Xiaomi headphones are some of the most popular wireless gadgets on the market, but not all users know that the sound quality can be significantly improved by simply changing the Bluetooth codec. By default, most models (including Redmi AirDots, Xiaomi Buds and FlipBuds) are assigned a standard SBC that provides minimal latency, but loses in sound detail to more modern codecs like AAC, aptX or LDAC.
The problem is that not all smartphones and headphones support advanced codecs out of the box. In this article, we will discuss how to check the current codec, what options are available for your model, and how to force the switch to the optimal one - taking into account the compatibility of devices. Special attention will be paid to Xiaomi-specific nuances: from firmware limitations MIUI to hidden settings in the Mi Earphones app.
Why you should change the codec in Xiaomi headphones
A codec is an audio compression algorithm that determines how sound is transmitted over Bluetooth, and it depends on three key parameters:
- 🎵 Sound quality: SBC It compresses the audio more than LDAC (up to 990 kbps, which affects the detailing of high and low frequencies.
- ⏱️ Latency: aptX Low Latency optimized for gaming and video (latency) ~40 ms against ~100-200 ms at SBC).
- 🔋 Battery consumption: Advanced codecs increase the load on the smartphone processor and headphones, reducing the time of work by 10-15%.
For example, if you listen to music through Tidal or Apple Music in high resolution, SBC will simply “fresh” the frequencies above 16 kHz, and AAC or LDAC will transmit them with minimal losses.
⚠️ Note: Xiaomi budget headphones (such as Redmi AirDots 2) often only support SBC Check the model specifications before trying to change the codec.
What codecs support headphones Xiaomi
The list of available codecs depends on the headphone model and the Bluetooth version in the smartphone. Below is a compatibility table for popular devices:
| Model headphones | Bluetooth | Supported codecs | Best choice. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro | 5.3 | SBC, AAC, LC3, LDAC | LDAC (for music), LC3 (for conversation) |
| Redmi Buds 5 | 5.3 | SBC, AAC, LC3 | AAC (universally) |
| Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro | 5.2 | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive | aptX Adaptive (quality/latency balance) |
| Redmi AirDots 3 | 5.0 | SBC, AAC | AAC (if the smartphone supports) |
Important: Headphones with a Qualcomm QCC3040 chip (for example, Xiaomi Buds 3T Pro) support aptX, but only when connected to smartphones on Snapdragon (MediaTek codec may not be activated).
To find out what chip is used in your model, check the specifications on the official Xiaomi website or in the Mi Earphones app (section "About the device").
How to check the current codec on Android
Before you change the codec, you need to know which one is in use now, and on Xiaomi smartphones (and most Android devices), you can do this through a hidden developer menu:
- Open the Settings. → The phone.
- Click 7 times on the MIUI version until the notification “You became a developer” appears.
- Return to the main settings menu and select Additional → For developers.
- Scroll down to the Bluetooth block and find the audio codec.
If there is no item, then your smartphone does not support changing the codec at the software level (relevant for older models on Android 9 and below).
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On Samsung and Google Pixel smartphones, the codec appears in the notification bar when playing audio; on Xiaomi, this feature only appeared in MIUI 14.
Step-by-step instructions for changing the codec
The process is different depending on whether you are using standard Android settings or Xiaomi proprietary software.
Method 1: Through the Developer Menu (without root)
This method works on most Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 12 and newer:
- Activate the developer mode (see previous section).
- Put the headphones on the phone.
- Start playing music (for example, via Spotify or YouTube Music).
- Go to Settings → Additional → For developers → Bluetooth.
- In the Audio Codec section, select the desired option from the list (for example, AAC or LDAC).
- Reset the headphones (press the button on the case for 10 seconds).
If the sound is interrupted after the change or artifacts appear, go back to SBC, which means that the codec you choose is not working well with your device.
☑️ Preparation for codec change
Method 2: Through the Mi Earphones app
For some models (for example, Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro) codec changes in the proprietary application:
- Install Mi Earphones from Google Play or AppGallery.
- Connect the headphones and open the application.
- Go to Settings → Sound → Bluetooth Codec.
- Choose the best option (see the recommendations in the table above).
- Confirm the changes and wait for the synchronization.
In some versions of the app, the option is hidden, so you can unlock it.
1. Click 5 times on the version of the application in the "About the program" section.
2 Enter the code ##362633#
3. Restart the application.⚠️ Note: Forced activation of unaccompanied codecs (e.g, LDAC Redmi AirDots 3 can cause loss of communication or overheating of headphones!
Solving problems after changing the codec
If there are problems after changing the codec, use this instruction:
- 🔊 Sound is interrupted: Try to reduce bitrate in the codec settings (for example, for LDAC Choose 660 kbps instead of 990 kbps).
- 🎧 Headphones off: Get back to SBC Check out the firmware updates for headphones through Mi Earphones.
- 📱 Smartphone does not save settings: Clear the cache of the Bluetooth application in the settings (Settings) → Annexes → Systemic → Bluetooth → Warehouse → Clear the cache).
If the problem persists, reset your headphones:
- Put the headphones in the case.
- Press the button on the case for 15 seconds (the indicator flashes red).
- Connect the headphones again through the Settings → Bluetooth.
What if the codec is reset after rebooting?
How to improve sound after changing the codec
Even after switching to LDAC or aptX, you can make it sound better. Here are some tips:
- 🎛️ Set up the equalizer: In Mi Earphones or Wavelet (from Google Play) choose a preset for your music genre.
- 🔇 Turn it off. ANC: Active noise cancellation reduces sound quality by 10-20% due to additional signal processing.
- 📀 Use high-bitrate sources: LDAC It will only reveal the potential with files. FLAC or ALAC (24 bits/48 kHz).
To check the real bitrate, use the Bluetooth Audio Analyzer app, which will show you which codec is currently active and at what speed the audio is being transmitted.
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Changing the codec only improves quality when the headphones, the smartphone and the audio source are compatible, MP3-file with a bitrate of 128 kbps, there will be no difference.