How to connect the Xiaomi column to a laptop: all ways + error solving

Connecting a Xiaomi handheld speaker to a laptop seems like a simple task – until you face a lack of sound, pairing problems or driver incompatibility. This is especially true for models like Mi Portable Speaker, Mi Smart Speaker or Redmi Soundbar, where the manufacturer does not always specify the nuances of working with the PC. In this article, we will analyze all possible ways of connecting, from standard Bluetooth to alternative methods via an audio cable or a video cable. USB-Adapter, and solve common errors that occur on Windows 10/11, macOS and Linux.

It’s important to consider that Xiaomi speakers are often optimized for mobile devices, and their interaction with laptops may require additional adjustments. For example, some models (such as the Mi AI Speaker) do not initially support A2DP protocol for transmitting high-quality audio to PCs. We tested all methods on current versions of the OS and identified key points that save time.

1. Bluetooth connection: step-by-step instruction

The most common way is to wirelessly connect via Bluetooth, but even here, there are pitfalls, from the lack of drivers to conflicts with other devices. Consider the universal algorithm for all Xiaomi speakers.

First, make sure the speaker is charged and paired. Most models (such as the Mi Portable Bluetooth Speaker) need to hold the power button for 3-5 seconds until the indicator flashes blue and white (search mode). Some devices (such as the Redmi Soundbar) may need to press a separate Bluetooth button.

• 📱 Step 1: Turn on Bluetooth on your laptop: on Windows, through the notification panel or Settings → Devices → Bluetooth; on macOS – in the menu bar or System settings → Bluetooth.
• 🔍 Step. 2. Find your column on the list of available devices, usually displayed as Mi Bluetooth Speaker, Redmi Soundbar or Xiaomi_XXXX (where XXXX — unique identifier).
• 🔗 Step 3. Click on Windows or MacOS if you have a request to enter. PIN-Try the standard options: 0000, 1234 or 8888.
• 🎵 Step 4. Once you've successfully connected, check the sound. If it's not there, go to the Control Panel. → Windows and set the column as the default playback device.

On Linux (Ubuntu, Mint, etc.), the process is similar, but you may need to install a pulseaudio-module-bluetooth package:

sudo apt install pulseaudio-module-bluetooth


pactl load-module module-bluetooth-discover

The column is charged 30% or more

Bluetooth is enabled on a laptop and a speaker

Column is in pairing mode (indicator flashes)

Distance between devices not more than 10 meters

There's no active laptop. VPN or firewalls blocking the connection-->

An important nuance: some Xiaomi speakers (such as the Mi Smart Speaker) only support HFP (for calls) and not A2DP (for music), in which case the sound will be monophonic, the solution is to update the speaker firmware through the Mi Home app (if available).

2. Wired connection via AUX (3.5 mm)

If Bluetooth is not working or you need stable sound without delay, use a 3.5mm audio cable.This method is universal for all Xiaomi speakers with an AUX IN connector (for example, Mi Portable Speaker 16W or Redmi Soundbar).

You'll need a 3.5mm to 3.5mm cable (male-to-male) and connect one end to the speaker (the connector is usually signed AUX IN) and the other end to the laptop's audio output. Most laptops today have a microphone jack (it has an icon of headphones).

• 🔊 Step 1. Connect the cable to the speaker and laptop. Make sure the speaker is on and on. AUX (if there's a switch).
• 🎛️ Step 2. On a Windows laptop, open the Control Panel → Sound and check that the Play tab displays the connected device (usually as Speakers or Realtek Audio).
• 🔇 Step 3. If there is no sound, right-click on your device and select "Use by default." On macOS, check the sound settings in System Settings → Sound. → Conclusion.

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If the sound is quiet or distorted, try to reduce the volume on your laptop to 70% and increase it on the speaker itself, which will reduce the noise level.

Critical detail: some Xiaomi speakers (e.g. Mi) AI Speaker not supported AUX-The connection is not possible, even if the connector is physically present.

3. USB connection (for models with support)

Some Xiaomi speakers (such as the Mi Smart Speaker or Mi AI Speaker) have a USB Type-C or Micro-USB connector, but it is only designed for charging. However, there are exceptions: models with USB Audio support (such as the Xiaomi Mi Soundbar) can transmit sound over USB.

To check the compatibility:

1. Connect the column to the laptop through USB-cable (use the original column cable).
2. On Windows, open Device Manager and check the Audio inputs and audio outputs section. If a new device (such as USB Audio Device) comes along, the connection is successful.
3. Set the column as the default playback device in the Control Panel → Sound.

On macOS and Linux USB-Audio devices are usually automatically detected. If the speaker is not recognized, try it:

• 🔄 Reconnect the cable.
• 🔧 Update the sound card drivers on the laptop.
• 📥 Install Xiaomi’s proprietary software (if available for your model).

4. Solving Connection Problems

If the Xiaomi speaker doesn’t connect or the sound is interrupted, the reasons may be both software and hardware.

If the problem persists, try resetting the column settings.

1. Turn off the column.
2. Press the Bluetooth (or Power) button for 10-15 seconds until the indicator flashes red.
3. Release the button and the column will return to factory settings.

The column is not located via Bluetooth.

The sound is interrupted or distorted

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

Another problem.-->

5. Connect to laptops without Bluetooth

If your laptop isn’t equipped with a Bluetooth module (relevant to older models or some Linux laptops), there are two options:

Method 1: USB-Bluetooth adapter

Buy an external Bluetooth adapter (for example, TP-Link) UB400 Asus USB-BT400) And plug it in. USB-Once the drivers are installed (usually automatically), the adapter will work as an integrated Bluetooth module, costing between 300 and 1000 units. ₽.

Method 2: AUX-cable (if the column supports the)

As described in Section 2, use a wired connection through 3.5 mm, which is the most reliable method if you do not need wireless sound.

Method 3: Bluetooth transmitter for AUX

Devices like this. 1Mii B06 Plus or TaoTronics TT-BA07 They connect to the laptop audio output through 3.5 mm, and then transmit the signal to the speaker over Bluetooth. AUX-The entrance, and the laptop - Bluetooth.

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The USB-Bluetooth adapter is the most versatile solution for laptops without built-in Bluetooth. It supports all modern protocols (including A2DP) and works on any OS.

6.Sound optimization after connection

Even after a successful connection, the sound may not be perfect: quiet, distorted, or delayed. Here's how to improve the quality of the sound:

• 🎚️ Set up equalizer. On Windows, use the built-in equalizer in Control Panel → Sound. → Device properties → Improvements. Equalizer is the right app for macOS. APO boom 3D.
• 🔊 Volume up. If the sound is quiet, check the volume settings separately on your laptop and speaker. On some Xiaomi models (e.g. Mi Portable Speaker), the maximum volume is limited - this can be bypassed through the engineering menu (if available).
• 🎧 Removing audio delay: When watching video, the delay (lag) can reach 200-500 ms. Solution: Use a wired connection (AUX). On Windows, turn off all sound effects in the Control Panel → Sound. → Properties → Improvements. On macOS, try the SoundSource app for manual synchronization.

For models that support Xiaomi Hi-Res Audio (such as the Mi Smart Speaker Pro), it is recommended to use aptX or AAC codecs instead of the standard SBC.

1. Open the settings → Devices → Bluetooth.
2. Find your column and click on “Device Options”.
3. In the Services section, select aptX or AAC (if available).

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If the Xiaomi speaker emits hiss or background noise when connected via AUX, try using a cable with gilded connectors or connecting a laptop to the network – this will reduce the level of interference.

7. Connect to laptops on Linux

On Linux (Ubuntu, Fedora, Mint, etc.), connecting Xiaomi speakers can be accompanied by specific problems associated with PulseAudio or PipeWire drivers.

Problem 1: The column is connected, but there is no sound

This is often because PulseAudio doesn't switch to a new device automatically.Solution:

pactl list sinks | grep -i xiaomi # Find the name of your column


pactl set-default-sink <device name> # Set it as default device

Problem 2: Low quality of sound (mono)

By default, Linux can use HSP/HFP instead of A2DP, and force A2DP to be enabled.

pactl set-card-profile <card Bluetooth> a2dp_sink

Problem 3: The column shuts down after a few minutes

It's about power saving Bluetooth.

sudo nano /etc/bluetooth/main.conf

Find AutoEnable=true and change it to AutoEnable=false



sudo systemctl restart bluetooth

If you use PipeWire (instead of PulseAudio), the commands will be similar, but with the pw- prefix.

FAQ: Frequent questions

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If the Xiaomi speaker doesn’t connect to the laptop, check it first with your smartphone. If the problem persists, it’s a malfunction in the speaker itself, not in the PC settings.