Xiaomi Codec: Which one to choose for the perfect sound in 2026?

Choosing the right codec for Xiaomi devices isn’t just a technical formality, but the key to quality audio in headphones, speakers, or when you stream audio over Bluetooth. Whether you’re listening to music through Mi True Wireless Earbuds, watching movies on Xiaomi TV or playing on Black Shark, the codec determines how clean, detailed and synchronized the sound will be. But how not to get lost in the acronyms SBC, AAC, aptX and LDAC? And why on some devices Xiaomi sound “cuts” and on others – pleases crystal clarity?

In this article, we’ll look at which Xiaomi codecs are supported by different models, how to turn them on or change them in the settings, and which format to choose for specific tasks, from listening to Hi-Res Audio to minimizing the latency of audio in games, and you’ll learn why some codecs can automatically turn off when Bluetooth is weak, and how to avoid this.

What is a codec and why is it important for Xiaomi devices

A coder-decoder is an algorithm that compresses audio data for transmission (e.g., over Bluetooth) and then restores it when it is played back.

• 🎵 Sound quality – some formats (e.g, LDAC) transmit audio without loss, other (e.g, SBC) sharply reduce high frequencies.
• ⚡ Latency is critical for games and video: the aptX Low Latency codec reduces latency to 30-40 ms, while the latency is very low. SBC can give up to 200 ms.
• 📶 Stability of connection – complex codecs (for example, LDAC) require a powerful Bluetooth signal and can “fall out” in a noisy environment.
• 🔋 Battery consumption - processing AAC AptX uses more energy than SBC.

Xiaomi devices (especially flagship smartphones like Xiaomi 14 Ultra or Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro headphones) support multiple codecs at the same time, but the choice depends on the compatibility of the source and receiver. For example, if your smartphone can encode in LDAC, but the headphones support only AAC, the connection will be established by the “common denominator” – most often it will be SBC.

What codec supports Xiaomi devices: compatibility table

Not all Xiaomi devices are equally “advanced” in terms of audio codecs. Flagship models (for example, Xiaomi 13T Pro or Redmi K60 Ultra) usually support LDAC and aptX Adaptive, while budget smartphones (like Redmi Note 12) are limited to SBC and AAC. Below is the current compatibility table for popular devices (data for 2026):

⚠️ Attention: Even if your device supports LDAC or aptX, these codecs can automatically shut down when a weak Bluetooth signal or low battery level is used. SBC or AAC.

To check what codec is currently in use, look at Settings → Connected Devices → Bluetooth Settings → [Your Headphones] → Audio quality. On some firmware (e.g. HyperOS), this information can be displayed directly in the notification bar.

How to turn on or change the codec on Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions

By default, Xiaomi devices choose the codec automatically, focusing on compatibility and signal quality. However, in some cases (for example, to reduce latency in games), it makes sense to force the prioritization format.

1. Connect headphones or a speaker over Bluetooth

2. Open Settings → Connected devices

3.Click on the name of your audio device

4. Select Audio Quality or Bluetooth Codec

5. Set the desired format (e.g., aptX Low Latency for games)

6.Reconnect the device to apply the changes-->

If you don't have audio quality on the menu, your Xiaomi model doesn't support manual codec change, so you can try:

• 🔄 Update the firmware - new versions MIUI HyperOS sometimes adds support for additional codecs.
• 🛠️ Use third-party applications like Developer Options (requires unlocking) ADB):

adb shell settings put global bluetooth_a2dp_offload_disabled 1

This command disables Bluetooth audio hardware acceleration, which can unlock hidden codec settings. Careful: improper use of ADB could disrupt the system!

Which codec to choose for different tasks: music, video, games

There is no universal "best" codec, the choice depends on the use case, and below are the recommendations for typical tasks:

🎧 Listening to music (Spotify, Apple Music, local files)

• 🎶 LDAC — Best choice for Hi-Res Audio (up to 990 kbps), but requires a stable signal.Suitable for Xiaomi 14 Pro + Buds 4 Pro.
• 🔊 AAC — Good balance of quality and compatibility (used by default in Apple Music).
• 🚫 SBC — If there is nothing else, it can significantly reduce high frequencies.

🎮 Games (PUBG Mobile, Genshin Impact, Call of Duty)

• ⚡ aptX Low Latency - Delayed ~40ms (ideal for shooters) Supported in Black Shark 5 Pro and Xiaomi Pad 6.
• 🎯 LHDC LL — Sony’s alternative with even lower latency (up to 20ms), but is rare in Xiaomi devices.
• ❌ LDAC — delay (~100-150 ms), not suitable for dynamic games.

📺 Watch videos (YouTube, Netflix, local movies)

• 🎬 AAC — Best for most cases: low latency (~50–70 ms) and acceptable quality.
• 🔍 aptX Adaptive – automatically adjusts to (music/speech) and network conditions. TV.

💡

For games and videos, the priority is minimum latency, for music, maximum quality. Don't chase LDAC if you listen to streaming services (for example, Spotify compresses tracks to 320 kbps, and the difference with AAC will be minimal).

Top.-3 Xiaomi codec problems and how to solve them

Even after you set up the codecs correctly, they can be unstable, and here are the most common problems and solutions:

⚠️ Note: If after changing the codec, the sound begins to "break" or one of the channels (left / right) disappears, the most likely problem is the incompatibility of Bluetooth profiles. A2DP on HFP in the developer settings (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — press 7 times).

1.The codec "flyes" to the SBC after reconnecting

This is a typical problem for devices with MIUI 12-14.

• Update the firmware to HyperOS (new versions fix bug).
• Turn off battery optimization for Bluetooth in Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization.
• Reset your network settings (Settings → System → Reset → Reset your Wi-Fi, mobile network, and Bluetooth settings).

2.The sound is interrupted when using LDAC

LDAC is very sensitive to interference.

• 📱 Distance to the source - no further than 3-5 meters without obstacles.
• 🔋 Headphone charge level below 30% LDAC may be off.
• 📡 Presence of interference – turn off others Bluetooth/Wi-Fi-sideways.

3. In games, sound falls behind the picture.

If you are using AptX LL, there is still a delay:

• Check the game settings – some titles (like Genshin Impact) have their own audio buffer.
• Turn off Bluetooth Absolute Volume in the developer settings.
• Try headphones with LHDC LL support (e.g. Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro).

💡

If your device doesn’t support aptX LL, but you need minimal latency, try connecting your headphones via a USB-C → 3.5mm adapter. In this case, the codec is not used and the sound is running without delay.

Hidden codec settings: how to unlock additional options

Some Xiaomi firmware (especially custom ones like Xiaomi.eu) have hidden codec settings that are not visible in the standard menu.

1. Enable Developer Mode (7 times click on the MIUI version in Settings → About Phone).
2. Then go to Settings → Further → For developers.
3. Find options: Disable Bluetooth A2DP hardware offload - disable for manual selection of the codec. Bluetooth Audio Codec - here you can force LDAC, aptX, etc. Bluetooth Audio Sample Rate - set 96 kHz for Hi-Res Audio.

⚠️ Warning: Incorrect settings can lead to a complete lack of sound or unstable Bluetooth.If the headphones stop connecting after the changes, reset the network settings or return the codec settings to the default value.

For advanced users, there is another way to manage codecs – through ADB. For example, to force on LDAC at 990 kbit / s, do:

adb shell settings put global bluetooth_a2dp_codec_priority"ldac,aptx,aptx_hd,aac,sbc"


adb shell settings put global bluetooth_a2dp_ldac_bitrate 2

Where 2 is the priority of LDAC at maximum bitrate (990 kbit/s).

• 0-330 kbps (battery savings)
• 1-660 kbit/s (balance).
• 2 - 990 kbit / s (maximum quality).

The best headphones Xiaomi for different codecs: review 2026

If you want to maximize the potential of the codec, it is important to choose compatible headphones. Here are the top Xiaomi models with support for advanced formats:

For gamers, the best choice is Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro or Redmi Buds 5 Pro with aptX Adaptive, as they provide minimal latency. For music fans listening to Tidal or Qobuz in Hi-Res format, the ideal Buds 4 Pro with LDAC is the best.

If you have budget headphones (for example, Redmi AirDots 3), do not waste time setting up the codec - they only support SBC, and you can improve the sound only through an equalizer in the player.

FAQ: Frequent questions about codecs on Xiaomi