Xiaomi AirDots 2 wireless headphones (also known as Redmi AirDots 2) have gained popularity due to the combination of price and quality, but many users face one problem: insufficient volume even at maximum settings. The reasons can lie in the hardware limitations of the headphones themselves, as well as in the software settings of the smartphone or firmware. In this article, we will analyze all possible ways to increase the volume, from basic settings to deep modifications.
It’s important to understand that the hardware volume limit in AirDots 2 is set by the manufacturer to protect your hearing (and speakers). However, in most cases, the real problem lies in the wrong settings of the Bluetooth codec, operating system restrictions or even physical contamination of the speakers. We tested all methods on devices running Android 10–14 and iOS 15–17, so the instructions are relevant for modern smartphones.
If you're willing to sacrifice sound quality for volume, there are ways you can go beyond factory limits, but remember, long-term listening to music at volumes above 80 percent can lead to irreversible hearing loss in 1-2 years (WHO data).
1. Check basic volume settings on a smartphone
Before you start complex manipulations, make sure that the problem is not the banal settings. On Android and iPhone, the volume for the headphones and speakers is adjusted separately - many users simply do not notice it.
On Android:
- Connect AirDots 2 to your phone.
- Press the volume button up/down and a slider will appear.
- Touch the gear badge (⚙️) Next to the slider and select Media (not Calls or Alarms").
- Make sure the slider is at maximum.
On iOS, the volume for Bluetooth devices is adjusted automatically, but you can reset the settings:
Settings → Bluetooth → Press “i” next to AirDots 2 → Forget this device
Also check:
- 🔊 Inactive Do Not Disturb mode - it can mute the sound. On Android: swipe down → check the bell icon.
- 🎵 App player. Spotify, YouTube Music or VK Music is a separate volume control (often hidden under a swipe left/right).
- 📱 Sound profile. Some of them. Xiaomi/Redmi In Settings → Sound is a Dynamic mode - it must be switched to Headphones".
⚠️ Warning: If the volume automatically drops to 50-70% after connecting AirDots 2, the Bluetooth protective limit is to blame.
2. Optimize Bluetooth codec for maximum volume
Xiaomi AirDots 2 supports Bluetooth SBC (basic) and AAC (for iPhone). Android often chooses SBCs with low bitrate by default, which limits dynamic range and volume. Switching to AAC or forcing high bitrate can give +10-15% volume.
On Android 10+:
- Install the Developer Options app (or activate Developer Mode: Settings → About Phone → Build Number → tap 7 times).
- Go back to Settings → System → Developer Mode.
- Find the items: Bluetooth Codec → Select AAC (if available). Bitrate Bluetooth Audio → Set 320 kbps. Bluetooth Audio Quality → Select 990 kbps (maximum).
Reconnect the headphones.
On the iPhone, the AAC codec turns on automatically, but you can reset Bluetooth settings: Settings → Main → Reset → Reset network settings.
Activate the Developer Mode|Install the codec. AAC|Set the bitrate at 320 kbps|Reset Bluetooth settings (if necessary)|Reconnect the headphones-->
If there is no AAC in the codec list, then your smartphone does not support it, in which case only the forced activation of SBC with a high bitrate (see section 5) will help.
3.Use of equalizer to enhance low/medium frequencies
The human ear perceives the average frequencies (1-4 kHz) as "loudness." By increasing them at the equalizer, you can subjectively make the sound louder without increasing the real amplitude. This method works on any smartphone and does not require root rights.
The best Android apps:
- 🎛️ Wavelet (free, with Bluetooth support).
- 🔊 Poweramp Equalizer (paid, but with trial period).
- 🎧 Music Equalizer (Simple Interface).
Setting up in Wavelet:
- Select the preset "Loudness" or "Bass Boost".
- Lift sliders 100–500 Hz and 1–3 kHz by +3–6 dB.
- Reduce high frequencies (8–16 kHz) by −2 dB to reduce distortion.
- Turn on Bluetooth audio effects in the app settings.
On the iPhone, the built-in equalizer is limited, but you can use: Settings → Music → Equalizer → Select “Late Night” (amplifies quiet sounds).
| Frequency (Hz) | Recommended gain (dB) | The effect |
|---|---|---|
| 60–100 | +2 | Bass amplification (does not affect volume) |
| 200–500 | +4 | Adds "body" to the sound. |
| 1000–3000 | +6 | The main contribution to perceived volume |
| 8000–16000 | −2 | Reduces hissing and distortion |
⚠️ Attention: Excessive increase in the average frequencies (>+8 dB) will lead to clipping (distortion of sound) and can damage the speakers of AirDots 2. +3 dB and gradually increase.
4.Brushing headphones and checking for physical damage
If the volume has dropped sharply or the sound has become muffled, the problem could be contamination of the speakers or wear of the membrane. Xiaomi AirDots 2 have no dust protection (IP-certificate is not available, so over time dirt accumulates in the grid.
How to clean:
- Take off the silicone embroideries (they are removable!).
- Take a toothpick with cotton wool soaked in an alcohol solution (60–70%).
- Carefully clean the speaker metal mesh with rotational movements.
- Dry your headphones for 1-2 hours (do not use a hair dryer!).
Signs of physical injury:
- 🔇 The sound "bursts" or disappears in one headphone.
- 🎧 Volume is uneven (left/right earphone is quieter).
- 🔊 At maximum volume, wheezing is heard.
If you see at least one symptom, headphones require repair (membrane replacement or speaker) The average cost at a service center is 800-1500. ₽.
What happens if you clean your headphones with wet wipes?
5. Modification of the headphone firmware (advanced method)
If all previous methods failed, custom software firmware remains, which removes the hardware volume limits set by Xiaomi, but is unwarranted and can cause breakdowns, and is only suitable for power users!
What you need:
- 🖥️ Windows PC 10/11.
- 🔌 Type-C Cable (to connect headphones to PCs).
- 🛠️ Flash Tool for AirDots (Download from AirDots) 4PDA).
- 📄 Firmware AirDots_2_Unlocked_Volume (search the forums).
Step-by-step:
- Unpack the archive with firmware and launch FlashTool.exe.
- Place the headphones in the case and connect it to the PC via Type-C.
- In the program, select the firmware file (.bin or.hex).
- Press Start and wait until it is completed (3-5 minutes).
- Turn off the case, take out the headphones and reset them (press the button on the case 10 seconds).
💡
Before you run your firmware, check out your AirDots 2! some revisions (like TWSEJ03LS) don't support custom firmware and can turn into a brick. The version can be recognized on the Mi Home app or on the sticker under the hood.
⚠️ Warning: After firmware: Headphones will stop automatically connecting to the last device. Battery life will be reduced by 10-15%. Xiaomi warranty is canceled. If you are not sure about your abilities, you better contact the service center for hardware modifications.
6.Alternative methods: amplifiers and external devices
If the software methods don't work, then there are hardware solutions that are more expensive, but guaranteed to turn up the volume without risking headphones.
Options:
- 🎧 Bluetooth amplifier (e.g. FiiO) BTR3K or iBasso DC05). It connects to a Bluetooth phone and the headphones to it. It increases volume by 30 to 50 percent with its own DAC.
- 🔊 Adapter with amplifier (for example, Apple Lightning to) 3.5mm + DragonFly amplifier.Suitable for iPhone, but requires wired connection.
- 📱 External DAC (e.g., Xiaomi) USB-C Digital Audio? Cheap solution (~1000 ₽), But it only works with Android.
| The device | Volume up. | Price (₽) | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| FiiO BTR3K | +40% | 6 000–8 000 | Additional battery |
| iBasso DC05 | +35% | 4 500–5 500 | No microphone. |
| Xiaomi USB-C DAC | +20% | 900–1 200 | It only works on the wire. |
If you have a budget, you can try to make it yourself, where some users solder resistors on a headphone board to increase the voltage on the speakers, but this requires radio editing skills and can cause battery fire.
💡
Hardware amplifiers are the only safe way to significantly increase volume without risking headphones or hearing.