How to connect headphones to Xiaomi Mi TV Stick: all ways + problem solving

Xiaomi Mi TV Stick is a compact device that turns any TV into a smart Smart TV, but its capabilities are limited without quality sound. If the built-in TV speakers do not suit, connecting headphones becomes a topical task. However, not all users know that the Mi TV Stick supports not only Bluetooth headphones, but also wired options through adapters.

In this article, we will analyze all available ways of connecting: from standard pairing over Bluetooth to use. USB-C hub AUX-We will focus on common errors that may cause sound to disappear or interrupt, and consider alternative solutions for models with outdated firmware.

Which headphones are compatible with Xiaomi Mi TV Stick

Before buying or connecting, it’s important to make sure your headphone model is supported by the device. Mi TV Stick (including versions of Mi TV Stick 4K and Mi TV Stick Basic) works with:

  • 🎧 Bluetooth headphones (all versions 4.0 to 5.3, including: TWS-Models such as Xiaomi AirDots or Sony WH-1000XM4)
  • πŸ”Œ Wired headphones with a 3.5 mm connector (requires an adapter) USB-C β†’ AUX)
  • πŸŽ™οΈ Headsets with microphone (Mic function only works in apps like Zoom or Google Meet)
  • πŸ”Š USB-C headphones (rarely, only with an active adapter, as the Mi Stick does not support the device). USB Audio Class 2.0 directly directly directly)

Important: Mi TV Stick does not have a built-in 3.5 mm audio output, so wired headphones will definitely require an adapter, and the device does not support headphones with a Lightning connector (from Apple) without an additional adapter.

⚠️ Note: Headphones with aptX or LDAC codec will work, but sound can be transmitted in a compressed format (for example, SBC), Mi Stick does not support advanced audio codecs.

Headphone typeCompatibilityAdditional equipmentSound quality
Bluetooth 5.0 (TWS)βœ… Yes.β€”Medium (depending on codec)
3.5 mm wiredβœ… Yes.adapter USB-C β†’ AUXHigh (no loss)
USB-C (digital)⚠️ Partially.Active hub with UAC 2.0 supportHigh (with the right adapter)
Lightning (Apple)❌ No.Lightning Adapter β†’ 3.5mm + USB-C β†’ AUXHigh (with double transition)

Connecting Bluetooth headphones: step-by-step instructions

The easiest way is to pair over Bluetooth. Xiaomi Mi TV Stick supports up to 2 simultaneously connected audio devices, but the sound will only be transmitted to one of them.

To plug the headphones in:

  1. Turn on the headphones in search mode (usually hold the power button for 3-5 seconds until the indicator blinks).
  2. On the Mi TV Stick remote, click the Settings button β†’ select Devices β†’ Bluetooth.
  3. In the list of available devices, find your headphones (such as Mi True Wireless Earphones) and select them.
  4. Confirm the pairing if necessary.

Once connected, the audio will automatically switch to the headphones, and to return it to the TV speakers, turn off the headphones in the Bluetooth menu or turn them off physically.

Headphones are displayed in the list of connected devices |The sound is only through the headphones (check in the sound settings) |The indicator on the headphones stopped flashing (connection stable) |The charge level of the headphones is displayed in the menu (for some models)

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⚠️ Warning: If the sound is interrupted or late, try turning off Wi-Fi Direct in the Mi Stick settings (Settings) β†’ Network β†’ Wi-Fi Direct: This feature can interfere with Bluetooth.

To improve the stability of the connection:

  • πŸ“Ά Put the Mi in. TV Stick and headphones at a distance of no more than 5 meters without obstacles.
  • πŸ”‹ Charge headphones to 100% - at a low level of charge, twitching of sound may occur.
  • πŸ”„ Reboot the Mi Stick if the headphones aren’t detected the first time.

Bluetooth (TWS)|Wire 3.5mm|USB-C|Not connected headphones |Other option

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Connecting wired headphones via USB-C

If your Mi TV Stick doesn’t have a 3.5mm jack, wired headphones will require an adapter. It’s best to use a passive USB-C β†’ 3.5mm adapter, as active hubs may not be supported.

Instructions:

  1. Buy an adapter with a CM109 chip or similar (such as UGREEN USB-C to AUX). Cheap Chinese adapters without a chip will not work.
  2. Connect the adapter to the USB-C port on the Mi TV Stick (use the power port if the adapter requires additional power).
  3. Insert the headphones into the 3.5mm adapter jack.
  4. In the audio settings (Settings β†’ Sound β†’ Output), select USB Audio or Analog output.

Critical: Xiaomi Mi TV Stick does not support digital audio via USB-C (for example, for USB-C Digital headphones such as Google Pixel Buds).

adapterCompatibilityNeed food?Price (roughly)
UGREEN USB-C to AUX (CM109)βœ… Yes.❌ No.800–1200 β‚½
Baseus USB-C to AUXβœ… Yes.❌ No.600–900 β‚½
Cheap No-name Adapter❌ No (no chip)❌ No.200–400 β‚½
USB-C hub with 3.5mm⚠️ Partially.βœ… Yes.1500–2500 β‚½

⚠️ Note: If the sound is disturbed after the adapter is connected, check it: πŸ”Œ Quality of contact in port USB-C (Try to move the adapter a little bit). πŸ”Š Volume level on headphones and in Mi Stick settings (sometimes the sound may be muted by default). πŸ”„ Restart the device with a connected adapter.

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Connection through AUX-TV port (alternative mode)

If your TV has a 3.5mm audio output (AUX OUT), you can connect your headphones directly to it, bypassing the Mi TV Stick. This solution is suitable for wired headphones and avoids Bluetooth issues.

How to do this:

  1. Find the AUX OUT or Audio Out connector on the back of the TV (usually indicated in green).
  2. Connect the headphones directly or through an extension cord if the connector is in an uncomfortable place.
  3. In the settings of the TV (Sound β†’ Exit), select Audio output (3.5 mm).

Advantages of this method:

  • 🎡 No sound delays (relevant for movies and games).
  • πŸ”‹ They do not have a battery (if they are wired).
  • πŸ”Œ It does not load the Bluetooth module Mi Stick.

Disadvantages:

  • πŸ“Ί It only works if the TV has audio output (many modern models do not have it).
  • 🎧 Not suitable for wireless headphones.
How to check if you have AUX OUT on your TV?
On the back or side of the TV, look for a 3.5mm round connector that says Audio Out, Headphone Out, or headphone icon. If the connector is signed as Audio In, it's only for external audio sources (such as tapes) and is not suitable for headphones.

Problem Solving: The sound is there, but with a delay or interrupted

Lip sync or interruption is a common problem when using Bluetooth headphones with Mi TV Stick.

Problem.Possible causeDecision
The sound is 0.5-1 second late.SBC codec has high latencyTry headphones with low-latency aptX support (if TV supports)
The sound is interrupted every 5-10 seconds.Interference from Wi-Fi or other devicesSwitch Wi-Fi to 5GHz or turn off Wi-Fi Direct
The sound is distorted (wheezing, crackling)Weak Bluetooth signalPlace the Mi Stick closer to the headphones or use it. USB-extensioner
The sound only comes through one headphone (in TWS)Improper pairingReset the headphones to factory settings and connect again

If the problem is not solved:

  • πŸ”„ Update the Mi firmware TV Stick to the latest version (Settings) β†’ About the device β†’ Updating the system).
  • πŸŽ›οΈ In sound settings (Settings) β†’ Sound: Try changing the audio format from Auto to Auto PCM.
  • πŸ”Œ Connect Mi Stick to another USB-TV port (sometimes ports have different bandwidth).

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Connecting headphones with a microphone: nuances

Xiaomi Mi TV Stick supports headsets with a microphone, but there are limitations:

  • 🎀 The microphone will only work in applications that support sound recording (e.g., Zoom, Google Meet, Skype).
  • πŸ”‡ In games or system sounds, the microphone will not be used.
  • πŸ“± Bluetooth headsets may require manual profile switching from A2DP (for music HSP/HFP (call-in).

How to turn on the microphone:

  1. Connect the headset via Bluetooth or via an adapter.
  2. Open a call app (such as Zoom).
  3. In the application settings, select your headset as an input device.
  4. Allow access to the microphone in the Android TV settings (Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Special Rights β†’ Microphone).

⚠️ Note: Some of the Mi's firmware TV Stick microphone may not be detected due to Android restrictions TV. In this case, only a wired headset with an adapter will help. USB-C β†’ 3.5 mm + microphone.

Alternative ways to connect headphones

If standard methods don’t work, consider alternatives:

  • πŸ“± Connect via smartphone: Use your phone as an intermediary – connect the headphones to it via Bluetooth and sound with Mi TV Stick stream to your phone via Miracast or Google Cast.
  • 🎧 Bluetooth transmitter for TV: Buy an external transmitter (e.g. Avantek) APT-LL), plug him in. AUX OUT TV and pair with headphones.
  • πŸ”Š Bluetooth sound bar: Connect to TV via Bluetooth HDMI ARC Or Optical, and headphones pair with the panel.

For the first option (via smartphone) will require:

  1. Install an application on your phone to receive sound (for example, SoundWire or WoMic).
  2. Put the headphones on the phone.
  3. On Mi TV Stick, enable screen broadcasting to your phone (Settings β†’ Devices β†’ Screen Broadcast).

The disadvantage of this method is the additional delay of sound (up to 1-2 seconds).

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FAQ: Frequent questions about connecting headphones

Can I connect AirPods to Xiaomi Mi TV Stick?
Yes, AirPods (all models) connect like standard Bluetooth headphones. However, audio can be transmitted in compressed format (SBC), since Mi Stick does not support the AAC codec optimized for Apple. To improve quality: Open the AirPods case cover and hold the button on the back for 15 seconds to reset. Connect them again to the Mi TV Stick.
Why doesn't Mi TV Stick see my Bluetooth headphones?
Possible reasons: Headphones are not in pairing mode (press the power button until the indicator blinks). Mi Stick Bluetooth module is overloaded (disable other devices); outdated firmware (update via Settings β†’ Device); Headphones use a rare codec (try another model). If nothing helps, reset the Mi Stick settings to factory (Settings β†’ Device β†’ Reset).
How to connect headphones with a Lightning connector?
AirPods Max or wired EarPods with Lightning will require a dual adapter: Lightning Adapter β†’ 3.5mm (original from Apple). adapter USB-C β†’ 3.5 mm for Mi TV Stick. Connect the chain: Mi Stick. β†’ USB-C β†’ 3.5 mm β†’ Lightning adapter β†’ headphones. ⚠️ Warning: Sound quality may be impaired by double signal conversion.
Can I use Mi TV Stick with headphones and speakers at the same time?
No, Mi TV Stick doesn't support simultaneous audio output to multiple devices. You can only connect one audio device: either Bluetooth headphones, or wired through an adapter, or TV speakers. You'll need an external Bluetooth transmitter with Dual Link support to play simultaneously.
How to reduce the latency of sound in games?
To minimize delay: Use wired headphones with USB-C adapter β†’ 3.5 mm. If you play through Google Stadia or GeForce NOW, turn on Low Latency mode in the game settings. Turn off all background apps on Mi TV Stick (Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Launched). Connect Mi Stick to your TV via HDMI 2.1 (if supported) to reduce latency.