How to change the codec on Xiaomi devices: a complete guide with step-by-step instructions

If you notice that your Xiaomi video is slowing down and the sound is played with artifacts or not at all, the problem may lie in the wrong codec - the software module responsible for decoding multimedia files. Xiaomi smartphones and TVs use standard MediaTek or Qualcomm codecs, but they can be replaced with more productive versions from Google, Samsung or third-party developers. In this article, we will discuss how to safely change the codec on different devices of the brand - from Redmi Note 12 to Mi TV Q2.

It is important to understand that changing codecs is not just installing new software, but interfering with system libraries. On some models (for example, the POCO F5 with a Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 processor), this can lead to unstable video player performance or even loss of warranty if the device was unlocked. We will look at official methods through Developer Options, as well as alternative ways for advanced users, including manually embedding libraries through ADB.

What are codecs and why should they be changed to Xiaomi?

Coder-decoder is an algorithm for compressing and decompressing audio or video data. Xiaomi devices use by default:

• 🎵 Audio codecs: AAC, MP3, aptX (for Bluetooth), LDAC (on flagships like Xiaomi 14 Ultra).
• 🎬 Video codecs: H.264 (AVC), H.265 (HEVC), AV1 (new-model).
• 🔄 Problematic formats: FLAC 24-bit, DTS:X, Dolby Vision (can be played with errors).

Reasons to replace codecs:

1. Incorrect playback – video “breaks” or the sound is distorted at high bitrates.
2. Lack of support: The device does not recognize formats like Dolby Atmos or AV1 10-bit.
3. Performance Improvement – New codecs (like Google’s AV1 Decoder) are more efficient on weaker chips.

On Mi TVs. TV The problem often appears when viewing 4K HDR-Netflix or YouTube: the image slows down, although the Internet connection is stable, due to outdated libstagefright libraries that can be manually updated.

Official ways to change codecs (without root)

If your device is running MIUI 14/15 or HyperOS, try the official methods first. They don't require superuser rights and are safe for the system.

Method 1: Update with Developer Options

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
3. Find Codec Update (on some models – Media Codec Updates) and click Check Updates.

Method 2: Installation via Google Play

Some codecs (for example, for FLAC or ALAC) can be added through applications:

• 📱 VLC Android supports most formats without system changes.
• 🎧 Poweramp – improves audio processing on smartphones.
• 📺 MX Player (with Custom Codec) – Optimizes video for Xiaomi.

💡

Before installing third-party codecs, check compatibility with your model through the MIUI Forum website. Some packages (for example, for Redmi 9A) may conflict with firmware.

Manual codec replacement via ADB (for advanced ones)

If official methods do not help, you can manually replace the.so system libraries through ADB. This method is suitable for devices with an unlocked bootloader.

Step-by-step:

1. Install ADB Tools on your PC.
2. Connect Xiaomi to USB and activate Debugging over USB in Settings → For developers.
3. Download the archive with codecs (for example, GoogleMediaCodecs_11.zip Android 11+).
4. Open the command line and execute: Adb push libmedia_omx.so /system/lib/ adb push libstagefright.so /system/lib/ adb reboot

Warnings:

⚠️ Warning: Incorrectly replacing libraries can lead to bootloop (cyclical reboot). TWRP Or Mi Flash Tool.

⚠️ Note: On devices with Dynamic RAM Expansion (e.g, POCO X5 Pro) manual codec replacement may disable this function.

Download the correct version of libraries for your firmware

Check the processor model (Qualcomm/MediaTek/Unisoc)

Create a backup with TWRP or Mi PC Suite

Disable antivirus on PC (can block ADB)

Charge the device at least 50%

-->

Change codecs on Xiaomi TVs (Mi TV, Redmi TV)

Xiaomi TVs are more complicated because of the closed PatchWall system, and there are two options:

Option 1: Update via OTA

Go to Settings → About TV → System Update. In some firmware (for example, for Mi TV Q1E), codec updates come along with software updates. Check the version in Settings → Additional → Software Information → Codec version.

Option 2: Installation via USB (for experienced)

Download the firmware from the mi.tv (Support section), unpack the archive and replace the files in the /system/lib/hw folder via ADB:

adb remount


adb push codec_patch/libomx* /system/lib/hw/




adb reboot

Problem models:

Checking the efficiency of new codecs

Once the codecs are replaced, you need to test the device for compatibility.

For smartphones:

• 🔍 DevCheck – Shows supported audio/video formats.
• 🎥 VLC — play back the test files H.265 10-bit or Dolby Atmos.
• 📊 AIDA64 — Check out the Multimedia section → Codecs.

For TVs:

• 📺 Enable the Engineering Menu Mode (on the remote: Menu) → 4725).
• 🔊 Play test files from demo-world.eu (Dolby Digital Plus section).
• 📹 Check ping sound through HDMI ARC (must have <20 miss).

Critical information: On devices with a MediaTek Helio G96 processor (such as the Redmi Note 11 Pro), manually replacing H.265 codecs can cause the chip to overheat, in which case return standard libraries or use an external player.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Even with the exact instructions, there can be problems.

Error 1: “Code not supported” when playing

If the video is not played after replacing the files, check:

• 🔄 Compatibility of the codec version with your Android (e.g. Google) AV1 Decoder only works on Android 12+).
• 📁 The correctness of the ways in copying through ADB (for 64-The files of the bit systems must be in /system/lib64/).
• 🔧 Conflicts with Magisk modules (disable them through Magisk Manager).

Error 2: Cyclical reboot (bootloop)

If the device is stuck on the MI logo:

1. Download to Fastboot Mode (Power button + Volume down).
2. Sweep through the original firmware through the Mi Flash Tool with the clean all option.
3. If there is no backup, try to restore only the system partition:

fastboot flash system system.img


fastboot reboot

💡

Before you manipulate codecs, check if your device supports hardware decoding of the desired format. For example, Xiaomi 13T hardware decodes AV1, and Redmi 10A does not.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions