How to change the codec on the Xiaomi phone: 4 proven ways

Have you noticed that your Xiaomi video is slowing down and the sound in your headphones sounds worse than on other devices? The reason may lie in the wrong codec, the software algorithm that is responsible for encoding and decoding audio / video streams. MIUI They often use standard codecs, which are not always optimal for high-quality content or specific headphones.

In this article, we’ll look at how to change codecs to Xiaomi, from simple settings in the developer menu to manually editing system files. You’ll learn which codecs your model supports (e.g., Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 Mi 13, how to check the current codec and why LDAC or AAC They may sound better than SBC. We also warn against common errors that lead to Bluetooth crashes or loss of sound.

Important: The procedure is different for different versions MIUI (13, 14, HyperOS, and codec types (audio for Bluetooth, video for players). If you're not sure what you're doing, start with the safe methods in the first sections.

What is a codec and why should it be changed to Xiaomi?

Coder-decoder is an algorithm for compressing and decompressing data. In Xiaomi smartphones, codecs are responsible for:

• 🎧 Sound quality in wireless headphones (via Bluetooth). For example, aptX gives better detail than standard headphones. SBC.
• 🎬 Smoothness of video in players. Codecs. H.265 (HEVC) They save space, but require more processor resources.
• 📞 Clear voice when calling via VoLTE or in messengers (opus codecs, EVS).

By default. MIUI It selects codecs automatically, based on compatibility rather than quality. For example, most Bluetooth headphones use the same thing. SBC — A generic but outdated codec with mediocre sound, while many Xiaomi models (starting with the Snapdragon 660 and later) support:

• 🔹 AAC — Better for music than for music. SBC, but sensitive to interference.
• 🔹 aptX/aptX HD — Low latency, high quality (requires compatible headphones).
• 🔹 LDAC — Maximum quality (up to 990 kbps), but can slow down on weak chips.

With the video, the situation is similar: Xiaomi defaults to use H.264 (AVC), Although modern chips (such as the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in the Xiaomi 13 Ultra) support more efficient H.265 (HEVC) or AV1 stream.

How to check the current codec on Xiaomi

Before you change the codec, make sure it's the one that's the problem. Here's how to check your current settings:

For Bluetooth audio (headphones, speakers)

1. Put the headphones on the phone.
2. Open Settings → Connections and Sharing → Bluetooth.
3. Press the badge. ⚙️ near the connected device.
4. Look at the line "Audio Codec" (for example, "SBC" or "AAC").

If this line is not available, your version MIUI Then use the Developer Options app):

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 the Bluetooth Codec section (could be called the Bluetooth Audio Codec).

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If the developer’s settings do not include “Bluetoothooth Codec”, update MIUI Up to the latest version or use third-party apps like Bluetooth Codec Changer (requires root).

For video (players, streaming)

To find out which codec is used to play video:

1. Open the video in a standard player MIUI or MX Player.
2. During playback, swipe down to call the control panel.
3. Click on the icon. ⓘ (information – the codec will be displayed (for example, "H.264" or "HEVC").

Method 1: Change the Bluetooth codec through settings MIUI

This is the safest method that works on most Xiaomi models (including Redmi, POCO, Mi) without root rights. Instructions are relevant to MIUI 12-14 and HyperOS.

Activate the Developer Mode

Connect headphones via Bluetooth

Charge your phone at least 50%

Close all background applications-->

1. Activate Developer Mode (if you haven’t already): Go to Settings → About the phone and 7 times tap on the version MIUI.
2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
3. Find the Bluetooth Network (or Bluetooth Audio) section and select: 🔘 AAC — Balanced quality (recommended for most headphones). 🔘 aptX/aptX HD — Low latency, high quality (requires headphone support). 🔘 LDAC — maximum quality (can slow down on weak chips). 🔘 SBC — Standard codec (universal, but worse quality).

Save the settings and reconnect the headphones.

Important: If after changing the codec, the sound began to interrupt or slow down, return to the codec. SBC or AAC. For example, LDAC Snapdragon on Snapdragon 4xx (In budget Redmi) can cause lags.

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI Global POCO X3) There is no codec section in the developer settings, in which case use Method 2 or third-party applications.

Method 2: Using applications to change the codec

If you're in your version MIUI There's no built-in codec change option, use third-party utilities. We recommend two proven applications:

1. Bluetooth Codec Changer (requires root)

The app allows you to manually select codecs even if they are hidden in the MIUI.

1. Download Bluetooth Codec Changer from Google Play.
2. Provide root access (if the phone is not rooted, this method will not work).
3. Select your headphones from the list and install the desired codec (e.g. aptX). HD).
4. Reboot Bluetooth.

2. Developer Options Editor (without root)

This application simulates the developer’s settings and allows you to change the codec without root rights:

1. Install Developer Options Editor.
2. Find the parameter. bluetooth_a2dp_hw_offload_codec.
3. Change the value to the desired codec (for example, aac, aptx, ldac).
4. Save and restart Bluetooth.

Warning: Not all codecs can work correctly, for example, if your headphones don't support aptX, the sound will be intermittent or disappear altogether.

⚠️ Warning: After using third-party apps, check the stability of Bluetooth. If the headphones start to turn off, reset your network settings (Settings) → System system → Reset → Resetting network settings).

Method 3: Manual editing of system files (for advanced)

This method is suitable for experienced users who are ready to work with the ADB It allows you to unlock hidden codecs (for example, to edit system files, LC3 Bluetooth LE Audio) or forced to switch on LDAC on-board.

Attention! Incorrect editing of system files can lead to loss of Bluetooth functionality or the phone's "brick". TWRP beforehand.

Step 1: Checking supported codecs ADB

First, let’s know what codecs your phone supports:

1. Connect your phone to your PC and activate debugging. USB (Settings → For developers → Debugging by USB).
2. Open the command line on your PC and type in: adb shell dumpsys media.audio_flinger
3. Find the line in the output A2DP codec support – the codecs available will be listed.

Step 2: Forced codec to be enabled via build.prop

If the desired codec is supported but not activated, it can be enabled by editing the build.prop file:

1. Download BuildProp Editor (requires root).
2. Add lines to the end of the build.prop file: persist.bluetooth.a2dp_offload_cap=sbc-aac-aptx-aptxhd-ldac persist.bluetooth.a2dp_offload_disabled=false
3. Save the file and restart the phone.

For LC3 (Bluetooth LE Audio) add:

persist.bluetooth.enablelc3=true

Step 3: Checking the Results

After the reboot:

1. Put the headphones on.
2. Check the current codec in Settings → Bluetooth → ⚙️ (device settings).
3. If the codec hasn’t changed, your device doesn’t support it at the hardware level.

To check which codec is used in streaming:

1. Open the video on YouTube.
2. Press three points. → Statistics.
3. The "Code" section will specify the format (e.g, "vp09.00.51.08" — it VP9).

Frequent problems and their solutions

When you change the codec to Xiaomi, users encounter common errors. Here's how to fix them:

1.The sound is interrupted or slowed down

Causes and solutions:

• 🔸 Weak processor: LDAC or HD Can overload the Snapdragon series chips 4xx/6xx. Solution: Go back to AAC.
• 🔸 Bluetooth interference: Disable other wireless devices (Wi-Fi, microwave).
• 🔸 Incompatible headphones: Check if they support the selected codec (e.g., aptX requires a Qualcomm chip in headphones).

2.The codec does not change in the settings

Possible causes:

• 🔸 Outdated firmware: Update MIUI last-minute.
• 🔸 Restrictions of regional firmware: Some MIUI Global option is hidden. Solution: go to MIUI EU or hyperos.
• 🔸 Manufacturer's lock: Some models (e.g. Redmi) 9A) hardware does not support aptX.

3.The codec's been changed, the sound's gone.

Action:

1. Reboot the phone.
2. Reset Bluetooth settings (Settings) → Connections → Bluetooth → ⚙️ → Forget the device).
3. If the sound does not return, reset the network settings (Settings) → System system → Reset → Resetting network settings).

⚠️ Warning: If after editing build.prop the phone stopped booting, boot to Fastboot and execute the command: fastboot erase cache This will reset the cache and can restore the working capacity.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions