LDAC codec in Xiaomi smartphones: a full list of models, configuration and comparison with aptX

Sony’s Bluetooth LDAC codec has been the benchmark for wireless audio for several years, and unlike standard SBC or popular aptX, it supports 24-bit/96kHz audio streaming, bringing sound closer to wired headphones, but not all Xiaomi smartphones are equipped with this technology, depending on the chipset, Bluetooth version and MIUI firmware.

In this article, we’ll look at which Xiaomi models officially support LDAC (including flagships, subflagships and budget devices), how to check its availability on your phone, and whether to overpay for this feature. Also compare LDAC to alternative codecs — aptX Adaptive, AAC and LHDC, so you can choose the best option for your headphones. If you are an audiophile or just appreciate quality sound, this information will help avoid disappointment when buying.

What is LDAC and why is it important for wireless sound

The LDAC codec was developed by Sony in 2015 as a response to the limitations of standard Bluetooth codecs, and its key advantage is the transmission of audio streams with a bitrate of up to 990 kbit / s (in "Quality Priority" mode), which is 3 times more than the capabilities of SBC (328 kbit / s) and is comparable to wired connection, which allows you to transfer music in FLAC, ALAC or WAV formats without significant loss of quality.

However, LDAC has its disadvantages:

• 🔋 Increased power consumption – due to high bitrate, the headphone battery and the phone sit down faster.
• 📶 Sensitivity to interference – at a distance of more than 5 meters or in conditions of strong radio interference, connection breaks are possible.
• 🎧 Not all headphones support LDAC — Even if your smartphone is codeced, the headphones should be compatible (e.g. Sony). WH-1000XM5, Sennheiser Momentum 4).

By comparison, aptX Adaptive (from Qualcomm) dynamically adjusts bitrate to communication conditions (279 to 420 kbps), making it more stable but less “transparent” for audiophiles. AAC (used in AirPods) is optimized for low latency but loses in audio detail. The choice of codec depends on your priorities: maximum quality (LDAC), balance of quality and stability (aptX) or compatibility (AAC).

Official list of Xiaomi smartphones with support for LDAC (2026)

The list of Xiaomi models that support LDAC depends on two factors: the hardware platform (chipset) and the version of the MIUI firmware. Most flagships since the Snapdragon 865 have hardware support for the codec, but in budget models it is often disabled at the software level.

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 11T Pro or Redmi K40 Pro) codec LDAC It is present in the firmware, but hidden from the user, it can be activated through the engineering menu (instruction below), but this can lead to unstable Bluetooth operation.

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Before buying headphones with LDAC, check compatibility on the manufacturer’s website. For example, the Sony WH-1000XM5 supports codec, while the AirPods Pro 2 does not.

How to check if your Xiaomi codec supports LDAC

There are three reliable ways to know if LDAC is available on your smartphone:

1. Using Bluetooth settings: Connect compatible headphones (e.g. Sony WH-1000XM4). Go to Settings → Connected devices → Headphones → Sound settings. If there is an LDAC item in the codec list, your phone supports it.
2. Using Developer Options: Activate Developer Mode (click 7 times on the MIUI version in Settings → About Phone), then go to Settings → Additional → For Developers → Bluetooth Audio Codec Settings. If LDAC is on the list, it is supported.
3. Using the engineering menu (for hidden support): Open the Phone app and enter the code ##4636##. Go to the Bluetooth audio codec section. If the LDAC is displayed in gray, it can be manually enabled (see next section).

⚠️ Note: Some firmware (e.g. global version) MIUI For Europe, codec can be disabled due to licensing restrictions, in which case the flashing to the Chinese or European version will help. MIUI loader-free.

How to turn on LDAC on Xiaomi if it is hidden in firmware

If your Xiaomi smartphone doesn’t display LDAC in standard settings, but the chipset supports it (like the Snapdragon 865/870/888), you can try activating the codec manually.This method works on 80% of devices with MIUI 12-14, but can cause problems with the connection of headphones.

Instructions:

1. Install the MTK Engineering Mode app (for MediaTek) or Qualcomm Bluetooth Test Mode (for Snapdragon) from Google Play.
2. Open the app and go to the Bluetooth → Audio Codec section.
3. Select LDAC and prioritize on Quality (990 kbps) or Balanced (660 kbps).
4. Save the settings and restart the phone.

If after activation, the headphones are connected, but the sound is interrupted or absent:

• 🔄 Try resetting your Bluetooth settings (Settings) → Connected devices → Three points. → Reset the settings).
• 📱 Update the firmware to the latest version MIUI (In new builds, codec errors are often corrected).
• 🎧 Check the headphones on another device – the problem may be them.

LDAC vs AptX vs AAC: Which Codec Is Best for Xiaomi

The choice of codec depends on your tasks. Below is a comparison table of key parameters:

Selection recommendations:

• 🎵 For high-resolution music: LDAC or LHDC (if the headphones support).
• 🎮 For games and video: aptX Adaptive (less latency).
• 🔋 To save battery life: AAC or SBC.
• 📱 For versatility: aptX (works with most headphones).

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LDAC is suitable for listening to music in FLAC or DSD formats, but is not optimal for gaming due to high latency.

Frequent LDAC issues on Xiaomi and how to fix them

Even if your smartphone and headphones support LDAC, there may be problems, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

1. The sound is interrupted or "breaks"

• 📶 Reason: Weak Bluetooth signal or interference from other devices (Wi-Fi, microwaves).
• 🔧 Solution: Switch to Balanced (660 kbps) instead of Quality (990 kbps) in the codec settings. Also try to turn off Wi-Fi or switch to another room.

2.The headphones are plugged in, but there's no sound.

• 🔊 Reason: Codec conflict or firmware error.
• 🔧 Solution: Manually select another codec (e.g, AAC), Then go back to LDAC. If it doesn’t work, reset your Bluetooth settings.

3.LDAC goes missing after MIUI update

• 📱 Reason: In newer firmware versions, codec may be disabled (especially in global builds).
• 🔧 Solution: Try to roll back to the previous version MIUI or install custom firmware (for example, Xiaomi.EU).

⚠️ Note: On some models (for example, Xiaomi 12 Pro with a MIUI 14) when used LDAC If the phone is too hot, switch to aptX or reduce the bitrate to 660 kbps.

Should Xiaomi Buy LDAC in 2026?

If you choose a Xiaomi smartphone specifically for the sake of LDAC support, consider the following nuances:

Pros:

• ✅ High quality sound when listening FLAC or TIDAL HiFi difference with aptX is noticeable.
• ✅ Future sustainability – Codec is supported by most premium headphones (Sony, Sennheiser, Bose).
• ✅ Flexibility of settings – you can choose the priority of quality or stability.

Cons:

• ❌ Limited list of models – only flagships and some sub-flagships.
• ❌ Compatibility problems – not all headphones work correctly LDAC Xiaomi.
• ❌ Increased battery consumption – 15-20% faster discharge and phone, and headphones.

💡 Alternative: If your main task is high-quality sound, pay attention to smartphones with a high-quality sound. LHDC (This codec is developed by Huawei, but it's licensed by Xiaomi, and it sounds as good as that by subjective estimates. LDAC, but with less delay.

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LDAC is relevant for audiophiles with high-end headphones. For most users, the difference between LDAC and aptX Adaptive will be invisible, especially when listening to compressed music (MP3, Spotify).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions about LDAC in Xiaomi