Xiaomi TVs are some of the most popular on the market due to their value for money, but many users face a typical problem: factory sound often leaves much to be desired. Even models marked βpremiumβ like the Mi TV Q2 or Redmi MAX 98 do not always please with bass depth or clarity of voices, the reason lies in compact speakers, optimized for a thin body, not for audiophile quality.
Fortunately, you can improve the sound without buying expensive acoustics β fine tune the built-in settings, update the firmware or connect budget external devices. In this article, we will discuss 7 working methods, including hidden settings MIUI TV, selection of external speakers and even hardware modifications for advanced users. And if you are just planning to buy β at the end of the article, there is a comparison table of Xiaomi models by sound characteristics.
1. Optimization of built-in sound settings
The first thing to start with is the basic audio settings in the TV menu. Even low-cost models like the Redmi Smart TV A55 have hidden options that can significantly improve your experience. Go to Settings β Sound and note the following:
- π Sound mode: Choose Film for balance or Music for low frequency amplification. News mode is suitable if voices sound too quiet in the background of music.
- ποΈ Equator: Turn on manual settings and raise sliders on 100 Hz (bass) and 3-6 kHz (voices). Reduce. 1-2 kHz to reduce dirt in medium frequencies.
- π Auto Volume: Turn off this option β it smooths out the peaks of sound, but it βcutsβ the dynamic range.
- π§ Headphone Access: If you connect wireless headphones, select the aptX codec or AAC for better quality (available on Bluetooth 5.0 models)+).
On models with MIUI TV 3.0+ (e.g. Mi TV P1), there is an optional option called Adjustments β Sound Improvement. Here you can turn on a virtual subwoofer (simulate low frequencies) and a stereobase extension ( surround sound effect) that works software, so don't expect miracles, but for movies and music, the difference will be noticeable.
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If the sound has become worse after the changes, reset the sound settings to the factory: Settings β System β Reset β Reset the sound settings.
2. Update of firmware and sound drivers
The manufacturer regularly releases updates that optimize audio processing. For example, in the firmware MIUI TV 3.5.1 for Mi TV Q1 was fixed bug with distortion of sound at high volume, and in Redmi TV A65 added support for Dolby Audio through HDMI ARC. Check the relevance of the version can be in Settings β About TV β System Update.
If the automatic update does not work, download the firmware manually:
- Go to the official Xiaomi website and choose your model.
- Download the file with the.zip extension and save it to a flash drive (FAT32 format).
- Connect the flash drive to the TV and run the update via Settings β Update β Update via USB.
What if the sound is lost after the update?
Important: On 2020-2021 models (such as Mi TV 4S) after upgrading to MIUI TV 3.0+, the sound may disappear from the Netflix and YouTube apps, a well-known bug that is fixed by rolling back to version 2.5.1 or installing a patch through ADB.
3. Connection of external acoustic systems
If the built-in speakers fail, external acoustics will be the best solution. Xiaomi TVs support several ways to connect:
| Type of connection | Pluses | Cons | Recommended models |
|---|---|---|---|
| HDMI ARC/eARC | Lossless digital sound, Dolby Atmos support | Requires a compatible soundbar or receiver | Xiaomi Mi Soundbar, Sony HT-G700 |
| Optical (TOSLINK) | Stable signal, no delays | Limit on bitrate (up to 192 kHz) | Yamaha YAS-109, JBL Bar 2.1 |
| Bluetooth | Wireless connection, simplicity | Sound delay (~100β200 ms), audio compression | Xiaomi Mi TV Bluetooth Speaker, JBL Charge 5 |
| 3.5 mm AUX | Universality, low cost | Analog signal, interference with long cable | Any active columns with AUX-entrance |
For models with HDMI ARC (for example, Mi TV Q2 75), we recommend the Xiaomi Mi Soundbar soundbar - it automatically syncs with the TV and supports Dolby Audio. If the budget is limited, take Redmi Soundbar with Bluetooth 5.0 connection - sound latency will be minimal (about 50 ms).
1.Plug the soundbar to the HDMI ARC port on your TV
2. Enable HDMI-CEC in your TV settings (Settings β HDMI β HDMI-CEC)
3. Select HDMI ARC as the sound source (Settings β Sound β Sound output)
4.Reboot the TV and soundbar-->
4. Customize sound through applications and services
Sound quality depends not only on the TV, but also on the source of the signal. Apps like Netflix, YouTube or Kodi have their own audio settings that are often ignored:
- π¬ Netflix: In your profile settings, select High in Stream Quality. Dolby Atmos requires a Premium subscription and compatible content.
