaults write com.apple.BluetoothAudioAgent "Negotiated Bitpool Min" -int 40After you enter the commands, restart the Mac.
How to check the current codec on macOS?
6. Alternative ways of connecting
If your Bluetooth connection is unstable or you need minimal latency (for example, for gaming), consider alternatives:
- ๐ต Aux cable (3.5 mm): connect the speaker to the PC via audio output.This will give you better sound quality without delay, but will deprive you of mobility.
- ๐ถ Bluetooth Transmitter: If the built-in PC adapter is weak, use an external (e.g. Creative) adapter. BT-W5 or Avantek).
- ๐ USB Type-C (for modern PCs): Some Square Box 2 models support connectivity USB Charging and transmitting sound simultaneously.
To connect via Aux:
- Insert one end of the cable into the 3.5mm connector on the column, the other into the PC audio output (usually marked in green).
- In the sound settings Windows/macOS Choose the Headphones or Audio output.
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When connected to Aux, the speaker will work like a normal passive acoustics โ without the ability to control volume from the PC.
7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them
Many of the problems with the Xiaomi Square Box 2 are due to the non-obvious nuances.
โ ๏ธ Warning: Do not press the Bluetooth button on the speaker during an active connection โ this will cause a communication break and may cause an error on the PC that requires a reboot of the Bluetooth module.
Top.-5 user error:
- Ignoring the charge indicator: If the battery is discharged below 15%, the column will spontaneously shut down.
- Use of the USB-Hub: Connect the Bluetooth adapter directly to the USB-port, not through a hub, which reduces the stability of communication.
- Multiple devices at the same time: Square Box 2 does not support multipoint (simultaneous connection to PC and smartphone).
- Update drivers via Windows Update: Often Microsoft offers outdated drivers. It is better to download them from the adapter manufacturer's website.
- The use of the column at a distance of more than 5 meters: despite the declared 10 meters, the real range of stable operation is 3-4 meters.
If the speaker is connected, but the sound is late (relevant for video and games), try:
- ๐ฎ Reduce bitrate: in the audio settings, select 16-bit, 44100 Hz instead of 48,000 Hz format.
- ๐ถ Use the aptX Low Latency codec (if your Bluetooth adapter supports it).
- ๐ Switch to a wired connection (Aux or USB).
8 Connection to Linux and other OS
On Linux, pairing is similar to Windows, but may require additional commands in the terminal. Ubuntu/Debian:
- Make sure you have a bluez package installed (Bluetooth Manager): sudo apt install bluez bluez-tools pulseaudio-module-bluetooth
- Reboot Bluetooth: Sudo systemctl restart bluetooth
- Activate the pairing mode on the column (see Section 1).
- In the terminal, perform a scan: bluetoothctl scan on Wait until Square Box 2 appears in the list (the identifier will be in the format) XX:XX:XX:XX:XX:XX).
- Connect the device: pair XX:XX:XX:XX:XX:XX connect XX:XX:XX:XX:XX:XX
If the sound is not playing, check the PulseAudio settings:
pactl list sinks | grep -i blueFind your column and set it with the default output device:
pactl set-default-sink <device name>For ChromeOS, the instruction is similar to Android:
- Open Settings โ Bluetooth.
- Activate the search mode on the column.
- Select Xiaomi Mi Square Box 2 from the list and confirm the pairing.