Xiaomi’s Bluetooth headphones are some of the most popular on the market for their value for money, but even top-end models like the Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro or Redmi AirDots 3 sometimes disappoint with the sound, users complain of muted high frequencies, lack of bass or connectivity, and the reasons are not only hardware limitations, but also the wrong settings – both on the headphone side and on the sound source side (smartphone, PC or TV).
In this article, we will discuss 10 proven ways to improve sound in Xiaomi headphones, from basic settings to advanced tricks with firmware and codecs. All methods are tested on models from 2020 to 2026 and are compatible with most Android and iOS devices. MIUI, which the manufacturer does not advertise, but which radically change the sound.
1. Check the current Bluetooth codec
The first thing that affects sound quality is the Bluetooth codec, which is used to transmit audio. By default, most Xiaomi smartphones connect via SBC (a standard codec with mediocre quality), although headphones often support more advanced formats like AAC, aptX or LDAC.
To find out the current codec:
- 📱 On Android: Go to Settings → Connected devices → Headphones → Additional settings. Look for the line "Audio codec".
- 🍎 On iOS: Press the Bluetooth icon in the control panel → pick out the headphones → Look at the line "Codec".
If it says SBC, it's worse than AAC or aptX, and in the next section, we'll talk about how to force codecs to change.
2. Forced change of Bluetooth codec (Android only)
On Xiaomi smartphones (and other Android devices), you can manually set the priority codec through a hidden developer menu. This doesn’t work on all models, but it’s worth trying.
Instructions:
- Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version and tap it 7 times.
- Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
- Find the Bluetooth Codec (or Bluetooth Audio Codec) and select AAC or aptX (if supported).
- Reconnect the headphones.
Developer mode activated
Headphones are off Bluetooth
Selected AAC/aptX codec in settings
Smartphone rebooted-->
⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI If you have a forced codec change, you may experience crackling or delay. If you do, return the settings to SBC.
If there is no codec option in the developer menu, try an alternative way through ADB:
adb shell settings put global bluetooth_a2dp_offload_capability 255This command unlocks all supported codecs. Once you type in, restart your smartphone.
3. Equalizer setting in MIUI and third-party applications
The built-in equalizer in Xiaomi headphones is often ignored, although it can dramatically change the sound. Depending on the model, the settings may be in:
- 🎧 Mi Earphones app (for Buds models) 3/4 Pro, AirDots 3).
- 📱 Settings → Sound. → Equalizer (on some firmware) MIUI).
- 🎵 Music apps (Spotify, YouTube Music, Poweramp).
Recommended presets for different genres:
| genre | Low (60–250 Hz) | Medium (500–2,000 Hz) | High (4000-16,000 Hz) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hip-hop/R&B | +4 dB | 0 dB | -1 dB |
| Rock/Metal | +2 dB | +1 dB | +2 dB |
| Classic/Jazz | 0 dB | +3 db | +1 dB |
| Electronics | +3 db | -1 dB | +3 db |
For fine-tuning, use Wavelet (free on Google Play) to help you automatically adjust your FAC to a specific headphone model.
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If Mi Earphones doesn’t have an equalizer, upgrade to the latest version of the app.
4. Update of the firmware of headphones and smartphone
Manufacturers regularly release updates for Bluetooth headphones, fixing sound problems, adding new codecs or improving the noise maker. You can check the relevance of the firmware through the official application:
- 🔄 For Xiaomi Buds 3/4 Pro: Mi Earphones → Settings → Firmware update.
- 🔄 Redmi AirDots: Mi Home Review → pick out the headphones → Firmware.
If an update is available, follow the instructions on the screen. Don't turn off the headphones during the process - this can lead to them "bricking".
⚠️ Note: Xiaomi earphones sometimes "forget" the equalizer settings after the update. Write down the current values or take a screenshot to restore them later.
Also check for smartphone updates: newer versions of MIUI often improve support for Bluetooth codecs. MIUI 14, for example, added stable LDAC for Xiaomi 13 Series.
5. Optimization of the sound source: smartphone, PC, TV
Sound quality depends not only on the headphones, but also on the device from which the transmission is coming, and here are the key settings for different platforms:
On Android (Xiaomi smartphones):
- 📲 Turn off absolute volume in Settings → Connected devices → Headphones → It will allow you to independently adjust the volume on your headphones and phone.
