Xiaomi Bluetooth Column: How to Select, Connect and Customize for Perfect Sound

Xiaomi’s Bluetooth speakers have long since ceased to be just an accessory, becoming an integral part of the smart home, travel and everyday ecosystem. From the compact Mi Portable Speaker to the powerful Mi Smart Speaker with voice assistants, the brand’s range satisfies everything from bass to party to delicate meditation. But even the most advanced technology requires the right setup, and users often face typical problems: the speaker doesn’t connect, the sound is interrupted or the battery goes down too quickly.

In this guide, we will cover all aspects of working with Xiaomi Bluetooth speakers, from choosing a model for specific tasks to fine-tuning sound and repairing at home. You will learn how to synchronize two speakers for stereo sound, why Mi Mi AI Speaker may not respond to voice commands, and what to do if the device stops turning on after a firmware update. We will pay special attention to hidden functions that are not written about in the official instructions, for example, how to use the column as a Power Bank or configure an equalizer through the Mi Home application.

The material will be useful for beginners who have just purchased their first column, and for experienced users who want to squeeze the most out of the device. All instructions are tested on current models from 2023 to 2026, but most tips apply to earlier versions.

How to choose a Bluetooth column Xiaomi: comparison of models and their features

Xiaomi’s range of speakers includes more than 15 models, differing in power, autonomy and functionality. To avoid making the wrong choice, determine the main criteria:

• 🎵 Sound quality: for music, frequency from 60 Hz (bass) to 20 kHz (upper frequencies) is important, for voice assistants, the clarity of the average frequencies (1-4 kHz) is important).
• 🔋 Autonomy: from 5 hours in compact models to 20+ flagships (for example, Xiaomi Sound).
• 🌐 Additional features: Bluetooth 5.2 support, NFC, waterproof IPX7, Xiao voice assistant AI.
• 💰 Budget: From 1,500 ₽ Mi Bunny Speaker to 10,000 ₽ Xiaomi Smart Speaker Pro.

The table below compares popular models by key parameters:

For home use, the Xiaomi Sound is optimal - it provides surround sound thanks to two speakers and supports synchronization with other speakers of the brand. IPX7 (It can withstand immersion in water for 1 meter for up to 30 minutes. If you want maximum portability, the Mi Portable weighs less than a smartphone and fits in your pocket.

⚠️ Note: Pro-indicated models (such as the Xiaomi Smart Speaker Pro) often have stripped-down functionality in international markets. AI, In the global versions, only basic voice commands are used.

Step-by-step: how to connect Xiaomi Bluetooth speaker to a smartphone, laptop or TV

Connecting the speaker to the device takes less than a minute, but many users experience errors due to incompatibility of Bluetooth versions or conflicts with other devices.

1. Turn on the column: Press the power button for 3 seconds until the indicator flashes (usually blue or white).
2. Activate pairing mode: On most models, hold the Bluetooth button for 5 seconds until you hear the beep. On Xiaomi Sound, press Mode twice.

Set up the source device

• On Android: Settings → Connected devices → Bluetooth.
• On iOS: Settings → Bluetooth.
• On Windows: Options → Devices → Bluetooth.
• Select a column from the list: the name will contain Mi, Redmi or Xiaomi + model (e.g. Mi Smart) Speaker_1234).

If the column doesn’t appear in the list, try:

• 🔄 Reboot both the column and the source device.
• 📱 Update the firmware on the smartphone (relevant for Android 12)+).
• 🔌 Reset the column settings: Hold the power button for 10 seconds (up to double signal).

To connect to Xiaomi/Smart TV Use the Settings menu → Devices → Bluetooth on some models. TV You need to update the firmware prior to the version MIUI TV 3.0+.

⚠️ Attention: Xiaomi Columns with Bluetooth 5.0+ They can conflict with Bluetooth 4.2 devices (e.g. older laptops), in which case the sound will be interrupted, and the solution is to use a Bluetooth transmitter (costs from 500 or more). ₽).

Synchronizing two Xiaomi speakers for stereo: TWS Mi Link and

True Wireless Stereo Technology (TWS) It allows you to link two identical Xiaomi speakers to create surround sound effects.+ and the proprietary function of Mi Link:

1. Turn on both columns and activate the pairing mode (see previous section).
2. Connect the first column to the smartphone.
3. Press the Mi Link button (or TWS) on the second column for 3 seconds, until the indicator flashes.
4. Wait for the beep – the speakers are synchronized automatically.

For models without a physical Mi Link button (such as Redmi Speaker Play), use the voice command:

Hey Xiao AI, connect TWS mode

If the synchronization is not working:

• 🔧 Check that both columns are the same model and with the same firmware.
• 📲 Update the Mi Home app to the latest version.
• 🔋 Make sure the battery is on both columns. > 30%.

