How to set up an equalizer on Xiaomi for clean sound in headphones: the complete guide

The sound quality of Xiaomi’s headphones depends not only on the headset model, but also on the right equalizer setup. Even budget headphones can sound much better if you choose the right frequency settings. However, many users face problems: the sound is too bass, “dirty” at high frequencies or loses detail altogether.

In this article, we will discuss how to configure the built-in equalizer on Xiaomi Android smartphones (including models on the same platform). MIUI 12/13/14 And HyperOS, to achieve a clean, balanced sound without distortion, you'll learn which frequencies are responsible for bass, middle and top, how to avoid typical customization errors, and what additional apps will help you fine-tune the sound to your preferences. We will pay special attention to the nuances of working with different types of headphones - from wired Mi Earphones to wireless Xiaomi Buds.

Why Xiaomi’s standard equalizer settings don’t give a clean sound

Most Xiaomi smartphones (including the Redmi Note, POCO and flagship series) uses a built-in equalizer with predefined presets: "Rock", "Pop", "Classic", etc. The problem is that these profiles often overstate low or high frequencies, which leads to:

• 🔊 «Babbing bass – when low frequencies drown out the rest of the sound, especially noticeable on cheap headphones.
• 🎵 Hard tops – excess of high frequencies tires the ear and makes music “metallic».
• 🎧 Loss of detail – the average frequencies (where the vocals and basic instruments live) are muted.

In addition, in MIUI And the default HyperOS equalizer applies only to system sounds, not all applications, which means that settings in Spotify or YouTube Music can be ignored.

⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi models (e.g, POCO F5 or Redmi K60) The built-in equalizer may not be available in the standard settings, in which case you will have to use third-party applications, which we will discuss below.

Preparation for setting up: what to do before changing the equalizer

Before you start setting up, follow a few important steps to make the result as accurate as possible:

1. Check the headphones. Make sure the headset isn't the problem: test it on another device. If the sound remains bad, the headphones may be damaged or need cleaning.
2. Update the software. In older versions. MIUI The equalizer may not be working properly. Go to Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
3. Turn off the sound effects. In the sound settings (Settings) → Sound and vibrations) deactivate options like “Bass Enhancement” or «3D-sound – they are in conflict with the equalizer.
4. Choose a quality source. Use tracks in format to test. FLAC or WAV (For example, with AudioCheck). MP3 Low bitrate will not show any real change.

It is also worth considering that the type of headphones affects the settings:

• 🎧 Mi Earphones Basic – Requires a rise in the middle frequencies and careful work with bass.
• 🎧 Mi Headphones – better transmit low frequencies, but may need top correction.
• 🎧 Wireless (Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro) – often have its own equalizer in the Mi Fit or Xiaomi Earbuds app.

Where to find an equalizer on Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions

Depending on the version MIUI Or HyperOS, the path to the equalizer might be different:

Method 1: Built-in equalizer in sound settings

This is the simplest method, but it doesn't work on all models.

1. Open the Settings. → Sound and vibration.
2. Scroll down and find the Equalizer or Sound Effects item (on some devices it is hidden in Additional Settings).
3. Activate the Equalizer switch and select Manual Mode (Custom).

Method 2: Equalizer in the Music app (Mi Music)

If you don’t have an equalizer setting, try the standard Mi Music app:

1. Open the Music app (note icon).
2. In the upper right corner, press three dots (⋮) and select Settings.
3. Go to the Equalizer and activate it.

Method 3: Hidden settings for advanced users

Some firmware has an equalizer hidden to unlock it.

1. Open the Phone app and enter the code: ##36446337##


2. In the menu that appears, select "Hardware Testing" → "Audio" → "Headset Mode".




3. Here you can test the sound and manually adjust the frequencies (caution - not all parameters are safe!).

⚠️ Note: Using the engineering menu (#4636### or other codes) can cause the audio system to malfunction!

Optimal equalizer settings for pure sound

Pure sound means minimal distortion and natural sound of all frequencies. Below is a universal profile that will suit most genres of music (from classic to electronic), settings given for a standard 5- or 10-band equalizer.

It's important to understand that these values are the starting point, and depending on the music genre and the headphone model, you should adjust them:

• 🎸 Rock/metal: Increase 250-500 Hz for heavy guitars and reduce 8000+ Hz to smooth out sharpness.
• 🎻 Classic/Jazz: Raise 2000–5,000 Hz for better detail of strings and winds.
• 🎛️ Electronics: accent 60–100 Hz for powerful bass and 10,000+ Hz for air».

The critical mistake of most users is to overestimate the bass (60-250 Hz) by more than one. +6 dB. This causes blurring and overloading of speakers, especially on cheap headphones. If you hear wheezing or distortion, reduce the low frequencies immediately.

💡

To quickly reset the equalizer settings to factory ones, hold your finger on any of the sliders for 3 seconds (works in most versions). MIUI).

The side of the application for fine tuning of sound

If your Xiaomi’s built-in equalizer is missing or too primitive, use third-party solutions that offer more adjustment bands, presets for different genres, and even support for virtual environments (such as a live-room simulation).

1. Poweramp Equalizer

One of the most powerful applications for customizing sound.

• 🎛️ 10-band equalizer with presets.
• 🔊 Support for Hi-Res Audio (up to) 32 bit/384 keto).
• 🎧 Automatic recognition of connected headphones.

You can download it from Google Play (there is a free version with restrictions).

2. Wavelet

Appendix from developers Viper4Android (The popular sound modifier.Wavelet offers a:

• 🎵 Automatic sound correction for your headphones (base of 3000)+ model).
• 🔧 Setup LDAC and aptX for wireless headsets.
• 🎛️ 9-band equalizer with the ability to save profiles.

Link: Wavelet on Google Play.

3. Viper4Android (advanced)

This solution requires root rights or installation via Magisk, but gives you maximum control over the sound.

• 🎛️ 15-band equalizer.
• 🔊 Surround, Reverb, Dynamic System Effects.
• 🎧 Support for Dolby Atmos and DTS.

You can install it from the XDA-Developers forum (requires technical skills).

⚠️ Attention: Apps like Viper4Android You can interfere with Xiaomi’s system sound drivers. Back up your data before installing it and be prepared for possible bugs (e.g., loss of sound in calls).

Set up an equalizer for specific Xiaomi headphone models

Each Xiaomi headphone model has its own acoustic features, and below are the customization recommendations for popular headsets:

1. Xiaomi Mi Earphones Basic (wired liners)

These headphones are known for their overrated bass and weak middle.

• 60 Hz: +2 dB (moderate bass).
• 250 Hz: 0 dB (so as not to "muffle" vocals).
• 1,000 Hz: +2 dB (lift the middle).
• 4000 Hz: +1 dB (details).
• 12,000 Hz: +1 dB (light "glitter»).

2. Xiaomi Mi Headphones (overhead)

A more balanced model, but requires a top correction:

• 100 Hz: +3 dB (bass boosting).
• 500 Hz: -1 dB (remove boxing»).
• 3,000 Hz: +1 dB (vocals).
• 8000 Hz: 0 dB (neutral tops)

3. Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro (wireless) TWS)

For these headphones, it is better to use the Xiaomi Earbuds app, which has built-in profiles.

• 60-100 Hz: +1 dB (bass is already powerful).
• 200–400 Hz: -1 dB (remove dirt).
• 1000-2,000 Hz: +2 dB (details).
• 10,000 Hz: +1 dB (air).

For Xiaomi Buds 3/3T Pro and other models with support LDAC It is recommended to enable this codec in Bluetooth settings (Settings) → Connected devices → Sound settings. This will improve detailing at high frequencies.

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For Xiaomi wireless headphones, always first check the settings in the proprietary application (Mi Fit or Xiaomi Earbuds) - there may be hidden equalizer options that are not available in the system settings.

Typical Equator Errors and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes that spoil the sound, and here are the most common ones and ways to fix them:

1. Bass is too high. Symptoms: "bubbling" sound, speakers are wheezing. Solution: Reduce the level by 60-250 Hz to +2…+4 dB maximum. If you have any wheezing, check your headphones for damage.
2. Ignoring the medium frequencies. Symptoms: vocals and guitars sound muted. Solution: Raise the 500 to 2000 Hz band by +1…+2 dB.
3. Over-detailed tops. Symptoms: hearing fatigue, sound seems "metallic." Solution: Reduce 8,000-16,000 Hz to 0…+1 dB.
4. Use presets without correction. Symptoms: the sound is not in line with genre or headphones. Solution: Always start with manual tuning and use presets as a base.
5. Symptoms: The sound is different in Spotify, YouTube and system notifications Solution: Use a global equalizer (like Poweramp or Wavelet).

Another common problem is the different sound in the left and right earphones, which may be related to:

• 🔌 Poor contact in the connector 3.5 mm (clean the plug with alcohol).
• 📱 Software failure (reboot your phone or reset your sound settings).
• 🎧 Damage to the speaker (check the headphones on another device).

FAQ: Frequent questions about setting up an equalizer on Xiaomi