How to change the audio codec on Xiaomi devices: from smartphones to Smart TV

Xiaomi devices – whether they are smartphones on the Internet MIUI/HyperOS or Mi TVs TV — They often use standard audio codecs, which are not always optimal for high-quality sound, and users face challenges ranging from losing detail when listening to music via Bluetooth to artifacts when playing multi-channel video. In this article, we will analyze how to manually change the audio codec on different Xiaomi devices, which formats are supported out of the box, and what to do if the desired codec is not in the list of available ones.

It is important to understand that changing the audio codec is not just a menu setting, but some devices will require activation of hidden functions through the use of a new audio codec. ADB, editing system files or even installing custom firmware, and we'll look at all the methods, from the simplest to the most advanced, taking into account the specific features of specific models (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro vs Redmi Note 12) and software versions. You will also learn how to check the current codec and why on Mi TVs. TV Android TV 12+ The list of supported formats may differ from smartphones.

Why you might need to change the audio codec to Xiaomi

The audio codec is the algorithm that encodes and decodes the audio signal, and it's the choice of the audio codec that determines:

• 🎧 Sound quality: codec LDAC It transmits music in high resolution (up to 990 kbit/s), while SBC limited to 328 kbps and can cut high frequencies.
• 🔋 Latency: For games or video viewing, synchronization of sound and image is critical. aptX Low Latency or LC3 (Bluetooth 5.2+) reduce delay to 40 ms.
• 📱 Compatible with accessories: not all headphones support AAC or LDAC. For example, AirPods only work with AAC, Sony WH-1000XM5 — s LDAC and AAC.
• 🎬 Multi-channel sound reproduction: for films in Dolby Atmos or DTS:X Specific codecs are required that may not be available in standard firmware.

On Xiaomi devices, by default, it is often activated SBC — It's a generic codec that's obsolete, and it means that even premium models like the Xiaomi 14 Ultra don't really realize the full potential of wireless headphones. The other problem is that you automatically switch codecs, and you can choose to use it. AAC instead LDAC because of an unstable connection, which worsens the sound.

⚠️ Attention: On Mi TVs TV Android TV 11 and below, a forced codec change to Dolby Digital Plus may cause problems with audio playback through the Dolby Digital Plus HDMI ARC. Before making changes, check compatibility with your sound system.

How to check the current audio codec on Xiaomi

Before you change the settings, you need to know what codec is currently in use.

On smartphones and tablets (MIUI/HyperOS)

1. Connect wireless headphones or a speaker.
2. Open Settings → Connections and Sharing → Bluetooth.
3. Click on the gear icon next to the connected device.
4. In the section Sound Quality or Audio Codec will indicate the current format (for example, the audio codec, AAC or SBC).

If there is no item with the codec, use third-party applications:

• 📱 Developer Options: Enable Developer Mode (click 7 times on Version) MIUI In Settings → About the phone, then in Settings → Additionally. → For developers, find Bluetooth audio codec.
• 🔍 Bluetooth Codec Changer (requires root): Shows all available codecs and allows you to switch between them.
• 🎵 Poweramp or USB Audio Player PRO: in playback settings display the codec used.

On the Mi TVs

Android interface TV It hides codec information to get it:

1. Connect the TV to headphones or a Bluetooth soundbar.
2. Install the app TV Bro or AIDA64 Google Play.
3. In the Audio or Bluetooth section, the current codec will be indicated.

How to change the audio codec on Xiaomi smartphones

Most of the Xiaomi devices with MIUI 12+ or HyperOS codec can be changed through hidden settings or ADB. Let's look at both methods.

Method 1: Through the Developer Menu (without root)

This method works on most models, including the Redmi Note. 11/12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 12/13/14:

Activate the developer mode (7 taps according to the "MIUI version")

Connect headphones via Bluetooth

Open Settings → Additional → For Developers

Find the item "Bluetooth audio codec"-->

1. Enable Developer Mode (if not already activated).
2. Put your headphones on Bluetooth.
3. Go to Settings → Additional → For developers.
4. Find the Bluetooth audio codec option (could be called Bluetooth Audio Codec or Bluetooth Audio Codec).
5. Select the desired codec from the list (for example, LDAC or HD).
6. Reconnect the headphones.

