Xiaomi headphones are some of the most popular wireless accessories due to their combination of price, quality and functionality. However, many users are faced with a problem: the sound in Mi AirDots, Buds 3 or FlipBuds seems not clear enough, there are delays when watching videos or games, most often due to the inappropriate audio codec that the device uses by default.
In this article, we will discuss how to change the codec in Xiaomi headphones to a better one (for example, from SBC to AAC or aptX), which codecs are supported by different models, and how this affects the sound quality. It is important to understand that not all Xiaomi headphones support advanced codecs, it all depends on the chipset and Bluetooth version. But even in basic models, you can achieve improvements by setting the connection correctly.
What is an audio codec and why should you change it?
Audio codec is an algorithm for compressing and transmitting an audio signal over Bluetooth.
- 🎵 Sound quality – bitrate (for example, SBC It's up to 328 kbps, and LDAC — up to 990 kbps).
- ⏱️ Latency – critical for games and video (aptX Low Latency latency) ~40 ms. SBC — 200ms).
- 🔋 Battery consumption – complex codecs (for example, LDAC) quicker to plant battery.
By default, most Xiaomi headphones use SBC, a universal, but far from the highest quality codec. If your smartphone supports AAC, aptX or LDAC, it makes sense to switch to them.
- 🎧 It's better for music. AAC or LDAC (wider dynamic range).
- 🎮 For games, aptX Low Latency (minimum latency).
- 📱 For talking — SBC mSBC (optimized for voice).
⚠️ Note: Not all Xiaomi models support advanced codecs. For example, Redmi AirDots only work with advanced codecs. SBC, Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro – with AAC and LC3 (Check the specifications of your model before setting up.
What codecs support headphones Xiaomi
The list of supported codecs depends on the headphone model and Bluetooth version. Below is a table with current data for popular devices (2026):
| Model headphones | Bluetooth version | Supported codecs | Best choice for music |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi AirDots (1-3) | 5.0 | SBC | SBC (no alternative) |
| Xiaomi Buds 3/3 Pro | 5.2 | SBC, AAC, LC3 | AAC or LC3 |
| Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro | 5.0 | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive | aptX Adaptive |
| Xiaomi Buds 4/4 Pro | 5.3 | SBC, AAC, LC3, LDAC | LDAC (with smartphone support) |
Important: The LC3 codec is only available in Bluetooth LE Audio headphones (like Buds 3 Pro after the 2023 firmware update).If your model doesn't support it, choose between AAC and aptX.
To find out which codecs are available to your headphones:
- Connect them to your Android 10+ smartphone.
- Install the Developer Options app (or activate Developer Mode in your phone settings).
- Go to Settings → System → Developer Mode → Bluetooth Codecs.
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If only SBC is displayed in the codec list, try updating the headphone firmware through the official Mi Earphones or Xiaomi Wear app.
How to change the codec in Xiaomi headphones on Android
On Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphones with MIUI, you can change the codec through hidden Bluetooth settings.
Activate Developer Mode |Connect Headphones |Check the current codec |Select the optimal codec-->
- Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version. Enter the lock screen password (if required).
- Find the codec settings: Return to Settings → Additional → Developer Mode. Scroll down to the Network block and select Bluetooth Codecs.
- Select the codec: The list will show the available options (depending on the headphone model and smartphone: SBC AAC aptX LDAC Recommendations for selection: 🎶 For music: AAC → aptX → LDAC (down-compatibility). 🎮 For games: aptX Low Latency or AAC.
- Save the settings and reconnect the headphones.
⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI (Bluetooth codecs may not be available, in which case use third-party applications such as Bluetooth Codec Changer (root rights required).
What to do if the codec does not change?
Change the codec on the iPhone (iOS)
On iPhones or iPads, codec choices are limited, with Apple automatically using AAC for all compatible devices.
- ✅ Supported codecs: AAC (priority), SBC (if AAC idle).
- ❌ Impossible manually: iOS does not allow you to choose a codec – the system itself determines the best option.
- 🔄 A workaround: If the sound is bad, try: Forget the device in Settings → Bluetooth and reconnect. Disable high-quality audio in the music settings (if enabled).
- 🤖 Through the Bluetooth Codec Info (Android) app: Shows the current codec, bitrate and Bluetooth version in real time.
If the codec hasn't changed:
- 🔄 Reconnect the headphones.
- 📵 Disable other Bluetooth devices (they may conflict).
- 🔄 Reboot your smartphone.
Frequent problems and their solutions
When changing the codec, users often face difficulties, and consider typical situations and ways to solve them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The codec does not change in the settings | MIUI firmware does not support manual selection | Use ADB or third-party apps (root required) |
| The sound got worse after changing the codec | Incompatibility of the codec with headphones or source | Go back to the SBC or AAC |
| Headphones are turned off when choosing LDAC | Weak Bluetooth signal or chipset power shortage | Switch to aptX or reduce the bitrate of LDAC to 660 kbps |
| Sound delay in games/video | High latency codec (SBC, LDAC) | Switch to aptX Low Latency or AAC |
If none of the methods worked, check:
- 📲 The headphone firmware version (update via Mi Earphones).
- 📱 Version MIUI (Older versions may not support new codecs).
- 🔌 Interference – other 2.4GHz devices (Wi-Fi, microwaves) can impair communication.