Owners of modern Smart TVs often face the fact that the built-in acoustics do not provide the desired sound quality. The thin housings of Xiaomi Mi TV and Redmi TV physically do not allow you to accommodate powerful speakers, which makes the sound flat and devoid of bass. Connecting an external acoustic system through a wireless Bluetooth interface becomes the ideal solution for improving the audio of movies and games without the need to lay unnecessary wires.
The process of synchronizing devices in the Android TV ecosystem, on which modern Xiaomi models are based, is usually easy, but has its own nuances. The operating system can handle the priorities of audio output in different ways, and different versions of MIUI TV firmware sometimes hide the necessary menu items. In this article, we will discuss in detail the algorithm of actions that will allow you to bring sound to an external speaker, soundbar or headphones.
Before you go to settings, make sure your audio system is in pairing mode. Most portable speakers, such as JBL, Xiaomi Mi Compact Bluetooth Speaker or Harman Kardon, require a long-term hold on the on button or a special button with a Bluetooth symbol to activate visibility. Unless the indicator on the device flashes blue or white (depending on the model), the TV will simply not be able to detect it in the list of available gadgets.
⚠️ Warning: Make sure the Bluetooth speaker is at least 20% charged. At low charge, some models go into power saving mode and stop transmitting audio correctly, causing interruptions to the sound.
Preparation of equipment and compatibility check
The first step is to test the technical ability of your TV to work with external audio devices. Virtually all Xiaomi models released after 2018 are equipped with a built-in Bluetooth 4.0 module or higher, which guarantees stable audio transmission. However, older versions of Android TV may have restrictions on the number of devices that are simultaneously connected or support for certain audio codecs.
It is recommended to place the speaker at a distance of no more than 3-5 meters from the TV, and there should be no massive metal obstacles between them. Bluetooth signal operates at 2.4 GHz, which is also used by Wi-Fi routers, which can cause interference. If you notice severe interference, try temporarily turning off Wi-Fi on the TV during the initial setup process.
It's important to remember that when you connect Bluetooth headphones or speakers, the TV's built-in speakers automatically turn off. This is a routine behavior that you can't change software without using third-party software. If you plan to switch between the built-in sound and external acoustics periodically, you'll have to reconnect to the settings menu every time.
Step-by-step instructions for pairing devices
To start the process, you need to go to the main menu of your Xiaomi TV. Using the remote control, press the Home button and find the gear icon in the upper right corner of the screen. This is the entrance to the Settings section, where all system settings of the device are located.
In the menu that opens, select Devices and Accessories or simply Bluetooth, depending on the version of the MIUI for TV shell. The system will prompt you to turn on the wireless module if it is turned off. Once activated, the TV will automatically search for available devices within range.
☑️ Connection algorithm
When your speaker name appears on the list (e.g., Redmi Speaker or Generic Bluetooth Audio), select it and press the OK button on the remote. The screen may ask you to confirm pairing with or without the code. In most cases, just confirm the action, and in a few seconds the system will give the message "Connected".
⚠️ Warning: If the TV says "Unconnected," try removing the device from the list of previously used devices (forget the device) and re-search.
Configuring the sound output parameters
Once you pair the sound successfully, it has to go through the speaker, but to achieve the best quality, you need to adjust it further. Go to Settings → Sound → Digital Output (or similar in your version of the software), and it’s important to choose the right output format to avoid codec conflicts.
In the sound effects menu, you should choose Standard or Movie modes, as the bass amplification modes on the TV itself can conflict with the speaker’s own sound processing, causing distortion. If your speaker supports aptX or LDAC technology, make sure that the engineering menu (if available) or advanced Bluetooth settings select the appropriate high-resolution codec for transmitting sound.
Some users are faced with a situation where the sound is coming from both the TV and the speaker, or switches randomly, in which case you need to go to the settings of a particular application (for example, YouTube or Netflix) and check whether there is a priority output, and also helps to completely restart the TV with the Hard Reset method (off the socket for 1 minute), which resets the temporary errors of the audio driver.
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To minimize the delay of sound in games, use the Game mode in the TV sound settings, if such a item is available in your model.
Solving problems with audio delay (Latency)
One of the most common problems with Bluetooth acoustics on TVs is the desynchronization of image and sound. You can see the character opening his mouth, but the sound of the voice is pronounced with a noticeable delay, a phenomenon called Latency, and it's caused by the time it takes to encode, transmit and decode the audio signal.
The default standard SBC transmission protocol often has a latency of up to 200-300 ms, which is critical for dynamic scenes. To reduce this effect, try switching the codec in the developer settings ("Bluetooth Audio Codec" in the Developer menu). Switching to aptX Low Latency (if supported by both devices) can reduce latency to 40 ms, making it almost invisible.
If software methods don't work, the only way out is to use a wired connection via a 3.5mm Jack connector or an S/PDIF optical output if your TV model and speaker allow it. The wireless technology, unfortunately, has physical data speed limits that don't always allow for perfect synchronization on budget models.
Why is the delay more noticeable in games than in movies?
Comparison of methods of connecting external acoustics
The choice of connection depends on your priorities: sound quality, convenience or no delays. Below is a table that will help you determine the best option for your situation.
| Connection method | Sound quality | Delay (Latency) | Convenience |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth (SBC) | Average. | Tall. | High. |
| Bluetooth (aptX HD) | High. | Medium | High. |
| Optical cable (S/PDIF) | Maximum. | Absent. | Low (needs wire) |
| AUX cable (3.5 mm) | Good. | Absent. | Average. |
As you can see from the table, Bluetooth protocol aptX HD is the middle ground for most users who want to get rid of wires but maintain decent quality. However, for professional eSports or viewing content with very demanding synchronization, it is better to consider wired options.
It’s also worth mentioning that some advanced Bluetooth transmitters plugged into the optical output of the TV have their own built-in codecs and can transmit sound better than the built-in TV module.
⚠️ Note: When using an optical cable, make sure that the value is selected in the TV sound settings in the "Digital format" item. PCM, Many simple speakers cannot decode the Dolby Digital format on the fly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can you connect two Bluetooth speakers to the same Xiaomi TV at the same time?
Why can't the TV see my column when it's working on my phone?
Does Bluetooth have a worse sound quality than wire?
What to do if the sound is interrupted when Wi-Fi is turned on?
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The stability of the Bluetooth connection depends on the absence of interference in the 2.4 GHz band and the relevance of the TV drivers.
In conclusion, connecting a Bluetooth speaker to a Xiaomi TV is an easy way to significantly improve the user experience. Despite possible small nuances with delays, modern technology allows you to enjoy surround and clear sound without the complex installation of additional equipment. Experiment with equalizer settings and device layouts for perfect results.