If the list doesn't have the right codec, it's not supported by your device or firmware. ADB.

Method 2: Through ADB (extension)

With help. ADB You can unlock hidden codecs even if they don't show up on the menu. 11T The Pro is available by default only SBC and AAC, through ADB activate LDAC.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB Tools (download from Android site).
• 📱 Included Debugging by USB on a smartphone (in the settings of the developer).
• 🔌 USB-Type C Cable (original to avoid connection issues).

Instructions:

1. Connect your smartphone to your PC and confirm the debugging permission.
2. Open the command prompt (cmd) in the folder with ADB.
3. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices should appear the name of your device.
4. Execute the command for the list of available codecs: adb shell settings list global | grep bluetooth
5. To establish LDAC, Adb shell settings put global settings bluetooth_a2dp_codec_priority "For other codecs, replace ldac with: aac for AAC aptx - for aptX sbc - for SBC

Reboot your smartphone and reconnect your headphones.

⚠️ Note: Some firmware (e.g. HyperOS 1.0 for Xiaomi 14) commands ADB They can be reset after the system is updated, and then you have to repeat the procedure.

💡

If the sound becomes intermittent after changing the codec, try to reduce the bitrate. LDAC Set 660 kbps instead of 990 kbps through headphone settings or an app like Poweramp.

Features of changing the codec on Mi TVs TV

On Xiaomi TVs with Android TV The process of changing the audio codec is different from smartphones:

• 🔄 There is no developer menu with Bluetooth settings.
• 🔊 Codecs for HDMI ARC/eARC Bluetooth is set up separately.
• 📺 PatchWall firmware restricts access to system settings.

Consider two scenarios: changing the codec for Bluetooth devices and for HDMI-exit.

For Bluetooth headphones/columns

On Mi. TV 4S/5X newer:

1. Put the headphones on the TV.
2. Open Settings → Devices → Bluetooth.
3. Select the connected device and click on the Sound Settings (if the option is available).
4. In some of the firmwares you can choose here AAC or SBC.

If there is no option, use it. ADB (similar to smartphones, but taking into account the features of Android TV:

adb shell settings put global bluetooth_a2dp_codec_priority "aac"

For HDMI ARC/eARC (sound panels, receivers)

What's important here is that the codecs match between the TV and the external device, for example, to transmit Dolby Atmos, you need to:

1. Go to Settings. → Sound. → Digital sound (HDMI).
2. Select Auto or manually select Dolby Digital Plus.
3. Make sure your receiver or soundbar supports the format you choose.

⚠️ Attention: On Android TVs TV 12 and newer compulsory inclusion LDAC through ADB This can cause Bluetooth to crash, in which case reset your network settings: → The device → Reset → Resetting network settings.

Common Problems and Their Solutions

When you change the audio codec, you often encounter errors, and let's look at typical situations and how to fix them.

Problem 1: The codec is not listed.

If the developer menu is on or through ADB It's not displayed, for example, LDAC or aptX, the reasons may be as follows:

• 📵 Hardware incompatibility: The Bluetooth chip in your device doesn't support codec. 9A Bluetooth 5.0 is equipped with no support LDAC.
• 🔄 Outdated firmware: Update MIUI/HyperOS last-minute.
• 🔧 Manufacturer restrictions: on some models (e.g, POCO M4 Xiaomi artificially disables advanced codecs.

Decisions:

• 🔄 Update the firmware through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 📥 Install custom restoration (TWRP) and firmware with support for the desired codec (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience).
• 🔧 Use applications like Bluetooth Auto Connect to force you to connect with the right codec.

