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on common errors that may cause sound to disappear or interrupt, and consider alternative solutions for models with outdated firmware.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, itβs 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:
- π§ Bluetooth headphones (all versions 4.0 to 5.3, including: TWS-Models such as Xiaomi AirDots or Sony WH-1000XM4)
- π Wired headphones with a 3.5 mm connector (requires an adapter) USB-C β AUX)
- ποΈ Headsets with microphone (Mic function only works in apps like Zoom or Google Meet)
- π 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.
β οΈ 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 type | Compatibility | Additional equipment | Sound quality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth 5.0 (TWS) | β Yes. | β | Medium (depending on codec) |
| 3.5 mm wired | β Yes. | adapter USB-C β AUX | High (no loss) |
| USB-C (digital) | β οΈ Partially. | Active hub with UAC 2.0 support | High (with the right adapter) |
| Lightning (Apple) | β No. | Lightning Adapter β 3.5mm + USB-C β AUX | High (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:
- Turn on the headphones in search mode (usually hold the power button for 3-5 seconds until the indicator blinks).
- On the Mi TV Stick remote, click the Settings button β select Devices β Bluetooth.
- In the list of available devices, find your headphones (such as Mi True Wireless Earphones) and select them.
- 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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β οΈ 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:
- πΆ Put the Mi in. TV Stick and headphones at a distance of no more than 5 meters without obstacles.
- π Charge headphones to 100% - at a low level of charge, twitching of sound may occur.
- π Reboot the Mi Stick if the headphones arenβt 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 doesnβt have a 3.5mm jack, wired headphones will require an adapter. Itβs best to use a passive USB-C β 3.5mm adapter, as active hubs may not be supported.
Instructions:
- 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.
- Connect the adapter to the USB-C port on the Mi TV Stick (use the power port if the adapter requires additional power).
- Insert the headphones into the 3.5mm adapter jack.
- 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).
| adapter | Compatibility | Need food? | Price (roughly) |
|---|---|---|---|
| UGREEN USB-C to AUX (CM109) | β Yes. | β No. | 800β1200 β½ |
| Baseus USB-C to AUX | β Yes. | β No. | 600β900 β½ |
| Cheap No-name Adapter | β No (no chip) | β No. | 200β400 β½ |
| USB-C hub with 3.5mm | β οΈ Partially. | β Yes. | 1500β2500 β½ |
β οΈ Note: If the sound is disturbed after the adapter is connected, check it: π Quality of contact in port USB-C (Try to move the adapter a little bit). π Volume level on headphones and in Mi Stick settings (sometimes the sound may be muted by default). π 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:
- Find the AUX OUT or Audio Out connector on the back of the TV (usually indicated in green).
- Connect the headphones directly or through an extension cord if the connector is in an uncomfortable place.
- In the settings of the TV (Sound β Exit), select Audio output (3.5 mm).
Advantages of this method:
- π΅ No sound delays (relevant for movies and games).
- π They do not have a battery (if they are wired).
- π It does not load the Bluetooth module Mi Stick.
Disadvantages:
- πΊ It only works if the TV has audio output (many modern models do not have it).
- π§ Not suitable for wireless headphones.
How to check if you have AUX OUT on your TV?
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 cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The sound is 0.5-1 second late. | SBC codec has high latency | Try headphones with low-latency aptX support (if TV supports) |
| The sound is interrupted every 5-10 seconds. | Interference from Wi-Fi or other devices | Switch Wi-Fi to 5GHz or turn off Wi-Fi Direct |
| The sound is distorted (wheezing, crackling) | Weak Bluetooth signal | Place the Mi Stick closer to the headphones or use it. USB-extensioner |
| The sound only comes through one headphone (in TWS) | Improper pairing | Reset the headphones to factory settings and connect again |
If the problem is not solved:
- π Update the Mi firmware TV Stick to the latest version (Settings) β About the device β Updating the system).
- ποΈ In sound settings (Settings) β Sound: Try changing the audio format from Auto to Auto PCM.
- π 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:
- π€ The microphone will only work in applications that support sound recording (e.g., Zoom, Google Meet, Skype).
- π In games or system sounds, the microphone will not be used.
- π± Bluetooth headsets may require manual profile switching from A2DP (for music HSP/HFP (call-in).
How to turn on the microphone:
- Connect the headset via Bluetooth or via an adapter.
- Open a call app (such as Zoom).
- In the application settings, select your headset as an input device.
- Allow access to the microphone in the Android TV settings (Settings β Applications β Special Rights β Microphone).
β οΈ 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 donβt work, consider alternatives:
- π± Connect via smartphone: Use your phone as an intermediary β connect the headphones to it via Bluetooth and sound with Mi TV Stick stream to your phone via Miracast or Google Cast.
- π§ Bluetooth transmitter for TV: Buy an external transmitter (e.g. Avantek) APT-LL), plug him in. AUX OUT TV and pair with headphones.
- π 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:
- Install an application on your phone to receive sound (for example, SoundWire or WoMic).
- Put the headphones on the phone.
- 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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