How to add sound to Xiaomi TV Stick: the complete guide

Buying a Xiaomi TV Stick is often a great solution for turning a regular TV into a full-fledged Smart Center. However, many users face an unpleasant problem: even at the maximum volume level on the TV, the sound from the “stick” itself remains too quiet or barely distinguishable, this is especially noticeable when watching movies in modern formats or using a Bluetooth headset.

The reason lies in the software limitations of Android TV, which by default may not be using the full potential of speakers or Bluetooth devices. Fortunately, there are several proven ways to get around these limitations and make the audio stream significantly louder and richer. In this article, we will discuss all effective methods, from simple settings to the use of specialized software.

Before you get to the tricky part, you need to make sure that the basic settings are correct. Sometimes the problem is solved by simply reconnecting or changing the format of the audio output. Audio codecs and data channels play a key role in the final volume, so you can't ignore the technical aspects of the connection.

Basic volume setting via remote and TV

The most obvious, but often ignored, step is to check the synchronization of the remotes. Xiaomi TV Stick users have virtually two control devices in their hands: the native remote from the TV and the Bluetooth remote from the console. It is important to understand that the volume of the "stick" is controlled separately from the volume of the TV speakers. If you only add sound to the TV, and the software slider Android TV is at a minimum, the effect will not be.

Use the volume buttons on Xiaomi's Bluetooth pool to make sure the internal sound level is twisted to the maximum. The screen should show the appropriate Android TV scale, not the TV. In some cases, you need to activate the HDMI-CEC feature, which allows you to control both devices simultaneously. Without this feature, you will have to use two remotes, which creates confusion.

It's also worth checking whether Quiet Night mode or similar dynamic range compression features, which are often active by default in audio settings. They're designed to level the volume at night, but in the daytime make the sound flat and quiet. Disabling these features can instantly solve the problem.

⚠️ Note: If you use optical audio output via an adapter, make sure that in the Xiaomi settings TV Stick selected output format PCM, since many of the DAC-Converters do not support Dolby Digital surround sound.

To check the current sound parameters, you can use the following sequence of actions:

• 🔊 Press the "Settings" button (cogs) on the remote.
• 📺 Go to the Device Settings section → Sound.
• 🔇 Make sure the volume slider is in the extreme right position.
• 🎚️ Find the item "Digital exit" and try to switch modes between "Auto","PCM" and "Pass-through".

The correct calibration is important at this point, because it serves as the basis for all subsequent amplifiers, and even if the sound is not satisfactory after that, then we move on to deeper system settings.

Change the format of digital audio (HDMI and Optical)

One of the hidden reasons for silent sound is the discrepancy between the audio stream format and the capabilities of your acoustic system. Xiaomi TV Stick by default can try to bring multi-channel sound (such as 5.1 or Dolby Atmos) to the stereo speakers of the TV, as a result, the TV can not properly decode the signal and plays only part of the channels, which makes the sound very quiet.

The solution is to manually set the output format, so you have to force the system to switch to dual-channel stereo, so it's going to mix all the sound into two channels, which is guaranteed to increase the volume and legibility of the dialogue.

To do this, go to the audio settings menu, find the section for advanced settings or digital output, and you need to change the Digital Output setting, and the right option depends on whether the audio is directly connected to the TV or to the external acoustics.

Below is a table of recommended settings depending on the type of connection:

Changing these settings requires rebooting the device to take effect. Once turned on, check the volume level in the same content where problems have previously been observed.

Use of sound amplifiers (Volume Booster)

If system settings are not enough, specialized applications from the Google Play store come to the rescue. There are many programs that allow you to increase the volume by software, often up to 200% or even 600% of the standard level. This is the most effective way for owners of Xiaomi TV Stick, since it does not require root rights.

One of the most popular and reliable solutions is the Volume Booster GOODEV app, which is simple, free and works perfectly on the Android TV platform. The principle of its work is to amplify the audio signal before sending it to the output of HDMI or Bluetooth.

The installation and configuration process is as follows:

• 📥 Open the Google Play Store on the console.
• 🔍 In the search, type "Volume Booster" and select the application from the developer GOODEV.
• 🚀 Start the program and accept the risk warning (don’t bet any more). 40-50%).
• 🎚️ Smoothly enlarge the Boost slider, checking the result by hearing.

It's important not to overdo it. Setting the gain above 50-60% can cause digital distortion, wheezing, and even damage the dynamics of a TV or Bluetooth headphones. The Volume Booster puts a strain on the processor, so on older console models, the interface may become less responsive.

⚠️ Warning: Long-term use of maximum amplification (over 80%) can lead to overloading of the audio track and the appearance of a permanent background or cod in the speakers.

Set up equalizer and sound profiles

Often the problem is not the lack of decibels, but the wrong frequency allocation. Low frequencies can "clog" the averages on which human speech is located, which makes it seem that the sound is quiet. Built-in equalizer or audio profile settings will help to correct the situation.

Some versions of the Xiaomi TV Stick firmware have an integrated equalizer. If not, you can use third-party apps like Flat Equalizer or Bass Booster, which allow you to raise the medium and high frequencies, making the sound clearer and louder by ear.

The "News," "Voice" or "Clear Voice" modes are specifically designed to emphasize dialogue, and if you watch movies with poor translation or quiet voice acting, these profiles will be most effective.

To access the advanced sound settings:

1. Go to Settings → Device → About the system.
2. Find the item "Build" and click on it 7 times to turn on the developer mode (if the equalizer is hidden).
3. In the menu “For developers” look for audio settings.

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Try turning off Surround Sound in the settings if it's on. On cheap TVs, this feature often makes the sound quieter and louder.

Connecting external acoustics and Bluetooth devices

Embedded speakers of TVs, especially budget models, physically cannot provide powerful and clean sound. Xiaomi TV Stick makes it easy to get around this limitation by connecting an external audio system.

The best audio is through optical output (if TV has one) or HDMI ARC/eARC. In this case, the sound goes directly to the acoustic decoder, bypassing the weak speakers of the TV. If this is not possible, use a Bluetooth adapter or connect speakers through a 3.5 mm connector (Mini Jack) on the TV itself.

When using Bluetooth headphones or speakers, make sure they support AAC or aptX codec. The standard SBC codec can give latency and lower volume. In Bluetooth settings on the console, you can try to turn off "Absolute Volume", which will allow you to adjust the volume independently on the console and on the headphones, summing their levels.

Connection scheme for maximum quality:

Xiaomi Stick (HDMI) → TV (HDMI ARC/Optical) → Soundbar/Receiver

This chain ensures that you get the highest possible quality and volume available to your system.

Diagnostics and solution of driver problems

In rare cases, a quiet sound may be due to a software failure or driver conflict after a system update. If none of the above methods worked, try resetting the sound settings or performing a complete reset of the device.

Sometimes it helps to clear the cache of the app you’re watching content through (like YouTube or Netflix). Go to Settings → Apps → All apps, find the problem app, and select Clear Cache and Clear Data. This will return the app’s audio settings to factory.

It's also worth checking whether the volume limit in the player app itself is worth it.Many video players have their own volume slider that can be set to a minimum even if the system volume is twisted.

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Integrated approach: the combination of PCM format tuning, Volume Booster and external acoustics provides 100% results in the elimination of quiet sound.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)