- πΊ YouTube: Click on βοΈ in the player and select Quality β 1080p60 (HDR). The sound in this mode is encoded in AAC 256 kbps (better than in the 720p).
- π₯οΈ Kodi: Go to Settings β Player. β Audio and enable Dynamic Range Compression).
- π΅ Spotify: In the app settings, enable High Stream Quality (320 kbps) and turn off Volume Normalization.
Xiaomi's Google TVs (like the Mi TV P1E) have a hidden audio tunneling feature that allows you to redirect audio from apps directly to external devices without having to process the TV.
Settings β Applications β Special access β Audio tunnelingπ‘
When watching movies in 4K HDR, the sound can automatically switch to stereo, even if the source supports 5.1. To avoid this, select PCM over Auto in HDMI settings.
5. Hardware modifications for advanced users
If youβre willing to go beyond standard settings, consider hardware improvements.Savvy users are modifying Xiaomi TVs in the following ways:
- π§ Replacement of speakers: In Redmi models TV A55/A65 You can set the dynamics of a larger diameter (for example, 50 mm 40 Automotive acoustics (e.g. Pioneer) will work. TS-A1676F).
- π οΈ Installation of the amplifier: Mini-amplifier TPA3110 (cost ~1000 rubles.) is connected to the standard speakers and increases the power with 10W before 50W. Requires ration and power supply 12V.
- π Port modification AUX: On some models, the output of 3.5 mm is limited in power. R22 (1 kΞ©) by 220 ohms to increase the output signal.
β οΈ Warning: Any hardware modifications take you out of warranty. Before soldering, disconnect the TV from the network for 10 minutes, this will discharge the capacitors and prevent short circuit. If you are not sure about your skills, contact the master.
For Android TV 11+ models (such as Mi TV Q2 2023), there is an alternative way to firmware custom audio HAL (Hardware Abstraction Layer) that allows you to unlock hidden codecs like LDAC or DTS:X. For instructions and firmware, look at the 4PDA forum in your model theme.
6. Optimization of room acoustics
Even the most expensive speakers will sound bad in the wrong room, and the following tips will help improve acoustics without buying equipment:
- πͺ Location of the TV: Don't put it in the corner, it reinforces the bass, but it makes the sound "dirty." Optimal: on a wall or a low cabinet, 30 to 50 cm from the wall.
- π§Ή Echo absorption: Carpets, heavy curtains and upholstered furniture reduce reverb. For small rooms (up to 20 m2), one thick carpet is enough.
- πΌοΈ Acoustic panels: Homemade panels of mineral wool (wrapped with fabric) will absorb extra high frequencies. Place them on the side walls, not behind the TV.
- πͺ Closed windows: Glass reflects high frequencies, creating an unpleasant "metallic" hue. If the windows are large, use dense curtains.
To check the acoustics of the room, use the AudioTool app (available on Google Play for Android TVs). It analyzes the frequency characteristics of the room and shows which frequencies are too amplified or suppressed. For example, if a graph shows a peak of 250 Hz, this means that the room is walking basses β they can be reduced in the equalizer of the TV.
7. Alternative ways: from headphones to smart speakers
If external columns are not an option, consider alternative solutions:
- π§ Wireless headphones: Models with aptX Low Latency (e.g. Sony) WH-1000XM5) On Xiaomi TVs with Bluetooth 5.2, the delay is ~40ms.
- π Smart speakers: Xiaomi Mi Smart Speaker or Amazon Echo can be connected via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi (via Google Cast.
- π± Smartphone output: Apps like SoundWire transmit audio from TV to phone over a local network, useful for listening through headphones without delay.
- π» Sound map USB: The Creative Sound Blaster Play! 3 (~2000 RUB.) will improve the sound when connected to the port USB-A television.
For gamers, it's important to connect audio via HDMI to a PC or console. For example, the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 support the output of Dolby Atmos directly to the soundbar, bypassing the processing of the TV. To turn this mode on the Mi TV:
Settings β HDMI β Sound Format β Passthroughβ οΈ Note: When using Passthrough, the TV will not be able to adjust the volume - control will only be on an external device (set-top box or soundbar).