How to disable aptX on Xiaomi smartphones: a complete guide with nuances

Why users want to disable aptX on Xiaomi and when they really need to

Qualcomm’s aptX codec is marketed as a technology solution for high-quality wireless audio transmission over Bluetooth, promising lower latency and better quality than a standard codec. SBC, But in practice, owners of Xiaomi smartphones, especially the Redmi Note 12 Pro models+, Xiaomi 13 Ultra or POCO F5) In some cases, disabling aptX can solve the problem of intermittent sound in headphones, increased battery consumption or incompatibility with certain devices.

The main reasons for deactivating the codec are:

• 🔊 Sound artifacts: crackling, cliffs or metallic tint when listening to music through Bluetooth headphones (especially noticeable on models with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset).
• 🔋 Increased battery consumption: AptX requires more energy to encode/dekReduced maintenance, which reduces the time of operation 10–15%.
• 🎧 Incompatibility: Some headphones (e.g. Sony) WH-1000XM4 Bose QuietComfort 45 is more stable with the standard SBC or AAC.
• 🎮 Delays in gaming: When using wireless headsets for gaming, aptX can add lags of up to 100-150 ms.

It’s important to understand that not all Xiaomi models support aptX. For example, budget smartphones powered by MediaTek Helio G processors (e.g., Redmi). 10A) use only SBC and AAC. Before attempting to disable, check your device specifications in an official source or through an app. CPU-Z.

What Xiaomi models support aptX: full list

AptX technology is available primarily on Xiaomi smartphones with Qualcomm Snapdragon processors in the mid- and flagship segments. Below is a table with current models (as of 2026), where the feature is present out of the box. Even if your device is on the list, codec support may depend on the firmware version. MIUI.

If your model is not in the table, it does not guarantee that there is no support. 12T Pro (with Snapdragon 8)+ Gen 1) received aptX via OTA-Updates to accurately identify the available codecs:

1. Connect Bluetooth headphones to your smartphone.
2. Open Settings → Connections → Bluetooth.
3. Press the badge. ⚙️ near the connected device.
4. See the section "Sound Quality" or "Code".

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On some firmware (for example, Xiaomi.EU) the list of codecs may differ from the official codecs. MIUI. Before experimenting, make a backup of settings in Settings → The phone. → Backup.

Method 1: Disable aptX through standard settings MIUI

The easiest method is to use the built-in options of the system. It is suitable for most models on the Internet. MIUI 12-15 and does not require root rights or additional applications:

1. Activate Bluetooth and connect headphones (e.g. Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro or Sony) WF-1000XM5).
2. Go to Settings → Connections → Bluetooth.
3. Slap the icon. ⚙️ near the name of your headphones.
4. Select "Sound Quality" or "Code" (the name may vary depending on the version). MIUI).
5. In the list of available codecs, uncheck the tick from aptX (or aptX Adaptive). SBC or AAC.

If the item "Sound quality" is not available:

• 📱 Check the version. MIUI: on old assemblies (below) MIUI 13) the option may be hidden. Update the firmware through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 🔄 Reconnect the headphones: Sometimes the codec menu only appears after the device is paired again.
• 🛠️ Use the Developer: Activate the Developer Mode (7 times click on the Version) MIUI In Settings → About the phone, then check the Settings section → Additionally. → Developer parameters → Bluetooth settings.

Make sure your headphones support alternative codecs (SBC/AAC)|Check the version. MIUI (should be no lower 12.5)|Take a screenshot of current Bluetooth settings|Remember the current codec (in case of resetting)

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⚠️ Note: On some devices (e.g. Xiaomi) 12S Ultra) after disabling aptX, the option of manual codec selection may disappear. SBC or AAC depending on the headphones.

Method 2: Use of an engineering menu (for advanced users)

If standard settings do not allow you to disable aptX, you can use the Engineering Mode, which works on most devices with Qualcomm chipsets, but you need to be careful - improper actions can lead to malfunctions in Bluetooth.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the Phone app and type the combination: ##36446337## On some models (e.g, POCO F3) The code can work: ##4636##
2. In the menu, select "Hardware Testing" → "Bluetooth".
3. Press "RF REGULATION" (Bluetooth Test Mode on new versions).
4. In the Audio Codec section, find the aptX string and set the value "Disable".
5. Save the settings and restart the smartphone.

After the reboot, check the current codec in the Bluetooth settings. If aptX is still active:

• 🔧 Try another code to log into the engineering menu (e.g. ##2846579## for some Redmis).
• 📲 Install the app MTK Engineering Mode (for MediaTek devices) or Qualcomm Engineer Mode from Google Play.
• 🔄 Return to the standard settings and repeat the steps from Method 1.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14+ The engineering menu may be blocked, in which case try using the ADB-Do not change other settings in Engineer Mode - this can disrupt the Bluetooth or Wi-Fi module.

