How to change the Bluetooth codec in Xiaomi headphones: from SBC to LDAC

Xiaomi headphones are some of the most popular wireless accessories on the market, but not all users know that the sound quality in them directly depends on the Bluetooth codec used. By default, most models (including Redmi Buds 4 Pro, Xiaomi Buds 4 or AirDots 3 Pro) run on a basic SBC that provides mediocre sound quality. Meanwhile, support for advanced codecs like AAC, aptX or LDAC can dramatically improve the perception of music, podcasts and even voice calls.

The problem is that Xiaomi doesn’t always provide an obvious way to change the codec in headphone settings. In some cases, the option is hidden in the depths of the smartphone menu, in others it requires installing third-party apps or even firmware. This article will help you understand how to force the Bluetooth codec to a supported model, what restrictions exist for different devices, and what to do if the desired codec simply does not appear in the list of available ones.

Why Bluetooth codec is important for the sound in Xiaomi headphones

The Bluetooth codec is an algorithm for compressing and transmitting audio data between a source device (smartphone, tablet) and headphones.

• 🎵 Sound quality: SBC (standard) gives a compressed sound with losses, whereas LDAC or HD transmit audio almost without loss.
• 🔋 Latency: AptX Low Latency reduces latency to 40ms, which is critical for gaming and video.
• 📶 Connection stability: some codecs (e.g, AAC) They work better under interference conditions.
• 🎧 Device support: Not all smartphones and headphones are compatible with advanced codecs.

For example, Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro supports AAC and LC3 (the new standard for LE Audio), but not aptX, whereas Redmi Buds 5 can work with LDAC - but only when connected to a compatible smartphone (such as Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Sony Xperia).If your sound source (smartphone) does not support the selected codec, the headphones will automatically switch to a backup option, usually SBC.

Important: Xiaomi headphones with Qualcomm chips (such as AirDots 3 Pro) are more likely to support aptX, whereas models on BES chips (such as Buds 4) are limited to AAC and LC3.

What Xiaomi headphones support changing the codec

Not all Xiaomi models allow you to manually select a codec, and below is the compatibility table of popular headphones with different codecs:

If your model is not listed in the table, check the specifications on the official Xiaomi website or in the Mi app. Home/Xiaomi Note: even if the headphones support advanced codec (e.g, LDAC), The smartphone should support it, too. For example, the iPhone only works with the AAC and SBC, Many Android devices do not support AptX.

⚠️ Attention: Xiaomi headphones with support LC3 (For example, Buds 4 Pro can automatically switch to this codec when connected to Bluetooth 5.2 devices.+ LE Audio (e.g. Xiaomi 14 or Samsung Galaxy) S23). Manually choose LC3 in the settings usually not.

How to change the Bluetooth codec on Android-smartphone

If your Android smartphone and Xiaomi headphones support several codecs, you can change the current one through the developer's hidden settings.

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Find the Build Number and tap it 7 times until you become a developer!
3. Return to the main Settings menu and select System → Developer Mode (or Additional → Developer Mode).
4. Scroll down to the Network section and find the Bluetooth Codec (or Bluetooth Audio Codec).
5. Select the codec you want from the list (for example, AAC or aptX HD).
6. Reconnect the headphones so that the changes take effect.

If the Bluetooth codec is not in the developer menu, it means that:

• 📱 Your smartphone does not support manual codec change (such as some Redmi Note models).
• 🎧 Headphones connected in mode LE Audio (then the codec is fixed as LC3).
• 🔄 Requires to update the firmware of the smartphone or headphones.

Check codec support with headphones and a smartphone |

Activate Developer Mode |

Turn off your headphones before changing your settings |

Reboot Bluetooth after changing the codec-->

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI 14 for POCO F5) The choice of codec can be reset once the device is restarted, in which case you will have to repeat the setting manually or use third-party applications like Bluetooth Codec Changer (requires root rights).

Change the codec on iPhone and other devices

On iPhones and iPads, manually changing the Bluetooth codec is not possible, and iOS automatically chooses between SBC and AAC depending on the device.

• 🍎 iPhone will always be used. AAC With Xiaomi headphones, if they support it.
• 🔊 Sound quality through AAC iOS is often better than Android, thanks to optimized codec implementation.
• ❌ AptX codecs and LDAC iPhones don’t work in principle.

For Windows or macOS devices, the situation is similar:

• 🪟 Windows 10/11 Allows you to select the codec in the settings → Devices → Headphones → Additional options, but only if the Bluetooth driver supports this feature (for example, Qualcomm or Intel adapters) AX200).
• 🍎 MacOS automatically selects the AAC or SBC, manual shifting unavailable.

If you connect Xiaomi headphones to Smart TVs (like the Xiaomi TV A2), the codec is usually fixed as SBC. Except for Android TV 12+ models, where AAC is sometimes available.

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To check the current codec on Android, install the Bluetooth Codec Info app from Google Play.It will show the active codec, bitrate and Bluetooth version in real time.

Third-party applications for forced codec change

If the standard Android settings do not allow you to change the codec, you can use third-party utilities.

• 📱 Bluetooth Audio Codec (requires Android 8.0)+) — Shows available codecs and allows you to choose a priority.
• 🛠️ Developer Options Shortcut – Quick access to codec settings without searching the menu.
• 🔧 LC3 Bluetooth Codec Enabler (for Bluetooth Codec Enabler) LE Audio – activates experimental support LC3 on uncertified devices.

When using third-party applications, consider:

• ⚠️ Some utilities require root rights to work.
• 🔄 After updating the firmware of the smartphone, the settings can be reset.
• 🚫 Forced selection of incompatible codec can lead to communication interruptions or distortion of sound.

Instructions for Bluetooth Audio Codec:

1. Download the app from Google Play.
2. Put Xiaomi headphones on.
3. Open the app and select your device from the list.
4. Tap the current codec (e.g. SBC) and select an alternative (e.g. AAC).
5. Confirm the change and reconnect the headphones.

Problems and Solutions When Changing Codec

Even if you set up the codec correctly, there may be problems.

If you change the codec and the sound gets worse (like wheezing or delay), go back to SBC or AAC, which is the most stable, and check if your smartphone is power-saving mode for Bluetooth, which can force you to reduce the sound quality.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi smartphones (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro)+) choice LDAC This is due to the high bitrate of the codec (up to 990 kbps). To save charge, limit the bitrate to 660 kbps in the codec settings.

How to check which codec is currently in use

To make sure that Xiaomi headphones actually work on the chosen codec, use one of the following solutions:

• 📊 Bluetooth Codec Info (Android) – shows active codec, bitrate and Bluetooth version.
• 🎛️ Headphone settings in Mi Home: Some models (such as Buds 4 Pro) display codec in the Sound section.

On the iPhone, you can only check the codec indirectly:

1. Connect the headphones and turn on music playback.
2. Open Settings → Bluetooth and tap the i icon next to the headphones.
3. If the Information section indicates high quality audio, then AAC is used.

For Windows:

1. Open the control panel. → Sound.
2. Select headphones and press Properties.
3. Go to the tab Additional - there will be the current format (codec).

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If the app shows that headphones use SBC, despite the choice of LDAC in the settings, then the smartphone or headphones do not support this codec at the hardware level.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Bluetooth codecs in Xiaomi headphones