Connecting external acoustics to a Xiaomi TV is a challenge faced by owners of Mi TV 4A, Redmi Smart TV or flagship Mi TV Q2/Q1E. Even with built-in speakers up to 30W, sound through external speakers or soundbar always wins in bass depth and high frequency purity. But here comes the problem: the manufacturer does not always prescribe all possible connection options in the instructions, and the PatchWall or Google TV settings menu (depending on the firmware) hides key parameters in the depth of the interface.
In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to connect acoustics, from the classic 3.5 mm AUX to the modern HDMI eARC, and also reveal the nuances for specific Xiaomi models. You will learn how to bypass the limitations of firmware, what cables will be needed for optimal sound, and why sometimes the TV does not see the speaker via Bluetooth. At the end of the article, a table of methods compatibility with popular TV and FAQ models for typical errors.
1. Connection through HDMI ARC/eARC: better-quality
Method HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel – the best option for connecting soundbars or AV-Receivers for Xiaomi Mi TVs TV 5/5X/6 Redmi Smart TV X. It transmits sound in digital format without loss, supports multichannel formats Dolby Digital and DTS, It also allows you to control the acoustic volume directly from the TV remote.
To connect:
- 🔌 Connect one end of the cable. HDMI 1.4 or 2.0 (eARC requires 2.1) to port HDMI ARC on the television (usually signed as HDMI 1 (ARC)).
- 🎵 Put the second end in the connector HDMI ARC soundbar.
- ⚙️ In the TV menu go to Settings → Sound. → Exit HDMI and choose ARC eARC (if supported).
- 🔊 Turn on the function. HDMI Control (or) CEC) in the settings of both devices for synchronization of remotes.
Important for Xiaomi: On PatchWall firmware models (such as the Mi TV 4A 2020), the HDMI ARC option may be hidden under the Additional Sound Settings section. If the audio is running through the built-in speakers after the connection, check if the TV Speaker mode is activated in the audio output menu.
HDMI Cable Connected to Port Labeled ARC| TV Menu Selected Sound Output via HDMI ARC| CEC (HDMI Control) enabled on both devices | Soundbar switched to HDMI ARC mode
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⚠️ Warning: If you interrupt the sound or hear clicks after you connect, try turning off the Dolby Digital Plus option in the TV menu (sometimes it conflicts with budget soundbars). HDMI Certified for sound transmission – cheap uncertified cables may not support ARC.
2. Bluetooth: how to connect wireless speakers or headphones
Wireless Bluetooth connectivity is convenient for JBL speakers, Sony SRS or Xiaomi Mi True Wireless headphones. However, Xiaomi TVs with this feature have two pitfalls: a limit on the number of devices connected (usually 1) and a latency of up to 200 ms, which is critical for watching movies.
Instructions for connection:
- Open Settings → Devices → Bluetooth.
- Activate your device search and select your column or headphones from the list.
- Confirm the conjugation (if necessary, enter the PIN-code, usually 0000 or 1234).
- On the menu Sound. → Output of sound select the connected device.
How to reduce the latency of sound:
- 🎧 Use the aptX Low Latency codec (if supported by a speaker). To do this, select Sound Quality Priority in Bluetooth TV settings. → Low delay.
- 📺 Update the TV firmware – new versions of PatchWall improved sound synchronization.
- 🔄 If the delay remains, try connecting the column through AUX or HDMI ARC.
Why doesn't Xiaomi TV find my column?
Optical cable (TOSLINK): digital sound without interference
The S/PDIF connector is available in all Xiaomi TVs except the most budget-friendly ones (e.g. Mi TV 4A 32) and delivers sound digitally without electrical interference, which is important for home theaters. The optical cable supports Dolby Digital and DTS formats, but does not transmit Dolby Atmos audio (this requires HDMI eARC).
Step-by-step:
- Connect the optical cable to the S/PDIF Out port on the back of the TV.
- The other end is inserted into the Optical In connector on the soundbar or receiver.
- In the TV menu, go to Settings → Sound → Digital Output (S/PDIF).
- Choose the sound format: PCM for stereo (2.0) Dolby Digital for multi-channel sound (5.1).
Critical nuance for Xiaomi: On some models (for example, Mi TV 5 Pro) optical output is disabled by default. To activate it, you need to select the option to Enable SPDIF from the Developer Menu (on 7 times on the Software Version in the settings).
| Model TV Xiaomi | HDMI ARC Presence | Optical (TOSLINK) | Bluetooth | 3.5 mm AUX |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mi TV 4A (2018-2020) | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes (except 32") | ✅ Yes (4.2) | ✅ Yes. |
| Redmi Smart TV X50/X65 | ✅ Yes (HDMI 2) | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes (5.0) | ❌ No. |
| Mi TV Q1E / Q2 | ✅ Yes) | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes (5.0) | ❌ No. |
| Mi TV 5X | ✅ Yes (ARC) | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes (4.2) | ❌ No. |
Analog output 3.5 mm AUX: simple and versatile
The 3.5mm AUX connector is the easiest way to connect speakers, but it transmits sound in analog format, which can degrade quality (especially noticeable on bass).However, it is the only option for older speakers or TV models without HDMI ARC (e.g. Mi TV 4A 32).
What you need:
- 🎧 3.5 mm cable - 3.5 mm (or 3.5 mm — RCA tulip-columns»).
- 🔊 Inlet columns or amplifiers AUX.
How to connect:
- Insert one end of the cable into the AUX Out connector on the TV (usually on the back).
- Connect the other end to the columns.
- From the TV menu, select Settings → Sound → Sound output → Analog (3.5 mm).
5. Wi-Fi connection (DLNA, AirPlay, Mi Home)
Xiaomi TVs on the Google TV platform (such as Mi TV Q2) support the transmission of sound over the Wi-Fi network via DLNA or AirPlay protocols. This is convenient for creating a multi-room audio system, but requires a stable connection to the router.
Connection methods:
- 📱 AirPlay: Suitable for Apple HomePod speakers or AirPlay 2-enabled devices. Enable the option in the Settings menu → Network services → AirPlay.
- 🌐 DLNA: Use apps like BubbleUPnP to transmit audio to compatible speakers. DLNA-server.
- 🏠 Mi Home: If you have Xiaomi Mi Smart Speaker speakers, connect them through the Mi Home app to the same ecosystem with a TV.
Limitations:
- The sound delay can be as high as 500 ms (not suitable for movies).
- Not all audio formats are supported (e.g. DTS may not play).
- It requires a router with 802.11ac support for stable operation.
⚠️ Note: When connected via Wi-Fi, the sound may be interrupted if the TV simultaneously downloads an update or streams a video to the TV. 4K. To avoid this, limit background processes in network settings or connect the TV to the router via an Ethernet cable.
6 Problem Solving: No sound or poor quality
If the sound is absent or distorted after the acoustics are connected, check the following points:
General malfunctions and ways of their elimination:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| No sound through HDMI ARC | Inactive ARC mode on the TV menu | Go to Settings → Sound → HDMI Release → ARC |
| The sound is interrupted by Bluetooth | Interference from other devices | Turn off nearby 2.4GHz routers or microwaves |
| Quiet Sound via AUX | Limitation of exit level | Increase the volume in Settings → Sound → Headphone output level |
| No optical output on the menu | Disabled in developer mode | Activate Enable SPDIF in the Developer Menu |
Specific Mistakes Xiaomi Makes:
- 🔴 Soundbar "No Signal" error: Check that the TV menu has the correct sound source (e.g., the correct sound source, HDMI ARC, not TV Speaker).
- 🔴 Sound is running simultaneously through TV and speakers: Turn off built-in speakers in Settings → Sound. → Tv speakers → Off..
- 🔴 Bluetooth speaker plugs in, but no sound: Restart the TV and reset Bluetooth settings to Settings → Devices → Reset the paired devices.
💡
If after all the manipulations, the sound never appeared, try resetting the TV to factory settings (Settings → System → Reset). This often helps with software failures, especially after firmware updates.