How to remove the volume limit on Xiaomi: all ways for MIUI and Android

Xiaomi’s MIUI-enabled smartphones artificially limit the maximum volume of speakers and headphones, a standard hearing protection feature set by European safety regulations. However, for many users, the 85-90 dB limit seems too strict: in noisy rooms or listening to music outside, the sound becomes barely audible. Fortunately, the limit can be circumvented both by standard system tools and by third-party tools.

In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods for removing the volume limit on Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO and Black Shark devices, from simple menu settings to editing system files. All instructions are relevant for MIUI 12-14 and Android 11-14, but some methods will require the right of a superuser (root) or install additional applications. Before you start, make sure that the volume increase does not harm your hearing - prolonged listening to sounds above 100 dB can cause irreversible damage.

Why Xiaomi is limiting volume and can it be turned off?

According to EU Directive 2019/770, all devices sold in Europe must limit the maximum sound level to 85 dB for headphones and 100 dB for speakers, a measure designed to protect users from hearing loss, as prolonged exposure to loud sounds (> 80 dB) leads to damage to the hair cells of the inner ear.

However, the restriction applies not only to European firmware versions (MIUI EU), but also to global ones (MIUI Global), as well as to some Chinese builds.

• 🔊 Headphones: The limit is usually 70-85% of the actual power of the amplifier chip.
• 📢 Dynamics: The limitation is less severe, but still noticeable when playing music or video.
• 🎧 Bluetooth devices: the restriction may apply to wireless headphones (depending on the model).

Can we remove this restriction completely? Yes, but with reservations:

• ✅ No root: Workarounds are possible through an engineering menu or third-party apps, but they don’t work on all models.
• ⚠️ With root: the most reliable way is to edit system files, but this requires unlocking the bootloader and may deprive you of warranties.
• 🚫 On some models (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Black Shark 5 Pro) the restriction is sewn at the hardware level and is not removed software.

⚠️ Attention: raising the volume above the safe level can lead to distortion of the sound, overheating of the speakers or the failure of the headphones. Xiaomi is not responsible for damage caused by changes in factory settings.

Method 1: Use of the Engineering Menu (without root)

On most Xiaomi devices, volume control can be bypassed through the hidden engineering menu (Engineer Mode), which does not require superuser rights, but does not work on all firmware (especially on the latest versions of MIUI 14).

Instructions:

1. Open the Phone app and type in the combination: ##36446337## (some models may require ##4636## → Hardware Testing → Audio).
2. From the Hardware Testing menu, select the Audio section.
3. Go to the Type submenu and select Media (for multimedia) or Ring (for calls).
4. In the Max Vol field, set the value of 150 (maximum) instead of the standard 85-100.
5. Press Set and restart the device.

If the combination doesn’t work, try the alternative code:

##6484##

This method is suitable for models based on Qualcomm processors (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X3 Pro). On devices with MediaTek chips (for example, Redmi 9A), the engineering menu may not contain options for changing the volume.

Make sure you don’t have a European firmware (MIUI EU)

Make a backup copy of the sound settings

Check the current volume level in the settings

Connect the headphones for the test-->

Method 2: Sound amplification applications (without root)

If the engineering menu is not available, you can use third-party applications that bypass the limitations of MIUI through software-based audio processing.

• 🎵 Volume Booster GOODEV — Increases volume to 200% of standard level, supports equalizer.
• 🔊 Precise Volume – allows you to fine tune the volume with 1% increments, bypasses system limits.
• 🎧 Equalizer FX — In addition to enhancing the sound, it offers equalizer presets for different genres of music.

How to use:

1. Install one of the apps from Google Play (links above).
2. Run it and give permissions to access the sound.
3. In the application settings, activate the Boost Volume or Remove Limit option.
4. Adjust the volume slider to a comfortable level (it is not recommended to set the maximum!).

Cons of this method:

• ⚠️ It is possible to distort sound at high volume levels.
• 🔋 Increased battery consumption due to real-time sound processing.
• 🚫 Some applications may not work on MIUI 14 due to new Android restrictions.

💡

If the sound is hoarse after installing the app, reduce the gain to 120-130 percent and enable the "Anti-Clipping" option (if any).