Problem 2: The sound is interrupted or distorted

If after changing the codec, artifacts (cracking, stuttering) appeared, the reasons:

• 📶 Unstable Bluetooth connection: walls, interference from other devices.
• 🔋 Low level of charge of headphones or smartphone.
• 🎛️ Too high bitrate: LDAC 990 kbps may not work consistently more than 3 meters away.

Decisions:

• 📶 Move closer to the device or eliminate interference.
• 🔧 In the codec settings (if any), select a lower bitrate (for example, LDAC 660 kbps).
• 🔄 Switch to another codec (for example, with a LDAC aptX).

Problem 3: The codec resets after rebooting

If the selected codec is not saved, it is associated with:

• 🔧 Reset Bluetooth settings when restarting (typical for HyperOS).
• 📱 Conflict with sound control applications (e.g. Dolby Atmos or Equalizer).

Decisions:

• 🔧 Set the codec through ADB Continue: Adb shell settings put global bluetooth_a2dp_codec_priority_persist "ldac"
• 📵 Turn off battery optimization for Bluetooth-related applications.

Advanced methods: editing system files

If standard methods don't work, you can manually edit the system files that handle the audio codecs, which requires root rights or custom recovery (TWRP).

Warning: Incorrect changes can result in loss of sound or bootloop, and it is recommended to back up before starting.

Step 1: Getting root rights

For this:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool.
2. Install TWRP for your model.
3. Sweep through Magisk to get root.

Step 2: Edit the build.prop file

The build.prop file contains system settings, including supported audio codecs, LDAC:

1. Open build.prop in the root directory (/system/build.prop) Root Explorer or Mixplorer.
2. Add the lines: persist.bluetooth.a2dp_offload_cap=sbc-aac-aptx-aptxhd-ldac persist.bluetooth.a2dp_offload_codecs=ldac
3. Save the file and restart the device.

Step 3: Replace the libbluetooth library

On some devices (for example, Xiaomi Mi 10) the aptX codec is missing due to the outdated library libbluetooth.so.

1. Download the current version of the library for your model (see forums). XDA Developers or 4PDA).
2. Replace the file in /system/lib64/ or /vendor/lib64/.
3. Set the correct permissions (644 or 755).

⚠️ Warning: Replacing system libraries can disrupt Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Before experimenting, check the reviews of other users of your model.

💡

Editing system files is a last resort, and in 90% of cases, the problem can be solved through a system file. ADB or a developer menu.

Optimizing the sound after changing the codec

Just changing the codec isn't enough -- you need to adjust the extra settings to make it sound better. Let's look at the key points.

Customization of bitrate

High bitrate doesn't always mean better quality.

• 🎧 For LDAC: 660 kbps (balance between quality and stability).
• 🎧 For aptX. HD: 576 kbit/s (maximum quality).
• 🎧 For AAC: 256 kbit / s (standard for Apple devices).

You can change the bitrate:

• In headphone settings (for example, in the Sony Headphones Connect app for Sony) WH-1000XM5).
• Through ADB: adb shell settings put global bluetooth_a2dp_codec_bitrate_ldac 2 where 2 correspondently 660 kbit/s (for LDAC value 0–3).

Use of equalizer

Codec affects the sound transmission, but the final sound depends on the processing.

• 🎛️ Wavelet: Supports LDAC and aptX, has a built-in equalizer.
• 🎛️ Poweramp Equalizer: Works with most codecs, including AAC.
• 🎛️ Dolby Atmos (included in the MIUI): Improves spatial sound, but may conflict with some codecs.

Adjust the equalizer to your headphones. For example, for Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro, it is recommended to raise the frequencies of 60-250 Hz per headphone. +2 dB for more saturated bass.

Checking of sound delay

For games or videos, synchronization is critical. To measure latency:

1. Install the SoundAbout app.
2. Connect your headphones and select Media Audio.
3. Enable the delay test in the application settings.

Normal values:

• 🎮 For gaming: up to 50ms (ideal 30-40ms with aptX) LL).
• 🎬 Video: Up to 100ms (unnoticed by most users).

FAQ: Frequent questions about changing the audio codec to Xiaomi