How to connect a column to a Xiaomi TV: a complete guide with photos and tips

Why connect an external speaker to Xiaomi TV?

Built-in speakers, even in top-end Xiaomi Mi TV 4S, Mi TV Q1/Q2 or Mi TV A Pro, rarely deliver truly surround sound. Bass wheezes at high volume, mid-frequency "blurred" and when watching Dolby Atmos-effect movies, the difference with external acoustics becomes obvious. Connecting a speaker is not a luxury, but a way to unlock the potential of your TV.

But how do you do that? The methods depend on the speaker model (a wireless JBL, Sony SRS-XB, wired Edifier or Xiaomi Mi Soundbar soundbar) and the available connectors on your TV. In this article, 5 proven methods with step-by-step instructions, a compatibility table and solutions to typical problems. And also unique settings for Xiaomi TV on MIUI TV that are not in the standard manuals.

1. Bluetooth Connection: A Universal Way for Wireless Speakers

The most popular method is Bluetooth communication, suitable for portable speakers Xiaomi Mi Portable Speaker, JBL Charge, Marshall Emberton and others, the main advantage is the lack of wires and the ability to place the column anywhere in the room (within a radius of 10 meters).

On Xiaomi TVs with MIUI TV 3.0 and newer, the connection algorithm is the same, but there are nuances for models without built-in Bluetooth (for example, the Mi TV 4A 2018), in which case you will need a Bluetooth transmitter (about it in the next section).

Instructions for Bluetooth TV:

1. Turn on the column and put it in pairing mode (usually hold the power button for 3-5 seconds until the indicator flashes).
2. On the Xiaomi remote, click Settings → Bluetooth and devices → Add the device.
3. Select your column from the list. If you don't have one, update the list with the Update button.
4. Confirm the pairing on the column (if PIN input is required, the standard code is 0000 or 1234).

Make sure the column is charged (the indicator should be green)

Disconnect the column from other devices (phone, laptop)

Update the TV firmware (relevant for Mi TV on Android 9 and below)

Check that the source "Bluetooth" is selected in the TV sound settings"-->

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Mi) TV P1) After you connect the speaker, the sound can go simultaneously through the built-in speakers and through Bluetooth. To disable duplication, go to Settings. → Sound. → Output and select Bluetooth Only.

2. Bluetooth transmitter: solution for TV without built-in Bluetooth

If your Xiaomi TV does not support Bluetooth (relevant for budget models until 2019), do not rush to change the TV. Just buy a Bluetooth transmitter with an output of 3.5 mm or RCA.

• 🎧 1Mii B06 Plus – low latency (aptX) LL), perfect for films
• 🔊 Avantek APTX — Supports two devices simultaneously
• 💡 TaoTronics TT-BA07 — budget option with a good range

How to connect:

1. Insert the transmitter into the AUX (3.5mm) or RCA connector on the back of the TV.
2. Connect the transmitter to power (USB-TV port or network adapter).
3. Activate the pairing mode on the transmitter (Pair button).
4. In the column, start a device search and select the name of your transmitter (usually AVANTEK-APTX or the like).

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If the audio is interrupted after connecting the transmitter, try moving it away from the Wi-Fi router – their frequencies may conflict.

3. Connection via HDMI ARC: the best quality for soundbars

If you have a soundbar (e.g., Xiaomi Mi Soundbar, Samsung HW-Q600C or Sonos Beam), the best way to do this is to use an HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) port, which transmits digital audio without loss, supports Dolby Digital and DTS, and allows you to control the soundbar volume from the TV remote.

Instructions:

1. Connect the soundbar to the HDMI ARC port on your TV (usually signed or highlighted in a different color).
2. On the Xiaomi remote, go to Settings → Sound → Sound Output → HDMI ARC.
3. Enable HDMI Management (CEC) to synchronize remotes.
4. On the soundbar, select the source of HDMI ARC (Source or Input button).

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Mi) TV 4X) after connecting HDMI ARC Solution: In the audio settings, turn off Automatic Formatting and manually select PCM.

Optical output (TOSLINK): for audiophiles

Optical cable (TOSLINK) It's a digital audio system, without any electrical interference, and it's the best choice for connectivity. AV-receivers, amplifiers or high-quality soundbars (e.g. Yamaha) YAS-209). On Xiaomi TVs, optical output is in Mi models TV Q1/Q2, Mi TV P1 older.

Step-by-step:

1. Connect the optical cable to the Digital Audio Out (Optical) port on the TV and the corresponding input on the speaker/receiver.
2. On the Xiaomi remote, select Settings → Sound → Sound Output → Optical (SPDIF).
3. In the audio format section, select Auto (for Dolby Digital) or PCM (if the speaker does not support coding).
4. On the audio system, select the source Optical.

⚠️ Note: If the sound is late (relevant for movies), in the TV settings, turn off the sound processing: → Sound. → Additionally. → Sound processing → That'll take away the millisecond delay, but it'll be dry".

5. Connection via AUX (3.5 mm): simple and reliable method

The easiest way is to use a standard 3.5mm audio cable (minijack) suitable for wired speakers, headphones or active speakers (e.g. Edifier R1280T). The sound quality depends on the cable - it is better to take the screen version with gilded connectors.

How to connect:

1. One end of the cable is inserted into the AUX OUT connector on the TV (usually marked with the headphone icon).
2. The other end is the AUX IN input on the column.
3. On the Xiaomi remote, select Settings → Sound → Sound output → Analog (3.5 mm).
4. Adjust the volume on the speaker and TV (sometimes you have to balance between them).

🔹 Tip: If the sound is too quiet, check if Night Mode or Volume Limitation is activated on TV (c Settings) → Sound. → These options cut down the high frequencies.

Bluetooth

HDMI ARC

Optical cable (TOSLINK)

AUX (3.5 mm)

Another option-->

6. Problem solving: why isn't the column plugged in or working?

Even when you're connected properly, you can have problems, and here are the most common ways to solve them:

• 🔌 Bluetooth-undetectable column: Reboot the TV and speaker. Remove the speaker from the list of associated devices and reconnect. Check if the speaker is connected to another device (phone, laptop).
• 🔊 Lag: For Bluetooth: use the aptX Low Latency codec (if supported). HDMI ARC: Update the TV firmware and soundbar. Turn off the sound processing in the TV settings.
• 📶 The sound is interrupted: Move the Bluetooth transmitter or speaker closer to the TV. Turn off the 2.4 GHz devices nearby. Try another audio cable (for wired connections).

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi TVs with MIUI TV 4.0 and higher, there is a bug: after updating the firmware, the priority of the audio output may be reset. To return the sound to the column, go to Settings → Sound. → Re-select the sound and re-select the desired source.

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If the speaker is connected, but there is no sound, check if the sound on the TV itself is turned off (the Mute button on the remote) or if Deaf mode is activated in the special features settings.

7. Additional settings for better sound

Simply connecting a speaker isn't enough, you have to adjust the sound to your preferences. Xiaomi TVs have hidden options that will improve the sound:

• 🎛️ Equator: Go to Settings → Sound. → Equalizer and select preset (Film, Music, Speech) or manually tune. For bass, raise the slider to 60-100 Hz.
• 🔇 Volume normalization: Turn it off in Settings → Sound. → Additionally. → Normalize volume if you want a more dynamic sound.
• 🎤 Karaoke microphone: If you connect a speaker with microphone input (e.g. Xiaomi Mi Karaoke Speaker), activate Karaoke mode in Settings → Sound. → Sound modes.

🔹 Gamer’s Tip: If you play through the Xiaomi Mi Box or the built-in Google Play Games, turn on the Game mode in the audio settings – this will reduce the latency to 20-30 miss.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions