Xiaomi smartphones are famous for flexible audio settings, but many users do not use even half the capabilities of their headphones. Problems with quiet sound, lack of bass or improper operation of Bluetooth codecs are often solved in just a few taps — if you know where to look. This article will help you understand the audio settings on Xiaomi for wired and wireless headphones, including models that support LDAC, AAC and aptX.
We will look at both the basic parameters in the standard application Settings of sound, and hidden features through the Developer (yes, they affect sound!). Special attention will be paid to the typical problems: why Xiaomi headphones can play quieter than on other devices, how to turn on spatial sound and why sometimes the sound disappears in one earphone. All instructions are relevant for MIUI 14/15 and smartphones from Redmi Note 12 to Xiaomi 14 Ultra.
1. Basic sound settings in MIUI
Start by checking the basic parameters — they affect the volume and sound quality regardless of the headphone model. Go to Settings → Sound and vibration.
- 🔊 Media volume – regulates the overall sound level (not to be confused with the volume of the call!) Xiaomi has a separate headphone slider.
- 🎧 Headphone Connection Notifications – Turn off if an audible beep annoys you when connecting AirDots or Buds.
- 🔄 Automatic Device Switching – Useful for Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro to Switch Sound Between Phone and PC.
- 🛠 Additional settings – here hides the equalizer and the choice of Bluetooth codec (more on this below).
Note the Safe Volume option, which, if activated, will automatically turn down the volume for extended listening, which can create the illusion of "quiet sound." It turns off in the same menu.
2.Equalizer: How to set up bass and tops
The built-in equalizer in MIUI allows you to fine-tune the sound to your preferences, so you can open it:
- Go to Settings → Sound and vibration → Additional settings → Equalizer.
- Select a profile (like Bass, Rock or Pop) or create your own.
- Adjust sliders for frequencies: 60 Hz - ultra-low frequencies (bas boom) 230 Hz - lower middle (warmth of sound) 910 Hz - medium frequencies (voice, guitars) 3.6 kHz - upper middle (clearness) 14 kHz - ultra-high (air, hiss)
For bass, lift the sliders to 60Hz and 230Hz, but don't overdo it - it can lead to distortions on cheap headphones.For vocals, accent 910Hz and 3.6kHz.
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If the equalizer doesn't save the settings after you plug in the headphones, reset it to factory settings and reset it. This is a bug in some versions of MIUI.
Important: The equalizer only works for wired headphones and some Xiaomi Buds models (like the Buds 4 Pro).
3. Bluetooth codecs: LDAC, AAC or aptX?
The Bluetooth sound quality depends on the codec used. Xiaomi supports:
| Codec | Bitreit | Delay. | Support for Xiaomi | What headphones are it for? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SBC | 328 kbps | ~100 ms. | All models. | Budget TWS |
| AAC | 250-500 kbit/s | ~80 ms. | All models. | AirPods, Xiaomi Buds 3/4 |
| aptX | 352 kbps | ~40 ms. | Flagships (Snapdragon 8xx) | Sony WH-1000XM5, Bose QC45 |
| LDAC | up to 990 kbps | ~50 ms. | Flagships (with MIUI 13+) | Sony LDAC-Headphones, Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro |
To select the codec:
- Put the headphones on.
- Open the Settings. → Connected devices → Settings (⚙) headphone-on → Sound quality.
- Select the available codec (e.g. LDAC for high bitrate).
Why is there no aptX Adaptive or LHDC on the list?
Critical detail: If the sound starts to break after changing the codec, go back to SBC or AAC – the problem is an unstable Bluetooth connection.
4.Spatial Sound and Dolby Atmos
Xiaomi’s flagship smartphones (starting with the Xiaomi 12 Series) support Dolby Atmos, a technology that creates surround sound in headphones.
- Go to Settings → Sound and vibration → Sound effects.
- Choose Dolby Atmos.
- Activate Headphones mode and select a profile (Cinema, Music or Voice).
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If the sound is lost on calls but it works in music, the problem is with the microphone settings. Check the permissions for the Phone app in the Microphone section.
To diagnose, connect your headphones to another smartphone. If the problem persists, the headphones malfunction. If the sound appears, look for the reason in Xiaomi's settings.
6. Hidden sound settings through developer mode
Some of the audio parameters are hidden in the Developer Menu to activate it:
- Go to Settings. → The phone.
- Tap 7 times on the MIUI version.
- Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
Now find these options:
- 🔧 Turn off absolute volume – if the sound in the headphones is too quiet or loud when adjusting.
- 🎛 Bluetooth Codec – manual codec selection (useful if automatic selection is not working correctly).
- 📊 Bluetooth Monitor A2DP — shows the current bitrate and codec (for diagnostics).
Warning: Changing the settings in developer mode can lead to unstable Bluetooth operation, for example, forced LDAC on a weak processor will cause lags.
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If after the changes in the developer mode, the sound disappeared completely, reset the network settings: Settings → Connections → Reset the settings of Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth.
7. Sound setting in third-party applications
Standard MIUI settings don't always cover all needs. Consider useful applications:
- 🎶 Wavelet - advanced equalizer with support LDAC Dolby Atmos (requires root for full functionality).
- 🔊 Volume Booster – Increases the maximum volume (caution: risk of damage to speakers!).
- 🎧 Poweramp – a music player with its own equalizer and support for Hi-Res audio.
- 🛠 Bluetooth Auto Connect – automatically connects headphones when you start music.
For Poweramp, we recommend you to include:
- Hi-Res output (in audio settings).
- Preset equalizer for your headphones.
- ReplayGain – levels the volume of the tracks.
If you use Spotify or YouTube Music, check the streaming quality settings in the app itself – sometimes the problem isn’t with the smartphone, but with the source’s low bitrate.