How to improve the sound quality in Bluetooth headphones Xiaomi: from bass to high frequencies

Xiaomi wireless headphones are some of the most popular on the market due to the combination of price, design and functionality. However, many users face the problem: the sound through Bluetooth seems worse than over the wire. The reasons can vary from the wrong settings of the smartphone to the limitations of the data protocol itself. In this article, we will discuss 7 working ways to improve the sound quality in Xiaomi headphones (including models Redmi Buds, Airdots, FlipBuds and others), without resorting to buying new equipment.

It’s important to understand that Bluetooth audio quality depends not only on headphones, but also on the source of the signal (smartphone, tablet, PC), the audio codec used, and even the environment. For example, older Bluetooth 4.0 smartphones will not physically be able to reproduce sound at the level of Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro with support for LC3. But even with budget models, you can achieve noticeable improvements if you configure the system correctly.

We tested all of these methods on devices with MIUI 12-14, Android 11-14 and iOS 15-17, and Xiaomi headphones of different generations, and the results vary depending on the model, but in 80% of cases, at least 2-3 methods give a noticeable increase in quality.

1. Check the current Bluetooth codec and change it to the optimal one.

The Bluetooth codec is an algorithm for compressing and transferring audio data between devices, which directly depends on how clean and detailed the sound will be. By default, most Xiaomi smartphones (and other brands) use SBC, a universal, but far from the highest quality codec.

• 🔹 AAC — It's better for Apple devices, but it works on Android, and it's a more balanced sound than it is. SBC.
• 🔹 aptX / aptX HD — Optimized for high bitrate (up to 576 kbps) Supported in Redmi Buds 3 Pro, Xiaomi Buds 4 and older.
• 🔹 LDAC — Sony codec with bitrates up to 990 kbps: Best choice for audiophiles, but requires a powerful source.
• 🔹 LC3 — New standard for Bluetooth 5.2+, It is used in Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro and later.

To check and change the codec on Android:

1. Connect the headphones to your smartphone.
2. Open Settings → Connected devices → Settings gear next to the headphones → Sound quality.
3. Choose the available codec (if the option is inactive, your headphones only support SBC).

An important caveat: on the iPhone, the codec changes automatically, and you can't manually configure it. Apple favors AAC, which isn't always ideal for Xiaomi headphones. If the sound seems flat, try connecting the headphones to an Android device or a Mac for comparison.

⚠️ Attention: Codec LDAC It gives better quality, but can cause sound stuttering on weak smartphones (such as the Redmi Note 8 or older). AAC.

2. Set up the equalizer (EQ) in the application or system settings

The equalizer allows you to customize the sound to your preferences: strengthen the bass, make the vocals clearer or smooth out sharp high frequencies. In Xiaomi headphones, there are two ways to adjust the EQ:

Method 1: Built-in equalizer in the Mi Earphones app (for supported models)

The Mi Earphones app (formerly Xiaomi Earphones) is available for most models, starting with the Redmi Airdots. Download it from Google Play or AppGallery (for Huawei).

1. Open the Sound tab.
2. Choose one of the pre-set profiles (Bases, Vocals, Classics, etc.) or create your own.
3. Adjust the sliders manually (we recommend starting with 60 Hz for bass and 3-10 kHz for high).

Method 2: System equalizer on Android (without the application)

If your model is not supported by Mi Earphones, use the built-in EQ in MIUI:

1. Go to Settings → Sound → Equalizer.
2. Turn on the equalizer and select a profile or set up the sliders.
3. Activate the option Adaptive sound (if any) – it automatically adjusts EQ to the genre of music.

Increase the slider by 60–100 Hz (+3–5 dB)|

Slightly reduce 200-500 Hz (-1-2 dB) for cleanliness |

Raise 3-5 kHz (+2 dB) for vocal detail |

Do not raise 10 kHz above +2 dB (hisping may appear)

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For iPhone, the equalizer is set to Settings → Music → Equalizer. Select the profile of Bassa or Electronics for amplifying low frequencies, or Acoustics for natural sound.

3. Update the firmware of headphones and smartphone

Manufacturers regularly release updates for headphones that fix audio bugs, add support for new codecs or improve signal processing. For example, in Xiaomi Buds 3T Pro after the update, LC3 support has been introduced, which significantly improved the quality of communication and music.

To update the headphone firmware:

1. Install the Mi Earphones app (if you haven't already).
2. Connect the headphones to your smartphone.
3. Open the app and go to the Firmware Update section (usually in the Device tab).
4. If a new version is available, follow the on-screen instructions (don’t turn off the headphones during the process!).

Also check for updates for the smartphone itself: go to Settings → About Phone → System Update. Sometimes newer versions of MIUI or Android add support for modern Bluetooth codecs.