Mi Link technology also allows you to connect the speaker to other devices in the Xiaomi ecosystem, such as the Mi Band for alerts or the Mi Robot Vacuum for voice control.

Sound customization: equalizer, bass and hidden features

By default, Xiaomi speakers are set to "flat" sound, but you can adjust the equalizer to your preferences.

1.Through the Mi Home app

Suitable for models with Mi support AI:

1. Open Mi Home and select your column.
2. Go to Settings → Sound → Equalizer.
3. Choose a preset (Rock, Pop, Classic) or customize the sliders manually.

2. Through third-party applications

Equalizer is suitable for Android FX Wavelet (Bluetooth 5.0 required)+). On iOS, equalizer settings apply to the entire device: → Music. → equalizer.

Hidden functions for improving sound:

• 🎶 Bass Boost: activated by double pressing the Mode button on Redmi Speaker Play.
• 🔊 3D-Sound: In Mi Home, enable the Stereo Effect option (available on Xiaomi Sound).
• 🎤 Microphone Echo: Disabled in Settings → Voice. → Echo suppression (useful for calls).

💡

To amplify the bass on speakers without Bass Boost, place the device in the corner of the room – this will increase the low frequencies due to the acoustic resonator.

For Xiao models AI voice-command:

Hey Xiao AI, set volume to 70%


Hey Xiao AI, play rock music




Hey Xiao AI, enable bass boost

Typical problems and their solutions: the column does not turn on, does not charge, does not connect

Even reliable appliances can fail, and below are solutions to the most common problems with Xiaomi Bluetooth speakers:

1. Column not included

• 🔋 Check the charge: connect to the charger for 30 minutes (the indicator should light up red).
• 🔄 Reset settings: Hold the power button for 15 seconds (until the indicators are reset).
• 🔧 Check the charging port contacts – often oxidation leads to a lack of reaction.

2. The column is plugged in, but there's no sound.

• 📱 On the source device, check that the column is selected as the output device (on Android: Settings) → Sound. → Output device).
• 🔊 Make sure the volume on the column is not at the minimum (buttons) +/–).
• 🎵 Reboot the column and reconnect.

3.The column discharges quickly

• 🔋 Turn off the Standby mode in Mi Home (Settings) → Nutrition → Energy conservation).
• 📴 Turn off the column if you don’t use it for more than 10 minutes.
• 🔄 Update the firmware – in the old versions were bugs with power management.

If the column is not charged:

• 🔌 Try another cable and power supply (recommended) 5V/2A).
• 🔍 Check the Type-C port for debris (clean your toothpick carefully).
• 🔧 If the indicator flashes red, it is a sign of a battery failure (replacement is required).

💡

If the speaker stops turning on after falling or getting moisture, DO NOT try to charge it, this may cause a short circuit.

How to update the firmware and reset the settings to factory

The firmware update fixes bugs, improves compatibility with new devices, and adds features (e.g. support for new Bluetooth codecs).

Update via Mi Home

1. Open the app and select your column.
2. Go to Settings → Update firmware.
3. If a new version is available, click Update and wait until it is completed (don’t turn off the column!).

Manual resetting of settings

If the column is unstable, return it to the factory settings:

1. Turn off the column.
2. Press the power buttons. + Bluetooth for 10 seconds.
3. After a double beep, release the buttons - the column will reset.

For Xiao models AI Reset is performed via voice command:

Hey Xiao AI, reset to factory settings

⚠️ Warning: Once reset, the column will lose all saved connections and equalizer settings.

Repair and replacement of components: what can be done independently

If Xiaomi's speaker fails, you don't always have to carry it to the service.

1. Battery replacement

Symptoms: The column holds a charge for less than 1 hour or does not turn on without connecting to the network.

• 🔧 Tools: screwdriver T5, plastic mediator, soldering iron (for models with soldered contacts).
• 🔋 Battery: choose a capacity of at least the original (for example, for Mi Portable Speaker - 1200 mAh).

Dynamic repair

Symptoms: wheezing, lack of sound in one of the speakers (for stereo models).

• 🔊 Check the integrity of the membrane – if torn, the speaker must be replaced.
• 🧲 A common cause of wheezing is dust. Gently blow the speaker with compressed air.

3.Cleaning the Type-C port

Symptoms: the column is not charged or the charge is intermittent.

• 🧹 Use a wooden toothpick and alcohol to clean your contacts.
• 🔌 If the port is shattered, sell the contacts or replace the connector (the cost of the part) ~300 ₽).

For waterproof models IPX7 disassembly is better to trust professionals - a violation of tightness will lead to loss of protection.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions