How to change the sound style on Xiaomi: from bass to 3D-effects

The sound on Xiaomi smartphones is not just volume, but a set of settings that can dramatically change your perception of music, video and even phone conversations. Many users do not even realize that their device supports multi-channel sound effects, adaptive profiles for headphones and fine-tuning the equalizer. In this article, we will examine all the ways to change the style of sound from standard options in MIUI to hidden engineering menus.

It’s important to understand that the audio tuning options depend on the smartphone model and firmware version. For example, the flagship Xiaomi 13 Pro or POCO F5 support Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Audio, while the budget Redmi A2 is limited to a basic equalizer. We’ll look at the universal methods that work on most devices, as well as pointing out features for specific lines.

Standard sound settings in MIUI

So, to start with the obvious, the built-in options in the settings menu, and even if you've never gone to the audio section, there's more to it than you think. Open Settings → Sound and vibration. Here you'll find:

• 🔊 Media Volume – Adjusting the sound level for music, video, and games (separate from calls and notifications).
• 🎧 Sound quality – High quality (Hi-Res) option for supported devices (compatible headphones required).
• 🔄 Adaptive sound – automatic adjustment to the type of content (available on models with a MIUI 13+).
• 🎛️ Equator – manual frequency setting (hidden in additional options).

Special attention should be paid to the item Sound Effects (could be called Sound Effects or Sound Improvement), here are pre-configured profiles:

• 🎸 Rock – Enhanced Medium and High Frequency.
• 🥁 Pop – balanced sound with an emphasis on vocals.
• 🎻 Classics – a wide dynamic range.
• 🎤 Voice – Optimized for podcasts and audiobooks.
• 🎬 Cinema - Virtual Surround for Video.

On some models (such as the Xiaomi 12T or POCO X5 Pro), you can also include Dolby Atmos, a surround sound technology that works especially well when watching movies or games. If this option is not available, check for MIUI updates or the installed firmware version.

Thin equaliser tuning

If the profiles are not suitable for you, go to manually adjust the equalizer. Depending on the version of MIUI, the path may differ:

• For MIUI 12-14: Settings → Sound and vibration → Sound Effects → Equalizer.
• For MIUI 11 and older: Settings → Additional → Sound Effects → Equalizer.

In the equalizer window, you will see sliders for 5-10 frequency bands (usually 60 Hz to 16 kHz).

Tip: Turn on your favorite track before setting up, and gradually adjust the sliders as you listen to the changes. Remember that over-amplifying the low frequencies on cheap headphones can cause sound distortion and even damage to the speakers.

Select a quality sound source (FLAC/320 kbps MP3)|

Connect headphones (for precise settings)|

Set the initial volume to 70%|

Disable other sound effects (Dolby, Adaptive Sound)-->

Dolby Atmos and Spatial Sound

Dolby Atmos is available on most flagships and some mid-budget Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi K50 Pro or Xiaomi 11T) and creates surround sound by simulating multi-channel systems to enable it:

1. Go to Settings → Sound and vibration → Sound effects.
2. Select Dolby Atmos (which can be called Spatial Sound).
3. Activate the switch and select a profile: 🎮 Games – for better localization of sounds in shooters. 🎬 Movies - for watching movies. 🎵 Music - Extended Stage for Tracks. 📞 Voice - for calls and podcasts.

On some devices (e.g. the POCO F4 GT), the Dolby Atmos only works with headphones or external speakers connected. If the option is inactive, check:

• 🔌 Are headphones connected (for some profiles).
• 🔄 Is the firmware updated to the latest version? MIUI.
• 🛠️ Is Dolby disabled in the engineering menu (more on this below).

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If the sound is quieter after Dolby Atmos is turned on, try turning off the “Intelligent Volume Limit” option in the sound settings.

For models without Dolby (like the Redmi 10A), alternative apps from Google Play, such as Dolby On or Wavelet, can be used. They offer similar effects but require manual adjustment.

Hidden settings through the engineering menu

If standard options are not enough, you can refer to the Engineering Mode, a hidden section where low-level audio settings are available, including:

• 🔧 Correction of ACH for speakers and headphones.
• 📊 Detailed information about supported codecs (LDAC, AAC, aptX).
• 🔇 Microphone setting (useful for streamers or musicians).

To open the engineering menu:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Enter the combination: ##3644633## (for MIUI) or ##4636## (universal code).
3. Go to the Hardware Testing → Audio section.

Warning: Changes to the engineering menu can lead to unstable sound performance.

⚠️ Note: Do not change the Speaker Gain or Headphone Gain settings above +6 dB can damage speakers or headphones, and avoid enabling Factory Mode-marked options if you are unsure of their purpose.

Customizing sound for specific applications

MIUI allows you to assign individual audio profiles to individual apps, which is useful if you want Spotify music to sound different than YouTube videos.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the app you want (like YouTube Music).
3. Go to the resolution → additionally → Sound effects.
4. Set up an equalizer or select a profile (e.g. Bass+ for electronic music).

Unfortunately, this feature is not available on all devices, and an alternative way to use equalizer apps from Google Play, such as:

• 🎛️ Equalizer FX — Simple equalizer with presets.
• 🔊 Music Volume EQ — Supports individual profiles for applications.
• 🎧 Wavelet - advanced equalizer with support LDAC aptX.

Important: Some apps (such as Netflix or Tidal) block external equalizers because of the fact that they are not available. DRM-In this case, you only have to set up through system tools.

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Individual audio settings for applications only work on MIUI 12 and later, and on older firmware versions, this feature is not available.

Sound problems and their solution

Sometimes, when you change the settings, the sound starts to distort, disappears, or becomes too quiet. Let's look at the typical problems and how to fix them:

If the sound is completely lost, follow the following steps:

1. Reset the device.
2. Check if the Do Not Disturb or No Sound mode is activated.
3. Open Settings → Sound and vibration → Additional → Resetting sound settings.
4. If the problem persists, check the integrity of the speakers with the test: ##0673## or ##0289###.

⚠️ Note: If after the update MIUI The sound is quieter or there are interferences, this may be due to a change in energy saving policy.

Additional accessories for improving sound

Even the most advanced settings will not replace quality accessories. If you want to maximize the sound, pay attention to:

• 🎧 Supported headphones LDAC or aptX Adaptive – for example, Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro or Sony WH-1000XM5. They transmit lossless sound over Bluetooth.
• 🔊 External DACs/amplifiers such as iBasso DC05 fiiO BTR5, Which bypass the built-in audio track of the smartphone.
• 📦 Portable columns with AUX-Input – for connection over the wire (minimizes sound delays).

For models with a 3.5 mm connector (for example, the POCO X3 Pro or Redmi Note 11), you can use high-omnipotent headphones (impedance 150-300 Ohms), but you will need an external amplifier.

If you use Xiaomi to record music or podcasts, consider buying an external microphone like the BOYA BY-M1 or Rode VideoMic.They connect via USB-C or 3.5mm and give a significantly cleaner sound than the built-in microphone.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi sound