- 🔊 Enable Sound Improvement in Settings → Sound. → Sound quality (available on the MIUI 12+).
- 🎧 Use Mi Sound Enhancer (application from Xiaomi for fine tuning of sound).
On iOS:
- 🍏 Turn it off. EQ In Settings → Music. → Equalizer (select "Off.") iOS's built-in equalizer often spoils the sound.
- 🔊 Activate Transparency in Settings → Universal access → Audiovisual for better detail.
On PC (Windows 10/11):
- 💻 Install the manufacturer's Bluetooth driver (not the standard Microsoft). For Qualcomm chipsets download QCA61x4 Driver.
- 🔊 To the control panel. → Sound. → Headphone properties → Additionally, select 2 channels, 16 bits, 44100 Hz (or higher if supported).
How to check Bluetooth bitrate on Windows?
Physical factors: interference, distance, accessories
Even the most advanced settings can't help if the headphones are working in adverse conditions.
- 📶 Interference from other devices: Microwaves, 2.4Hz Wi-Fi routers, wireless mice can make noise. Try turning them off or moving to another place.
- 📏 Distance to source: Optimal distance to 10 meters without obstacles. Walls and furniture weaken the signal.
- 🔋 Headphone charge: At a charge level below 20%, some Xiaomi models automatically reduce sound quality to save energy.
- 🎧 Adjacent density: For models with noise-producing (Buds 3 Pro), check the size of the embroideries.
If the sound is interrupted or there is interference, try:
- Reconnect the headphones (forget the device in Bluetooth settings and connect again).
- Reboot your smartphone and headphones (on some Xiaomi models, you need to hold the button on the case for 10 seconds).
- Change Bluetooth mode on the smartphone from Dual audio to Stereo (in the headphone settings).
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If interference only occurs in one ear, the problem may be a hardware malfunction of the headphones. Try resetting them to factory settings (usually by holding the 15-second button).
7. Alternative firmware and modifications (for advanced)
If standard methods don't work, you can try custom firmware or modifications, which is risky (there's a possibility of losing warranty), but sometimes it gives amazing results.
Modification methods:
- 🔧 Headphone flashing: For some models (Redmi AirDots 2, Buds 3), there are informal firmware with improved sound. XDA Developers or 4PDA.
- 📱 Castomy ROM Smartphone: Firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience often optimizes the Bluetooth stack better.
- 🎛️ Modified drivers: You can install Bluetooth Audio Driver from Creative or Realtek for Windows with aptX support LL.
⚠️ Warning: Reflashing your headphones can cause them to break, only if you're confident in your skills and ready to lose your warranty. Always back up your original firmware!
Example of a command for Redmi AirDots 2 firmware via ADB:
fastboot flash --slot=all bluetooth_a bluetooth.img
fastboot flash --slot=all bluetooth_b bluetooth.imgThe bluetooth.img file must be downloaded from a trusted source.
8.When nothing helps: hardware limitations
If you've tried all the ways, but the sound still doesn't work, the problem may be the hardware limitations of your model.
- 🔊 Cheap models (Redmi AirDots) use speakers with a diameter of 6-8 mm, which physically cannot reproduce deep bass.
- 📡 Bluetooth Version: Headphones with Bluetooth 4.2 (such as AirDots Youth) do not support aptX or LDAC.
- 🎛️ DAC and amplifier: Budget models often save on digital-to-analog converter, which affects the detailing.
In such cases, there are two options:
- External Bluetooth DAC (e.g. Fiio BTR3K or ES100)
- Upgrade to a more advanced model (Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro supports LDAC and has 11 mm speakers).
Before buying a new model, check its specifications on the official Xiaomi website or on GSMArena.
- 🔊 Frequency range (optimally 20–20,000 Hz).
- 📡 Supported codecs (LDAC > aptX > AAC > SBC).
- 🔋 Operating time (for models with noise making it is important at least 5-6 hours).
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If you are choosing between the Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro and the Buds 4 Pro, note that the second model has adaptive noise making and LDAC support, which is critical for quality sound.