Connecting a subwoofer to a Xiaomi TV: all ways with step-by-step instructions

Why subwoofer on Xiaomi TV It doesn't work as you expect?

You bought a powerful subwoofer, connected it to the TV Xiaomi Mi TV or Redmi Smart TV, But instead of deep bass, you hear a quiet hum or nothing at all? The problem is not the technique — 90% of the errors are due to improper connection or audio settings. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to connect a subwoofer with a Xiaomi TV: from the classic version of the phone. RCA modern HDMI ARC, And also reveal the secrets of tuning the soundtrack for perfect sound.

Xiaomi TVs have the flexibility to work with external audio devices, but this flexibility requires fine tuning. TV Q2 Redmi X Series and Bluetooth 5.0 support with aptX codec, which allows you to transmit sound without loss, but only if the subwoofer also supports this protocol. TV A) there may be no optical output, which limits the choice of connection methods.

Before you go to the instructions, answer one question – this will help to more accurately determine your case:

1. Connection through HDMI ARC/eARC — Best choice for modern TV

If your Xiaomi TV is released after 2019 (series) Q1, Q2, P1 Or Redmi X, it definitely has a connector. HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel: This method provides:

• 🎵 Digital audio transmission without loss of quality (including Dolby Digital formats) DTS).
• 🔌 Single-cable connection – video and sound are transmitted simultaneously.
• 🎛️ Volume control from the TV remote (if the subwoofer supports) CEC).

To connect you will need:

• 📺 Xiaomi TV with port HDMI ARC (usually marked "ARC" near-connector).
• 🔊 active subwoofer or AV-receiver HDMI ARC.
• 🔗 Cable HDMI 1.4 or higher (preferably 2.0 for eARC).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the TV and subwoofer from the socket.
2. Connect one end of the cable. HDMI port HDMI ARC on TV, the other - to the appropriate port on the subwoofer / receiver.
3. Turn on both devices.
4. On the Xiaomi remote, click Settings (Settings) → Sound. → Exit HDMI.
5. Select a mode. ARC or eARC (if available).
6. In the subwoofer menu, activate the mode HDMI Input.

Important nuance: If the sound is coming, but with a delay (echo), check the synchronization settings in the Sound menu → Audio delay: Xiaomi’s optimal value is 0–30 ms.

💡

If your subwoofer doesn't have one. HDMI ARC, But there are optical inputs, use HDMI + optical cable: connect HDMI The optical output of the TV to the subwoofer, which will have the same effect, but without the volume control from the remote control.

2. Connecting via Bluetooth – simple, but with limitations

Wireless connectivity is suitable for Bluetooth subwoofers or active speakers with built-in amplifier (e.g. Xiaomi Mi). TV Soundbar, the main pluses:

• 🚀 No wires - convenient for placing a subwoofer anywhere in the room.
• 🔄 Quick reconnection (if the TV and subwoofer are already paired).

Cons:

• ⚠️ Sound latency up to 100–200 ms – critical for movies and games.
• 🔋 Battery discharge (if portable subwoofer).
• 🎵 Limited sound quality (codecs) SBC or AAC compress).

How to connect:

1. Enable the mating mode on the subwoofer (usually the Pair button or the power button holding).
2. On Xiaomi TV go to Settings → Bluetooth and devices → Add the device.
3. Select your subwoofer from the list.
4. Confirm the connection (it may be necessary to enter) PIN-code, usually 0000 or 1234).

If the sound is interrupted or lost:

• 📶 Make sure there are no obstacles between the TV and the subwoofer (walls, metal objects).
• 🔄 Reboot both devices.
• 🔧 In Bluetooth TV settings, disable the option of High Quality Audio (if there are lags).

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi Mi series TVs TV 4A Redmi Smart TV X does not support the aptX codec — AAC, Which can cause a significant delay in games.

3. Connection through RCA («Tulips ) - universal analog method

If your subwoofer doesn't support HDMI Bluetooth, but there are standard connectors. RCA (It's red and white tulips, and this is the method for you:

• 🎚️ Passive subwoofers (external amplifier required).
• 📦 Active subwoofers with linear input.
• 🔊 Older Xiaomi TV models (e.g. Mi) TV 3).

What you need:

• 🔗 Cable RCA-RCA (3.5 mm → RCA, If TV is just a headphone outlet).
• 🔊 Subwoofer with Line In or Aux In entrance.

Connection diagram:

1. If there's a way out RCA (designated as Audio Out, connect the red and white plugs to the corresponding connectors on the subwoofer.
2. If the TV only output is 3.5 mm (Audio output), use the 3.5 mm adapter. → RCA.
3. In the TV settings (Settings) → Sound. → Output audio) select External speakers.
4. On the subwoofer, set the signal source to Line In or Aux.

Challenges and solutions:

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Mi) TV Stick) 3.5 mm output is switched off when connected to HDMI. To make it work, in the Settings menu → CEC Turn off the Control option. HDMI.

4. Connection via optical cable (TOSLINK) — digitally ARC

Optical output (S/PDIF) All Xiaomi TVs in the mid- and premium segments (e.g. Mi) TV Q1, Mi TV P1). This method transmits sound digitally without interference, but:

• 🔊 Requires a subwoofer or receiver with optical input.
• 🎵 Not all formats are supported (e.g, DTS:X may not work).
• 🔌 The cable is fragile - don't bend it too much.

Instructions:

1. Connect the optical cable (TOSLINK) Optical Out port on TV and corresponding subwoofer entrance.
2. On TV, go to Settings. → Sound. → Digital audio output.
3. Choose the format: PCM — Auto (Dolby Digital) for 5.1 surround sound.

Optical

Important: If there is no sound after connecting, check if the optical output on the TV is closed with a protective plug (a frequent problem with Redmi Smart). TV X55).

💡

The optical cable transmits sound without loss, but it doesn't support volume control from the TV remote. HDMI ARC subwoofer.

5. Connection through AUX (3.5 mm) simple but limited

If you're Xiaomi. TV There's only a headphone output (3.5 mm), and the subwoofer supports linear input, which will work:

• 🔊 The sound quality will be worse than the HDMI Optics (analog signal is subject to interference).
• 🎛️ You can not use headphones and subwoofers at the same time.
• 🔋 Signal power may not be sufficient for a passive subwoofer.

How to connect:

1. Buy a 3.5mm cable. → RCA (subwoofer RCA) 3.5 mm → 3.5 mm if the entrance AUX).
2. Connect one end to the output of the Audiovod on TV, the other to the subwoofer.
3. In the TV settings (Settings) → Sound. → Output audio) select External speakers.
4. On the subwoofer, set the source to Aux In or Line In.

If the sound is too quiet:

• 🔊 Increase the volume on TV to the maximum, and adjust the basses on the subwoofer.
• 🔧 Use an amplifier between the TV and the subwoofer (if the subwoofer is passive).

6.Tune the sound to Xiaomi TV subwoofer

Even when connected properly, the sound can be frustrating, such as too quiet bass, frequency imbalances, or echoes, and calibration in the TV menu can help correct this:

Step 1: Choosing a Sound Source

• Go to Settings. → Sound. → Audio output.
• Select the connected subwoofer (for example, HDMI ARC, Optical or External Dynamics).

Step 2: Set up the equalizer

• On the menu Sound. → Equator increase Basa's slider on +3–+6 dB.
• Reduce the average frequencies by −2 dB to prevent subwoofer from 'muffling' voice.

Step 3: Eliminating Sound Delay

• If the sound is behind the video, in Sound. → Delay audio set the value from −50 ms to +50 ms (select experimentally).

Step 4: Set up the subwoofer

• On the subwoofer itself, set: 80-120 Hz cut-off rate (for movies). Phase 0° (If the bass is "blurred," try 180.°).

💡

To test the sound, use videos with test frequencies on YouTube (e.g., "Bass Test"). 20Hz–200Hz"). This will help to accurately configure the subwoofer crossover.

7.The solution to the problems: why the subwoofer does not work with Xiaomi TV?

If there is no sound after connecting or it is distorted, check these moments:

Problem 1: No sound at all

• ✅ Make sure you are on TV in Settings → Sound. → The audio output is selected from an external source.
• ✅ Check that the subwoofer is on and the correct input is selected (HDMI, Optical, Line In).
• ✅ If you use Bluetooth, reconnect the device.

Problem 2: The sound is there, but it's very quiet.

• ✅ On TV, increase the volume to 80-100%, adjust the final volume on the subwoofer.
• ✅ If you connect through 3.5 mm, use an amplifier.
• ✅ In the TV settings, turn off Volume Limitation (Settings) → Sound. → Additionally).

Problem 3: Noise, crackling or background

• ✅ For RCA or AUX Use a shielded cable.
• ✅ Disable nearby sources of interference (routers, microwaves).
• ✅ In the TV settings, set Digital Audio Output: PCM (If you use an optical cable).

Problem 4: Sound delay (echo)

• ✅ For Bluetooth, use the aptX Low Latency codec.
• ✅ In the TV menu, set up audio delay (optimum: −30ms for HDMI, −80ms for Bluetooth).
• ✅ If connected through HDMI ARC, Update the TV firmware (Settings) → About the device → Update of the PO).

⚠️ Note: On the Xiaomi Mi series TVs TV 4S Redmi Smart TV X when connected through HDMI ARC Solution: The sound may disappear after switching channels. CEC Turn off the automatic switching option.

FAQ: Frequent questions about connecting a subwoofer to Xiaomi TV