How to Include AAC Codec on Xiaomi: The Complete Guide

Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphone owners often face a situation where wireless headphones are not working at full capacity. The sound quality can seem mediocre, and the audio delay can be annoying when watching videos. One of the key reasons for such problems is the automatic choice of a data protocol that is not always optimal for your headset. In the MIUI operating system and the new HyperOS, a hidden set of developer parameters is responsible for this.

The AAC (Advanced Audio Coding) codec is considered a high-quality standard for Apple and Android devices. It provides better detail and a smaller file size compared to the basic SBC codec. However, Xiaomi’s smartphone can default to a less efficient compression algorithm unless you set strict priorities in system settings. Understanding how to manage these parameters allows you to squeeze the most out of your gadget’s acoustic system.

In this article, we’ll look at not only the activation process, but also the nuances that are often overlooked. You’ll learn why the sound can be interrupted even after the right codec is turned on and how to correctly diagnose hardware support. Including AAC in the developer menu does not guarantee it will work if the headphones themselves do not support this data transfer standard. We’ll look at all the stages of settings from entering the hidden menu to checking the real bitrate.

Why you need an AAC codec on Xiaomi devices

Choosing the right audio codec directly affects how your brain perceives the music and voice of the person you are talking to. The basic SBC protocol, which is used by default in Bluetooth connections, often “cuts” high frequencies and compresses dynamic range. The AAC codec uses more complex psychoacoustic compression models, saving more details of the original recording. For Xiaomi owners, this is especially true, since the brand often completes its devices with quality DACs, but forgets about the software optimization of wireless sound.

In addition, the use of AAC It reduces the load on the smartphone battery when transmitting sound. The algorithm works more efficiently, requiring less processing power of the processor to decode the flow in real time. This is especially noticeable when listening to podcasts or audio books for a long time. TWS-headphones, then the right choice of codec can extend their battery life on the 10-15%.

It is important to understand the difference between codec support for a phone and headphones. Xiaomi smartphone can be capable (capable) to broadcast in AAC, but if the headset knows only SBC, the connection will still take place at low frequencies. So before setting up, always check the specifications of your acoustics. In the documentation for models Xiaomi Buds or AirDots always lists the supported formats.

Preparing the smartphone to change system settings

Before you make changes to the Bluetooth module, you need to access the hidden menu of the developer. In the shell of MIUI, this section is hidden from the eyes of the average user to prevent accidental system failure. The activation procedure is simple, but requires care when you press. You do not need root rights or connection to the computer, everything is done with the standard interface means.

First, open the standard Settings app and scroll down to About Phone. Here you're interested in the line MIUI Version or OS Version. You need to quickly click on it 7-10 times in a row. Once you see a pop-up notification saying "You're a developer!", you can move on to the next step. If the message doesn't appear, try changing the pace of clicks.

Once activated, the main settings menu, "More," will have a new "Developers" option. This is where the audio protocol management keys are contained. Be careful: changing other settings in this menu can affect the stability of applications or the speed of interface animation. Only change the settings that are related to Bluetooth.

Step-by-step instructions for activating the AAC codec

Once you log into the Developer menu, you'll need to find the Bluetooth-related section. The interface may vary depending on the firmware version, but the logic remains the same. Look for a item called Bluetooth Audio Codec. By default, it can be "SBC" or "Default." Click on this line to see the list of available options.

In the list that opens, select AAC. If this item is missing or it is inactive (shadowed), this means that the connected device does not support this format at the moment, or the system blocks it forcibly. In this case, turn off and reconnect the headphones. Sometimes you need to reboot the Bluetooth module through the Quick Settings menu.

Also, this menu may have sampling and bitrate settings. For an AAC codec, the optimal values are 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz. Setting values above 48 kHz for AAC makes no sense, since the standard is limited by this threshold. After selecting the parameters, the system can interrupt the sound stream for a second to reconnect with the new settings.

adb shell settings put global bluetooth_codec AAC

The above ADB command is relevant for advanced users who want to force the codec to turn on via USB debugging if the interface does not respond. However, in most cases, manual selection in the menu is enough. Remember to check the sound in your favorite track after setting up to make sure that there are no artifacts.

Diagnostics of active connection and codecs

Just turn on the settings is not enough, you need to make sure that they actually work. Xiaomi smartphones have a built-in tool to monitor current Bluetooth connection settings. To activate it in the developer menu, find the item "Enable log" HCI Bluetooth" (Enable Bluetooth HCI Snoop log, and activate it, so you can save the connection logs for analysis.

However, a simpler way is to use third-party apps from the Play Market store, such as Bluetooth Codec Changer or Material Bluetooth Scanner, which displays in real time what codec and bitrate is being used right now, which helps you understand if the system switches back to SBC when you launch a heavy application.

Note the status bar indicators. Some Xiaomi models, when connecting quality codecs, can show a special "HD" or "Hi-Res" icon next to the Bluetooth icon. If the icon is missing, you may have left the confident reception zone and the system automatically lowered the quality to maintain the stability of the connection.

Solving Sound and Delay Problems

Sometimes, after AAC is turned on, users notice periodic interruptions of sound or cracks. This can be due to data channel overload or interference from Wi-Fi networks operating at 2.4 GHz. Bluetooth also uses this range, and dense traffic can cause packet collisions. Try switching Wi-Fi to 5 GHz if your router supports this feature.

⚠️ Attention: If, when switched on, AAC the sound has become quieter or there is a constant noise, perhaps your particular model of headphones is not working properly with the implementation of the codec in the MIUI. Then return the settings to "By default".

Another common problem is de-synchronization of video and audio. The AAC codec takes time to encode and decode, which creates a slight delay. For music, this is not noticeable, but in games or when watching videos without buffering, you can feel it. In the settings of the Xiaomi developer, you can find the item "Disable absolute volume" - its switching sometimes helps to synchronize streams.

Don’t forget to update the firmware of the headphones themselves. Manufacturers often release updates that improve connection stability with popular smartphone brands, including Xiaomi. The update usually requires the headphone manufacturer’s proprietary app (for example, Xiaomi Earbuds, Galaxy Wearable or Soundcore).

The Impact of Android and MIUI Version on Codec Support

Android’s audio architecture has changed over the years. In older versions of Android (below 8.0), AAC support may be unstable or absent at the system level. Current versions of MIUI 12, 13, 14 and HyperOS are based on fresh Android cores, where AAC is natively implemented. However, manufacturers can cut out support for certain bitrates for license purity or resource savings.

On devices with MediaTek processors (often found in budget Redmis), Bluetooth stack implementations may differ from devices on Snapdragon. On Snapdragon codec AAC chips, it usually works more stable and supports higher bitrates. If you have a budget model, don't be surprised if maximum quality is limited to basic parameters.

Also, consider that some “global” firmware versions may differ from “Chinese” ones. Chinese versions of MIUI often have a wider set of default audio codecs, as certification requirements in China differ from those in Europe. Using global firmware on a Chinese device (or vice versa) sometimes leads to conflicts with Bluetooth drivers.