Connecting speakers to Xiaomi Mi TV 4S: all-in HDMI ARC Bluetooth

Xiaomi Mi TV 4S — It's a popular smart TV with great pictures, but built-in speakers often don't meet the demands of music lovers or movie lovers. Connecting external speakers or soundbar can dramatically improve sound, but it's not always obvious which way to choose and how to avoid typical problems. In this article, we will analyze all current methods of connection - from the classic 3.5 mm AUX modern HDMI eARC, as well as the nuances of the sound setting in the TV menu.

It is important to understand that the choice of method depends not only on the model of the speakers, but also on the firmware version of your Mi. TV 4S. For example, the TVs of 2020-2022 release support Bluetooth 5.0 and HDMI ARC, While earlier versions (2018-2019) may have limitations, we will take these features into account and provide recommendations for each version.

1. Ways to connect speakers to Xiaomi Mi TV 4S: comparison-table

Before we get to the detailed instructions, we will evaluate the pros and cons of each method, which will help you choose the best option based on your tasks and equipment.

Critical Feature for Mi TV 4S 2018-2019: These models do not support HDMI eARC, just ARC, This limits multi-channel audio transmission (e.g. Dolby TrueHD won't work). If you have an eARC-enabled soundbar, you'll need to upgrade your firmware or use alternative connectivity.

2. Connection through HDMI ARC/eARC: step-by-step

This is the most modern and high-quality way of transmitting sound, but it requires the presence of compatible equipment. HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel allows audio from the TV to be transmitted to the soundbar or receiver via the same cable used to transmit an image. eARC (Enhanced) ARC) — Improved version with support for high resolution formats.

To connect you will need:

• 🔌 HDMI-cable version 1.4 or higher (for eARC 2.1).
• 📺 Port port HDMI ARC on the television (usually signed).
• 🔊 Port port HDMI ARC/eARC soundbar.

Connection steps:

1. Connect one end. HDMI-port-wire HDMI ARC on TV, the other on soundbar.
2. Turn on both devices.
3. On the Mi remote. TV 4S press Menu → Settings → Sound. → Exit HDMI.
4. Select a mode. ARC or eARC (if available).
5. In the soundbar settings, activate the mode HDMI ARC.

The cable is connected to the port with the inscription ARC

The TV menu has an exit. HDMI

Soundbar is recognized as a sound output device

Test sound is played without delay-->

If the sound doesn't come up,

• 🔄 Reboot both devices.
• 🔧 Check if the mode is on. HDMI-CEC in the settings of the TV (Settings) → System system → HDMI-CEC).
• 📋 Update the TV firmware (relevant for 2018-2019 models).

3. Connection via optical output (TOSLINK)

Optical cable (TOSLINK) It transmits lossless digital audio but does not support ultra-high resolution formats (e.g. Dolby TrueHD) which is suitable for active speakers or soundbars without any soundbars. HDMI ARC.

Equipment required:

• 🔌 Optical cable (up to 5 meters long for minimal losses).
• 📺 Optical Out port on the back of the Mi TV 4S.
• 🔊 Port Optical In on columns or receiver.

Instructions:

1. Connect the optical cable to the ports on the TV and speakers.
2. Go to Settings. → Sound. → Digital audio output.
3. Choose Optical (or SPDIF).
4. Set the sound format: PCM (for stereo or Dolby Digital (for 5.1).

💡

If the sound is interrupted or distorted after the connection, try replacing the optical cable with a shorter or ferrite ring (represses interference).

Typical problems and solutions:

• 🔇 No sound: check that the cable is tightly inserted (must click). Optical ports are sensitive to dust - clean them with a dry brush.
• 🎵 The sound is played only in stereo: in the settings of the TV, select Dolby Digital instead of Dolby Digital. PCM.
• ⏱️ Sound Latency: Activate Game Mode on your TV or use time sync in soundbar settings.

4. Connection through 3.5 mm AUX: simple, but with limitations

The most versatile and budget-friendly way, but with a significant drawback - only stereo sound is transmitted (without 5.1 surround sound) Suitable for connecting old speakers, headphones or portable Bluetooth speakers (if they have them). AUX-entrance).

What you need:

• 🔌 3.5 mm cable - 3.5 mm (or 3.5 mm — RCA tulip-columns").
• 📺 Port port AUX Out on TV (usually signed as Audio Out).

How to connect:

1. Connect. AUX-cable-ports.
2. In the TV menu (Settings) → Sound. → Output audio) select Analog.
3. Adjust the volume on the speakers (the TV in this case acts as a signal source).

HDMI ARC/eARC

Optical (TOSLINK)

3.5 mm AUX

Bluetooth

Wi-Fi (Mi Home)-->

Nuances:

• 🔊 Volume on the TV should be at the level of 70-80% - further adjustment is carried out on the speakers.
• 🎧 If you connect headphones, avoid maximum volume – built-in Mi amplifier TV 4S may interfere.
• 🔄 When using 3.5 mm cable — RCA Check the correct connection of channels (white – left, red – right).

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AUX-Connection is the only way to bring sound from Mi TV 4S on speakers without digital inputs (e.g. old Sonys) SSCS5 or Logitech Z623).

5. Wireless Bluetooth connection: for portable speakers

If your speakers support Bluetooth (for example, JBL Charge, Xiaomi Mi Portable Speaker or Sony SRS-XB), You can connect them to a TV without wires, but keep in mind that there will be a noticeable delay of sound (up to 200 ms), which is critical for movies or games.

Instructions:

1. Enable the pairing mode on the speakers (usually holding the Power or Bluetooth button).
2. On the TV, go to Settings → Devices → Bluetooth.
3. Select your column from the list of available devices.
4. Confirm pairing (if necessary, enter PIN- code, usually 0000).

How to reduce the latency of sound:

• 🎮 Turn on Game Mode on your TV (Settings) → Picture → Image modes).
• 🔊 Use the codec. AAC instead SBC (if the column supports).
• 📶 Reduce the distance between the TV and the speaker (optimally up to 3 meters).

💡

To watch movies with Bluetooth speakers, use the audio synchronization function in the player (for example, in Kodi or in the video). VLC You can manually shift the soundtrack).

Challenges and solutions:

• 🔇 The sound is interrupted: disable other Bluetooth devices within a 10-meter radius (they create interference).
• 🔄 Column turns off by itself: Update the TV firmware or reset Bluetooth settings.
• 🎵 Low Sound Quality: Check that Bluetooth TV settings prioritize Sound Quality over Connectivity Stability.

6. Connect Xiaomi smart speakers over Wi-Fi (Mi Home)

If you have Xiaomi smart speakers (such as Mi Smart Speaker or Redmi Sonics), they can be integrated into the Mi Home ecosystem and used as an audio system for your TV, which requires a router and a Mi Home app on your smartphone.

How to connect:

1. Install the Mi Home app on your phone and add a column to the system.
2. Make sure that the TV and speaker are connected to the same Wi-Fi network (2.4 GHz).
3. In the settings of the TV (Settings) → Devices → Mi Home: Find the column and activate synchronization.
4. Select the column as the audio output device in Settings → Sound.

Limitations:

• 📶 It only works with Xiaomi speakers (incompatible with Xiaomi speakers). JBL, Sony and others.).
• 🎵 The sound quality depends on the speed of Wi-Fi (with a weak signal, lags are possible).
• 🔧 It does not support Dolby Digital formats, only stereo. PCM.

7. Adjust the sound after connecting the speakers

Even after successfully connecting speakers, the sound may not be perfect: too quiet, distorted or unbalanced, and let's look at the key settings that will help optimize the audio.

The main parameters in the Mi menu TV 4S:

• 🔊 Settings → Sound. → Sound mode: Standard for conversation and news; cinema for movies (intensifies low frequencies); music for listening to tracks; play minimizes latency.
• 🎛️ Settings → Sound. → Equator: manual frequency setting (bass, middle, high).
• 🔄 Settings → Sound. → Lip Synchronization: Adjusting Sound Delay (Relevant for Bluetooth).

Adjustment recommendations:

• 🎬 For movies: Turn on Dolby Audio (if speakers support) and set Movie Mode.
• 🎮 For games: select the Game mode and disable all post-processing sound.
• 🎶 For music: Use an equalizer to amplify the average frequencies (voice, guitars).

8. Frequent errors and their solutions

Even with the right connection, there can be problems. We collected typical errors of Xiaomi Mi users. TV 4S and ways of eliminating them.

Problem 1: No sound through HDMI ARC

⚠️ Attention: On Mi models TV 4S 55' 2019 often knocks down the priority of the sound output.After connecting the soundbar, check that in Settings → Sound. → Exit HDMI checkmark ARC, not TV Speaker.

Decision:

1. Turn off the cable. HDMI and reconnect.
2. Reset the settings. HDMI-CEC (Settings → System system → HDMI-CEC → Reset).
3. Update the TV firmware (relevant for versions older than 2020).

Problem 2: The sound only comes through the built-in speakers

⚠️ Note: If you have connected the columns through AUX Bluetooth or Bluetooth, but the sound is still coming from the TV, check if Double Sound is activated (Settings) → Sound. → Double sound. Turn it off!

Decision:

• Go to Settings. → Sound. → Out audio and select your device (e.g. Bluetooth or Analog).
• If you use optics, make sure that the menu selects Digital Output, not the one you use. TV Speaker.

Problem 3: Sound delay when connecting via Bluetooth

Decision:

• Turn the TV to Game Mode.
• Use the codec. AAC (in the Bluetooth column settings).
• If the speaker supports aptX Low Latency, update the TV firmware (support has appeared in versions after 2021).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions