Why Galaxy Buds don’t want to be friends with Xiaomi TV: understand the reasons
Samsung Galaxy Buds wireless headphones have become one of the most popular accessories for listening to music and watching movies, but connecting them to Xiaomi TVs often raises questions. The fact that the Samsung and Xiaomi ecosystems use different Bluetooth protocols and code, which can lead to compatibility problems. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways of connecting, from standard Bluetooth connection to the use of additional adapters.
The main difficulty is that many Xiaomi TV models (especially the budget Mi TV 4A, Mi TV 4S) have a stripped-down version of Bluetooth with support for only basic A2DP profiles and.This means that the headphones will connect, but there may be delays (latency) or periodic communication breakdowns. At the same time, flagship models (Xiaomi TV Q2, Xiaomi OLED TV) usually work more stable thanks to support for aptX and LC3.
Before you start setting up, check:
- 🔋 Headphone charge level (at least 30%) – discharged Galaxy Buds may not appear in the list of available devices.
- 📱 TV firmware version (up-to-date information in Settings) → On TV).
- 🔄 Headphone pairing mode (should flash the indicator on the case).
Method 1: Direct Bluetooth connection (the easiest option)
If your Xiaomi TV has a built-in Bluetooth module (this is true for all models released after 2019), then the Galaxy Buds connection will take no more than a minute.
Step instructions:
- Open the cover of the Galaxy Buds case and hold the touchpad on both headphones for 5 seconds until the indicator starts flashing white and green (pairing mode).
- On the TV remote, press the Settings button → select Devices and accessories → Bluetooth.
- In the list of available devices, find the Galaxy Buds+ (or your model) and select them. Confirm pairing if required.
- After successfully connecting to the audio menu (Settings → Sound → Output), select the Galaxy Buds as your primary audio device.
⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi TVs with firmware below MIUI TV 3.0 may not have manual audio output options, so the audio will automatically switch to the headphones after pairing, but you'll have to repeat the procedure every time you turn on the TV.
☑️ Checking before connection
Method 2: Using a Bluetooth transmitter (if there is no Bluetooth in the TV)
Older Xiaomi Mi TV 3 or Mi TV 4 (until 2018) models often lack built-in Bluetooth.In this case, an external Bluetooth transmitter connected via a USB-A port or optical output (TOSLINK) will help.
| Adapter model | Type of connection | Supported code | Sound delay | Price (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1Mii B06 Pro | USB + optical | aptX LL, AAC | ~40 ms. | ~2 500 ₽ |
| Avantek APTX | USB | aptX, SBC | ~60 ms. | ~1 800 ₽ |
| Creative BT-W5 | USB | aptX LL, AAC | ~30 ms. | ~3 200 ₽ |
| TaoTronics TT-BA07 | Optical | aptX, SBC | ~50 ms. | ~2 000 ₽ |
How to connect:
- 🔌 Insert the adapter into a free one USB-TV port (or optical output if used) TOSLINK).
- 🎧 Put Galaxy Buds in pairing mode (see Method 1).
- 📺 On the TV in the audio menu (Settings) → Sound. → Select Bluetooth Audio or the name of your adapter.
- 🔄 If the sound is late, try the adapter settings (if any) to enable Low Latency mode.
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If the adapter is not detected, try connecting it through USB-Hub with external power - some models Xiaomi TV They don't give you enough energy. USB-port.
Method 3: Connect via Android TV or console (for older models)
If your Xiaomi TV is running on Android TV (Like Mi. TV 4A firmware MIUI TV 2.0+), Bluetooth is not available or is not stable, you can use it. TV-A console like Xiaomi Mi Box S or NVIDIA Shield TV. This method is also relevant for owners of Galaxy Buds Pro 2 or Galaxy Buds Live, which require a newer version of Bluetooth (5.0).+).
Algorithm of action:
- Connect the set-top box to the TV via HDMI and configure it as the main signal source.
- In the console menu (Settings → Devices → Bluetooth), find and connect Galaxy Buds.
- In the console sound settings, select Output via Bluetooth.
- If the sound is going through the TV speakers and headphones at the same time, turn off the built-in speakers in Settings → Sound → Sound output.
⚠️ Note: When using consoles based on Android 9 and below (for example, Mi Box 3) you may experience problems with the codec SBC, So the solution is to force the sound to be intermittent. AAC in the developer settings (activated by repeatedly clicking on the build number in the device information).
How do I turn on AAC manually?
Solving problems: audio delay, communication breaks, lack of device in the list
Even after a successful connection, users often face typical problems, and consider the most common and ways to fix them:
1. Sound delay (latency)
Reason: Xiaomi TVs by default use the SBC codec, which adds a latency of up to 200 ms. For movies, this is critical - the sound is not synchronized with the video.
Decisions:
- 🔄 Switch to codec. AAC or aptX (if the adapter/TV supports).
- 📱 In Galaxy Buds settings (via Galaxy Wearable) disable Ambient Sound – it increases latency.
- 🎮 If you watch through the console, turn on the Game Mode mode in its settings).
2.The headphones turn off after 5-10 minutes
Reason: Energy-saving Bluetooth settings in Xiaomi firmware or weak signal.
Decisions:
- 🔋 Turn off Bluetooth Auto-Disable option on your TV (if any).
- 📡 Move your router away from your TV – 2.4GHz Wi-Fi can interfere.
- 🔄 In Galaxy Buds settings, turn off Automatic Shutdown (in the Galaxy Wearable app).
3.The TV doesn't see the Galaxy Buds
Reason: Firmware conflict, busy Bluetooth channel or hardware incompatibility.
Decisions:
- 🔄 Restart the TV (remove the plug from the socket for 1 minute).
- 📱 Reset your Galaxy Buds settings (press the touch panels for 15 seconds until the indicator flashes red).
- 🔧 Update the TV firmware to the latest version (in Settings) → On TV. → Updating the system).
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If none of these things worked, try connecting your headphones via a USB-C adapter (such as a Samsung USB-C to 3.5mm) to a 3.5mm TV, which will completely eliminate Bluetooth issues but limit your freedom of movement.
Connection Methods Comparison: Which Is Better to Choose?
Each method has its pros and cons, and below is a comparison table to help you choose:
| Method | Pluses | Cons | Latency | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Bluetooth | Without additional devices, simplicity | Sound delay, cliffs on old TVs | 50-200 ms. | 0 ₽ |
| Bluetooth adapter | Low latency, support for aptX | The additional device is occupied by USB-port | 30-60 ms. | 1 500–3 500 ₽ |
| TV-box | Stable work, additional functions | Expensive, demanding. HDMI-port | 40-100 ms. | 3 000–10 000 ₽ |
| USB-C/3.5mm adapter | Zero latency, no synchronization issues | Wired connection, limited compatibility | 0 ms. | 500–1 500 ₽ |
For most users, the best solution would be to buy a Bluetooth adapter with support for aptX Low Latency (for example, Creative BT-W5). If you want maximum synchronization of sound and video (for example, for games), consider a wired adapter or console with a game mode.
Additional settings to improve sound
After successfully connecting the Galaxy Buds to the Xiaomi TV, you can optimize the sound to your preferences.
Equalizer setting:
- On TV: Settings → Sound → Equalizer → choose Preset Movie or Music.
- In headphones: through the Galaxy Wearable app (on your smartphone), set up your own sound profile.
Disconnecting the post-processing of sound:
- Turn off Dolby Audio or DTS on the TV menu – these formats can conflict with Bluetooth codecs.
- If the sound is distorted, try setting the PCM format in the audio settings instead of Auto.
3. Optimization for games:
- Turn on the TV Game Mode (Settings → Picture → Game Mode).
- In Galaxy Buds settings, turn off Noise Reduction (ANC) – this will reduce latency.
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If you’re using the Galaxy Buds Pro 2 or Galaxy Buds Live, upgrade their firmware through the Galaxy Wearable app on your smartphone. New versions of the software often improve compatibility with devices from other brands.