How to increase the volume in Bluetooth headphones on Xiaomi: Step-by-step instructions

Xiaomi’s wireless headphones are some of the most popular on the market for their combination of price and quality, but many users are faced with the problem of not volume enough. Even at maximum settings, the sound can seem quiet, especially in noisy conditions or when listening to music with low bitrate, the reasons are both the limitations of the Bluetooth protocol and the software limits of MIUI.

In this article, we’ll look at 7 proven ways to increase volume in Bluetooth headphones on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones, from basic settings to hidden engineering menu features. It’s important to understand that some methods can affect sound quality or speaker life, so we’ll point out all the risks and alternatives. If you’re using models like Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro, Redmi AirDots 3 or POCO Pop Buds, the instructions will fit with an adjustment for the MIUI version.

1. Check basic volume settings on Xiaomi

Before you resort to radical measures, make sure that the problem is not the standard settings. On Xiaomi smartphones, the volume for Bluetooth devices is adjusted separately from the main sound.

• 🔊 Separate Adjustment: While playing music or video, press the volume button and check that the slider is responsible for Media (not for calls or alarm clocks). MIUI There is a separate slider for Bluetooth.
• 🎧 Headphone settings: Open the Settings app → Bluetooth, find your headphones and click on the gear next to the name, and it could be the Equalizer option or the Sound Effects option.
• 🔄 Reset connection: Sometimes it helps to remove the device from the list of conjugates and reconnect. To do this, press the name of the headphones in Bluetooth and select Forget the device.

If the volume has not changed after these manipulations, the problem lies deeper, perhaps security restrictions are activated on your device (for example, the EU Volume Limit for European firmware).

2. Turning off volume restrictions in MIUI

MIUI firmware for the European market (EEA) often contains a mandatory volume limit to 85 dB, a requirement of EU Directive 2019/770.

1. Open the Settings app and go to About Phone.
2. Click the MIUI version 7-10 times until you become a developer!
3. Go back to the main Settings menu and find a new section for developers.
4. Scroll down and turn off the Volume Limit (EU) or Absolute Volume (if any).

Important: after disabling this restriction, the risk of hearing damage during prolonged listening at maximum volume increases by 2-3 times. If the option is not available, then your firmware is not European, and the restriction is imposed at the level of the Bluetooth codec (more about this in the next section).

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If there is no volume limit item in the developer menu, try changing the device region to India or Russia in the option → Region settings. This can unlock hidden options.

3. Change the Bluetooth codec to increase volume

The quality and volume of Bluetooth audio depends on the codec used, the audio compression algorithm. By default, Xiaomi often installs an SBC (standard low-bitrate codec) that limits dynamic range.

1. Connect the headphones and open the Settings → Bluetooth.
2. Click on the gear next to the name of your headphones.
3. Choose the Audio Codec (or HD Audio on some models).
4. Try switching to AAC, aptX, or LDAC (if supported).

Comparison of codecs in volume and quality:

If your headphones support aptX or LDAC but these options don’t show up, update your firmware or check compatibility on the manufacturer’s website. For example, Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro works with LC3 (the new standard for Bluetooth 5.2+), which gives you better volume at low bitrate.

4.Use of the Engineering Menu (MTK/Qualcomm)

For advanced users, there is a way to increase volume through an engineering menu, which works on Xiaomi smartphones with Qualcomm processors (like Snapdragon) or MediaTek (Helio, Dimensity).

Instructions for Qualcomm:

1. Open the Phone app and type ##36446337## (or #4636###).


2. Go to the Hardware Testing → Audio section.




3. Select Bluetooth Headset and increase the Max Vol for Media and Voice Call by 5-10 units.




4. Save settings and restart the phone.

For MediaTek:

1. Enter the dialer ##54298## or ##36446337###.


2. Go to Hardware Test → Audio.




3. Find the Bluetooth Headset Gain settings and increase them by 2-3 dB.




4.Don't change Speaker values - this could damage the phone's speaker!

If the engineering menu is not available, try applications like MTK Engineering Mode (for MediaTek) or Shortcut Master (for hidden menus).Remember: Changes to the engineering menu are not saved after resetting.

5.Apps for amplifying sound (without root)

If MIUI's software constraints don't allow you to turn up the volume, third-party apps will come to the rescue. We tested 5 popular utilities and selected the most effective ones:

• 🎵 Volume Booster GOODEV: Increases volume by 20 to 30 percent by modifying the audio stream, works without root, but can cause distortion at maximum values.
• 🔊 Equalizer FX: Included in-built equalizer with presets for Xiaomi, allows you to raise low and high frequencies, which subjectively increases the volume.
• 📱 Bluetooth Auto Connect: Automatically connects headphones with maximum codec settings. MIUI Resets the parameters after rebooting.

How to set up Volume Booster GOODEV:

1. Install the app from Google Play and open it.
2. Activate the Boost Media Volume option.
3. Move the slider 15-20% above the standard maximum.
4. Turn on Safe Mode to avoid distortion.

Warning: Boost apps consume extra energy and can reduce headphone life by 10 to 15 percent. If you start wheezing after use, revert to standard settings.

Hardware methods: cleaning headphones and replacing the membrane

If the software didn't work, the problem could be the physical wear of the headphones, and over time, the speakers accumulate dust and the membranes lose elasticity.

• 🧹 Cleaning the mesh: Use a soft brush or compressed air to remove dust from the speaker grille. Do not use alcohol-containing liquids - they can damage the adhesives.
• 🔧 Replacement of the membrane: In models like Redmi AirDots 2 membrane can be replaced yourself (video instructions are available on YouTube.
• 🔋 Battery check: A discharged headphone battery can limit the power of the amplifier.If the headphones sit down quickly, replace the battery.

To diagnose hardware problems:

1. Connect your headphones to another device (like a laptop), and if the volume is as low, the headphones are a problem.
2. Listen to a test signal (e.g. audiocheck.net) at 100Hz and 10kHz. If any frequencies are missing, the speaker is damaged.

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If the volume is not restored after cleaning, and when the maximum sound is heard distortion, most likely, the membrane speaker is torn, in which case it will be cheaper to buy new headphones only for premium models (for example, Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro).

7.Alternative solutions: amplifiers and external DACs

If neither method worked, consider hardware amplifiers that connect between your smartphone and headphones and increase signal power.

• 🎧 Bluetooth-enhanced FiiO BTA30: Supports LDAC aptX HD, increases volume by 30-40% without distortion. The cost is about 5 000 rubles.
• 🔌 Outside DAC Xiaomi USB-C to 3.5mm: Cheap solution (about 1,000 rubles), but requires a wired connection. POCO F3 Redmi Note 11 without audio jack.

How to choose an amplifier:

If you use an amplifier, turn off all software volume boosters to avoid double signal amplification and distortion.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the volume of Xiaomi Bluetooth headphones