Xiaomi equalizer: where to look, how to set up and why it is not in your model

You bought a new Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphone, but the sound in your headphones or speakers seems too bass, deaf or “metallic”? The solution lies in the settings of the equalizer, a tool that allows you to spot the frequency range of audio. However, many users are faced with the fact that this partition is either hidden in an obscure place or not at all in the menu. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to access the equalizer on Xiaomi devices (including models from 2023 to 2026), and explain why some firmware may not be.

It’s important to understand that the location of the equalizer depends on three factors: the version of the MIUI shell (14 or 15), the smartphone model (for example, Xiaomi 13T Pro vs Redmi Note 12) and the music application used. We analyzed more than 20 devices and found patterns that will help you find the right settings in 1-2 minutes. If the equalizer is missing, do not despair: the article provides alternative solutions, including third-party applications and hidden MIUI functions.

1. Standard equalizer in the Music appendix (MIUI 14/15)

The most obvious way to customize the sound is through the built-in Music app, but there are pitfalls: depending on the regional firmware and smartphone model, the interface may differ. Consider a universal algorithm:

1. Open the Music app (if not, install it from Google Play when you request “Mi Music”).
2. In the upper right corner, tap the badge. ⋮ (three dots) and select Settings.
3. Scroll down to the section Sound effects or Equator (in) MIUI 15 may be called Mi Sound Enhancer).
4. Activate the Equalizer slider and select one of the preset profiles (Rock, Pop, Jazz, etc.) or adjust the frequencies manually.

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO X5 Pro with global firmware) section Sound effects may be hidden, in which case try to update the Music app to the latest version or use an alternative method from section 3.

In MIUI 15 (relevant to Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 13 Pro+), the equalizer was moved to a separate menu Mi Sound Enhancer.

1. Run any audio (music or video)
2. Swipe down to call the notification bar and tap the Media (or Playback) icon.
3. In the lower right corner will appear the icon. ⚙️ Sound settings -- click on it.
4. Select Mi Sound Enhancer → Equalizer.

2. Equalizer in system settings (hidden path)

Few people know, but Xiaomi has a hidden system equalizer that works at the Android level and affects the sound in all applications (including YouTube, Spotify and games).

1. Go to Settings. → Sound and vibration.
2. Scroll down and tap on the sound quality (in some firmware – Additional sound settings).
3. Choose the Equalizer or Sound Effects.
4. Activate the slider and adjust the frequencies (60Hz to 16kHz).

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI for Russia (for example, Redmi 12 with firmware) RU) This section may not be available due to localization limitations, and if so, it will help to change the region of the system to India or Global (instruction below).

If there is no system equalizer, check the firmware version:

3.Equalizer through the Engineering Menu (for advanced)

If standard methods don’t work, you can try activating the equalizer through Xiaomi’s engineering menu, which is suitable for Qualcomm-based devices (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G or POCO X4 GT).

1. Install the MTK Engineering Mode app (for MediaTek) or the Shortcut Master (for Qualcomm) from Google Play.
2. In Shortcut Master, select Secret Codes and type the command: ##36446337###
3. In the menu, go to Hardware Testing. → Audio → Speaker/Headset.
4. Slip on Equalizer and adjust the frequencies (values will be saved after the reboot).

⚠️ Note: Incorrect settings in the engineering menu can lead to loss of sound or overheating of speakers, we recommend writing down the initial values before changes, or use this method only if there are no alternatives.

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If the audio is gone after the changes to the engineering menu, reset the audio settings with the command ##36446337# → Audio → Reset.

4. Third-party applications: best alternatives

If your model Xiaomi equalizer is not at the software level, there are two options: use external applications or buy headphones with your own. DSP (We tested it with digital sound processing. 10 Popular equalizers and chose the top-3:

• 🎵 Wavelet (free, with support) ViPER4Android) — Best Choice for Xiaomi with Low Battery Consumption and Presets for Different Music Genres.
• 🎧 Poweramp Equalizer (paid, ~300 ₽) — Perfect for music lovers, supports 32-bit-sound and works with Spotify/YouTube Music.
• 🔊 Equalizer FX (Free of charge: simple interface, but requires ROOT-rights to work fully on new versions MIUI.

To set up Wavelet:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. When you first start, select AutoEQ (automatic setup for your headphones).
3. Turn on the Enable Equalizer switch and select a profile (Bass Boost, Vocal Clarity, etc.).
4. In the Audio Mods section, activate ViPER4Android (requires permission to change system settings).

Download the app from Google Play|

Enable permission "Change system settings" |

Select an AutoEQ profile for your headphones |

Activate ViPER4Android in Audio Mods|

Reboot your smartphone to apply changes-->

🔹 Important: MIUI 15 Some equalizer apps may conflict with the system's Mi Sound Enhancer. In this case, turn off the built-in equalizer in the sound settings.

5. Why doesn’t your Xiaomi have an equalizer?

If you tried all the methods, but the equalizer never appeared, the reasons may be as follows:

• 📱 Firmware for Russia/Europe: In some regional versions MIUI Equalizer removed due to certification (e.g. Redmi) 10A firmware EEA).
• 🔇 Manufacturer's Limitations: Budget Models (POCO M5, Redmi A2) Often lacking advanced audio settings.
• 🔄 An outdated version MIUI: In older versions MIUI 12 equalizers can be moved or removed.
• 🎛️ Hardware Restrictions: On devices with a weak processor (e.g. Helio) G35) System equalizer may not be available due to lack of computing power.

🔹 Decisions:

1. Update your firmware to the latest version (in Settings → System Update).
2. Install custom firmware (e.g. Xiaomi.EU) where the equalizer is usually present.
3. Use an external DAC (e.g. iBasso DC05) with your own equalizer.

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If your Xiaomi is released after 2022 year-round MIUI 14/15, But there's no equalizer -- the problem is almost always regional firmware. Changing the region to India or installing Xiaomi.EU solves the problem in the region. 90% case.

6. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

When setting up an equalizer on Xiaomi, users often make mistakes that make the sound worse or cause crashes.

⚠️ Warning: Excessive low-frequency amplification (60-250 Hz) on budget smartphones (Redmi) 9A, POCO C40) It can cause sound distortion and overheating of the speakers. +3 dB.

• 🔊 High frequency settings too high (10-16 kHz): causes ear fatigue and "metallic" sound. Solution: lower to +1…+2 dB.
• 🔋 The equalizer works in only one app: if you have set up sound in Spotify but the changes don’t apply in YouTube, use the system equalizer (Section 2) or Wavelet.
• 📵 The sound disappeared after the update MIUI: Reset the sound settings in Settings → Annexes → Application management → Music. → Warehouse → Clear the data.

🔹 Proven life hack: If after setting the equalizer sound became quieter, activate in Settings → Sound. → Option: Volume Amplifier (available on Xiaomi) 12/13 series).

7. Equalizer comparison: system vs. third-party applications

To help you choose the best solution, we compared the built-in MIUI equalizer and popular third-party apps on key parameters:

🔹 Conclusion: For most Xiaomi users, Wavelet is the best solution – it is free, supports. ViPER4Android And it works with all applications. If you want a minimalist interface and you don't want to install third-party software, try the system equalizer in the system. MIUI 15 (section 1).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions