Xiaomi Music: What is the service, how to use it and how it is better than competitors

If you own a smartphone, a smartwatch, or a Xiaomi speaker, you've probably come across Xiaomi's Music app, which is the standard player that's pre-installed on most of the brand's devices. But what is this service really? Why is it called differently (Mi Music, Music Player, Xiaomi Music), and how is it different from Google Play Music or Spotify? In this article, we'll go through all the nuances, from basic features to hidden features that the manufacturer doesn't advertise.

Many users mistakenly believe that Xiaomi Music is just the simplest audio player for local files. In fact, the service is integrated with the Xiaomi ecosystem, supports streaming (in some regions), synchronization with smart devices and even has unique features for owners of Mi Band or Xiaomi Smart Speaker. At the same time, the interface and service capabilities are highly dependent on the device model and firmware version. MIUI. Next, you’ll learn how to make the most of this tool – from setting up a uniform sound to creating voice-controlled playlists.

What is Xiaomi Music: a brief overview of the service

Xiaomi Music (formerly known as Mi Music) is a proprietary app from Xiaomi that combines the functions of a local player and streaming service. It is preinstalled on all smartphones of the brand (Redmi series, POCO, Xiaomi and some smart devices, such as the Xiaomi Smart Speaker or the Mi Watch, are distinguished from the competition by their deep integration with the ecosystem. MIUI hyperos.

The service has several versions:

• 📱 Music Player – the basic version for playing local files (MP3, FLAC, WAV).
• 🎵 Mi Music - Extended version with streaming support (not available in all regions).
• 🔊 Xiaomi Music – version for smart speakers and audio systems (for example, Xiaomi Soundbar).

Unlike Spotify or Apple Music, Xiaomi Music does not require a subscription – basic features (playing local tracks, creating playlists) are available for free.

Xiaomi Music Differences from Mi Music and Other Players

Many users confuse Xiaomi Music with Mi Music, although it is not exactly the same.

The main advantage of Xiaomi Music over third-party players is automatic synchronization with other devices of the ecosystem (for example, you can start listening to a track on a smartphone and continue on a smart speaker without additional settings). MIUI/HyperOS, reduces battery consumption compared to Spotify or VK Music.

⚠️ Attention: Global Firmware (Global) ROM) Xiaomi Music streaming feature is often disabled.To access the music catalog, you may need to change the device region to China or India - but this can lead to loss of warranty and problems with updates.

How to use Xiaomi Music: step-by-step instructions

Let’s analyze the basic functions of the service on the example of Xiaomi smartphone with firmware MIUI 14 or HyperOS.

1. Adding music

The service automatically scans the folders of the device for the presence of audio files (formats: MP3, FLAC, WAV, AAC). If tracks are not displayed:

1. Open the Settings. → Annexes → Music.
2. Select Scan Media Files.
3. Specify folders for scanning (for example, Internal) Storage/Music).

2. Creating playlists

To create a playlist:

1. Click on the icon. + lower-right.
2. Select a New Playlist.
3. Add tracks through the Edit button.

Add a folder with music to the scan|Enable the equalizer in the settings|Turn off volume normalization|Activate Hi-Res Audio (if supported)

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3. Sound tuning

Music Xiaomi has a built-in equalizer with presets (Rock, Pop, Classic) and manual tuning.

1. During the playback of the track, click on the icon ⚙️ (gear).
2. Select the Equalizer.
3. Set up sliders or select a ready profile.

For devices with Hi-Res Audio support (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi) K60 Ultra: Additional settings available:

• 🎧 High quality (24-bit/192kHz) — headphone LDAC.
• 🔊 Dolby Atmos – for surround sound (activation required in Settings) → Sound).

⚠️ Note: On budget models (Redmi Note 12, POCO M5) If you notice a quick discharge, return the settings to the factory.

Hidden features of Xiaomi Music, which few people know

The service has several Easter eggs and non-obvious features that are not described in the official documentation.

1. Voice control via XiaoAI

On Chinese firmware (China) ROM) You can control the player's voice through the XiaoAI assistant:

• 🎤"" — Reproduce the playlist "Favorites".
• 🎤"" — switch off.

On global firmware, this feature is disabled, but it can be activated via ADB:

adb shell settings put global xiaomi_assistant_music 1

2. synchronization with Mi Band and smartwatch

If you have a fitness bracelet Mi Band 7/8 or watch Mi Watch, you can control the player directly from the screen of the device:

• 🎵 Swipe-switching.
• 🔊 Volume control via physical buttons (on the Mi Watch) S3).
• 📱 Display of the album cover on the bracelet display.

To set up:

1. Open the Mi Fitness app.
2. Go to the Device Profile → Settings → Managing music.
3. Choose Music Xiaomi as the default player.

3. Automatically shutting down music by timer

It's useful for falling asleep to music, to activate it.

1. During the playback of the track, click on the icon ⏰ (timer).
2. Choose a time (15 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hour).
3. The music will quiet down after a given time.

💡

If the timer doesn’t work, check the permissions for the Xiaomi Music app in Settings. → Annexes → Permits → Autostart. Without this, the function may not work.

Xiaomi Music Problems and How to Solve Them

Despite the optimization, users often encounter bugs, and let's take a look at the most common ones:

1.The service doesn't see the music.

Causes and solutions:

• 📁 Files in an unsupported folder → Move the tracks to Internal Storage/Music.
• 🔄 Cash not updated → Clear the cache in Settings → Annexes → Music → Memory.
• 📱 There is no permission to access files → Go to Settings. → Annexes → Music → Permits and turn on Warehouse.

2.The music is interrupted or slowed down

Possible causes:

• 🔋 Battery savings → Add Music Xiaomi to Settings Exceptions → Battery → Optimizing the battery.
• 📶 Weak Bluetooth signal → Reconnect the headphones or reset their settings.
• 🎛️ Conflict with other players → Close the background applications (e.g. Spotify or VK Music).

3.There's no sound in the headphones.

Check it out.

• 🔊 Sound mode → B Settings → Select Headphones instead of Speakers.
• 🎧 Audio format → For wireless headphones (Redmi Buds) turn on LDAC or AAC In Bluetooth settings.
• 🔄 Reboot. → Sometimes restarting the Bluetooth module (Settings) helps → Connections → Bluetooth → Reset).

⚠️ Note: On some models (POCO X5 Pro, Redmi 12C) After upgrading to HyperOS, format support disappears FLAC and APE. Solution: Install an alternative player (like Poweramp) or roll back to the player. MIUI 13.

Music Xiaomi Alternatives: Should You Move?

If the standard player is not satisfied, consider alternatives:

Do you switch from Xiaomi Music to alternatives? It depends on your needs:

• 🎧 If the sound quality is important → Poweramp or Neutron Player.
• 🌍 If you need streaming → Spotify or Apple Music.
• 🏠 If you use the Xiaomi ecosystem → Stay on the standard player (best integration with Mi Band and speakers).

💡

Music Xiaomi is optimal for owners of several Xiaomi devices due to synchronization. For audiophiles or fans of streaming, it is better to consider alternatives.

Xiaomi Music: What to Expect in 2026-2026

According to leaks and official announcements, Xiaomi plans to develop its music service in several directions:

1. Expansion of the streaming catalogue is a partnership with Tencent Music to license tracks in Europe and Asia.
2. AI recommendations are personalized playlists based on listening history (similar to Spotify Discover).
3. Integration with cars – support for Android Auto and synchronization with Xiaomi multimedia systems SU7 (electric).
4. Localization for Russia is a possible launch of a paid tariff with an offline mode (analogue of Yandex Plus).

In HyperOS 2.0 (2026), Xiaomi Music is expected to include:

• 🎤 Improved voice control via XiaoAI (including Russian).
• 🔊 Dolby Atmos Spatial Sound Support for All Devices (currently on flagships only).
• 📱 Desktop widgets with quick access to playlists.

If these updates are implemented, Xiaomi Music could compete with Spotify and Apple Music, especially for users deeply integrated into the brand ecosystem.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi Music