How to open headphone settings on Xiaomi: hidden functions and options

Modern Xiaomi smartphones, which run on the shells of MIUI or the new HyperOS, offer users advanced control of audio devices, but the standard interface is not always obvious. Many gadget owners face a situation when you need to change the bitrate of the codec, activate noise reduction or reassign buttons, but the usual menu settings in the system simply does not. Often users look for a separate application or hidden section in the engineering menu, unaware that the management of Bluetooth profiles is built deep into the system parameters.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to access the sound configuration, including standard methods through the Bluetooth menu, hidden engineering codes for advanced users and specialized applications from the manufacturer. You will learn to find hidden switches that can significantly improve the sound quality of your favorites. TWS-It's important to understand that the functionality may vary depending on the firmware version and region, so we'll cover as many scenarios as possible.

Before you get into deep tuning, it’s worth noting that not all headphones support the full range of smartphone features. High-resolution codecs like LDAC or aptX Adaptive require support from both the phone and the headset. If you try to activate an option your playback device doesn’t understand, the system will simply ignore the request or return to the standard SBC codec. That’s why understanding how to check the current status of the connection is a key skill for an audiophile.

Basic settings via Bluetooth menu

The most obvious and safe way to change the connection settings is in the standard wireless menu. To do this, you need to go to Settings → Bluetooth and find your headphones in the list of paired devices. By clicking on the gear icon or arrow next to the model name, you will open the local control menu of this particular device, where important options are often hidden.

This section usually includes switches to activate high-quality audio if supported, as well as options to display battery power levels on the lock screen. Some Xiaomi models allow you to turn off automatic connection or reset pairing settings here, which is useful for synchronization problems. If you don't see the right items, they may be hidden in the optional menu.

To access the finer settings in some versions of the shell, you need to press the build number in the About Phone section several times in a row to activate the developer mode, although this is more of an exception for basic functions. In the standard scenario, just make sure that the Sound Quality slider or similar switch is activated.

  • 🎧 Check that the headphones are within radius. 1-2 Meters from the phone for stable settings.
  • ⚙️ Make sure the Bluetooth menu includes the option “Display Charge Level".
  • 🔄 If you have errors, try forgetting the device and pairing again.
  • 🔊 Activate the High Quality Audio Switch to Improve Detail.
📊 What headphones do you use with Xiaomi?
The Original Xiaomi
AirPods
Sony/Samsung
Wired headsets
Other brands

Use of the Xiaomi Earbuds app

For owners of Xiaomi’s original peripherals, such as the Redmi Buds series, Mi True Wireless or Xiaomi’s flagship Buds, the main management tool is a dedicated app.The official software, often called Xiaomi Earbuds or integrated into the MI Sound system app, opens up access to equalizer, gesture settings and noise reduction modes that are not available in the standard Android menu.

Once installed and first connected, the app automatically recognizes your headphone model and prompts you to update your firmware. This is a critical step, as manufacturers often release updates to improve the stability of the connection and the quality of the microphone. In the application interface, you can adjust the noise reduction level (ANC), turn on the transparency mode and even search for lost headphones on the map.

The touch control settings section deserves special attention, and you can reassign actions for single, double or triple tapping on the touch zone, you can assign voice assistant launch, track switching, or low latency game mode activation, without using this app, the headphones will work in base mode without revealing their potential.

⚠️ Attention: The headphone search function only works if they are outside the case, have a battery charge and are in range of Bluetooth. If the headphone is discharged to zero, you can not find it through the application.

In some regions, instead of a separate application, the control functions are built directly into the system settings in the Settings → Bluetooth → [Your headphones] section. If you have a new model, the system may suggest downloading the plugin at the first pairing. You should not refuse installation, since it ensures the correct operation of spatial audio and other proprietary technologies.

☑️ Checking readiness for setup

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Extended settings for developers

For tech-savvy users who want to make the most of the hardware, there is a hidden section called "Developers" to get there, go to Settings → About Phone and quickly click seven times on "MIUI Version" or "OS Version." Once you get a notification that you've become a developer, a new section will appear in the main settings menu.

Inside the developer section, you need to scroll down to the Network or Bluetooth block. This is where the key audio codec settings are located. You can manually select a priority codec, such as aptX HD, LDAC or LC3, if your headphones support them. It also adjusts the bitrate of Bluetooth audio, which directly affects the amount of data transferred and therefore the sound quality.

One of the most useful features on this menu is to turn off the absolute volume level. Absolute volume synchronizes the sound level of the phone and headphones, but on some models of headsets this leads to quiet sound or distortion. Disabling this option allows you to adjust the volume independently on each device, which often solves problems with quiet sound.

ParameterDescriptionRecommendation
Bluetooth codecChoosing an Audio Compression AlgorithmInstall LDAC or aptX HD for quality
Bitrate audioSize of data flow transmittedMaximum (990 kbps) for LDAC
Absolute volume.Synchronization of volume of devicesTurn it off if the sound is too quiet.
AAC audio codecStandard codec for Apple and AndroidLeave it on by default
What is LDAC and why is it needed?
LDAC is Sony’s audio encoding technology that transmits three times as much data (up to 990 kbps) as standard Bluetooth, which allows you to listen to high-resolution music (Hi-Res) wirelessly, but turning on this codec can increase battery consumption and reduce connection stability in places with a lot of interference.

Equalizer and sound effects setting

Xiaomi’s built-in audio processor allows you to adjust the frequency response of sound through the system equalizer, you can find it by Settings → Sound and vibration → Sound Effects. Here you can find a graphical equalizer with several preset profiles, such as Pop, Rock, Jazz, and the ability to create your own configuration.

For users who value sound purity, it's a good idea to look at Dirac or Harman technology if it's available in your phone model. These digital signal processing algorithms can dramatically improve stage and detail, but it's worth remembering that over-amplifying low or high frequencies can lead to wheezing in inexpensive headphones.

The audio effects section also often features a feature called "Earphone Virtualization," which creates a surround sound effect even on stereo headsets, which is especially useful when watching movies, but for listening to music in the original mastering, it is better to turn it off so as not to introduce artificial distortions into the audio stream.

  • 🎼 Use the preset "Flat" or "Normal" for studio sound.
  • 🔇 Turn off sound effects when recording voice through the headset.
  • 🎧 Adjust the equalizer to medium volume for objective evaluation.
  • 📉 Do not twist the equalizer sliders to the maximum to avoid clipping.

Connection problems and their solution

Even with the right setup, users may experience unstable Bluetooth. A common problem is to de-synchronize left and right channels or interrupt the audio periodically. In such cases, the first thing to do is reset Bluetooth settings in the Settings menu → Connections → Bluetooth → Menu (three dots) → Reset Bluetooth settings.

If the problem persists, check the list of applications that have access to the microphone and audio. Sometimes third-party programs, such as voice recorders or instant messengers, can monopolize the audio channel without giving it back to the system. VPN-Aggressive energy saving or service settings.

In rare cases, clearing the cache of the Bluetooth system service helps. Go to Settings → Applications → All applications, find the “Bluetooth” list and select “Clear Cache.” This action will not delete your paired devices, but update the temporary service files.

⚠️ Note: When you reset your Bluetooth settings, all previously stored devices will be deleted from your phone’s memory.

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If the sound is interrupted only in your pocket or when you move, try switching the Bluetooth version in the engineering menu (available via engineer codes) from 3.0 to 2.1 or vice versa, this sometimes changes the antenna’s algorithm.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Why don’t I see the LDAC codec settings in the developer menu?
The lack of an LDAC option could mean your smartphone doesn’t technically support this codec at iron level, or the driver isn’t activated by the manufacturer for your region.Also make sure headphones that support LDAC are connected; the codec menu is often hidden if the active device doesn’t support high bit rates.
How to reassign buttons on Redmi headphones without an app?
Without using the official Xiaomi Earbuds app or similar software, reassign buttons to the TWS-It's impossible for headphones because the sensors' logic is embedded in their internal memory. And with standard Android tools, you can only change global actions, but not specific to the headset.
Does the NFC enabled affect the Bluetooth sound quality?
In theory, the 13.56 MHz NFC module does not overlap with the Bluetooth (2.4 GHz) band, so there should be no direct impact on sound quality, but in rare cases, electromagnetic tips on card reading can cause short-term interference.
Can I connect two different Bluetooth headphones to the same Xiaomi?
Yes, most modern Xiaomi smartphones support Dual Audio (double audio) and you need to connect the first headset, then select “Connect second device” from the Bluetooth menu, or use the “Double audio” function in the notification curtain if it is available in your version of MIUI.
Why are headphones quieter on Xiaomi than on other phones?
This is often due to limiting the maximum volume to protect your hearing or to the implementation of a Bluetooth stack. Try turning off "Absolute Volume" in the developer menu or removing volume limits in the audio settings (the item may be called "Lookdown Headphones").

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Main conclusion: For full use of headphones Xiaomi be sure to install a proprietary application, and to improve the sound quality on any headsets use the settings of the codecs in the developer menu.