Xiaomi wireless headphones are some of the most popular gadgets on the market due to the combination of price, sound quality and functionality. However, many users face problems when adjusting the volume: the sound is too quiet, does not sync between the right and left earphones, or the control buttons simply do not respond. In this article, we will discuss all the ways to adjust the volume on models AirDots, Redmi Buds, FlipBuds and others, including software and hardware methods.
Xiaomi headphones are often dependent on the firmware of the smartphone and the Bluetooth version. For example, on Android 13+, there can be conflicts with the AAC codec, which makes the sound quieter, we will tell you how to get around these restrictions, reset the settings to factory and even manually calibrate the balance between the headphones.
If you just bought headphones and do not know where to start, or your gadget suddenly became quieter – this instruction will help to return a comfortable sound level without contacting the service center.
1. Basic methods of volume control
On most Xiaomi models, the volume can be changed directly while listening to music.
- 🎧 Headphone buttons: Twice tap the right or left headphone (depending on the model).For example, on Redmi Buds 3 Pro, the touch panel clamps up/down volume.
- 📱 Smartphone: Use physical volume buttons on your phone or a slider in the notification bar. iPhone may need to unlock the screen.
- 🎵 Appendix: Mi Fitness or Xiaomi Wear (for some models) has a separate volume controller for headphones.
Important: If the headphones are connected to Windows or Mac, the volume is adjusted in the system audio settings. On the PC, check if the maximum level limit in the Control Panel → Sound → Device Properties is worth it.
On some models (such as the Xiaomi Air 2 SE), the volume buttons only work in tandem with the proprietary app. If it is not installed, the headphones will use the default volume level of the smartphone.
2. Set up through a proprietary application
For full audio control, install the official Mi Fitness app (for AirDots) or Xiaomi Wear (for Redmi Buds and new models), which offers features that are not found in standard Android/iOS settings:
- Open the app and connect the headphones via Bluetooth.
- Go to the Devices section → [Your model] → Sound settings.
- You'll find it here: 🔊 Volume controller (separate from smartphone). 🎚️ Equator with presets (Bases, Pure Sound, Voice). 🔄 Balance between headphones (if the sound is not synchronized).
Critical feature: In some versions of the Mi Fitness app (up to 4.6.0), the volume control could reset after reconnecting the headphones.Update the app via Google Play or the App Store to avoid this bug.
Update the headphone firmware|Install the latest version of the Xiaomi app|Disable other Bluetooth devices|Reboot your smartphone-->
If the app doesn't have a sound partition, then your model doesn't support software adjustment, in which case use hardware buttons or phone system settings.
3.Sync volume between headphones
One of the most common problems is the different sound levels in the right and left earphones, and this can be because of:
- 🔋 Uneven battery discharge (one earphone goes down faster).
- 📡 Interference in Bluetooth connection (for example, if one headphone is farther from the phone).
- ⚙️ Failure in firmware after update.
To fix this:
- Put both headphones in the case and wait for full charging (at least 30 minutes).
- Reset the headphone settings: press the button on the case for 10-15 seconds until the indicator flashes red and white.
- Connect the headphones again and check the balance in the Xiaomi Wear app (Settings of sound → Balance).
What to do if the balance is not maintained?
On Xiaomi Air 2 Pro and newer models, the volume balance is automatically adjusted by the Dual Dynamic Drivers algorithm, but only at a charge level above 30%. If the battery is discharged, the synchronization can get lost.
4. Solving problems with quiet sound
If the headphones are playing too quietly even at maximum volume, the reasons may be as follows:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The sound is quiet on all devices | Limitation in Bluetooth profile settings | Turn on Absolute Volume in Android Developer (see below) |
| Quiet sound only on iPhone | iOS limits volume for the AAC-codec | Switch to SBC codec in Bluetooth settings |
| The sound has become quieter after the update | Resetting equalizer settings | Return the equalizer settings in the Xiaomi Wear app |
| One earpiece plays quieter | Pollution speaker or grid | Clean your headphones with a dry brush or compressed air |
For Android devices, activate the option Absolute Volume:
- Activate Developer Mode (7 times click on Build Number in your phone settings).
- Go to Settings → System → For developers.
- Find the option to turn off absolute volume and turn it off (paradoxically, but this includes full volume control).
💡
If the sound becomes distorted after these manipulations, return the setting back and try using an external amplifier (e.g., a Bluetooth transmitter with aptX support).
5. Resetting headphones to factory settings
If nothing works, do a full reset.This will remove all custom settings, including paired devices and sound calibration.
- Put both headphones in the case and close the lid.
- Press and hold the button on the back of the case for 20 seconds.
- The indicator will light up in red, then white – this is a signal of a successful reset.
- Connect the headphones again through the Bluetooth menu of the smartphone.
On Redmi Buds 4 Pro and later, the reset is performed through the application:
- Open Xiaomi Wear → Choose headphones.
- Go to Settings → Additional → Resetting settings.
- Confirm the action and wait for the device to restart.
💡
Resetting does not help if the problem is hardware (for example, damaged speaker or battery).
Once reset, the headphones will go back to the factory firmware. If the sound gets better but then gets worse again, it could be because of the firmware auto-update. Turn off this option in the Xiaomi Wear app if it's available.
6. Additional tips for improving sound
In addition to volume control, you can improve the overall sound quality:
- 🎶 Equalizer: In the Xiaomi Wear app or third-party players (like Poweramp), adjust the frequencies to your preferences. 60-250 Hz, for vocals — 1-4 keto.
- 🔗 Bluetooth Codec: On Android, select aptX or LDAC (If supported, for better quality. iPhone is only available AAC.
- 🛡️ Noise protection: Turn on ANC (active noise cancellation in the headphone settings, if the model supports this function.
- 🔋 Charging: Keep battery levels above 20% – when charged low, some models automatically turn down the volume.
For models that support Xiaomi HyperSync (like FlipBuds Pro), enable this option in the app. It reduces audio latency and improves synchronization with video.
⚠️ Warning: Do not use headphones at maximum volume for more than 30 minutes in a row, which can cause damage to speakers (especially on budget models) and hearing loss.
7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them
Many users are making their sound problems worse by doing things that are wrong.
- 🚫 Use non-original chargers: Cheap cables can damage the power controller, which will lead to unstable work of the headphones.
- 🚫 Update firmware through third-party sources: This can "break" the sound profile. Use only the official Xiaomi Wear app.
- 🚫 Clean your headphones with wet wipes: Moisture will enter the speaker and cause distortions of the sound. Use a dry brush or special sticks.
- 🚫 Connecting headphones to multiple devices at once: This creates Bluetooth profile conflicts, causing volume to go down.
If the headphones have stopped working properly after falling or getting moisture, don't try to disassemble them yourself. Inside, glue joints are used, and unprofessional repairs will only exacerbate the problem.
⚠️ Note: On models Xiaomi AirDots 3 Pro and newer ones have overheating protection. If the headphones heat up while charging, they automatically lower the maximum volume. 10-15 minutes before use.