How to improve the sound on the Xiaomi TV: from settings to upgrade equipment

Why is the sound on Xiaomi TV disappointing?

Xiaomi TVs are famous for their price-to-quality ratio, but even the flagship models of the Mi TV Q2 or Redmi Smart Fire TV series are often criticized for their mediocre sound, and not only are small built-in speakers (usually 2×10 W or 2×15 W) to blame, but factory settings optimized for the “average” user. For example, the AI Sound mode automatically adjusts frequencies for content, but not always correctly – voices in movies can “sink” in bass, and music sounds flat.

To make matters worse, most owners don't know the hidden features of MIUI TV. So, the Settings → Sound → menu has a five-band equalizer that's disabled by default. And Dolby Audio models (like the Xiaomi TV A Pro) have a separate profile for surround sound, but it's only activated manually. Even placing the TV in the room correctly can improve acoustics by 30% - but this is rarely written in the instructions.

In this article, we will discuss 7 proven ways to improve sound, from software settings to hardware upgrades.

• 🎛️ Set up a hidden equalizer for perfect frequency balance
• 🔊 Use Dolby modes and DTS free-to-air
• 📦 Connect a soundbar or home theater without losing quality
• 🔧 Update the firmware to fix bugs with sound

Spoiler: In 80% of cases, it is enough to properly configure the built-in tools – the purchase of external acoustics is required only for real audiophiles or large rooms.

1. Optimization of factory sound settings

The first thing you need to do is reset the audio settings to the factory and set them up from scratch, because after a few firmware updates, the parameters can get lost, and the user presets can conflict with the new processing algorithms.

1. Go to Settings → Sound → Resetting sound settings.
2. Confirm the action (default password is 0000 or 1234).
3. Restart the TV (Settings → Device → Reboot).

Now let’s get to the basic setting:

• 🔇 Turn it off. AI Sound (if enabled): This mode often "recorrects" the sound, making it unnatural. → Sound. → AI Sound → Off.
• 📶 Select Sound Mode: Standard - for Talk Shows and News Movies - for Movies (enhances bass) Music - for Concert Recordings Game - for consoles (minimizes delays)
• 🔄 Activate Dolby Audio (if supported): Settings → Sound. → Dolby Audio → Including.. in Xiaomi models. TV A2 and newer is also available DTS Virtual:X for virtual surround sound.

Important: If the sound is quieter after the changes, check the volume level in Settings → Sound. → Volume level - sometimes resetting it drops to 50%. Also make sure that in the settings HDMI (Settings → Devices → HDMI) not activated ARC (Audio Return Channel if you don't use soundbar.

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If after updating the firmware, the sound has disappeared in some applications (for example, YouTube), try clearing the app cache: Settings → Apps → Select the application → Clear the cache.

2. Thin equalizer setting (hidden features)

The built-in equalizer in Xiaomi TV is one of the most flexible among budget TVs, but it's hidden in the depths of the menu.

1. Open Settings → Sound → Additional → Equalizer.
2. If the option is inactive, pre-select User mode in the main audio menu.

Recommended presets for different scenarios:

Professional life hack: if you lack bass, but increasing 60 Hz leads to "drum", try reducing 250 Hz by 1-2 dB. This will reduce the resonation of the TV body. To check, use the test frequencies on YouTube (see "sweep test 20Hz to 20kHz").

In the Xiaomi TV P1 and later, there is an optional option Settings → Sound → Additional → Bassboot. It should only be turned on when listening to music - for movies, it makes the sound dirty.

• 🔊 Wide for night viewing (silent sounds become louder)
• 🔇 Limited for daytime (retains original dynamics)

3. Hardware Improvements: Soundbars and Acoustic Systems

If the software settings do not give the desired result, it is time to consider external devices. Even a budget soundbar for 5-10 thousand rubles will surpass the built-in speakers Xiaomi TV in all respects.

Connection options (from best to worst):

1. HDMI ARC/eARC - transmits lossless multi-channel audio (Dolby Atmos, DTS:X) and HDMI ARC port is usually signed on the back of the TV.
2. Optical cable (TOSLINK) supports up to 5.1 audio, but does not transmit new formats like Dolby Atmos.
3. Bluetooth is convenient, but there is a sound delay (~100-200 ms) and audio compression.
4. 3.5 mm AUX - analog connection, subject to interference.

For models Xiaomi Mi TV Q2 and P1 optimal choice – soundbars with support for Dolby Atmos, for example:

• 🎵 Xiaomi Mi Soundbar – budget version with virtual 3D-sound
• 🎚️ Sony HT-G700 — 3.1-system with subwoofer and support for Atmos
• 🔊 JBL Bar 5.1 - full 5.1-system with detachable rear columns

Important: When connecting via HDMI ARC, you need to:

1. Activate HDMI CEC (Settings → Devices → HDMI CEC → On).
2. Choose. ARC customized HDMI-port.
3. Set the sound format → Auto or Passthrough.

Turn on HDMI CEC TV-setting|Connect the cable to the port HDMI ARC|Select Passthrough mode for sound|Check out the soundbar firmware updates|Turn off the built-in TV speakers-->

If the soundbar doesn't make a sound after you've connected:

⚠️ Note: In Xiaomi TVs with firmware below MIUI TV 3.0 is a bug that causes HDMI ARC Solution: Update your firmware or use optical cable.

4. Update firmware and fix bugs with sound

About 15% of Xiaomi’s audio problems TV They're related to outdated firmware, like versions. MIUI TV 2.1.45 and below was a bug that caused the sound to disappear when switching between HDMI-And in 3.0.5, we got support. DTS:X, but only after manual update.

How to update firmware:

• 📥 Automatically: Settings → About the device → Updating the system → Check for updates.
• 🔧 Manual: Download the firmware for your model from the official website. Copy the file update.zip flash-drive (FAT32). Connect the flash drive to the TV and select Settings → About the device → Updating the system → Local Update.