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

Xiaomi’s wireless headphones are some of the most popular on the market for their value for money, but even they don’t always make perfect out-of-the-box sound. Dim bass, low volume, or hissing high frequencies can ruin the music experience. Fortunately, the sound problems in Mi majority True Wireless Earbuds, Redmi Buds, or Xiaomi FlipBuds are solved by software settings — without buying new hardware.

In this article, we’ll look at 7 proven ways to improve sound, from choosing the right Bluetooth codec to fine-tuning the equalizer in the Mi Home app. You’ll learn how to increase volume without distortion, amplify bass without squeezing, and even compensate for the shortcomings of cheap headphone models. All methods are tested on current MIUI 14/15 firmware and work on both Xiaomi smartphones and other brands.

Important: results depend on the headphone model. For example, Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro with support for LDAC will give a greater increase in quality than the budget Redmi Buds 3 Lite with a basic SBC.

1. Choosing the optimal Bluetooth codec: SBC vs AAC vs aptX

The first thing that affects sound quality is the Bluetooth codec, which is used to transmit audio. By default, most Xiaomi devices choose SBC, which is the most versatile, but not the highest quality codec. Here's how to fix it:

On Android (including MIUI):

1. Open Settings → Connected devices → Settings gear next to your headphones.
2. Select the Audio Quality or Bluetooth Codec.
3. Try alternately AAC, aptX (if supported) or LDAC (for flagship models).

On the iPhone, codec choices are limited — the system automatically uses AAC, which is better than SBC, but worse than aptX. Owners of Xiaomi-earphones with iPhone should focus on other methods of improving sound.

Critical detail: On budget models (like Redmi Buds 3 Lite), forced aptX selection can lead to a cliff of sound. If you hear a crackle, go back to AAC.

⚠️ Warning: After changing the codec, restart the headphones (hold the button on the case for 10 seconds.

2. Set up the equalizer in Mi Home and third-party applications

The Mi Home app (or Xiaomi Wear for new models) offers a built-in equalizer, but its options are limited.

For models with Mi Home support:

1. Open the app and select your headphones.
2. Go to the sound settings. → equalizer.
3. Choose a preset (Bas, Rock, Jazz) or create your profile.

For advanced settings, use third-party applications:

• 🎵 Wavelet (Android) – supports automatic correction for your headphones.
• 🎧 Equalizer FX — Simple 10-band equalizer with presets.
• 🔊 Poweramp Equalizer is the best choice for music lovers (requires root for full functionality).

Bass tip: If the headphones lack low frequencies, lift the sliders 60Hz and 100Hz at +3-4dB, but reduce 250Hz by -2dB to avoid "dirty" sound. For vocals, accent 1-3kHz.

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In the Wavelet app, enable the option "Auto EQ" and select the model of your headphones from the database - the system will automatically apply optimal settings to compensate for the acoustic shortcomings.

3. Optimization of sound settings in MIUI

Xiaomi MIUI-based smartphones have hidden audio settings that can significantly improve audio perception over Bluetooth.

Activation of Mi Sound Enhancer:

1. Go to Settings → Sound and vibration → Sound quality.
2. Enable the Mi (or Mi Sound Enhancer) audio enhancement option.
3. Choose Music or Movie profile depending on the content.

Turning off absolute volume (for Android 10+):

adb shell settings put global bluetooth_absolute_volume_enabled 0

This command disables the forced volume synchronization between the phone and the headphones, which allows you to adjust the sound level on each device, requires an on-developer mode and a USB connection.

Also check the Dolby Atmos settings (available on flagships like Xiaomi 13):

• 🎬 Movies for viewing movies (enhances dynamic range).
• 🎵 Music - for listening to tracks (emphasizes vocals and basses).
• 🎮 Gameplay for gameplay (improving spatial sound).

⚠️ Note: Dolby Atmos only works with supported headphones (e.g. Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro.

4. Physical factors: proper fitting and headphone care

Even the most advanced settings can't save you if your headphones are not sitting right in your ears or clogged.

Landing check:

• 🔄 Twirl the earpiece in your ear to find the optimal position – the membrane should be directed into the ear canal.
• 🎵 If the basses are weak, try larger sized bucket suits (they come bundled with most Xiaomi models).
• 🧲 For models with neck straps (such as Xiaomi FlipBuds) adjust the length to make the speakers fit tightly.

Headphone cleansing:

1. Use a soft toothbrush to remove earwax from the speaker grille.
2. Wash the embushures with an alcohol napkin (do not use liquids!).
3. For deep cleaning, use a compressed air balloon (as for a keyboard).

Clogged headphones can lose up to 30 percent of their volume at high frequencies, and if you clean it up, it's normal, you hear frequencies that were previously drowned out by dirt.

The right fit for headphones|Clean speakers and fittings|Headphone charge >50%|Updated smartphone and headphones-->

5. Update of the firmware of headphones and smartphone

Manufacturers regularly release updates that improve sound processing, such as the firmware for Xiaomi Buds 3T Pro version 1.7.0.4 fixed distortion problems at high volume.

How to update your headphones:

1. Open Mi Home or Xiaomi Wear.
2. Select your headphones and check the Firmware Update section.
3. If a new version is available, connect the headphones to the charging case and launch the update.

How to update your smartphone:

• 📱 Go to Settings. → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🔄 Click Check Updates and install the latest version. MIUI.
• 🔋 Make sure the battery is charged >50% before the update.

After updating the headphone firmware, reset your settings (hold the button on the case for 15 seconds) to avoid conflicts with previous configurations.

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Xiaomi headphone firmware updates come out every 2-3 months, check them regularly, and sometimes newer versions add support for additional codecs (for example, LC3 for Buds 4).

6.Use of specialized players

Standard apps like Mi Music or YouTube Music use compressed audio codecs that spoil the sound. For a full listening experience, install one of these players:

For streaming services:

• 🎧 Tidal offers Master quality (MQA) before 96 keto/24 bit.
• 🎵 Qobuz – supports Hi-Res to 192 keto/24 bit.
• 📱 Apple Music – uses Lossless and Dolby Atmos (but Android is worse than iPhone).

In the Poweramp player, be sure to include:

1. Hi-Res Output in the audio settings.
2. Direct Volume Control for smooth volume control.
3. ReplayGain for automatic track volume normalization.

7. Hardware modifications (for advanced users)

If software methods don't work, you might want to consider hardware improvements, which require electronics skills and lack warranty!

Replacement of the chords:

• 🎧 For Xiaomi Buds 3/4 Suitable ambusheries from Sony WF-1000XM4 (size).
• 🔊 Redmi Buds: Comply’s universal silicone tips (improving noise insulation).

Case modification:

In some models (such as the Xiaomi Buds 3T), you can replace the battery in the case with a larger capacity (for example, from 500 mAh to 800 mAh), which will increase battery life, but require soldering.

Custom software firmware:

For headphones on a Qualcomm chip QCC3040 (For example, Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro, there are alternative firmware that adds support for aptX Adaptive and advanced equalizer settings. XDA Developers or 4PDA.

⚠️ Warning: Wrong firmware can turn headphones into a brick. Before the procedure, check the compatibility of the model and backup the original firmware through the Qualcomm Flash Tool.

FAQ: Frequent questions about improving the sound in Xiaomi headphones