How to turn on Xiaomi column: all ways for different models

Xiaomi’s portable speakers are some of the most popular gadgets for high-quality sound, but even with them sometimes there are difficulties. The most common problem is that the device does not respond to the on button, does not emit sounds or suddenly switches off after an update. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to include Xiaomi speakers, from the classic models of the Mi Portable Speaker to the modern Redmi Soundbar and Xiaomi Smart Speaker.

It's important to understand that the process can vary depending on the model, the firmware version, and even the reason why the speaker is "hang," and we'll look at not only the standard button activation, but also alternative methods: through the Mi Home app, after the battery is completely drained, and what to do if the speaker turns on but only turns off immediately or only makes system sounds. If your model supports Xiao AI voice assistant, you'll find instructions for this case as well.

Before you start, check the obvious: whether the column is charged (the indicator should burn when connected to the network), whether the cable is damaged, whether moisture has entered the connectors, these points are often overlooked, wasting time on complex manipulations.

1. Standard power button activation

Most Xiaomi speakers are turned on with a long press on the physical power button, but even here there are nuances that depend on the model and condition of the device.

For classic portable speakers (Mi Portable Speaker, Mi Bluetooth Speaker, Redmi Speaker Play):

• 🔘 Press and hold the power button (usually marked with a symbol) ⊙ or PWR) 3-5 seconds until you hear a beep or flash the indicator.
• 🔋 If the column is discharged, connect it to charging for 10-15 minutes, then try again - some models block the on at a critical charge level.
• 🔊 For models with touch buttons (such as Xiaomi Mi Smart Speaker) a short touch is enough – a long press can work as a reset.

If the column does not respond:

• 🔌 Try another charger (preferably original with output) 5V/2A).
• 🔄 Turn off the speaker from charging, wait 30 seconds and plug again - sometimes "rebooting" the power controller helps.

2. Enable via the Mi Home app

If the physical button doesn’t work, but the speaker is connected to a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth network, you can try turning it on through the official app, which is suitable for smart speakers (Xiaomi Smart Speaker, Redmi X Series) and some models that support Mi Home.

Instructions:

1. Open the Mi Home app and make sure you are logged in to the same account as the column.
2. Go to Devices → Sound (or find the column in the list of all gadgets).
3. Click on the column icon, then select Management → Enable (or similar).
4. If the column appears as “Offline”, try updating the device list (swipe down) or reconnecting it to the network.

For columns with Google Assistant or Alice support:

• 🎤 Turn on the speaker with a voice command: “OK Google, turn on Xiaomi Speaker” or “Alice, turn on the music in the column».
• 📱 In the Yandex Music or Google Home app, select the speaker as the audio output device – sometimes it automatically “wakes” it.

3. Inclusion after full discharge or "hang"

If the speaker is completely discharged or “hangs” (for example, after firmware), a standard press of the button may not work, in which case forced reboot or “resuscitation” through the charger will help.

Algorithm of action:

1. Connect the column to the original charger (do not use it) USB-Computer port – current may not be enough).
2. Leave on charging for at least 30 minutes, even if the indicator is not lit.
3. After that, press and hold the power button for 10-15 seconds – this will work as a “hard reset”.
4. If the speaker made a sound, but does not turn on, repeat the pressing again (sometimes 2-3 attempts are required).

For models with removable battery (for example, older versions of the Mi Bluetooth Speaker):

• 🔋 Remove the battery for 10 seconds, then insert back and try to turn it on.
• ⚡ If the column is not charged after that, check the contacts of the battery for oxidation (wipe with alcohol).

4. Enable by resetting settings (Hard Reset)

If the speaker doesn't respond to either the button or the charge, the last chance is to reset to the factory settings, which is a method that works for most models, but after that you have to reconfigure the Wi-Fi/Bluetooth connection.

How to make a Hard Reset:

• 🔄 For Mi Portable Speaker and Redmi Speaker Play: Press and Hold the Power buttons + Bluetooth (or Power) + Loudness +) 10-15 seconds until you hear a double beep.
• 🎛️ For Xiaomi Smart Speaker: Find a small hole with the Reset label on the back and press it with a paper clip (hold it for 5 seconds).
• 📱 For speakers with Mi Home support: reset can be done through the application in the Device Settings section → Reset.

After reset, the speaker must turn on in initial setting mode (usually flashing blue or white).If this does not happen, the problem may be in the hardware (for example, damaged power controller).

Turn off the column from charging

Make sure there are no important Bluetooth devices nearby (reset will remove all pairings)

Prepare a paper clip for the Reset button (if any)

The charger should be on hand (after reset, an update may be required)

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5. Features of inclusion for different models Xiaomi

Not all Xiaomi speakers are included the same way, and the table below shows the key differences for popular models:

For HDMI ARC speakers (e.g. Redmi Soundbar):

• 📺 Connect her to the TV through HDMI-cable – some models are switched on automatically when the signal is given.
• 🔊 In the settings of the TV, select the sound output → HDMI ARC.

💡

If your Xiaomi speaker doesn’t turn on either way, check it on another charger – often the problem lies in a faulty power supply or cable.

6. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

Many users make the same mistakes when trying to turn on a column, and here are the most common ones:

• ❌ Use of non-original cable: cheap cables may not provide enough current to charge, which means the speaker does not turn on. Always use a kit cable or a certified cable. USB-C/Micro-USB.
• ❌ Charging interruption: if the column is discharged to zero, it must be charged for at least 30 minutes without interruption.
• ❌ Ignoring indicators: flashing red LED signals discharge, blue signals pairing mode, white signals reset. Ignoring the indication, you may miss important clues.

Another common problem is Bluetooth device conflict, where if the speaker was previously paired with another gadget (like a smartphone), it can automatically connect to it, ignoring new commands.

1. Turn off Bluetooth on all previously coupled devices.
2. Reset the column settings (see section 4).
3. Re-interface with the desired device.

💡

If the speaker is turned on but the sound is distorted or interrupted, try disabling the LDAC or AAC function in your smartphone’s Bluetooth settings – sometimes codecs conflict with Xiaomi’s firmware.

7.If nothing helps: Diagnostics of malfunctions

If you’ve tried all of these, but Xiaomi still doesn’t turn on, the problem could be hardware.

• 🔋 No charge: check the multimeter voltage on the battery. 3.0V, battery.
• 🔊 No sound, but the indicators are on: the speaker or audio chip may be damaged (often after a drop or moisture hits).
• 💥 Column warms or smells of burn: immediately disconnect it from the network - this is a sign of a short circuit.

For self-diagnosis:

1. Disassemble the body (if it is collapsible) and examine the board for the presence of inflated capacitors or traces of oxidation.
2. Check the integrity of the flexible plumes (especially after falls).
3. Connect the speaker to the PC via USB – if it is identified as an unknown device, the problem is in the firmware (you need to flash through Fastboot).

⚠️ Note: If you are unsure of your electronics repair skills, do not try to solder or replace parts yourself.Contact Xiaomi service center - attempts to repair without experience can lead to a complete failure of the device.

FAQ: Frequent questions about including Xiaomi speakers