Switching tracks with volume buttons on Xiaomi: full instruction

Why Volume buttons don’t switch music to Xiaomi and how to fix it

Have you ever tried to quickly skip a song with headphones, but instead accidentally changed the volume? On Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi and POCO models), the volume buttons by default only adjust the sound level, not control the playback. This is standard MIUI behavior, but it can be changed - and we'll show you how to do it correctly.

The problem is relevant for all firmware versions from MIUI 12 to MIUI 15, including HyperOS, and the limitation applies not only to the standard Mi Music player, but also to third-party applications like Spotify, YouTube Music or VK Music.

• 🔧 Official ways of setting up (via system menus)
• 🛠️ Bypass solutions for models without built-in function
• ⚙️ Guidelines for ADB power-user
• ❌ Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Before you go to the instructions, make sure your device has the latest firmware version installed. Some features may not be available on older MIUI builds (e.g., before version 12.5). Also check if your music app supports button control - not all services work correctly with this feature.

Official method: setting up through "Special Opportunities"

The simplest method is available on most modern Xiaomi devices with MIUI 13+ or HyperOS. It does not require superuser rights (root) or a PC connection.

1. Open the Settings. → Special facilities.
2. Go to the Physical buttons section (on some models – buttons and gestures).
3. Activate the option to control music with volume buttons.
4. Select the action for double or triple tap (e.g., “Next Track”/“Previous Track”).

After activation, you will be able to:

• 🎵 Single pressing – volume control (as usual).
• 🔀 Double tap – switch to the next track.
• 🔙 Triple pressing – return to the previous track (if supported).

Important! On some models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro or POCO F3), the option may be called differently: Media volume button management. If you don't find this item, update your firmware or use alternative methods in the following sections.

Update. MIUI last-minute|Make sure that the music app is active|Check the presence of the "Physical buttons" item in the settings|Turn off the energy saving mode (it can block background processes)-->

Alternative method: use of gesture applications

If your Xiaomi model does not support built-in functionality (e.g. Redmi 9A or POCO M3), you can use third-party utilities.

To set up Volume Music Control:

1. Install the application and provide access to Notices and Special Features.
2. In the settings, select Action when holding the volume button → Next track.
3. Set the delay (500ms is recommended to avoid false positives).

⚠️ Note: Some applications (such as Spotify) block control from third-party utilities. ADB-Teams (described in the following section).

💡

If the app doesn’t recognize clicks, restart your phone and check if it’s blocked by an antivirus (e.g. Mi Security).

For Advanced: Configure via ADB (without root)

If system settings and third-party apps don’t help, you can manually activate the hidden feature via Android Debug Bridge (ADB), a technique that works on most Xiaomi devices but requires a connection to a computer.

You'll need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB-driver.
• 📱 Included Debugging by USB on the phone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times to unlock the developer menu).
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).

Instructions:

1. Connect your phone to your PC and open the command prompt (cmd on Windows or Terminal on macOS/Linux).
2. Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices should appear the name of your device.
3. Use the command to activate music management: adb shell settings put global volume_key_long_press_music_control 1
4. Reboot the phone.

After this command, double-pressing the volume button will switch tracks even if the option is not in the settings menu. To return everything back, use the same command by replacing 1 with 0.

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI 14 For the global version, this command may not work due to manufacturer limitations. In this case, try the alternative: adb shell settings put global. volume_music_control 1

Problems and Solutions: Why Track Switching Doesn't Work

Even after setting it up properly, the function may not work. Consider the reasons and ways to fix them:

If none of the methods worked, check:

• 🔄 Firmware updates – some bugs are fixed in new versions MIUI.
• 📱 Firmware region - in Chinese (China) ROM) Global and Global (Global) ROM) The versions may differ from the available functions.
• 🛠️ Custom firmware – if you’re using LineageOS or Pixel Experience, the feature may work differently.

💡

On HyperOS devices (e.g. Xiaomi 14 or Redmi K70), the volume button control option can be found in Settings → Connected Devices → Media Control.

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

Each method has its pros and cons, and here is a comparison table to help you choose:

For most users, the best solution is:

1. Try the built-in feature in Special Opportunities.
2. If you don’t have it, install Volume Music Control.
3. For experienced users, use ADB.

Bonus: Other useful gestures for music management on Xiaomi

In addition to the volume buttons, other ways to control playback can be configured on Xiaomi devices:

• 👆 Swipe up/down gesture on the lock screen – works in HyperOS for fast track switching.
• 🔄 Double touch of the back panel (on models with Always-On Display) - you can set to pause / playback.
• 🎧 Control with headphones - in Bluetooth settings you can configure actions for buttons on Xiaomi wireless headphones.
• 🔊 Voice commands – if you have Google Assistant or Alice installed, you can say “Next Track” without unlocking your phone.

To activate the gesture "double touch":

1. Go to Settings → Lock screen.
2. Select Gestures on the lock screen.
3. Activate the Double Touch option to control music.

Note: On some models (e.g. POCO F5), these gestures may conflict with other features (e.g., Raise to unlock).

FAQ: Frequent questions about switching tracks to Xiaomi