How to improve the sound in Xiaomi wireless headphones: from bass to detail

Xiaomi's wireless headphones are some of the most popular gadgets due to their value for money, but even top-end models like the AirDots Pro 3 or Buds 4 Pro sometimes disappoint with out-of-the-box sound. Dim bass, muted high frequencies or low volume are the complaints of users. The good news is that 90% of audio problems are solved by software settings, not buying new headphones.

In this article — 7 We're going to look at some of the best ways to improve sound, from basic smartphone settings to advanced stunts with firmware and third-party apps, and we're going to look at how to make the most of Mi True Wireless Earphones, Redmi Buds and other models without spending money on audiophile hardware. All methods work on current versions MIUI 14/15 Android 12/13/14, But some of the tips are universal for iOS.

Warning: Headphones for the first time 2-3 Thousands of rubles will not be able to sound like models for the physical 20 thousands, but the correct settings will bring them closer to this level 60-70%. Let’s start with the simplest and gradually get to the “surgical” methods for experienced users.

1. Optimizing Bluetooth settings on a smartphone

Sound problems often lie not in the headphones themselves, but in how your smartphone transmits audio data. By default, Android and iOS use compressed audio codecs to save energy, which affects quality. Here's what you can do:

On Android, including Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO):

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Connected devices → Bluetooth settings (or additionally in the Bluetooth menu).
• 🔊 Find the option "Sound Quality" or "Audio Codec" (on some firmware — HD Audio).
• 🎵 Select the codec. AAC (for a balance of quality and stability; or aptX/LDAC (If your smartphone supports you).
• ⚡ Turn on the option "Absolute Volume" (if any) - this synchronizes the volume levels on the headphones and phone.

On the iPhone:

• 📱 Go to Settings. → Bluetooth, tap the icon "i" next to your headphones.
• 🔊 Enable the "High quality sound" option (if available).
• 🎵 Make sure that in the settings → Music. → EQ It is “off.” (iOS’s built-in equalizer often spoils the sound).

⚠️ Note: AptX codecs and LDAC They're better quality, but they can stutter in areas with weak Bluetooth signal. AAC.

2. setting up the built-in equalizer in MIUI

Xiaomi hides the full equalizer in an obscure place, but it is even in budget models of headphones.

1. Connect the headphones to the smartphone Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO.
2. Open the Music app (standard player from Xiaomi).
3. During the playback of the track, tap the "Effects" icon (three stripes) in the lower right corner.
4. Select "Equalizer" and turn it on.

Recommended presets for different genres:

💡

If you don’t have a Bass preset in your area, install the Wavelet app from Google Play – it offers more flexible equalizer settings even for budget headphones.

⚠️ Attention: Excessive low-frequency amplification (bass) on cheap Redmi Buds 3 Lite or Mi Basic 2 headphones can cause audio distortions at high volume. Optimal balance: do not raise 60 Hz above +4 dB.

3. Update to the headphone firmware

Many users don't know that Xiaomi's wireless headphones have their own firmware that can be updated. The manufacturer regularly releases patches that improve sound, connection stability and uptime.

For models with support for Mi Earphones App (AirDots Pro) 2/3, Buds 3/4 Pro):

• 📱 Install the official app “Mi Earphones” from Google Play or App Store.
• 🔗 Connect the headphones to the smartphone and open the application.
• 🔄 The main menu will have an update notification (if available).
• ⚡ Click "Update" and wait until the process is complete (don't turn off the headphones!).

For budget models (Redmi Buds 3 Lite, Mi True Wireless 2 Basic):

• 📱 Updates come automatically when you connect to a Xiaomi smartphone through Settings → Bluetooth → [Headphone name] → Update of the PO.
• 🔍 If you don’t have an option, your model doesn’t support OTA updates.

After updating the firmware, be sure to reset the headphone settings:

1. Put the headphones in the case.
2. Open the lid and hold the button on the back of the case for 10 seconds (until the indicator flashes red/white).
3. Reconnect via Bluetooth.

4.Using third-party applications to improve sound

Built-in tools MIUI limited, but third-party applications can unlock the potential of headphones 100%. Here's the top.-3 Android:

1. Wavelet (from developers) ViPER4Android)

• 🎛 Automatic equalizer with support for profiles for specific models of headphones.
• 🔊 ACH Corrector – Corrects distortions of frequency characteristics.
• 🎵 Environmental effects (concert hall, studio, etc.).

How to set up:

1. Install Wavelet from Google Play.
2. Select the model of your headphones in the "AutoEQ" section.
3. Activate System-wide Effect (requires permission to access sound).

2. Poweramp Equalizer

• 🎚 10-band equalizer with presets.
• 🔋 Low battery consumption.
• 🎧 Support for Bluetooth codecs aptX and LDAC.

3. JamesDSP (for advanced users)

• 🛠 Full control of sound: compressor, limiter, crossovers.
• 🎛 The ability to create your own pre-prestos.
• ⚠️ Requires root or magisk to work properly.

Install the Wavelet app

Enable the developer mode on a smartphone

Permission to change system sound settings

Select a headphone model in AutoEQ

Activate System-wide Effect"-->

⚠️ Attention: Apps like ViPER4Android JamesDSP may be in conflict with the MIUI, If you have any problems, turn off the sound processing in the application settings or delete it.

5. Physical ways to improve sound

So, software settings are half the success, and the sound quality depends on how the earbuds sit in your ears.

1. Selection of the correct chords

• 🎧 Complete with headphones coming 2-3 You can try all the options!
• 🔍 Properly selected ear canal should completely cover the ear canal, but not cause discomfort.
• 🛒 For models AirDots Pro you can buy foam bulges (for example, Comply Foam) – they will improve noise insulation and bass.

2. Headphone cleansing

• 🧼 Earwax and dust clog the speaker grid, making the sound worse.Brush the headphones with a soft brush or cotton swab every 2 weeks.
• 🚫 Do not use alcohol or aggressive detergents – they will damage the coating!

3. Leakproofness check

• 👂 If you hear external sounds when listening to music, the headphones are not tight. Try the size of the earpieces larger.
• 🎵 Good tightness improves bass and overall sound detailing.

💡

Physically fitting headphones affects sound as much as software settings, and poor tightness kills up to 40 percent of bass and medium frequencies.

4.Actual damage case check

If the Xiaomi headphone case is damaged (for example, it does not close tightly or charge the headphones), this can affect the stability of the Bluetooth connection and, as a result, the sound quality. Check the contacts for oxidation and, if necessary, clean them with a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol.

6. Customization of sound in specific applications

Some apps (e.g. YouTube, Spotify, Netflix) have their own audio settings that may conflict with system settings. Here's how to optimize them:

Spotify:

• 🎵 Go to Settings. → Sound quality.
• 🔊 Set “Very High” for streaming and downloading.
• 🎛 Turn on "Normal Volume" (if the volume difference between tracks is annoying).
• 🎧 In the Devices section, select your headphones and activate the "Improving Sound" option".

YouTube:

• 📺 In the playback settings (cog in the upper right corner of the video) select "Quality: 1080p “Over” will improve the soundtrack.
• 🔊 For music, use YouTube Music instead of the main app – audio compression is better there.

Games:

• 🎮 In the game sound settings, look for the option "3D-audio" or "spatial sound" - this will improve the localization of sounds (for example, in the PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty).
• 🔇 Disable all background apps that consume sound (such as voice-notification messengers).

⚠️ Attention: TikTok and Instagram always compress audio to low bitrate. No tweaks will make it quality - it's a restriction of platforms.

7 Advanced methods: flashing and modification

If you have exhausted all the standard methods, but the sound still does not suit, you can try alternative firmware or modifications. ⚠️ These methods are only suitable for experienced users and may deprive you of guarantees!

1. Flashing through Mi Earphones App (official method)

Some models (AirDots Pro 2, Buds 3 Pro) support beta firmware with improved sound to install:

1. Download the latest beta version of the firmware from the XiaomiEU forum.
2. Connect the headphones to the PC via Bluetooth.
3. Use the Mi Flash Tool or Fastboot utility to install (the instructions are available on the forum).

2. Modified firmware from the community

Nana 4PDA and XDA Developers have custom firmware with:

• 🎛 Advanced equalizer settings.
• 🔊 Codec support LDAC aptX HD (even on budget models).
• 🎵 Improved processing of bass and high frequencies.

⚠️ Risks:

• 🚨 Loss of guarantee.
• 🔋 Possible problems with autonomy.
• 🎧 Unstable Bluetooth operation.

FAQ: Frequent questions about improving the sound in Xiaomi headphones