How to activate AAC on Xiaomi: Full instructions for improving sound quality

Bluetooth codecs are one of those invisible technologies that dramatically affect the sound quality of wireless headphones or speakers, among them AAC (Advanced Audio Coding) stands out as the optimal balance between quality and stability of connection. However, on Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi and POCO models), this codec is often disabled by default or does not work correctly. Why is this the case and how to make it work at full power?

In this article, we’ll look at not only the standard ways to activate AAC via Bluetooth settings, but also the hidden MIUI features that affect audio processing. You’ll learn how to check the current codec, why a smartphone can “refuse” to use AAC, and what to do if the sound is interrupted or distorted. And for owners of devices with Qualcomm Snapdragon, we’ve prepared a separate section with advanced settings.

What is AAC and why is it important for Xiaomi?

The AAC (Advanced Audio Coding) codec is an audio compression algorithm designed as a successor to MP3. It is widely used in Apple AirPods, Sony WH-1000XM5 and other premium devices thanks to:

• 🎵 High bitrate (up to 256-320 kbit / s) with minimal delays.
• 🔗 Adaptability to unstable Bluetooth connection (unlike aptX, which cuts sound when jammed).
• 📱 Support all modern smartphones, including Xiaomi, Samsung and iPhone.

On devices, Xiaomi AAC often loses SBC (Basic Codec) for two reasons:

1. MIUI chooses SBC by default for "universal" compatibility.
2. Some models (especially those on MediaTek) have software limitations on using AAC.

According to AudioCheck’s tests, the difference between the SBC and AAC on the Xiaomi 13 Pro is 18-22% in high-frequency clarity (when listening to Sony’s WF-1000XM4), especially in rich-sounding tracks such as classical music or modern EDM.

How to check which codec is used on Xiaomi

Before you activate the AAC, make sure your headphones or speakers support it.

1. Connect the device to Bluetooth.
2. Open Settings → Bluetooth.
3. Press the badge. ⚙️ near the connected device.
4. Scroll down to the Sound Quality or Codec block.

If there's no codec item, your version of MIUI hides it.

• 📱 Install Bluetooth Codec Info (available on Google Play).
• 🔍 Or use Developer Options (in the next section).

Important: some headphones (such as Xiaomi Buds 3T Pro) paired with Xiaomi smartphones automatically switch to LC3 (the new Bluetooth LE Audio standard). This is not AAC, but the quality is comparable. You can check the current codec through Bluetooth Audio Codec in Developer Options.

Method 1: Enabling AAC through standard Bluetooth settings

On most Xiaomi devices (MIUI 12–14), AAC activation looks like this:

1. Put your headphones on Bluetooth.
2. Go to Settings → Bluetooth.
3. Tap on. ⚙️ headphone-name.
4. Select “Sound Quality” or “Code”.
5. In the list of available codecs, select AAC.

If the item "Sound quality" is not:

• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone and try again.
• 📲 Update. MIUI up to the latest version (in some firmware, the option is hidden due to bugs).
• 🛠️ Activate Developer Options (instruction below).

Update MIUI last-minute|Connect headphones via Bluetooth|Check support AAC headphoned|Activate Developer Options (if necessary)-->

On some models (such as the POCO F5 or Redmi Note 12 Pro+), a warning may appear after selecting the AAC: "Sound quality may deteriorate." This is a standard MIUI message - ignore it if your headphones support AAC.

⚠️ Note: On devices with a MediaTek Helio G chipset (e.g., Redmi) 10A) AAC It can be unstable due to hardware constraints, and it's best to use it. SBC 328 kbit/s bitrate.

Method 2: Activate AAC through Developer Options

If the standard method didn’t work, turn on Developer Options:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Tap 7 times on the item "Version" MIUI» (A notification will appear saying, “You have become a developer!»).
3. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
4. Find the "Network" or "Bluetooth" section.
5. Select Bluetooth Codec and set AAC.

In some versions of MIUI, the option is called differently:

• «Bluetooth Audio Codec» (MIUI 13–14).
• AVRCP Version (Older Version)
• Disable A2DP hardware offload (if AAC doesn’t work, try turning it off).

For Qualcomm Snapdragon devices (such as Xiaomi 12T Pro or POCO X5 Pro) Developer Options also have:

• 🔊 «Bluetooth Audio Sample Rate – Install 48kHz for better compatibility AAC.
• 📶 «Bluetooth Audio Channel Mode – Select Stereo.
• 🔄 «Disable Bluetooth A2DP hardware offload – turn off if the sound is interrupted.

💡

If the sound is quieter after the AAC is turned on, check the settings of the Mi Sound Enhancer (Settings → Sound) This tool can artificially limit the volume when using high-quality codecs.

Method 3: Forced activation of AAC via ADB (for advanced)

If previous methods have not worked, you can force the AAC through ADB-This is true for devices with cropped firmware (e.g. global versions of Redmi for some regions).

Instructions:

1. Install ADB Tools on PC (official page).
2. Connect your smartphone to your PC and allow debugging over USB.
3. Open the command line in the ADB folder and type:

adb shell settings put global bluetooth_a2dp_hw_offload_disabled 1


adb shell settings put global bluetooth_aac_bitrate 320

After the commands are executed:

• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone.
• 🎧 Reconnect the headphones.
• 🔊 Check the codec in Bluetooth Codec Info.

If the sound is distorted, return the default settings:

adb shell settings delete global bluetooth_a2dp_hw_offload_disabled


adb shell settings delete global bluetooth_aac_bitrate

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14 and newer forced codec change via ADB This can cause a Bluetooth module to crash. Before experimenting, back up your settings in Settings. → Additionally. → Backup.

Solving AAC Problems on Xiaomi

Even after successful activation of AAC, problems can arise, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them:

For devices with Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1/2 (such as Xiaomi 13 Ultra or POCO F5 Pro), resetting Bluetooth settings will also help:

1. Go to Settings → Bluetooth.
2. Press. ⋮ (three-point) → «Reset the settings».
3. Reboot your smartphone and reconnect the headphones.

💡

If none of these methods help, check if they block the system. AAC your music app (e.g. Spotify or YouTube Music) and some services are forced to use it. SBC save traffic.

Additional settings for better sound

AAC is only part of the story. To unlock the potential of your Xiaomi headphones, take note:

• 🎛️ Equalizer: MIUI There is a built-in equalizer in Settings → Sound. → Equalizer. AAC We recommend the preset "Basy" or "Jazz».
• 🔊 Mi Sound Enhancer: Turn it off if the sound is distorted at high volume.
• 📡 LDAC (alternative AAC): If your headphones support LDAC (Like Sony. WH-1000XM5), Try it out – the bitrate reaches 990 kbit / s.
• 🔋 Performance mode: C Settings → Battery. → Select Performance Mode for a stable Bluetooth connection.

For customization enthusiasts, Google Play has apps like Wavelet or Poweramp that allow you to fine-tune the sound to AAC.

• Select the AAC bitrate (up to 320 kbit/s).
• Set up ANC (active noise cancellation) for specific headphones.
• Apply the user presets of the equalizer.

On devices with MIUI 14 and later, the “Space Audio” feature also appeared, which works best with AAC, but requires headphones that support Dolby Atmos or 360 Reality Audio.

FAQ: Frequent questions about AAC on Xiaomi