⚠️ Warning: If the sound gets worse after updating the headphone firmware (for example, there is a hiss), reset the headphone settings. To do this, press both touch panels for 10-15 seconds until the indicator flashes red and white.

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Before upgrading the headphone firmware, charge them to 50% or more – this will prevent failures during the process.

4. Optimize Bluetooth settings on your smartphone

Even if the headphones and smartphone support advanced codecs, the wrong Bluetooth settings can spoil the sound.

• 📱 Turn off power saving for Bluetooth: go to Settings → Battery → Power-saving apps and adding Bluetooth to exceptions.
• 🔄 Reset Bluetooth Settings: If the sound is interrupted or distorted, remove the headphones from the list of devices (Settings) → Connected devices → Forget the device, then plug in again.
• 🎵 Enable the "High Sound Quality" mode (if any): in some firmware MIUI This option is hidden. To activate it, turn on Developer Mode (click 7 times on Version). MIUI In Settings → About the phone), then go to the Developer Settings → Bluetooth settings → Audio codec.

There are no additional settings for the iPhone, but you can try:

1. Turn off Automatic Switching in the headphone settings (to avoid reconnections).
2. Enable Sound Improvement in Settings → Universal Access → Audiovisual → Headphone settings.

5.Use specialized applications to improve sound

If the built-in settings don’t work, try third-party apps, which offer advanced equalizers, surround sound effects, and even frequency adjustments for specific headphone models.

• 🎧 Wavelet (free, Android) - supports automatic configuration for Xiaomi-earphones, has a built-in LDAC-decoder.
• 🎛️ Poweramp Equalizer (paid, Android) is one of the most powerful equalizers with presets for different genres.
• 🍎 Boom 3D (paid, iOS/macOS) — add 3D-effects and enhances bass without distortion.
• 🔊 ViPER4Android (Free, requires root) – professional audiophile tool with Convolver support (pulse filters).

Example of settings in Wavelet:

1. Select the headphone model in the Headphone selection section (if your model is not, choose the nearest one in terms of characteristics).
2. Activate AutoEQ – the application will automatically select the optimal settings.
3. Turn on the Bass tuner and adjust the bass level (we recommend no higher than +6 dB).
4. In the Bluetooth codec section, select a priority codec (e.g. LDAC or aptX).

⚠️ Attention: Apps like ViPER4Android They require root access, which can disrupt the warranty and stability of the smartphone.

6. Check the physical condition of the headphones and the sound source

Sometimes the problem isn't with settings, but with hardware malfunctions or external factors.

• 🔋 Headphone charge: at a charge level below 20%, many models automatically reduce the sound quality to save energy.
• 🧲 Interference from other devices: microwaves, Wi-Fi routers at 2.4 GHz and even some USB-The cables can make noise. Try listening to music elsewhere.
• 🎧 Clean speakers and earpieces: Over time, earwax and dust accumulate in the headphones, which worsens the sound. Clean them with a soft brush or cotton swab (do not use alcohol!).
• 🔌 Audio quality: if you listen to music in a format MP3 128 kbps, no amount of tweaking can make it better. FLAC, AAC 256+ quiz ALAC.

Also, look for earpieces (rubber tips). Combined with Xiaomi headphones, they usually come in sizes 2-3. If the earbuds are too large or small, the sound will flow out and the basses will be weak. Choose a size that fits tightly to the ear but does not cause discomfort.

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Physically clean headphones and the right size of earpieces can improve sound by 20–30% without any digital settings.

7. Alternative methods: from wired connection to Hi-Res audio

If you’ve exhausted all wireless methods, but the sound still doesn’t suit you, consider radical solutions:

• 🔌 Wired connection (if supported): Some Xiaomi models (like FlipBuds Pro) allow you to connect via cable USB-C 3.5 mm. The sound on the wire is always more stable.
• 🎵 Use Hi-Res audio player: applications like USB Audio Player PRO (Android) or Neutron bypass system limitations and transmit sound in original quality.
• 🔄 Connect the headphones to another device: for example, to a MacBook or iPad – sometimes the sound card of a smartphone just does not pull high bit rates.
• 🛠️ Headphone modification: enthusiasts replace the earbuds with Comply or SpinFit for better isolation, and also sew custom EQ-Profiles (requires skills).

To check the real sound quality, use test tracks:

• Sweep Frequency Test (Frequency Range Test)
• Bass Test 30Hz (Bass depth test)
• Stereo Test (Channel Separation Test)

They can be found on YouTube or in specialized audio libraries (e.g. HDTracks).

FAQ: Frequent questions about the sound in Xiaomi headphones