Connecting Bluetooth headphones to a Xiaomi TV: full instruction 2026

Why don’t Bluetooth headphones connect to Xiaomi TV the first time?

Wireless headphones have become an integral part of home theater, but their connection to Xiaomi TVs (Mi TV 4/5 series, Redmi Smart TV, Xiaomi TV A Pro) often raises questions. The problem is not the devices themselves, but the features of the firmware and limitations of the Bluetooth stack, which TVs use to save energy. For example, models until 2022 release may not support AAC or aptX codec, which leads to audio delay or communication breaks.

In this article, we’ll look at all the ways you can connect, from standard pairing through the settings menu to workarounds using adapters. Particular attention will be paid to Xiaomi TV models on Android TV 9/10, where the Bluetooth module can be turned off by default to save resources. If your TV can’t see the headphones, it doesn’t always mean a malfunction — most often, just reset the Bluetooth cache or update the firmware.

Before you start, check:

• 🔋 Headphone charge (discharged devices may not appear in the list of available devices)
• 📱 Codec compatibility (earphones with aptX Low Latency may not work with Xiaomi budget models)
• 🔄 Coupling mode on headphones (usually activated by a long press of the power button)

Method 1: Standard connection via the settings menu

This is the most obvious method, which works on 90% of Xiaomi models. the interface may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI TV or Android TV, but the general logic persists:

1. Turn the headphones on in pairing mode (usually hold the power button for 5-7 seconds until the indicator blinks).
2. On the Xiaomi remote, click Settings → Remotes & accessories (or Bluetooth in older versions).
3. Select Add Accessory → Bluetooth.
4. In the list, find the name of your headphones (such as AirPods Pro or Sony WH-1000XM5) and confirm the connection.

If the headphones are not displayed:

• 🔄 Restart the TV (Power button on the remote hold 10 seconds).
• 📵 Make sure there are no other devices nearby that cause interference (Wi-Fi routers at 2.4 GHz, microwaves).
• 🔧 Update the TV firmware: Settings → About → System update.

Headphone Charge > 30% |Pairing Mode activated |Bluetooth enabled in TV settings |Distance to TV < 1 meter

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⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi Mi models TV 4A (2018-2019) Bluetooth module can be disabled by default. To activate it, go to Settings → Network & accessories → Bluetooth and switch on the switch.

Method 2: Connect via remote with microphone (for Mi TV 5 and later)

Xiaomi Mi TV 5, Mi TV Q1/Q2 and Xiaomi TV A Pro support voice control and have an improved Bluetooth stack. If the standard method did not work, try:

1. Hold the Google Assistant button on the remote (or microphone button) and say, “Connect Bluetooth headphones.”
2. The system will automatically start searching for devices. Select your headphones from the list.
3. Confirm pairing on both devices (some headphones will need to press the confirmation button).

This method is especially useful if the headphones support fast pairing (such as Sony LDAC or Bose QuietComfort).The voice assistant uses an optimized connection protocol that reduces sound latency.

TWS (e.g. AirPods)| Overhead (Sony, Bose)|Inlays (JBL, Xiaomi)|Game (SteelSeries, Razer)|Others

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Method 3: Using a Bluetooth transmitter (if there is no module in the TV)

Xiaomi’s budget models (like the Redmi Smart TV X43 or the older Mi TV 3S) may not have Bluetooth built-in, with an external adapter plugged into a USB-A port or 3.5mm jack helping.

Instructions for connecting through USB-adapter:

1. Connect the adapter to the USB port on your TV.
2. Put the headphones in pairing mode.
3. On the adapter, click the search button (usually a blue LED flashes).
4. Select headphones from the Bluetooth TV menu (if the adapter supports HFP or A2DP).

⚠️ Note: Adapters with a 3.5mm jack connection may not be able to transmit audio from apps (such as Netflix or YouTube) as some Xiaomi models block analog output for the app. DRM-secure content.

Method 4: Connect via an app (for Android TV)

If your TV is running on Android TV (such as Xiaomi Mi TV Q1 or Xiaomi TV A2), you can use third-party applications to control Bluetooth.

• 🎧 Bluetooth Auto Connect – automatically connects headphones when you turn on TV.
• 🔊 SoundAssistant – allows you to set the priority of audio devices.
• 🛠️ Bluetooth Repair Tool – resets Bluetooth cache if headphones are “forgotten".

Installation:

1. Open the Google Play Store on your TV.
2. Find one of the apps above and install it.
3. Launch the app and follow the on-screen instructions (usually you need to provide Bluetooth access).

Apps are especially useful if the TV forgets its headphones after turning off or restarting, such as Bluetooth Auto Connect, which can save a list of trusted devices and restore the connection automatically.

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If the app doesn’t install, check the security settings: Settings → Apps → Special app access → Install unknown apps and allow installation from Google Play.

Problem Solving: Headphones are connected, but there is no sound

One of the most common problems is that the TV sees the headphones, the pairing is successful, but the sound continues to go through the speakers.

If the sound never came up,

• 🔄 Restart the TV and headphones.
• 🔧 Reset the sound settings: Settings → Sound → Reset sound settings.
• 📱 Check the headphones on another device (smartphone or laptop).

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Mi) TV 4S) When connecting Bluetooth headphones, the sound automatically turns off through HDMI ARC. To return the sound to the soundbar, you will have to manually switch the output device.

Alternative ways: if Bluetooth doesn’t work at all

If none of the methods worked, consider alternative connectivity options:

• 🎵 3.5mm audio connector: Use wired headphones or Bluetooth transmitter adapter → 3.5 mm jack (e.g. TaoTronics) TT-BA07).
• 📶 Wi-Fi Direct: Some headphones (e.g. Sony) WH-1000XM4) Support Wi-Fi connectivity. Turn on this feature in your headphone settings and find them in the Settings menu. → Network → Wi-Fi Direct on TV.
• 🖥️ Through Smart. TV Box: Connect to an external Android TV Box (e.g. Xiaomi Mi Box S) to TV on TV HDMI And pair your headphones with him.

If the problem is a hardware malfunction of the Bluetooth module, contact the service center. On Xiaomi models older than 2020, the module can be replaced separately (repair costs from 1,500). ₽).

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Before contacting the service, check if Bluetooth is disabled in the engineering menu. To do this, click Menu → Settings → All Settings → General → System Manager → Developer Options → Bluetooth settings.

FAQ: Frequent questions about connecting Bluetooth headphones to Xiaomi TV