How to tune the sound in the headphones on the Xiaomi phone

Smartphones brand Xiaomi, working on the basis of shells MIUI The new HyperOS, which traditionally offers users a wide range of multimedia capabilities, but standard audio settings often do not reveal the full potential of a connected headset, whether it is wired models with a 3.5 mm connector or wireless. TWS-Many owners of Redmi and Poco devices face a situation where the quality of playback seems mediocre, and the bass is weak.

Fortunately, the company's engineers have built powerful tools into the system to fine-tune the frequency range. The right configuration of the software equalizer can dramatically change the perception of music, making the sound clearer, deeper and more detailed. In this guide, we will examine all available methods for improving audio, from basic switches to hidden engineering menus.

Before you start to do complex manipulations, you need to make sure that the basic connections are correct and that there are no physical defects. Often the problem is not the software, but the banal contamination of the speaker grid or codec incompatibility. Let's go through all the levels of configuration in a step-by-step way to get the most out of your device.

Basic settings of the MIUI and HyperOS interface

The first step should always be to check the standard system parameters. In modern firmware versions, the sound control menu has been redesigned for convenience, but some functions can be hidden in sub-items. You need to go to Settings β†’ Sound and vibration. This is where the main volume sliders for media, bells and alarms are located.

Pay attention to the item Sound Quality or Audio Effects. Depending on the smartphone model (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra or budget Redmi Note 12), the range of options available may vary. The system offers several preset profiles, such as Pop, Rock, Jazz or Classic. Choosing the right profile is the fastest way to adapt the sound to the genre of music.

Don't ignore the Mi Sound Enhancer feature, which automatically analyzes the content being played and adjusts the frequencies in real time, and you just need to switch the switch to the "On" position to activate it, but remember that this feature consumes additional CPU resources.

πŸ’‘

If you use wired headphones, be sure to remove them from the connector and paste them back after changing the equalizer settings so that the system recalibrates the impedance.

It is important to note that some global firmware versions may have a reduced functionality compared to Chinese builds. If you do not find the options described below, your device may need to update or install regional settings.

Use of Dolby Atmos and Dirac Audio

Xiaomi’s flagship and mid-range models often feature licensed surround sound technologies. Dolby Atmos creates a three-dimensional audio space effect, which is especially noticeable when watching movies and playing modern shooters. You can find this feature by using the Settings β†’ Sound and Vibration β†’ Sound Effects.

Dolby Atmos has several modes available: Auto, Video, Music and Voice. For listening to tracks through headphones, the best choice is often Music mode with manual balance adjustment, where you can separately amplify high frequencies for vocals or add depths to low frequencies.

Dirac Audio, which is found on many of the brand’s devices, works differently, focusing on optimizing the timing and frequency correction of a particular headphone model, and if you have a Dirac switch on the menu, activation is required to produce a reference sound.

⚠️ Warning: Simultaneously turning on Dolby Atmos and third-party equalizers can cause signal distortion or wheezing. it is recommended to use only one main sound processor.

Users often argue about whether a native equalizer or a Dolby is better suited to wireless headsets because of its ability to compensate for losses when compressing a Bluetooth signal. For wired models with high resistance, it is better to leave the work to specialized DACs or Dirac.

πŸ“Š What type of headphones do you use most often?
3.5 mm wired
USB-C headset
TWS (Bluetooth)
Wireless consignment note
Gamers with a microphone

Fine tuning through the built-in equalizer

The integrated graphics equalizer is a powerful tool for those who understand how frequencies work. Unlike simple presets, here you can manually adjust the signal level in specific ranges. Access to it is usually in the same audio effects menu, the Equalizer button.

The sliders correspond to the following frequencies: 60 Hz (bass), 230 Hz (low middle), 910 Hz (middle), 4 KHz (high middle) and 14 KHz (upper frequencies/air). Popular music is characterized by a V-shaped curve: raised basses and high frequencies with a slightly lowered middle. This makes the sound more energetic and bright.

If you're listening to classical music or jazz, it's best to align the curve, leaving the frequencies close to zero to keep the timbres of the instruments natural. Experiment with sliders, listening to well-known tracks to hear the difference.

β˜‘οΈ Set up an ideal profile

Done: 0 / 5

It's worth mentioning the Listening Security feature, which limits the maximum volume. If you think the sound is quiet even at maximum, check if this limiter is activated in the audio settings. In some regions, it's on by default under EU law.

Secrets of Bluetooth Codecs and Developer

For wireless headphone owners, the data codec used is critical. The standard SBC codec provides basic quality, but Hi-Res audio requires AAC, aptX, aptX HD or LDAC. Support for specific codecs depends on both the smartphone and the headset itself.

To check or force the codec to be selected, you need to activate the developer menu. Go to Settings β†’ About Phone and quickly click 7 times on the MIUI Version (or OS Version). After you see the "You became a developer" label, go back to the main settings menu, select Additional β†’ For developers.

In the options list, look for the Bluetooth Audio Codec section, and here you will see a list of formats your device supports. Choosing a higher bitrate codec (like LDAC) will improve detail significantly, but can increase power consumption.

CodecBitrate (kbit/s)Quality.Compatibility
SBC328BasicAll devices.
AAC256Good.iOS, Android
aptX352High.Android, Qualcomm
LDAC990Hi-ResFlagships Sony, Xiaomi

Keep in mind that if the Bluetooth signal is poor, the system can automatically switch to a lower codec to maintain connection stability. If you notice gaps in music when the LDAC is on, try moving closer to the signal source or removing obstacles.

Third-party applications to improve audio

When regular funds are scarce, Google Play apps come to the rescue, and one of the most popular and functional solutions is Poweramp Equalizer, which allows you to create complex audio processing chains, including presets for specific headphone models.

Another useful app is Bass Booster, which specializes in low-frequency amplification, which is a good idea for flat-sound headphone owners, but be careful: excessively amplifying basses with software often leads to wheezing and distortion, especially on budget speakers.

For advanced users, there's an app called Wavelet, which contains an APH database for thousands of headphone models, and automatically adjusts the sound to match Harman's target curve, which allows you to get a studio sound even on regular devices.

Why can third-party equalizers not work?
Some Xiaomi system updates block third-party apps from accessing the audio engine, which requires root access or the use of special Magisk modules.

When installing such programs, the system may request permission to "Change System Settings" or "Access to Use." Without granting these rights, the application will not be able to intercept the audio stream. Always check the permissions after installation.

Resolving problems with quiet sound and wheezing

A frequent complaint of users is a quiet sound even at maximum volume. Before carrying the phone to the service, try to clean the headphone jack. The 3.5 mm jack often packs dust and pile, which prevent the plug from contacting tightly. Carefully clean the hole with a dry toothbrush or compressed air.

If the problem is only seen in Bluetooth headphones, try resetting the network settings. Go to Settings β†’ Connection and Sharing β†’ Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth. This action will remove all saved pairs, but can resolve the software driver conflict.

If you see wheezing at high volume, check if you have Mono-audio enabled in special features. Sometimes, two channels running simultaneously in the same speaker can cause overload. You can turn it off from the Settings menu β†’ Advanced Settings β†’ Special Options β†’ Hearing.

⚠️ Attention: If the wheezing is accompanied by heating the bottom of the smartphone, it may be a problem in the hardware part of the amplifier or the dynamic head.

It’s also worth checking whether Google Play and the Bluetooth drivers themselves are updated frequently through the app store, rather than through a system firmware update.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the equalizer disappear after the MIUI update?
In newer versions of the shells, Xiaomi sometimes changes menu layouts or hides advanced settings. Try to go the Settings β†’ Sound and Vibration β†’ Sound Effects. If not, your region in the phone settings may be set to a country with limited audio licensing (for example, India or some EU countries). Changing the region to Singapore or Indonesia often returns functionality.
How to turn on the sound in both headphones, if only one plays?
This is a common problem of desynchronization. TWS-Put both headphones in the case, close the lid and wait 10 seconds. Then find the device in the Bluetooth list on the phone and press "Forget the device." Then pair again by removing the headphones from the case at the same time.
Does energy saving affect sound quality?
Yes, in Ultra mode or hard power saving, the system can limit the operation of the processor and Bluetooth module, which leads to a decrease in the bitrate of the transmitted audio or turn off visual effects. For better sound, it is recommended to use Balanced or Performance mode.
Can I adjust the volume for different applications?
This is not possible with MIUI, media volume is the same for all applications, but there are third-party mixer apps that require special permissions (Accessibility) to automatically change the volume when running certain programs, such as YouTube or Spotify.
Why do headphones hiss when connected to charging?
This is called a tipping phenomenon. Cheap chargers or unshielded cables create electromagnetic interference that gets into the audio track. Solution: use the original power supply, quality cable, or turn on Flight mode while charging if you want to listen to music without interference.

πŸ’‘

The main secret of high-quality sound on Xiaomi is not only the equalizer settings, but also the choice of the right Bluetooth codec and the absence of background interference from other wireless devices.