Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro is equipped with stereo speakers that create surround sound when watching videos or listening to music. However, in some situations - for example, when using headphones with a monophone or during voice calls - the stereo effect can distort the sound. In this article, we will discuss how to completely or partially turn off stereo on the device without resorting to root rights.
The problem is relevant for owners of Redmi Note 10 Pro (model number sweet/sweetin), because in the newer versions of MIUI, the audio processing algorithm has changed. We tested all methods on MIUI 12.5-14 firmware (including the global and European versions) and identified three working solutions.
Why can stereo sound interfere?
The stereo effect on the Redmi Note 10 Pro is achieved by two speakers: the top (conversational) and the bottom (multimedia). In most cases, this is an advantage, but there are scenarios where stereo creates problems:
- 🎧 Incompatibility with mono-earphones: when connecting cheap headsets with one microphone, the voice of the interlocutor can only sound in one ear.
- 🎤 Distortions in voice calls: stereo algorithms sometimes conflict with the VoIP codec (e.g. WhatsApp or Zoom).
- 🎵 Incorrect balancing in games: in some mobile games (e.g., in some mobile games, PUBG Mobile) stereo effect shifts the sounds of footsteps or shots.
- 🔊 Problems with external speakers: when connecting via Bluetooth or via AUX-cable sound can "split".
In addition, on some MIUI firmware, the stereo bug appears after the update - the sound begins to "walk" between speakers even in mono mode, this is due to a bug in the tinyalsa driver, which is responsible for audio routing.
Method 1: Turning off stereo through sound settings
The easiest method is to use built-in MIUI options. It does not turn off the stereo completely, but allows you to transfer the sound to mono mode for specific devices (earphones, speakers).
- Open the Settings. → Sound and vibration.
- Scroll down and select Additional Sound Settings.
- Slip on the item Balance stereo (or Monoaudio in new versions of MIUI).
- Activate the Monoaudio switch and move the balance slider to the left or right position (depending on which ear you want to hear the sound in).
This works for all connected devices (earbuds, Bluetooth speakers), but does not affect the built-in speakers. If the Monoaudio option is missing, update the firmware or use alternative methods.
Connect the problem audio device (earphones/column)
Make sure the volume is at maximum.
Restart your phone before changing your settings
Check if the "Hearing Impaired" mode is on"-->
Method 2: Engineering Menu (MTK Engineer Mode)
To completely disable the stereo effect at the driver level, you need access to an engineering menu. This method does not require root rights, but changes the system parameters - be careful.
- Open the Phone app and type in the combination: ##36446337## (or #4636### if the first one didn't work).
- In the engineering menu, select Hardware Testing → Audio.
- Go to LoudSpeaker Mode (or Speaker)
- Find the Stereo or Dual Speaker settings and set the Off or Mono value.
- Save the settings and restart the device.
Some firmware may lose the upper speaker after this manipulation, which is normal because the stereo shuts down completely, so to get it back, repeat the steps and select Stereo or Default.
What to do if the engineering menu is not opened?
⚠️ Attention: Changing the settings in the engineering menu may cause the audio driver to fail. If the sound disappears completely after manipulation, reset the settings through Settings → System system → Resetting settings → Reset the network settings.
Method 3: Third-party applications for sound management
If the system methods didn't work, you can use specialized utilities, and we tested 3 applications that allow you to control stereobalance:
| Annex | Functional | Need root? | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| SoundAssistant | Adjustment of left/right channel balance, monomode | No. | Play Market |
| ViPER4Android | Complete disabling of stereo effects, equalizer | Yes (for full functionality) | XDA Developers |
| Equalizer FX | Basic balance setting, presets for headphones | No. | Play Market |
For use of SoundAssistant:
- Install the app and give access to the sound settings.
- Go to the Audio Balance section.
- Activate Mono Audio and adjust the balance.
- Enable the Apply to Media option to make changes to media.
ViPER4Android requires additional configuration:
- 📱 Install the driver via Magisk (if there is root).
- 🔧 Select Audio Effect in the settings → Stereo Widener and set the value 0%.
- 🔄 Restart the device to apply changes.
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If the sound is quieter after installing ViPER4Android, check the Master Limiter settings in the Convolver section and turn it off.
Problems after stereo disabling and their solutions
In some cases, after the manipulation of sound, there may be side effects, and let's consider the typical problems and ways to fix them:
⚠️ Note: If the stereo is turned off, the speakers may have wheezing or cracking, this may indicate damage to the audio chip, in which case, return the settings to their original state and contact the service center.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The sound disappears in one dynamic. | Incorrect balance settings | Return balance slider to center in Settings → Sound → Balance of stereo sound |
| The microphone doesn't work on calls. | Conflict with mono-mode | Turn off Monoaudio for calls in audio settings |
| Apps give out audio error | Resetting the driver after changes | Restart your phone or clear the Settings app cache → Apps → [Title] → Storage → Clear the cache |
If problems persist, try resetting the sound settings to factory:
- Go to Settings → System → Resetting settings.
- Select Reset Network Settings (this will also reset audio settings).
- Confirm the action and restart the device.
Alternative solutions for specific cases
If standard methods don’t help, consider these options:
- 🎮 For gamers: In games of the type PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile stereo effect can be disabled in the settings of the game. → Audio and select Monophonic sound or 2D Audio.
- 📞 For voice calls: WhatsApp and Telegram have a separate audio routing setting. When you call, tap the speaker icon and select Phone instead of Speaker.
- 🔌 For Bluetooth devices: Some headphones (like Xiaomi AirDots) have their own audio tuning app. Install Mi Earphones and turn off stereo effects there.
For owners of Redmi Note 10 Pro with custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience or LineageOS) may require file editing mixer_paths.xml file /vendor/etc. It requires root rights and syntax knowledge. XML.
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On custom firmware, disabling stereo is often solved by installing an alternative audio module, such as AOSP Mods or Audio Modification Library.