How to Remove Hearing Protection on Xiaomi: All Ways to Turn Off Volume Limiting

The hearing protection feature on Xiaomi devices is a built-in MIUI option that automatically limits the maximum volume of headphones and speakers to a safe level (usually 80-85% of the maximum). On the one hand, it protects your hearing from damage when listening to music at high volume for long periods of time. On the other, many users are hampered by this restriction, especially if you use the device in noisy conditions or with high-omniac headphones.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to disable hearing protection on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones running MIUI 14/15 (including global and Chinese versions of firmware). You will learn how to circumvent the restriction through system settings, engineering menus, and third-party applications. Importantly, some methods require root or ADB rights, we will explain in detail how to obtain and use them without risk to the device.

Warning: Disabling hearing protection can cause hearing damage when listening to music at maximum volume for long periods. On devices with MIUI 15 Global, the volume limit through settings is only temporarily disabled - after restarting it returns.

Why Xiaomi is limiting volume: technical and medical reasons

Hearing protection in Xiaomi is implemented for a reason: according to the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO), the safe sound level for headphones is no more than 85 dB for 8 hours or 100 dB for 15 minutes.

• 🔇 Temporary hearing impairment (ringing in the ears after listening)
• 🦻 Irreversible hearing loss (with regular exposure to loud sounds)
• 🎧 Distortion of sound at high frequencies (due to overload of headphone speakers)

In MIUI, the restriction works on two levels:

1. Program limit - the system blocks the volume slider at 80-85%.
2. Hardware limit – on some models (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro) even when bypassing the software limitation, the speakers do not physically give out more than 90% of the power.

Interestingly, Chinese firmware devices (such as the Xiaomi Civi 3) often lack the restriction or are easier to disable, due to differences in local regulations: manufacturers in China are not required to implement such protections.

Method 1: Disable hearing protection through standard MIUI settings

The easiest method is to use the built-in system options, which works on most devices with MIUI 12-15, but has a limitation: after restarting the smartphone, the settings can reset.

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Go to Sound and Vibration (or Sound on some models).
3. Slap on the item Headphone Loudness or Hearing Protection.
4. Turn off the volume limit slider (or uncheck the Safe Volume box).
5. Confirm the action by pressing OK in the warning window.

On some firmware (e.g. MIUI 14 Global), this method only works until the first reboot, and you'll need to use ADB or an engineering menu to fix the result.

Make sure the headphones are connected to the device|Check the version. MIUI in settings (about her)|Make a backup copy of important data|Battery charge of at least 50%-->

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI For the EU (European firmware), this method may be blocked due to strict regulations. EU. In this case, proceed to the method of c. ADB.

Method 2: Using ADB to permanently disable the restriction

If the standard settings do not help, you will have to connect to the device via Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method works on all versions. MIUI, including Chinese and international but requires a computer and USB-cable.

Here's what you're gonna need:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original)
• 📱 Included Debugging by USB smartphone
• 🛠️ Utility. ADB (You can download from the official Android website)

Instructions:

1. Turn on Developer Mode on your smartphone: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version. Go back to Settings → Additional → Developer. Activate USB Debugging.

Connect your smartphone to your computer and confirm the debugging permission.

ADB

adb shell settings put global volume_safe_speaker 0

For headphones, use:

adb shell settings put global volume_safe_headset 0

Reset the device.

After this action, the volume limit will be permanently turned off, even after the reboot. If the command does not work, try an alternative option:

adb shell settings delete global volume_safe_speaker


adb shell settings delete global volume_safe_headset

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If ADB does not recognize the device, try reinstalling drivers or using another USB-Windows sometimes helps install drivers through the Mi Flash Tool

Method 3: Engineering menu (for advanced users)

On some Xiaomi models (such as the Redmi Note 11 or POCO X4 Pro), you can turn off hearing protection via the engineering menu, which does not require root, but does not work on all firmware.

Instructions:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Enter the code ##36446337## (some models run #4636##).
3. Select the Hardware Testing option → Audio.
4. Find the Headset Volume or Speaker Volume settings.
5. Set maximum values (for example, 160 for headphones).
6. Save the settings and restart the device.

Step-by-step:

1. Get root access (see instructions for your model on XDA Developers).
2. Open Root Explorer and follow the path: /system/etc/
3. Find the file. mixer_paths.xml (or mixer_paths_tasha.xml for some).
4. Open the file in the text editor and find the lines with the parameters: rx-volume-limit or safe_media_volume_enabled
5. Replace the values from 1 to 0 or delete the lines completely.
6. Save the file, set the rights 644 (rw-r--r---).
7. Reset the device.

After this manipulation, all volume restrictions will be removed, but remember, root access deprives you of warranty and can lead to security problems.

Comparison of methods: which way to choose?

To make it easier for you to decide, we have compiled a table with the pros and cons of each method:

For most users, ADB is the best option. It doesn't require root, it works on all firmware and it gives you a consistent result. If you don't want to mess with your computer, try the standard settings first, and if they don't work, try the engineering menu.

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On devices with MIUI 15 Global Standard Hearing Protection Disabled through Settings only works until the first reboot. ADB.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When hearing protection is turned off, users often face difficulties, and here are the most common ones and ways to solve them:

• 🔄 After the reboot, the restriction returns → Use it. ADB or engineering menu for permanent shutdown.
• 🔌 ADB can't see the device → Check the drivers, turn on the debugging by USB and select File Transfer Mode when connected.
• 🔇 The sound became quieter after the restriction was turned off → Maybe the hardware limit worked. Try another method or check the headphones.
• 📵 Engineering menu not open → Your firmware is blocking access. ADB root.

If none of the methods worked, check:

1. MIUI version (on some beta firmware restrictions are stricter).
2. Firmware region (the Chinese versions often have no restrictions).
3. Headphone model (some Bluetooth headphones have their own limitations).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions