Have you noticed that the sound in your Xiaomi wireless headphones or Bluetooth speakers is not good? Perhaps the problem lies in the wrong codec, the audio compression algorithm that determines the quality of audio. By default, most Xiaomi devices use the basic SBC codec, which provides compatibility, but not the best quality. In this article, we will discuss how to change the Bluetooth codec on Xiaomi smartphones, headphones and speakers, which codecs are supported by different models, and how this affects the sound.
It's important to understand that not all codecs are equally useful. For example, aptX and LDAC offer higher sound quality, but require support from both the transmitter (smartphone) and the receiver (earphones or speakers). If your Redmi AirDots or Xiaomi Buds headphones only support SBC and AAC, then the choice will be limited. We will help you understand the nuances and choose the best settings for your equipment.
What is a Bluetooth codec and why should you change it?
A Bluetooth codec is an algorithm that compresses the audio stream before it's transmitted wirelessly and then restores it to the receiving device.
- 🎵 Sound quality – some codecs (e.g, LDAC) transmit audio with minimal loss, approaching the wired connection.
- 🔋 Latency – Codecs like aptX Low Latency are optimized for games and video, where synchronization of sound with an image is critical.
- 📶 Connection stability – more advanced codecs may require a powerful signal and a smaller distance between devices.
- 🔄 Compatibility – not all headphones and smartphones support the same codecs.
Xiaomi uses SBC, a universal codec that is not the best, by default. It guarantees that it works with any device, but the sound can be flat or artifacts at high frequencies. More modern codecs such as AAC, aptX, aptX HD or LDAC are able to transmit sound with greater detail, especially if you listen to music in high resolution (for example, FLAC or WAV).
But there’s a downside: Advanced codecs can drain the battery of headphones or smartphones faster because of more intensive data processing, and they’re also sensitive to interference — if there’s a wall or other obstacle between the smartphone and the headphones, the sound can be interrupted more often than when using SBC.
What Bluetooth codecs support Xiaomi smartphones
Modern Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones (starting with the Mi 8 and later) support several Bluetooth codecs, but their set depends on the model and firmware version. Below is a table with the most common codecs and their features:
| Codec | Bitreit | Delay. | Xiaomi support | Better for you. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SBC | 128–328 kbit/s | ~100-200 ms | All models. | Universal use, compatibility |
| AAC | 128-256 kbit/s | ~80-150 ms | Most models | Music (Apple Music, YouTube) |
| aptX | 352 kbps | ~40-80 ms. | Mi 9 and newer, POCO F3 and newer | High quality, games |
| aptX HD | 576 kbps | ~50-100 ms | Mi 10 and newer, POCO F4 and newer | Hi-Res audio, studio sound |
| LDAC | 330–990 kbps | ~100-200 ms | Mi 11 and newer, POCO F5 and newer | Maximum quality (TIDAL, Qobuz) |
Note that even if your smartphone supports LDAC or aptX HD, it does not mean that your headphones support them too. For example, Redmi AirDots 3 Pro work with SBC and AAC, and Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro already supports aptX Adaptive and LDAC. To find out what codecs are available for your headphone model, check their specs on the official Xiaomi website or in the instructions.
💡
If your smartphone doesn’t support the right codec, try updating your firmware to the latest version of MIUI. Sometimes support for new codecs is added in updates.
Also, consider that some codecs (such as LDAC) can automatically lower bitrates when a signal is weak, to avoid communication interruptions, which means that even if you choose a 990 kbps LDAC, the real bitrate can drop to 330 kbps under interference conditions.
How to check the current Bluetooth codec on Xiaomi
Before you change the codec, it is useful to know which one is currently in use.
- Through the developer settings: 📱 Open the Settings. → About the phone and tap 7 times on the item Version MIUI, activate the developer mode. 🔧 Back to Settings → Additional settings → Developer parameters. 🎧 Find the Bluetooth Codec section – here will be the current codec for connected devices.
Using the Bluetooth Codec Changer (requires root):
If you have root access, this app will show you all the codecs available and let you switch between them without the system constraints, but this method is only suitable for advanced users.
The engineering menu (for advanced users):
Enter the phone code ##4636##, then go to Phone Information → Bluetooth, and you can see the current codec and bitrate here.
What to do if the developer does not have a Bluetooth code?
If you don’t want to dig into the settings, you can use third-party apps like Bluetooth Auto Connect or Material Files (with Bluetooth), which display the current codec in notifications, but they require additional permissions and may not work on all models.
Step-by-step: how to change the Bluetooth codec on Xiaomi
If your smartphone and headphones support multiple codecs, you can manually choose your preferred one. Here's how to do it:
Make sure the headphones are connected to the smartphone
Check codec support on both devices
Activate Developer Mode (if not already activated)
Close all applications that use Bluetooth (music, games)-->
- Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and tap 7 times on MIUI Version. You will receive a notification “You have become a developer”.
- Open the developer settings: Return to Settings → Additional settings → Developer settings.
- Find Bluetooth settings: Scroll down to Network and find items: Bluetooth codec - here is the preferred codec. Bluetooth Bitrate (A2DP) - allows you to set the maximum quality (for example, for LDAC). Bluetooth audio quality priority - turn on this switch for better sound (may increase latency).
Select the codec:
Slip on the Bluetooth Codec and select from a list of supported ones (such as aptX or LDAC). If the desired codec is not available, your device does not support it.
Set up the bitrate (optional):
For LDAC, you can choose the bitrate: 330 kbit / s (stable), 660 kbit / s (balanced) or 990 kbit / s (maximum quality, but cliffs are possible).
Reconnect the headphones:
Turn off and reconnect the headphones to make the changes take effect. Check the sound — if there is interference, try another codec or lower the bitrate.
💡
If the sound is interrupted or noises appear after the codec change, go back to SBC or AAC, which are most stable in low signal conditions.
Some models (like the POCO F3 or Xiaomi 12) may require a smartphone reboot to make the changes apply. Also note that some apps (like Spotify or YouTube Music) may ignore the system settings of the codec and use their own.
How to change the Bluetooth codec on Xiaomi headphones
Unlike smartphones, most Xiaomi headphones (like Redmi AirDots or Xiaomi Buds) don’t manually select a codec, which is determined automatically based on the options the device supports.
- 🔄 Reconnect your headphones: Sometimes resetting helps. Forget the device in your Bluetooth settings, then reconnect.
- 📱 Update the firmware of headphones: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi Buds) 3T Pro) receive updates through the Mi Earphones app, which can add support for new codecs.
- 🎛️ Use the app from the manufacturer: Mi Earphones or Xiaomi Wear sometimes have hidden settings to optimize the sound.
- 🔧 Check Compatibility: If your headphones support aptX but your smartphone doesn’t, the codec will automatically drop to aptX. SBC or AAC.
Headphones Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro and newer automatically switch to the codec aptX Adaptive, if the smartphone supports it (for example, Xiaomi 13 or POCO F5). This is one of the most advanced codecs that dynamically adjusts bitrate depending on the communication conditions.
💡
If your Xiaomi headphones don’t support advanced codecs, but you want to improve sound, try using a uniform equalizer in the Wavelet app (root required) or Poweramp (rootless).
For models with LDAC support (such as the Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro), it is important that both the smartphone and headphones are updated to the latest firmware versions, otherwise the codec may not work stable or appear in the list of available ones at all.
Common Problems and Their Solutions
When changing the Bluetooth codec to Xiaomi, users often face problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to solve them:
⚠️ Note: If you change the codec to LDAC or HD The sound has started to "break" or disappear, which means that the Bluetooth signal is too weak. AAC.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The codec does not change in the settings | The firmware does not support manual selection | Update MIUI or use third-party apps (requires root) |
| The sound got worse after changing the codec | Headphone incompatibility or weak signal | Return to SBC/AAC or reduce bitrate |
| There was a nuisance or crack. | High bitrate at weak signal | Reduce the bitrate of LDAC to 330-660 kbit/s |
| Headphones are discharged quickly | Advanced codecs increase power consumption | Use AAC or SBC to save battery life |
| Sound delay in games/video | High latency codec (e.g. LDAC) | Switch to aptX Low Latency or AAC |
If none of the codecs provide a stable connection, try the following:
- Reset your network settings on your smartphone (Settings → System → Settings Reset → Reset your Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth settings).
- Update the firmware of the headphones through the official app (for example, Mi Earphones).
- Check the headphones on another device – if the problem is recurring, they may be faulty.
Some Xiaomi smartphones (especially custom firmware) may not have a codec selection option in the developer settings, in which case the Bluetooth Codec Changer application (requires root) or editing the configuration file /system/build.prop (for power users) will help.
Which Bluetooth codec is best for Xiaomi?
The choice of codec depends on your tasks and equipment. Here are our recommendations:
- 🎧 For music (Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music): AAC — Better balance between quality and compatibility. Most streaming services are optimized for this codec.
- 🎵 For high-quality audio (TIDAL, Qobuz, FLAC): LDAC (990 kbit/s or aptX HD. Be sure to check the support headphones!
- 🎮 For video and gaming: aptX Low Latency AAC — They provide a minimum of delay.
- 🔋 To save battery life: SBC — It is the most energy efficient but with the worst sound.
- 📱 For older Xiaomi models (up to Mi 8): available only SBC and AAC. Choose. AAC better-sounding.
If you’re not sure which codec to choose, start with AAC — it works consistently on most devices and provides acceptable quality. To test different codecs, you can use the Bluetooth Audio Test app, which shows the current bitrate and connection stability.
💡
On Xiaomi smartphones with a Snapdragon processor (for example, POCO F3, Xiaomi 11T), the aptX codec usually works more stable than on models with MediaTek processors (for example, Redmi Note 10).
Remember, even the most advanced codec doesn't make cheap headphones into studio monitors. If your Redmi AirDots cost $20, the difference between SBC and AAC is minimal. On flagship models like Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro, changing the codec will give you a noticeable boost in audio detail.