How to set volume buttons on Xiaomi: from reassignment to disconnection

The volume buttons on Xiaomi smartphones are not just sound regulators; they can control the camera, switch tracks, activate voice assistants, or even launch apps, but not everyone knows how to unleash their potential. Volume up/down for media, calls and alarms, but with hidden settings MIUI or third-party applications, their functionality can be radically expanded.

The problem is that the volume button interface on Xiaomi is hidden deep in the menu, and some options are only available through the phone. ADB In this article, we'll look at all the customization options, from basic to advanced, including reassigning buttons to the Redmi Note. 12, POCO X5 You will also learn how to turn off the volume buttons completely if they interfere (for example, when playing Genshin Impact or playing the game). PUBG Mobile, and what to do if they don’t work after the update MIUI 14/15.

Where are the volume button settings in MIUI

By default. MIUI It offers a minimum set of options for volume buttons:

Settings → Sound and vibration → Volume buttons

Here you will see three main parameters:

🔊 Volume button mode – the choice between Media, Calls and Alarms (the default is Media").
🔕 Turn off the sound of buttons – useful if clicks are annoying (does not work on all models).
🔄 Separate control – allows you to independently adjust the volume of calls and media (available on Xiaomi) 13/14 flagship).

On the old versions. MIUI (up to 12.5) these settings may have been located elsewhere:

Settings → System and device → Buttons and gestures → Volume buttons

⚠️ Note: On some models (Redmi) 9A, POCO M3) The volume button section may not be available, in which case use the methods in the following sections.

How to Reassign Volume buttons to Other Functions

Standard settings MIUI They don’t allow you to completely reassign the volume buttons, but there are workarounds:

Method 1: Use the Button Mapper App

This app allows you to assign any action to the volume buttons, from starting the camera to activating the flashlight. Download it from Google Play and follow the instructions:

☑️ Setting up Button Mapper

Install the application and grant access rightsSelect "Volume Up" or "Volume Down" in the button listClick Add Action and select the action you want (e.g., Toggle Flashlight).Save the settings and test it out.

Done: 0 / 4

Example of useful appointments:

📸 Camera Launch – Double-Tap on Volume Down.
🔦 Turning on the flashlight - long press on Volume Up.
🎵 Switching tracks – single tap for “Next”/“Previous".
🤖 Google Assistant Activation – Triple Press.

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi with MIUI 14+ Button Mapper may require a ADB-If the buttons do not work after setting up, follow the command: adb shell pm grant flar2.homebutton android.permission.WRITE_SECURE_SETTINGS

Method 2: Configure through ADB (advanced)

If you're ready to work with the command line, you can reassign the buttons at the system level.

Enable USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 7 times, then go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers).
Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell settings put global volume_key_long_press_torch 1 Now a long press on Volume Up will include a flashlight.

Other useful ADB-team:

Team team.	Action.	Models.
settings put global volume_key_cursor_control 1	Use volume buttons as arrows (useful for Recovery)	All except POCO F-series
settings put global volume_music_controls 1	Manage music playback with volume buttons	MIUI 12+
settings put global volume_key_wake_screen 1	Wake up the screen with volume buttons	All but the Redmi Note 8/9

📊 What function would you like to assign to the volume buttons?

Camera launch

Managing music

Lighting up the flashlight

Activation of the voice assistant

Other function

How to turn off volume buttons on Xiaomi

Sometimes the volume buttons get in the way, for example, during games (Genshin Impact, Call of Duty Mobile) or when using cases with cutouts, you can turn them off in several ways:

Method 1: Through settings MIUI (partial-out)

Go to:

Settings → Special features → Physical buttons → Volume buttons

You can turn off here.

🔇 Pressing sound (clicks when adjusting).
🔄 Volume change in games (buttons will not respond to clicks in full-screen applications).

Method 2: Completely disable via MacroDroid

MacroDroid allows you to create macros that block volume buttons under certain conditions.

Create a new macro with trigger App launched (select game).
Add the action to Block Volume buttons.
Save and activate the macro.

💡

If the volume buttons don’t work after you turn off, restart your phone or check if MacroDroid is in conflict with other automation apps (like Tasker).

Method 3: Hardware shutdown (extreme case)

If software methods don't work, you can physically disable the buttons by disassembling the phone, but this will lead to loss of warranty and risk damage to the plume. On Xiaomi, volume buttons are usually connected via a flexible plume to the motherboard, which can be neatly detached.

⚠️ Note: On Redmi Note 10 Pro and later, the volume buttons are integrated into a single module with a power button.

What to do if the volume buttons do not work

If the buttons are no longer responsive to the presses, the reasons can be both software and hardware.

1. Programmatic failures

🔄 Rebooting your phone – often helps with temporary glitch MIUI.
🛠️ Cleaning the system cache: Settings → Annexes → Application management → Three points (⋮) → Show system-based → "Settings" → Warehouse → Clear the cache
📱 Resetting sound settings: Settings → Sound and vibration → Three points (⋮) → Resetting settings

Hardware problems

If the buttons do not work after falling or getting moisture:

💧 Dry your phone (if you have contact with water) – put in rice or use silica gel for 24-48 hours.
🔧 Check the button plume -- it often leaves after a hit on Xiaomi.
🔄 Replace the button module with AliExpress or service center, 500 to 1,500. ₽ model-wise.

How to check if there is a hardware or software problem?

If the buttons don’t work even in Recovery Mode (press the Power) + Volume Up when you turn it on, it's a hardware problem. If Recovery works, it's the software.

3. Failures after MIUI update

If the buttons stop working after the update MIUI 14/15, try:

Reverse to the previous version via Fastboot (instructions are available on xiaomi.eu).
Install custom Recovery (for example, TWRP) and run the module audio_fix.zip.
Contact Xiaomi Service Center – sometimes it helps to flash through the Mi Flash Tool.

Features of setting up on popular Xiaomi models

The functionality of the volume buttons may vary depending on the model and version. MIUI. Let’s look at the nuances for the most common devices:

Model	Features of the volume buttons	Additional settings
Xiaomi 13/13 Pro	Support separate media volume and call volume management.	A long press of Volume Down starts Google Assistant.
Redmi Note 12 Pro+	The buttons have tactile recoil (vibration when pressed).	In games, buttons can be turned off via Game Turbo.
POCO F5	There is no separate volume control.	Supports reassignment via Button Mapper without ADB.
Redmi 10C	Volume buttons don’t work like arrows in Recovery.	Frequent failures after updating to MIUI 13.
Xiaomi Pad 6	Volume buttons are located on the end, often pressed accidentally.	You can turn off horizontally through Settings → Screen.

Nana POCO-devices (e.g., devices, POCO X5 Pro) Volume buttons are set to control game mode by default. To turn this off, go to:

Settings → Special features → Physical buttons → Game mode

How to set volume buttons for games

In mobile games (Genshin Impact, Honor of Kings, Call of Duty Mobile), volume buttons often interfere by accidentally changing the volume or activating menus.

1. Disconnection in game settings

Many games have built-in button lock options, such as Genshin Impact:

Settings (⚙️) → Control → Lock volume buttons

2.Use of Game Turbo (MIUI)

Game Turbo is Xiaomi’s proprietary game mode that allows:

🎮 Turn off volume buttons in full-screen applications.
🔇 Disable notifications and automatic brightness corrections.
📊 Monitor FPS processor temperature.

To activate:

Settings → Special features → Game Turbo → Add the game to the list

3. Reassignment to gaming activities

With Button Mapper or Octopus (a gamepad emulation app), you can assign volume buttons to:

🔫 Shooting (in shooters).
🛡️ Use of skill (in) MOBA).
🗺️ Opening of the map.

💡

Nana POCO F4 GT And other gamers, the default volume buttons are set to start Game Space, and you can only reassign them through the default volume button. ADB.

Hidden functions of volume buttons

Few people know, but the volume buttons on Xiaomi can perform hidden functions if used in certain combinations:

📷 Quick camera start – double press Volume Down (works on most models except Redmi 9).
🔧 Enter Recovery - Press the Power + Volume Up when switched on.
📱 Enter Fastboot - Press the Power + Volume Down.
🔄 Reboot in Safe Mode – Press Power, then hold Volume Down in the off menu.
📡 Activate the Engineering Menu – Enter ##4636##, then use the volume buttons to navigate.

Xiaomi. 12S Ultra and 13 Ultra volume buttons can be used to control zoom cameras in firmware based MIUI 14:

🔍 Volume Up - zoom increase.
🔎 Volume Down - zoom decrease.

How to turn on control of zoom volume buttons?

This feature is only available on Xiaomi flagships with Leica camera (12S Ultra, 13 Ultra. Go to Camera Settings to activate → Additionally. → Zoom management.

FAQ: Frequent questions about volume buttons on Xiaomi

Can I reassign the volume buttons without root?

Yes, with applications like Button Mapper or MacroDroid. MIUI 14+ may be required ADB-A full root is not required.

Why don’t the volume buttons work in the headphones?

This is a common problem with Xiaomi. MIUI Solutions: Turn off Bluetooth headphones and reconnect. Clear the Bluetooth app cache in the settings. Update the headphone firmware (if it's Xiaomi Buds or Redmi AirDots).

How to return the standard volume button settings?

If you have reassigned buttons via Button Mapper or ADB, For Button Mapper: Open the app and reset the settings for Volume Up/Down. For ADB: Adb shell settings delete global settings volume_key_long_press_torch

Can I use volume buttons for screenshots?

By default, no, but you can configure it via MacroDroid or Tasker. Alternatively, press the Power. + Volume Down (works for all Xiaomi users) MIUI 10+).

Why do volume buttons click even when the sound is turned off?

This is the mechanical sound of the buttons themselves. On some models (Redmi Note 11, POCO X4) There are two solutions: Lubricate the buttons with silicone lubrication (it takes disassembly of the phone!) Use a case with shock absorbing inserts.