What to do if the headphone Xiaomi has become quieter to work: 10 proven solutions

Have you noticed that your favorite Xiaomi headphones are quieter than usual? One speaker is at full volume and the other is barely audible? Or both headphones suddenly lost their former sound volume? This problem is familiar to many owners of wireless and wired models, from the budget Redmi AirDots to the flagship Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro. The reasons can lie in both banal smartphone settings and serious hardware malfunctions.

In this article, we'll look at all the possible causes of the volume down, from clogged speaker grilles to Bluetooth hardware failures, and you'll get step-by-step diagnostic instructions, and repairs that you can do yourself, and if you check them out and find that they require professional intervention, we'll show you how to save on service and avoid cheating.

Importantly, not all methods are universal. For example, TWS- headphones (like Xiaomi Buds 3T Pro) have their own nuances of customization, and wired models (like Xiaomi Hybrid Pro HD) have their own. We will separately note which solutions are suitable for specific types of devices.

1. Check basic settings: volume, sound mode and balance

Before you take your headphones apart or bring them to the service, make sure that the problem is not with the settings of your Xiaomi smartphone or other device they are connected to. Often users accidentally change the settings of the sound without even knowing it.

Start by checking the overall volume:

• 📱 On Android, press the up/down volume button and make sure the slider is at maximum. Sometimes a separate multimedia setting gets knocked down.
• 🎧 Some Xiaomi Buds models (e.g. Buds 3 Pro) have touch controls – check if the Quiet Sound mode is activated with a double touch.
• 💻 On Windows/macOS: Open the sound bar (speaker icon in tray) and make sure the volume level for the headphones is not reduced programmatically.

Next, check the balance of sound between the left and right earphones. On Android, it's done like this:

1. Go to Settings → Sound → Sound Balance (on some MIUI firmware, the path may be different).
2. Make sure the slider is in the middle, and if it's moved left or right, one of the headphones will sound quieter.

And remember, the sound modes, MIUI has an integrated equalizer that can automatically turn down the volume at certain frequencies, so you can turn it off.

1. Go to Settings → Sound → Sound Effects.
2. Select the “No” or “Default” profile.
3. Turn off the Adaptive Sound option (if any).

⚠️ Warning: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro+) have a separate "Safe Volume" option in the audio settings. If activated, the system automatically lowers the sound level after exceeding the limit. Turn this option off in Settings → Sound → Safe Volume.

2. Headphone cleaning: remove dust, earwax and moisture

One of the most common reasons for the volume down is the pollution of the speakers, and dust, earwax, and even microscopic fibers from clothing can clog the earphone grid, making the sound muffled, especially for models with an open acoustic design (such as the Xiaomi Air 2 SE).

For cleaning, you will need:

• 🧻 Cotton swabs (better with a plastic base so as not to leave the fibers).
• 💧 Alcohol wipes or isopropyl alcohol (at least 70%).
• 🔦 Flashlight (to better see contamination)
• 🧲 Magnetic screwdriver (for disassembly, if necessary).

Step-by-step instructions for cleaning:

If the headphones are wireless (e.g. Xiaomi Buds 4), pay attention to the contacts of the charging case. Oxidation or contamination of the contacts can lead to unstable operation and volume reduction. Rub them with alcohol and check if the headphones fit tightly into the case.

For wired models (e.g. Xiaomi Mi Earphones Basic) check out:

• 🔌 Connector 3.5 mm or USB-C for oxidation.
• 🎛️ Cord for insulation bending or damage (especially at the base of the plug).

⚠️ Warning: Never use sharp objects (needles, toothpicks) to clean, which can damage the speaker membrane. If the contamination is not removed with cotton swabs, you should contact the service.

3. Resetting headphone settings and reconnecting

If cleaning didn’t work, the next step is a software reset, especially for TWS- headphones (Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro, Redmi AirDots 3, etc.), where volume problems can be associated with synchronization errors between the left and right earphones.

How to Reset Xiaomi Headphones:

1. Put both headphones in the charging case and close the lid.
2. Press and hold the button on the case (usually located behind) for 10-15 seconds until the indicator flashes red and white.
3. Open the case cover – the headphones should automatically go into pairing mode (the indicator flashes white).
4. On your phone, remove your headphones from the list of connected devices (Settings → Bluetooth) and connect them again.

For wired models, reset is not required, but it is worth checking:

• 🔄 Reconnect the plug to another device (e.g., a PC or other smartphone).
• 🔊 Try to turn the headphones on in another connector (if you use an adapter).

If you have a problem after resetting, try updating the headphone firmware.

1. Install the official Mi Earphones or Xiaomi Wear app (depending on the model).
2. Connect the headphones to the phone and open the application.
3. If an update is available, follow the instructions on the screen.

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If after updating the firmware headphones began to sound even quieter, try rolling back the version of the software. To do this, in the Xiaomi Wear app, find the section "Restore factory settings" and select the option "Return firmware" (if available).

4. Diagnostics of hardware malfunctions

If the software methods didn't work, the problem is probably the hardware, and let's look at the most common malfunctions and their signs.

For wireless headphones (Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro, Redmi AirDots 3 Pro) typical hardware problems:

• 🔋 Battery wear — when the charge is low, the headphones can automatically turn down the volume to save energy. Check the operating time: if it's halved compared to the new headphones, it's likely that you need to replace the battery.
• 📡 Bluetooth module malfunction — if the headphones are permanently switched off or the sound is interrupted, the problem could be an antenna or a chip. It's a complicated repair that's better to trust the service.

For wired models (Xiaomi Mi Earphones Basic, Hybrid Pro HD):

• 🔌 The wire break is most often rubbed at the base of the plug or near the speaker, and check if the volume changes as the cord moves.
• 🎛️ Connector problems -- oxidation or contamination of the contacts in the 3.5 mm or USB-C connector. Clean them with alcohol.

5. Verification of device compatibility and Bluetooth codecs

Sometimes the problem is not with the headphones themselves, but with the incompatibility with the device they are connected to, especially for TWS- headphones, where Bluetooth codecs (e.g., AAC, aptX, LDAC) play an important role.

For example, if you plugged in the Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro to an iPhone, the sound might be quieter than on Android because Apple uses the AAC codec, which doesn't always work optimally with other brands' headphones.

1. On Android, go to Settings → About → MIUI version and click several times on the line with the version to enable Developer Mode.
2. Go back to Settings → Additional → For developers and find Bluetooth Codecs.
3. Try switching between SBC, AAC and aptX (if supported), and sometimes SBC will produce more stable, but less sound quality.

Also check:

• 📱 The Bluetooth version on your device. Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro headphones support Bluetooth 5.3, but if your smartphone is running Bluetooth 4.2, there may be audio issues.
• 🔊 App audio settings: Some programs (like Spotify or YouTube) have their own volume controls that can limit the maximum level.

⚠️ Warning: If you use a Xiaomi smartphone with MIUI firmware, upgrade it to the latest version. There was a bug in older versions that made the Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro headphones sound quieter when connected to devices of the same brand. The fix came out in the MIUI 13.0.4 update.

6. repairs in the service center: when necessary

If none of these methods worked, the headphones are likely to require professional repair, and here are cases when self-intervention is impractical or dangerous:

• 🔊 Speaker membrane damage -- if the sound is not only quiet but also distorted (wheezing, crackling), it's likely that the membrane is torn. It requires special equipment to replace it.
• 🔋 Battery bloating – if the TWS headphones have stopped holding the charge or the case is not closing tightly, the battery needs to be replaced urgently (fire risk!).
• 📡 Bluetooth module malfunction -- if the headphones don't connect or the sound is constantly interrupted, the problem could be the chip. It's a complex microrepair.
• 💧 Fluid intake – even if Xiaomi headphones have IP54 protection (like Buds 4 Pro), prolonged exposure to moisture can lead to corrosion of the contacts.

How to choose a service center:

• 🏢 The official Xiaomi SCs -- they guarantee original parts, but repairs can be more expensive.
• 🔧 Unofficial workshops are cheaper, but you're at risk of forging parts. Ask for parts certificates before you repair them.
• 📦 Warranty replacement – if the headphones are warranty (usually 12 months), contact the store or official SC. But note: the warranty does not cover mechanical damage and fluid intake.

Cost of repair (example prices for Moscow, 2026):

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If the cost of repair exceeds 50% of the price of new headphones, it is more advisable to buy a new model. For example, repairing the speaker in Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro for 2,500 ₽ is not justified if the new headphones cost 5,000 ₽.

7. Alternative solutions: if repairs are too expensive

If repairs are expensive or headphones are no longer warranty, consider alternative options:

• 🔄 Buy used parts — Avito or AliExpress can find donor headphones to replace the speaker or battery. For example, a speaker for Redmi AirDots 2 costs around 300-500 ₽.
• 🛠️ Self-repair — if you're confident in your skills, you can try replacing the cord or cleaning contacts yourself. YouTube has detailed guides on disassembling most Xiaomi models.
• 🎁 Trade-in programs – some stores (such as Svyaznoy or M. Video) accept old headphones at a discount on new ones.
• ♻️ Recycling with a bonus - in the Xiaomi Store sometimes hold promotions, where for the delivery of old equipment give a discount on the purchase of new.

If you decide to buy new headphones, look for models with moisture protection (such as the Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro with IP54) and a guarantee of at least 12 months. Also check whether your smartphone supports aptX or LDAC codecs - this will improve sound quality.

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Before buying new headphones, check them for compatibility with your device. For example, Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro only reach its full potential with devices running MIUI 13+ or Android 12+.

FAQ: Frequent questions about quiet sound in Xiaomi headphones