Method 3: Disable aptX through ADB (power-user)

If previous methods have not worked, you can apply them. ADB-Android Debug Bridge is a universal approach, but it requires connecting your smartphone to your computer and basic command line knowledge, and the advantage of this method is that it works even on locked bootloaders.

What you need:

• 💻 Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
• 🔌 USB Type C C Cable (original or certified).
• 📦 Installed drivers ADB Fastboot (you can download from Google Android Developers).
• 📱 Included debugging by USB on a smartphone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times press to activate the developer mode, then Settings → Additionally. → Developer parameters → Debugging by USB).

Instructions:

1. Connect your smartphone to your computer and select the File Transfer mode.
2. Open the command prompt (CMD on Windows or Terminal on macOS/Linux) and type: adb devices Make sure your device appears in the list.
3. Enter the command to check current codecs: adb shell settings list global | grep bluetooth Look for lines with aptx mention.
4. To disable aptX, do: adb shell settings put global bluetooth_a2dp_codec_priority "SBC,AAC" This team sets a priority for SBC and AAC, excluding aptX.
5. Reboot your smartphone: adb reboot

If aptX is still active after the reboot, try an alternative command:

adb shell settings put global bluetooth_a2dp_codec_disabled "aptX,aptX-HD"

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (e.g. Xiaomi.EU), these commands may not work due to modified Bluetooth settings. In this case, try using the Bluetooth Codec Changer app from Google Play (requires root root).

How to return aptX back: Restore settings

If the audio quality deteriorates or other problems occur after the aptX is turned off, you can return the original settings. The recovery methods depend on the method you used earlier.

If you have been disconnected through standard settings MIUI:

1. Go to Settings → Connections → Bluetooth.
2. Slap the icon. ⚙️ headphone-on.
3. In the “Sound Quality” section, again select aptX or aptX Adaptive.

If you use the engineering menu:

1. Repeat the Engineer Mode (#36446337##)
2. Go to Bluetooth. → Audio Codec".
3. Set the aptX value to "Enable".
4. Save the settings and restart the device.

If they did. ADB-team:

1. Connect your smartphone to your computer and open the command line.
2. Enter: adb shell settings delete global bluetooth_a2dp_codec_priority and adb shell settings delete global bluetooth_a2dp_codec_disabled
3. Reset the device.

If none of the methods worked, reset your network settings:

1. Go to Settings. → Connections → Resetting Wi-Fi, Mobile Network and Bluetooth.
2. Confirm the action and wait for the process to be completed.
3. Reconnect the headphones and check the available codecs.

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Before resetting your network settings, write down Wi-Fi passwords and data about the associated devices – they will be deleted.

Alternative solutions: what to do if aptX can not be turned off

On some Xiaomi devices (especially custom firmware or regional versions), it is impossible to disable aptX using standard methods, in which case alternative approaches can be tried:

1. Use of third-party applications

• 🎵 Bluetooth Codec Changer (requires root) – allows you to manually select codecs, including disabling aptX.

2. Firmware modification

• 📲 Install custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience) where codec management is more flexible.
• 🔄 Update to the latest version MIUI (Sometimes new builds add options to disable aptX).
• 🛠️ Try regional firmware (e.g. Global). ROM China ROM), Where can there be other Bluetooth settings.

Hardware solutions

• 🎧 Buy headphones with support AAC or LDAC (Like Sony. WH-1000XM5 Sennheiser Momentum 4).
• 🔌 Use a Bluetooth transmitter (e.g. Creative) BT-W5), allows you to manually select a codec.
• 📵 Go to the wired headphones with the connector USB-C 3.5 mm (if you have one on your model).

If the problem is related to audio delays (such as in games or videos), try:

• Enable the "Game" or "Low Delay" mode in the headphone settings.
• Use applications like SoundAssistant to fine-tune audio.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When trying to disable aptX, users often encounter typical problems, including the most common mistakes and ways to resolve them:

If you experience persistent Bluetooth crashes after manipulating codecs:

1. Perform reset network settings (Settings) → Connections → Resetting Wi-Fi, Mobile Network and Bluetooth).
2. Update the headphone firmware (if available).
3. Check the headphones on another device to rule out their malfunction.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 15 and later, some Bluetooth settings can be blocked at the kernel level, in which case the only way out is to use alternative firmware or wait for an official update from Xiaomi.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions