How to connect audio output to Xiaomi Mi Box S: 4 proven ways

If you are a happy owner of Xiaomi Mi Box S and want to get the most out of it, this article is for you. The console supports several ways to output audio, but not all users know how to set them up correctly. This is especially true for those who connect the device to old audio systems, soundbars or headphones – there are often problems with synchronization or lack of sound.

We will analyze all available options for audio output connectivity, from standard HDMI ARC to optical output SPDIF and wireless technologies, pay special attention to the typical errors that prevent you from getting clean sound, and give specific recommendations for setting up for different scenarios, whether it is a home theater or listening to music via Bluetooth.

Important: The Mi Box S doesn't have a built-in 3.5mm audio output, but that doesn't mean you can't plug in analog speakers.

Connection via HDMI: Basic and Advanced Modes

The most common way is to output sound through HDMI-But even here, there's a nuance: not everyone knows that the Mi Box S supports video and audio. HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel, which allows you to control sound through the TV and connect the soundbar without additional cables.

To activate HDMI ARC, follow the following steps:

• 🔌 Connect the Mi Box S to the port HDMI on a TV marked ARC eARC.
• 📺 In the settings of the TV, turn on the function HDMI-CEC (usually under "System settings" or "Sound").
• ⚙️ On the console, go to Settings → Sound and vibration → HDMI and select Auto mode (ARC).
• 🔄 Restart both devices to apply changes.

If your TV doesn’t support you ARC, use the standard HDMI-In this case, the sound will be transmitted only in one direction, from the console to the TV. To check the quality of the audio, use a test video with surround sound (for example, on YouTube in 5.1 format).

⚠️ Note: If, after connecting through HDMI No sound, check to see if the TV is activated with External Speakers. LG This parameter blocks the sound from HDMI-entrances.

Optical output SPDIF: how to connect digital audio

Xiaomi Mi Box S is equipped with optical output SPDIF (TOSLINK), which allows you to transmit uncompressed digital sound in Dolby Digital and DTS formats. This is ideal for connecting to receivers, soundbars or active speakers with optical input. The main advantage is the absence of interference and high clarity of sound.

To connect you will need:

• 🔦 Optical cable TOSLINK (standard or mini-connector if your audio system requires an adapter).
• 🎵 Optical input device (e.g. Yamaha) RX-V485 or Sony soundbar HT-X8500).

Instructions for setting:

1. Connect one end of the cable to the SPDIF port on the back of the Mi Box S.
2. Insert the other end into the optical input of the audio system.
3. On the console, go to Settings → Sound and vibration → Digital audio output.
4. Select Auto format (for automatic determination) or manually specify Dolby Digital/DTS if your system supports only one of them.
5. Turn on the test mode to check the synchronization of sound and video.

⚠️ Note: If, after connecting through SPDIF The sound is interrupted or is delayed, try to turn off the function HDMI-CEC In some cases, it conflicts with the optical output.

3. Wireless audio: Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Direct

If you don't want to mess around with wires, the Mi Box S supports Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Direct audio output, which is convenient for wireless headphones, speakers or soundbars, but there are limitations: Bluetooth can transmit SBC or AAC audio, which is not suitable for audiophiles, but is quite enough for watching movies.

How to connect a Bluetooth device:

1. Go to Settings → Devices → Bluetooth.
2. Activate device search.
3. Turn on the pairing mode on your Bluetooth speaker or headphones (usually the power button is held for 3-5 seconds).
4. Select the device from the list and confirm the connection.

For Wi-Fi Direct (e.g., Xiaomi Mi Smart Speaker):

• 📶 Make sure that the speaker and console are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
• 🔗 In the Mi Box S audio settings, select the Wi-Fi Direct Audio option.
• 🔍 Wait until the console finds compatible devices, and pair.

Important: Bluetooth may cause a delay of up to 200 ms to reduce:

• 🎧 Use headphones or speakers with support for aptX Low Latency.
• 📶 Place the console and audio device at a distance of not more than 3 meters.
• 🔄 Disable other Bluetooth devices to avoid interference.

💡

If Bluetooth audio is interrupted, try switching the console to a Wi-Fi 5 GHz channel (if your router supports dual-band), which will reduce interference from other devices.

Connection of analogue speakers: workarounds

The Xiaomi Mi Box S doesn't have a built-in 3.5mm audio output, but that doesn't mean you can't plug in old speakers or headphones. There are three working ways:

1. HDMI + adapter: use HDMI-audio extractor (e.g, OREI HDA-935), emitter HDMI and transforms it into RCA 3.5 mm.
2. Bluetooth transmitter: connect an external Bluetooth adapter to the console (for example, 1Mii B06 Plus), and then connect it to the columns through AUX-cable.
3. USB-C hub: Some 3.5mm hubs (such as Baseus 7-in-1) can work with the Mi Box S, but require additional customization in Settings → About → Special features.

The most reliable option — HDMI-It supports all audio formats, including Dolby Digital, and it doesn't cause any delays:

1. Connect the Mi Box S → HDMI- Audio Extractor → TV (via HDMI).


2. Connect the speakers to the extractor audio output (RCA or 3.5 mm).




3. In the set-top box settings, select the PCM sound format (if the extractor does not support Dolby).

⚠️ Attention: When in use USB-C The hub may be jammed by a lack of power, in which case connect the hub to the charger via the port. USB-PD.

5. Sound setting in Android TV: optimization for your system

Even if you plug in the audio output correctly, the sound may not sound as expected. Android TV has hidden settings that allow you to fine-tune the audio.

• 🎛️ Change the volume level for different formats (separately for the PCM Dolby).
• 🔊 Activate sound normalization (aligns volume between movies and advertising).
• 🎚️ Set up an equalizer for different genres (available in some firmware).

How to open the advanced sound settings:

1. Go to Settings → Sound and vibration → More
2. Select HDMI formats and tick the formats supported by your audio system.
3. In the Sound Effects section, activate Surround Sound (if your system supports 5.1).
4. To normalize, turn on Dynamic Compression (useful for night viewing).

If after updating the firmware lost sound through SPDIF, reset the sound settings to factory: go to Settings → Applications → All applications → Sound → Reset.

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For better sound in movies, turn off the Android TV audio processing (Settings → Sound → Sound Effects → Off).This will allow the audio system to decode Dolby/DTS on its own.

Troubleshooting: Why there is no sound or it is distorted

If the sound is missing or distorted after the connection, use this diagnostic manual:

If the problem is not solved, reset the sound settings:

Settings → Applications → All applications → Find “Sound” → Storage → Reset

To diagnose hardware problems, connect the Mi Box S to another TV or audio system, and if sound appears, the problem is in the original output device.

7. Connection mode comparison: what to choose

Which method of audio connection is better? It depends on your audio system and tasks:

• 🎬 For the home theater: optical SPDIF (maximum quality 5.1).
• 📺 For simple TV: HDMI (Minimum wires, good quality).
• 🎧 For headphones: Bluetooth (convenience) or HDMI-audio extractor (quality).
• 🔊 For old columns: HDMI-output RCA.

If you’re not sure what format your audio system supports, check the manufacturer’s website or check the sticker on the back (usually supported formats like Dolby Digital or DTS are listed there).

💡

For gamers, if you play through the Mi Box S (such as Cloud Gaming), use an HDMI + Dolby Atmos soundbar to minimize the latency.

Frequently asked questions