How to set volume buttons on Xiaomi with MIUI 12: All the ways and hidden chips

Volume buttons on Xiaomi smartphones under control MIUI 12 is not just mechanical keys for adjusting sound, but it's a whole arsenal of features that many users don't even know they're having. From basic alarm clock volume settings to full reassignment of actions, the possibilities are limited only by the firmware version and device model.

In this article, we will discuss all the available ways to customize volume buttons: from the standard settings in the Sound and Vibration menu to hidden functions through Developer Mode and third-party applications, POCO F3, Mi 11 et al., where the interface may be different. If you want to make sound control as convenient as possible, read on.

Standard volume settings in MIUI 12

Basic parameters of sound regulation in MIUI The 12 are hidden in the settings menu, but not all users know that you can adjust not only the overall volume, but also priorities for different types of notifications:

1. Go to Settings. → Sound and vibration.
2. Slip on Volume (or Volume Control on some models).
3. You will see a panel with sliders for: 🔔 Media - music, video, games; 📞 Calls – the volume of incoming calls; ⏰ Alarm clock – separate adjustment for signals; 🔊 Notifications – the sounds of messages and system alerts.

Please note: on certain devices (for example, POCO X3 NFC) The alarm clock can be hidden, and to activate it, you need to set the alarm clock at least once through the standard Watch app.

Important nuance: in MIUI 12, Volume Control is now available, and if it's activated (yes by default), the volume buttons in different apps will work independently, for example, reducing the sound on YouTube will not affect the volume on Spotify. You can disable this option in the same menu Volume - Slider Separate control.

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After updating before MIUI 12 volume buttons started to work "curve" (for example, do not respond to the first press), try resetting the sound settings: → Annexes → Application management → Three dots (menu) → Reset application settings.

Reassign volume buttons through Developer Mode

For advanced users MIUI 12 offers hidden options for reassigning buttons through Developer Mode, which allows, for example, the use of volume keys to:

• 🎵 Switching tracks in the player;
• 📸 Launching the camera (even on a locked screen);
• 🔍 Activation of the flashlight;
• 🤖 Calling Google Assistant or Xiao AI.

To activate these functions:

1. Turn on Developer Mode: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (shap 7 times)
2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
3. Find Volume buttons (or button functions on some firmware).
4. Select action for: Single tap (such as camera start); Double tap (track switch); Hold (activate voice assistant).

Important: Reassigning buttons through Developer Mode only works in the unlocked screen state. On the locked device, the keys will perform standard functions (volume adjustment or camera start if set separately).

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (especially custom ones), button reassignment may conflict with control gestures. If lags or accidental positives appear after the changes, return the standard settings or update the software.

Turning off the volume buttons

Many users are annoyed by the sound signals when they press volume. MIUI 12 This sound can be turned off in two ways:

Method 1: Through sound settings

1. Open the Settings. → Sound and vibration.
2. Scroll down to the System Sounds block.
3. Turn off the slider Sound of buttons (or tactile feedback if you need to remove the vibration).

Method 2: Through Developer Mode (to completely disable)

If the standard method doesn’t work (sometimes the sound comes back after a reboot), use:

1. Activate Developer Mode (see instructions above).
2. Go to For Developers → Media.
3. Find the item Disable system sounds and activate it.

On some firmware (e.g, MIUI 12.5 Enhanced) button sound is linked to system notifications, in which case only completely disabling all sound effects in Settings will help. → Sound. → Additionally. → Systemic sounds.

The buttons are turned off in "Settings" → Sound and vibration"|

Tactile feedback is disabled (if not necessary)|

Checked in Developer Mode (to completely disconnect)|

Phone reloaded to apply changes-->

Using Volume Buttons to Control Multimedia

One of the most useful functions in MIUI 12 — The ability to use volume buttons to switch tracks in the player, even when the screen is locked, and this option works out of the box on most devices, but it can be customized to suit yourself.

To activate multimedia management:

1. Open any audio app (Spotify, YouTube Music, standard Music).
2. Start playing the track.
3. Press the volume button up/down once and the sound will change.
4. Tap twice and the track will switch to the next/previous one.

If the function is not working:

• 🔄 Check if the Separate Volume Control is enabled (see first section).
• 📱 Make sure the player app has permission to work in the background (Settings) → Annexes → Permits → Auto-start).
• 🔊 Update the app to the latest version (in some versions) MIUI 12.0.x There were double-press recognition bugs).

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 12.5 and later double pressing of volume buttons may conflict with the camera's start gesture. If the player does not switch tracks, and the camera opens - reassign the action to double press in Developer Mode (see section above).

Setting up volume buttons for quick application launch

V MIUI 12 has a hidden function that allows you to set any application to start holding the volume buttons. This is convenient, for example, for quickly opening a flashlight, camera or messenger. However, this option is not dokument and requires activation through Developer Mode.

Instructions for setting:

1. Enable Developer Mode (see section above).
2. Go to Settings. → Additionally. → For developers → Volume buttons.
3. Select an action to hold (such as Launching an application).
4. Specify the desired application from the list (for example, Camera or Flashlight).

Limitations:

• 🚫 Not all applications are supported (for example, you can not set up a Google Pay startup or system utilities).
• 🔄 On some firmware (MIUI 12.0.1-12.0.4) function is unstable – it can be triggered with a delay.
• 📱 If you assign a camera launch, then on a locked screen, holding the volume button will open the camera without unlocking (the risk of random shots).

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Assigning applications to volume buttons is one of the most useful, but also the most unstable features MIUI 12.Pre-test it on your model before use, as it can cause accidental positives or lags on some devices.

Solving Volume Button Problems

If the volume buttons on your Xiaomi stop working or behave strangely (for example, adjusting the sound with jerks, do not respond to presses), the reasons can be both software and hardware.

Problem 1: Buttons don’t respond or work over and over again

Possible solutions:

• 🔄 Rebooting the device – sometimes helps with temporary failures.
• 🧹 Cleaning the cache of system applications: Settings → Annexes → Application management → Three points. → Show system-based → Find "Settings" and "Systems" UI" → Clear the cache
• 📲 Resetting sound settings: Settings → System system → Resetting settings → Reset application settings
• 🛠️ Physical damage check – if the buttons don’t work even after resetting, they may have stuck or the plume has gone away (especially after falls or moisture hits).

Problem 2: Buttons regulate the wrong sound (for example, instead of media – a call)

This is a typical situation after a firmware update or a setting reset.

1. Open Settings → Sound and vibration → Volume.
2. Check if the volume control is separate. If it's not, turn it on.
3. If the problem persists, reset the sound settings (see paragraph above).

Problem 3: The buttons will work on their own

Reasons:

• 💧 Moisture falling under buttons (often on Redmi with leaky body).
• 🛠️ Wear of the button mechanism (relevant for devices older than 2-3 years).
• 🤖 Conflict with applications that use accessibility (e.g., automatic volume control).

Decisions:

• Check the device for moisture (Liquid Damage Indicator under the battery).
• Turn off permissions for suspicious apps in Settings → Special facilities → Special facilities services.
• If the problem is hardware, you need to replace the buttons (cost of repair: ~1 000–1 500 ₽).

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 12.5 Enhanced and later spontaneously triggered volume buttons may be associated with the Adaptive Sound function. → Sound and vibration → Adaptive sound.

Hidden functions of volume buttons in MIUI 12

In addition to the standard settings, the MIUI 12 There Are Some Hidden Tricks Few People Know About:

• 🎮 Game mode: In games, volume buttons can be used to quickly access a chat or map (configured in Settings). → Special facilities → Gaming accelerators).
• 📸 Fast shooting: Some models (Mi 11 Ultra, Redmi) K40 Pro) holding the volume button down on the locked screen immediately opens the camera in video mode.
• 🔕 Scheduled silent mode: You can set the automatic buttons to shut down the sound at a certain time (via Settings) → Sound. → Don't disturb. → Schedule).
• 🔋 Saving Charge: In Developer Mode, there is an option to turn off vibration at low charge, which automatically makes the volume buttons "quiet" at the battery level below 15%.

Another little-known possibility is to adjust the sensitivity of the buttons, so if you think the keys are too easy to work or require a lot of pressing, you can calibrate them:

1. Activate Developer Mode.
2. Go to For Developers → Entering.
3. Find the Calibration button volume and follow the instructions on the screen.

This feature is not available on all devices – it is not available on budget models (Redmi). 9A, POCO M3) and some other firmware from third-party developers.

FAQ: Frequent questions about volume buttons in MIUI 12