Did you buy Xiaomi headphones but they sound too quiet? Or did the volume suddenly drop after the MIUI update? The problem is familiar to many users - even expensive models like Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro or Redmi AirDots 3 sometimes sound quieter than expected. The reasons can vary from firmware restrictions to incorrect Bluetooth settings.
In this article, we’ll look at 7 working ways to turn up the volume, from basic smartphone settings to hidden engineering menu features. You’ll learn how to get around the limitations of MIUI, which apps really help (and which are a waste of time), and why sometimes the problem lies not with headphones, but with audio sources. Importantly, methods that change system files can lead to a reset of warranties – we will warn about the risks in advance.
1. Check the basic volume settings on Xiaomi
Before you dig deeper, make sure that the problem is not the basic settings. On Xiaomi (especially on MIUI 12-14), the volume for the headphones and speakers is adjusted separately.
- 🔊 Divide Volume Controls: Go to Settings → Sound and vibration → Volume and make sure Media and Call sliders are not connected. Click on the gear next to the slider and turn off the "Combine Media Volume and Call" option".
- 🎧 Select a headphone profile: In the same sound settings, find the "Sound Quality" section and select the Headphones profile (not "Dynamic" or "Auto").
- 🔄 Reset the sound settings: Sometimes resetting to factory settings helps. → System and device → Additionally. → Resetting settings → Resetting the sound settings.
If the sound is not louder after this manipulation, the problem may lie in the limitations of MIUI. For example, in Europe, the EU Volume Limit (maximum 85 dB) rules, which artificially reduce the volume.
2. Turn off the volume limit in MIUI (no root)
MIUI blocks the safe volume level by default, to remove this limit:
- Open the Security app (shield icon).
- Go to Optimization → Battery and Performance → Battery Settings
- Find the item Volume Limitation of headphones and turn it off.
If this item is not, try an alternative method:
- 📱 Install the app MIUI Hidden Settings (available on Google Play).
- 🔍 In the search by settings, enter volume and find the option Disable Safe Volume Warning.
- 🔕 Activate it and restart the smartphone.
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If after disabling the restrictions, the sound began to distort, return the settings back - this means that the headphones are physically unable to reproduce higher volume without loss of quality.
3. Use the engineering menu (only for power users)
The Engineering Mode allows you to manually adjust the sound settings, including signal amplification.
Instructions for MIUI:
- Open the Phone app and enter the code ##36446337## (if it doesn't work, try ##4636## → Hardware Testing → Audio).
- Select Hardware Testing → Audio → Headset Mode.
- Find the Headset Volume or Max Vol settings and increase the values by 5-10 units (don’t bet the maximum!).
- Save the settings and restart the device.
What happens if you overestimate the parameters in the engineering menu?
If the engineering menu isn’t available, try the MTK Engineering Mode app (for MediaTek-powered smartphones) or Qualcomm Engineer Mode (for Snapdragon).
4.Install applications to amplify sound
If the system methods didn't work, third-party utilities will come to the rescue. We tested 5 popular applications -- the results in the table:
| Annex | Efficiency | Needs root? | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Volume Booster | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ❌ No. | Advertising, sometimes distorts the sound |
| Equalizer FX | ⭐⭐⭐ | ❌ No. | It doesn’t work on all Xiaomi models. |
| ViPER4Android | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ✅ Yes. | The complex setup requires Magisk |
| Precision Audio | ⭐⭐ | ❌ No. | Plugins often don’t work on MIUI |
For most users, the best choice is Volume Booster, which is simple and requires no root rights.
- 📥 Download the app from Google Play.
- 🔊 Start and move the slider 10-15% above the standard maximum.
- 🎵 Turn on the music and check the sound quality. If you have wheezing, reduce the amplification.
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ViPER4Android is the best, but requires unlocking the bootloader and installing Magisk. Without root, it won’t work on 90% of Xiaomi devices.
5. Check the compatibility of headphones and Bluetooth codec
The quiet sound in Xiaomi wireless headphones is often associated with suboptimal Bluetooth codec. MIUI defaults to SBC, the most versatile but not the highest quality codec. If your headphones support AAC, aptX or LDAC, forced switch to them:
- Connect the headphones to your smartphone.
- Open Settings → Connected devices → Settings gear next to the headphones.
- Find the Audio Quality or Bluetooth Codec and select AAC (for iPhone) or aptX (for Android).
If you don’t have an option, install the Bluetooth Audio Codec app (Android 10+ is required) which will show you the current codec and let you manually select another.
Make sure the headphones support AAC/aptX|Turn off and reconnect the headphones.|Check the distance to the smartphone (more) 10 - I'm detracting the signal)|Update the headphone firmware through MIUI-->
Attention: ⚠️ Codec LDAC It's better quality, but it can cause delays in games and videos.
6. Update the firmware of headphones and smartphone
The manufacturer regularly releases updates for Xiaomi headphones that fix sound problems. For example, Redmi AirDots 3 Pro, after upgrading to version 1.4.0.7, increased the maximum volume level by 15%.
- 📱 On a smartphone: Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
- 🎧 For headphones: Connect your headphones to your phone. Open the Mi Earphones app (download to Google Play if you don't have one). Go to the firmware update and watch for notifications.