How to connect acoustics to a Xiaomi TV: the complete guide

Owners of modern Smart TV Xiaomi is often faced with a paradoxical situation: 4K-This is a picture that's adjacent to the weak, flat sound of the built-in speakers. TV or Redmi TV It simply does not allow you to place the powerful acoustic systems necessary for high-quality reproduction of low frequencies. That is why the question of how to connect acoustics to a Xiaomi TV becomes one of the most pressing for users who want to get a full-fledged home theater.

Fortunately, the Android TV ecosystem on which the Chinese manufacturer’s devices are based offers many ways to expand audio capabilities. You can use both wired connections to transmit sound without loss, and wireless protocols for maximum convenience. In this article, we will take a detailed look at all the interfaces available, help you choose the optimal acoustic system, and describe the tuning process Step-by-step.

Before you get to specifics, you need to understand the types of connections that are physically present on the back or side of your device. The presence or absence of certain ports directly affects the choice of audio system.

Analysis of available connection interfaces

The first step to sound quality is to look at the back of the TV carefully, and interfaces can be arranged differently depending on the model: in the budget series Redmi ports often point down or sideways, while the flagship Mi TVs are equipped with a full set of connectors at the rear, your task is to find the best way to transmit the signal that both devices support.

One of the most modern and preferred options is the HDMI ARC port or its more advanced version of eARC. This acronym stands for Audio Return Channel and allows you to transfer high-quality multi-channel audio from your TV to external acoustics over a single cable. If your acoustics and TV have such a connector, feel free to choose it, as it supports the most modern audio compression codecs.

For older but still relevant technology, the optical output of S/PDIF (Optical) is common, transmitting a digital signal without loss, but unlike HDMI, it is not able to broadcast the latest formats like Dolby Atmos in full. However, for stereo or 5.1 sound, it is a great choice, inferior to HDMI in everyday use.

Also, the classic 3.5mm Mini-Jack connector, often labeled as Audio Out or Headphones, is an analog signal and is limited by the digital-to-analog converter capabilities of a TV, but is ideal for connecting computer acoustics or simple speakers without complex settings.

Connection via HDMI ARC and eARC

Using an HDMI backlink (ARC) interface is the gold standard for home theaters, and this method not only allows you to get powerful sound, but also control the acoustic volume from the TV remote, and automatically turn on the soundbar with the screen. To do this, you will need an HDMI cable version 1.4 or higher, marked with the High Speed logo.

The setup process requires attention, because you need to activate the function in the TV menu. Often, by default, the audio transmission to external devices is turned off or priority is given to the built-in speakers. To change this, go to the audio settings and select the appropriate output mode.

Importantly, for the remote control to work properly, HDMI CEC must be activated (in Xiaomi TVs, it can be simply called CEC or be part of the Mi Remote settings), without which the TV will transmit sound, but will not be able to control the volume of the external system.

⚠️ Note: Not all ports HDMI TV-support ARC. Usually, such a connector is signed with the appropriate inscription or marked with an asterisk. HDMI It will only transmit the image, but it will not return the sound to the acoustics.

If you use a Xiaomi Mi TV Stick or a Mi Box S that is connected to a different brand TV, the logic may change, so the sound source is the console, and the HDMI cable should go from the console to the soundbar, and from the soundbar to the TV if it is acting as a switch.

Use of Optical Cable (S/PDIF)

Optical output remains popular because of its reliability and immunity to electromagnetic inputs, and is transmitted as light pulses through fiberglass, which ensures no interference even with multiple wires near the TV, a great choice if your HDMI is busy with game consoles or PCs.

You'll need a Toslink cable to connect, and you'll need to notice the safety plugs at the ends of the cable, which you need to remove before you connect, and if you leave the plug, the connection won't be established, and the force can damage the port, and after you physically connect the cable, you need to configure the software part.

You should find the "Sound" section on the Xiaomi TV menu and select the coding format at "Digital Output" or "S/PDIF." Often the default is "Auto" or "PCM." For maximum quality when watching movies, you should choose Dolby Digital or Pass-through, so that external acoustics are used to decode.

The optical connection is ideal for static setups, where the acoustics are under the TV and do not move. The Toslink cable is fragile enough on the fracture, so you should not often bend it at sharp angles when installing.

Wireless connection via Bluetooth

Xiaomi’s current Android TVs have a built-in Bluetooth module that allows wireless headphones, soundbars and active speakers to be connected, the most aesthetically pleasing option, eliminating unnecessary wires, but it has its own technical limitations that you need to know about.

To pair, go to your TV settings, select Remotes and Accessories or Bluetooth, and search for your devices. Put your acoustics in pairing mode (usually by long pressing the power button or a special Bluetooth button). When the device name appears on the screen, select it to connect.

The main disadvantage of wireless connection is the possible sound delay and quality dependence on the version of Bluetooth and the codecs used (SBC, AAC, aptX). If your TV supports aptX Low Latency, and the acoustics also has this codec, the delay will be minimal, otherwise, when playing or quickly switching channels, the outsynchrone can be noticeable.

It’s also worth considering that Bluetooth can be unstable when there are many Wi-Fi networks in an apartment building, since both protocols work in the 2.4 GHz band. If the sound is interrupted, try moving the router away from the TV or switching Wi-Fi to 5 GHz.

Analog connection and adapters

Owners of old but high-quality acoustics or simple computer speakers can use analog output. In Xiaomi TVs, this is a 3.5 mm connector. However, many modern soundbars and home theaters do not have an entrance of 3.5 mm, having only tulips (RCA).

To solve this problem, you'll need a 3.5mm Jack adapter for 2 RCA. It's a passive cable that doesn't require power. Just insert a 3.5mm plug into the TV, and tulips (red and white) into the appropriate acoustic inputs (Audio In/Line In). The colors of the connectors should match: red with red, white with white.

There's a power nuance. If you're connecting active computer acoustics, it needs a separate connection to the 220V socket. If you're trying to connect the passive speakers directly to the TV through an adapter, there's no sound or it's barely audible, because the built-in TV amplifier isn't designed to connect the speakers directly without an external amplifier.

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Use an AUX cable with ferrite rings (thickenings at the ends) to reduce the electrical noise and background that often occurs when you connect to an analog TV.

The sound quality of an analog connection is completely dependent on the DAC (digital-to-analog converter) of the TV. In budget models Xiaomi it can be of medium quality, so you should not expect audiophile sound, but for background music or news this is quite enough.

Customization of sound in the Android TV system

Once you're physically connected, you need to configure the software part correctly. MIUI for TV or pure Android TV offers flexible calibration tools. Go to Settings, then select Device Settings (or System) and go to Sound.

The first thing you need to do is change "Digital format" or "Sound output." If you're using HDMI or Optics, select "Pass-through" or "Auto" to allow the TV to transmit the original bit stream to the acoustic decoder, which is especially important for Dolby Digital and DTS formats.

Next, you should experiment with the equalizer. Xiaomi TVs often have pre-set profiles: "Standard", "Film", "Music", "News". Movies are best suited for "Film" or manual low-frequency lifting. Also check the "volume sound" setting - if you have a stereo system, it is better to turn it off to avoid artificial echoes.

⚠️ Note: When switching between sources (e.g., with HDMI Bluetooth, the TV can reset volume. Always check the volume level after changing the signal source so you don't stun yourself with a sharp start.

Don’t forget to update your TV software. Xiaomi regularly releases updates that improve compatibility with external devices and fix Bluetooth stack bugs. Check for updates on the Settings → About TV → System Update.

Addressing common problems

Even with the right connection, there can be difficulties. One of the common problems is the lack of sound after you connect. In this case, make sure that the audio settings have the correct output (not "Dynamics TV", but "Optical output" or "HDMI"). Sometimes it helps to have a full reboot cycle: turn off the TV and acoustics from the socket for 1 minute, then turn on the acoustics first, then on the TV.

If there's a sound that's interrupted or cracked, check the integrity of the cable. For HDMI, try another cable certified for 4K. For optics, make sure there's no dust on the end of the cable and the security plug is removed. For Bluetooth, try Forget the device and re-create the pairing.

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The main cause of sound problems in 80% of cases is the wrong digital format in the settings of the TV. Make sure it is "Auto" or "Pass-through".

Some models require the "TV Audio" or "Optical In" mode to be manually activated by a button on the body or soundbar console, as they do not always automatically detect the appearance of a signal.