How to connect the smart speaker “Alice” to the Xiaomi TV: a step-by-step guide

The Yandex Alice smart speaker and Xiaomi Mi TVs are a popular combination for creating a home media center. But not everyone knows how to sync these devices correctly to get high-quality sound without delay. In this article, we will discuss three main ways to connect: via Bluetooth, via HDMI ARC and using Wi-Fi (for models with Mi Home support).

The main problem with connection is the latency, which can ruin watching movies or games. We tested all methods on Xiaomi Mi TV 4S/5/5/5 Pro and Yandex Station 2/Mini/Max speakers to determine the optimal settings. We also look at typical errors and ways to fix them, from resetting a Bluetooth connection to updating the firmware.

If you want to not just connect the speaker, but configure it as the main audio output for all applications (including Netflix, YouTube and TV-set-top boxes), pay attention to the section about HDMI ARC – this is the only way to get synchronous sound without loss of quality.

1.Preparation: What will be needed to connect

Before you start setting up, make sure you have everything you need. The minimum set depends on the connection method you choose, but there are also universal requirements:

✅ Xiaomi Mi TV with up-to-date firmware (version MIUI TV 3.0 or later). Check for updates in the Settings menu → About TV → System Update. Outdated versions may not support some Bluetooth protocols.

✅ Alice Column with the latest version of the software. Update it through the Yandex app (Devices section).

✅ Cables and adapters (if necessary):

• 🔄 Bluetooth adapter (if the TV does not have a built-in module – it is relevant for older models of Mi TV 3).

Critical detail: Xiaomi TVs with an Amlogic T962 processor (models 2018–2019) may have Bluetooth connection problems due to hardware limitations, in which case we recommend using HDMI ARC.

Method 1: Bluetooth connection (simple but delayed)

The most common method is Bluetooth synchronization, which is suitable for listening to music, podcasts or radio, but is not recommended for movies and games due to possible audio delay (latency up to 200-300 ms).

Instructions for Xiaomi Mi TV:

1. Turn on the Alice column and activate the pairing mode (say: “Alice, turn on Bluetooth” or press the button on the case).
2. On the TV remote, click Settings → Devices → Bluetooth.
3. Select Yandex Station from the list of available devices.
4. Confirm the pairing on the column (voice or button).

After connecting, check the sound:

• 🔊 Enable any video file or music through Media Player.
• ⏱️ Estimate latency: If the sound is more than 100ms behind the video, try other ways.

How do you reduce the delay?

• 📵 Turn off other Bluetooth devices (earphones, fitness bracelets).
• 🔄 Reconnect the column: remove it from the list of TV devices and pair again.
• 🔧 In the TV audio settings (Settings → Sound → Out), select Bluetooth (A2DP) instead of Bluetooth (HFP).

⚠️ Warning: On Xiaomi Mi TV 4A TVs (2017–2018), Bluetooth may not work smoothly due to a weak module. If the sound is interrupted, use HDMI ARC.

3 Method 2: Connect via HDMI ARC (best sound quality)

HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) allows you to transmit audio from TV to speaker over the same cable as video, the only way to get synchronous sound without delay (latency < 50 ms), but requires compatible hardware.

What you need to connect:

• 📺 Xiaomi Mi TV TV with HDMI ARC port (usually labeled with the words "ARC" or "eARC").
• 🔊 Alice column with HDMI IN connector (supported by Yandex Station Max and Yandex Module).
• 🔌 Cable HDMI 2.0 or later (length up to 3 m for minimal signal loss).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect one end of the HDMI- cable to the ARC port on your TV, the other to the HDMI IN connector on the column.
2. On the TV remote, go to Settings → Sound → Exit → HDMI ARC.
3. Turn on the column and activate HDMI IN mode (say: “Alice, switch to HDMI”).
4. From the TV menu, select Device Management HDMI- → Enable ARC.

Configuring sound formats:

⚠️ Warning: If there is no sound after you connect, check if HDMI-CEC is on in the TV settings (Settings → System → HDMI-CEC). Without this protocol, ARC will not work.

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If your TV does not have an ARC port but has an S/PDIF optical output, you can use an HDMI ARC → Optical adapter (e.g., the Orei HDA-935).

Method 3: Wi-Fi Connection (for a smart home)

A less well-known but convenient way is to synchronize your speaker and TV over a local Wi-Fi network.It is suitable for owners of Xiaomi Mi TV with Mi Home support and Yandex Station with the latest firmware.

Advantages of the method:

• 🎵 Ability to broadcast sound from TV to multiple speakers at the same time (multi-tirum).
• 🔄 No cable binding – devices can be in different rooms.
• 📱 Voice control: You can say, "Alice, turn on the TV" or "Alice, turn up the volume."

Instructions for setting:

1. Make sure that the TV and speaker are connected to the same 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network (5GHz networks may not be supported).
2. On the TV, install the Mi Home app (available from the App Store on the home screen).
3. In Mi Home, add the Alice column as a smart home device (Add device → Other devices → Yandex Station).
4. In the TV sound settings (Settings → Sound → Out) select Mi Home Audio.

⚠️ Warning: When connected over Wi-Fi, the audio delay can be as high as 500 ms — that's normal for music, but not acceptable for video. For movies, use HDMI ARC.

5 Problem Solving: What to Do When There's No Sound

If after connecting the speaker does not play sound or there are interference, check the following points:

Problem 1: No sound when connected via Bluetooth

• 🔄 Reboot both devices: Turn off the TV for 30 seconds, then turn it on.
• 🔊 Check if the speaker is switched off (say, "Alice, turn it up").
• 📱 Remove the column from the list of Bluetooth TV devices and pair again.

Problem 2: The sound is interrupted or distorted (HDMI ARC)

• 🔌 Try another HDMI- cable (preferably labeled Premium Certified).
• 🔧 In the TV settings, turn off Passthrough and set the PCM sound format.
• 📺 Check if ARC mode is enabled in the HDMI menu (Settings → HDMI → Device Management HDMI-).

Problem 3: Column does not appear in the list of devices

• 🔄 Update your TV firmware and speakers to the latest version.
• 📡 Make sure that the distance between devices is not more than 10 meters (for Bluetooth).
• 🛠️ Reset your network settings to TV (Settings → Network → Network Reset).

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If neither method works, check the speaker on another device (for example, a smartphone). If the problem persists, contact Yandex support at 8 800 700-46-50 (free call).

6.Sound optimization: settings for better quality

Once you've successfully connected, adjust the sound for maximum comfort. Here are the key settings to change:

On the Xiaomi Mi TV:

• 🎛️ Equator: Go to Settings → Sound → Equalizer and select Preset Movie or Music (depending on the content).

On the Alice column:

⚠️ Warning: On Xiaomi Mi TV Q1/Q2 TVs with Dolby Vision support, there may be a conflict of sound formats. In this case, in the settings HDMI, turn off Dolby Audio and set PCM.

7. Comparison of Connection Methods: Which One to Choose

To determine the optimal method, we evaluate each according to the key criteria:

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For movies and games, choose HDMI ARC. Bluetooth or Wi-Fi will be suitable for background music or voice control.

FAQ: Frequent questions about connectivity