Xiaomi’s modern TVs and soundbars are designed with maximum compatibility in mind, but even in the same brand’s ecosystem, Bluetooth connectivity can raise questions, especially when it comes to models from different years of release or firmware with unique settings. This article will not just tell you how to connect devices, it will help you avoid typical errors, optimize sound and solve problems if something goes wrong.
Many users mistakenly believe that it is enough to turn on Bluetooth on both devices, and they will automatically find each other. In practice, the process requires considering nuances from the firmware version to supported audio codecs. For example, the soundbar Xiaomi Mi TV Soundbar (model LX06) may not see the 2019 Xiaomi Mi TV 4S due to the outdated Bluetooth 4.2 stack, while new models (Xiaomi TV A Pro) run on Bluetooth 5.0 and support AAC/aptX.
1. Checking device compatibility before connection
Before you try to combine a soundbar and a TV, make sure they are physically able to work together over Bluetooth. Even inside the Xiaomi ecosystem, there are nuances:
- 📺 TVs: models up to 2020 (e.g. Mi) TV 4A) Bluetooth 4.0 was often equipped, which limits supported audio codecs.New series (Xiaomi) TV Q2, Xiaomi TV A2) have Bluetooth 5.0+ Support aptX for better sound.
- 🔊 Soundbars: Budget models (Redmi Soundbar) may not support AAC, It's the only thing that's gonna make the sound intermittent. TV Soundbar 3.1ch) They work with all modern codecs.
- 🔄 Backward compatibility: A Bluetooth 5.0 TV will connect to a Bluetooth 4.2 soundbar, but the sound quality will be limited by the older device.
Check out the Bluetooth version on your TV from Settings → About → Device Information. For a soundbar, this information is usually listed in the manual or on the box. If you don't have data, use the Mi Home app (for Mi AIoT-enabled soundbars).
⚠️ Note: Soundbars Xiaomi series Mi TV Soundbar (models) LX06, LX07) Do not support Bluetooth TVs if they are in Guest Network mode (limited functionality.
2. Step-by-step instruction: how to connect the soundbar to the TV
The pairing process takes no more than 2-3 minutes, if you follow the algorithm. Importantly, before you start, disconnect all other devices (smartphones, laptops) from the soundbar to avoid conflicts.
Make sure the soundbar is plugged in.
Disable the soundbar from other devices via Bluetooth
Enable the pairing mode on the soundbar (Pair button or Power retention)
Transfer the TV to the search mode of Bluetooth devices-->
- Activate the pairing mode on the soundbar: 🔘 On most models, the Mi TV Soundbar, Redmi Soundbar hold the Bluetooth (or Power) button for 3-5 seconds until the indicator flashes blue and white. 🎵 On soundbars with display (for example, Mi). TV Soundbar 3.1ch) Select Bluetooth mode via remote or touch panel.
Bluetooth
Go to Settings → Devices → Bluetooth (new TVs may have different paths: Settings → Connections → Bluetooth). Select Add device.
Select the soundbar from the list:
The list of available devices will show the name of your soundbar (for example, MI-SOUNDBAR-LX06 or Redmi-Soundbar). Click on it and confirm the pairing.
After connecting, go back to Settings → Sound → Sound Output and select Bluetooth audio (or the name of your soundbar).
Critical detail: if the TV doesn't see the soundbar, try resetting the list of conjugated devices on both gadgets. On TV, this is done in the Settings menu → Bluetooth → Delete all devices.
3. Sound optimization: settings for better quality
The connection is set, but the sound may not be perfect: delays, low volume or no bass.
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The sound is interrupted. | Low Bluetooth version or interference from other devices | Switch your TV and soundbar to Bluetooth 5.0 (if supported) or use an HDMI ARC cable |
| Low volume. | Limiting power output in TV settings | In Settings → Sound → Additionally turn off Volume Limitation and Night Mode |
| Sound delay (lag) | SBC codec is used instead of aptX Low Latency | Update the firmware TV and soundbar or connect to HDMI ARC |
| There are no basses | Enabled mode Dialog Enhanced or Voice Focus | In the TV sound settings, select Movie or Music mode |
For Mi AIoT-enabled soundbar models (such as Mi TV Soundbar 3.1ch), the Mi Home app is recommended.
- 🎛️ Set up an equalizer for genres (cinema, games, music).
- 🔊 Activate the regime 3D-volumetric.
- 🔋 Monitoring the level of charge (for portable models).
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If the soundbar supports aptX, but the TV is persistently using SBC, try manually selecting the codec in the Bluetooth TV settings (if you have such an option). On some models, path: Settings → Bluetooth → Additional → Codec
4.Typical mistakes and how to avoid them
Even with the right connection, users are facing problems.
⚠️ Note: If the soundbar is connected to the TV via Bluetooth, but the sound is coming through the TV speakers, check the Output setting in the Settings menu. → Sound. Sometimes, after a firmware update, it's reset to the built-in speakers.
- 🔌 The soundbar doesn't turn on: check the power supply (some Xiaomi models have it separate) and the cable. If the indicator doesn't burn, try another connector.
- 🔍 TV does not find soundbar: make sure that the distance between the devices does not exceed 10 meters, and between them there are no obstacles (walls, metal objects).
- 🔄 Permanent connection breaks: Turn off Bluetooth Energy Saving (if any) on your TV or update your firmware.
- 🎵 The sound is only through TV: in the menu Settings → Sound. → Manually select your soundbar.
Pay special attention to firmware. For example, Xiaomi Mi TV 4S on firmware older than MIUI TV 2.0.100 may not see soundbars with Bluetooth 5.0. Update the software through Settings → About the program → System Update.
What if the soundbar is connected, but there is no sound?
5. Alternative ways to connect: when Bluetooth is not suitable
If your Bluetooth connection is unstable or requires better sound quality, consider other options:
- 🔌 HDMI ARC: It synchronizes sound and video without delay, and is suitable for port-based TV models. HDMI ARC/eARC (for example, Xiaomi TV Q1E).
- 💡 Optical cable (TOSLINK): It transmits multi-channel audio (like Dolby Digital) without compression. Minus - no feedback (cannot control volume from the TV remote).
- 🎧 AndUX (3.5mm: universal, but analogue, suitable for older models, but the sound quality is lower than Bluetooth with aptX.
To connect via HDMI ARC:
- Connect the HDMI ARC port on your TV to a similar port on the soundbar (if any).
- In the TV settings (Settings → Sound → Sound Output), select HDMI ARC.
- Activate the function CEC (Settings menu → HDMI), to control the soundbar from the TV remote.
Comparison of connection methods:
| Method | Sound quality | Delay. | Management |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | Average (depending on the codec) | Available (50-200 ms) | Through the soundbar remote |
| HDMI ARC | High (no loss) | No. | Through the TV remote. |
| Optical | High (multi-channel) | No. | Through the soundbar remote |
| AUX (3.5 mm) | Low (analog) | No. | Through the soundbar remote |
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For movies and games, HDMI ARC is optimal, for music, Bluetooth with aptX codec. Optical cable is suitable if the TV does not support ARC.
6. firmware update: why it's important for stable operation
The manufacturer regularly releases updates that correct Bluetooth connection errors. For example, in the firmware MIUI TV 3.0.12 for Xiaomi TV Q2, a bug with loss of sound when switching sources was fixed.
How to update firmware:
- On TV: Settings → About the program → System update.
- On the soundbar: via the Mi Home app (Updates section).
If the automatic update does not work:
- 📥 Download the firmware for your model from the official Xiaomi website (support section).
- 📁 Save the file to the flash drive in format FAT32.
- 🔄 Connect the flash drive to the TV and run the update manually through Settings → About the programme → Local Update.
⚠️ Warning: Do not interrupt the process of updating the TV firmware - this can lead to a knock (inoperability) of the device. If the TV is suspended during the installation phase, wait 15-20 minutes or turn off power for 30 seconds (only as a last resort!).
7. Controlling the soundbar from the TV remote
By default, the Xiaomi TV remote does not control the soundbar, but it can be customized:
- 🎛️ Through HDMI CEC: if the soundbar is connected to HDMI ARC, activate HDMI-CEC in the settings of TV (Settings) → HDMI → Management HDMI). Now the volume buttons on the TV remote will adjust the soundbar.
- 📱 Through the Mi Home app: Add a soundbar to the Xiaomi ecosystem and control it from your smartphone (including equalizer and sound modes).
For models without HDMI ARC (e.g. Redmi Soundbar), the only way to control is the original remote or the Mi Home app. Universal remotes (e.g. from Xiaomi Mi Remote) are not supported.