Method 3: File editing mixer_paths.xml (root)

The most radical and effective way is manual editing of the system file. mixer_paths.xml, This method requires super-user rights (root) and works on most Xiaomi devices, except those where the restriction is secured at the hardware level (for example, Black Shark). 5).

Step-by-step:

1. Install a root-enabled explorer (such as Root Explorer or FX File Explorer).
2. Cross the path: /vendor/etc/mixer_paths.xml (On some devices, the file may be in /system/etc/ or /odm/etc/).
3. Make a backup copy of the file (copy it on the SD-map).
4. Open the file in the text editor and find the lines with the parameters: <path name="speaker"> <ctl name="RX1 Digital Volume" value="85" /> <ctl name="RX2 Digital Volume" value="85" /> Replace the value of 85 by 95 or 100 (not recommended to put higher!).
5. For headphones, look for <path name="headphones"> and change the same settings.
6. Save the file, set resolutions 644 (rw-r--r---) and restart the device.

Important: On some models (e.g. Xiaomi 12T), after editing the file, MIUI protection may work and the changes will reset, in which case you will need to disable the system integrity check through Magisk.

⚠️ Attention: incorrect editing mixer_paths.xml It can cause loss of sound completely or looping of the system boot.If the device does not turn on after the changes, restore the original file through the system. TWRP.

Method 4: Use ADB-commands (without root, but with debugging)

If you don't have root rights but USB debugging enabled, you can try removing the restriction via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which doesn't work on all firmware, but sometimes helps bypass software limits.

Instructions:

1. Install ADB and Fastboot Tools on your computer.
2. Enable USB debugging on your smartphone: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times to activate Developer Mode) → Additional → For Developers → Debugging over USB.
3. Connect your phone to your PC and execute: Adb shell settings put global volume_steps 15 This command increases the number of volume control steps, which indirectly allows you to exceed the limit.
4. To reset headphone restrictions, type: adb shell settings put global headset_volume_steps 15
5. Reset the device.

If the standard commands don’t work, try an alternative method through the media_volume_steps:

adb shell settings put global media_volume_steps 30

This method can increase volume by 10-20%, but does not guarantee complete removal of restrictions. on some devices (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro) it does not work due to hardware protection.

Method 5: Install custom firmware (for advanced)

If none of the above methods worked, the last resort is to install custom firmware without volume limits.

• 📱 MIUI Pro - modified version MIUI high-pitched.
• 🔧 LineageOS or AOSP — "Android without restrictions Xiaomi.
• 🎵 Pixel Experience – firmware with Absolute Volume that removes limits.

How to install custom firmware:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the official Xiaomi tool (you will have to wait 7-15 days).
2. Install TWRP Recovery for your model (see instructions on XDA Developers or 4PDA).
3. Download the appropriate firmware (for example, MIUI Pro for Redmi Note 11 and transfer it to SD-map.
4. Boot into TWRP, back up the current system and run custom firmware.

Advantages of this method:

• ✅ Complete removal of all program restrictions.
• ✅ Additional sound settings (Equalizer, Virtualization) 3D-sound).
• ✅ Ability to fine tune volume for each type of content.

Disadvantages:

• ⚠️ Loss of official guarantee.
• 🔧 Risk of "bricking" of the device in case of firmware error.
• 🔄 Need for manual system updates.

⚠️ Note: Before installing custom firmware, check its compatibility with your Xiaomi model. The firmware from Redmi Note 10 is not suitable for you. POCO X3, Even if they have the same processor!

💡

Custom firmware is the most reliable way to remove the volume limit, but it is only suitable for advanced users. For beginners, we recommend starting with methods without root (engineering menu or ADB).

Frequent problems and their solutions

When trying to remove the volume limit on Xiaomi, users encounter common mistakes, and consider the most common and ways to eliminate them.

If none of the methods worked, it’s possible that your Xiaomi model has a hardware limitation (like the Black Shark or Xiaomi’s flagship 13/14).

• 🔧 Use externally USB-C audio amplifier (e.g. DragonFly or iFi Audio).
• 🎧 Buy headphones with built-in amplifier (for example, Sony) WH-1000XM5 Sennheiser Momentum).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions