How to increase the volume on Xiaomi headphones: from standard settings to hidden features

Low volume in Xiaomi headphones is one of the most common complaints of users. Even in maximum mode, the sound in Redmi AirDots, Mi True Wireless or Mi ANC models can seem quiet compared to competitors, the reasons are both hardware limitations (small speakers, weak amplifier) and the software limits that Xiaomi sets for hearing safety.

But don't be in a hurry to change your headphones: 90 percent of the time, you can turn up the volume without buying a new device. In this article, we'll look at all the working methods, from basic smartphone settings to hidden engineering menu features to third-party utilities. Importantly, some methods require caution, because excessive amplification of sound can damage the speakers or worsen the quality of playback.

If you use Xiaomi headphones with a phone from another brand (like Samsung or iPhone), some of the ways may not work. Optimally, when both the phone and the headphones are from Xiaomi, since the brand is sharpened for the collaboration of their devices.

We warn you beforehand that not all methods are equally safe, for example, changing the parameters in the engineering menu can cause sound distortion or even the headphones to fail, and we will mark the risky steps with special warning units.

1. Checking basic settings: what you might have missed

Before digging deep, make sure the problem isn't in the obvious. Often users miss simple settings that affect volume.

The first thing you need to do is check the volume level directly on the headphones. On Xiaomi touch-controlled models (such as the Redmi Buds 4 Pro or Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro), the volume is adjusted by swipes on the body, and if you accidentally reduce it to a minimum, the sound will be barely audible even at maximum volume on the phone.

Two, turn off the volume limits in your phone settings. MIUI It's done this way:

1. Open the Settings. → Sound and vibration.
2. Slip on Volume and check the Media slider - it should be at its maximum.
3. If there is a Safe Volume or Volume Limit, turn it off.

Third, check the sound mode. The same audio settings can activate Quiet or Do Not Disturb, which automatically lowers the volume. Some apps (like YouTube or Spotify) have their own volume settings — make sure they don't override the system.

Check the volume on the headphones themselves (swipes/buttons)

Turn off volume limit in MIUI settings

Make sure the "Do Not Disturb" mode is off

Check the volume in the application (YouTube, Spotify, etc.)

-->

2.Using the built-in MIUI equalizer

The equalizer is the safest way to turn up the volume without damaging the headphones. It doesn't increase the signal power, it adjusts the frequency balance, making the sound Subjectively louder. On MIUI, the equalizer is built into the audio settings, but many users don't know about it.

To activate the equalizer:

1. Go to Settings → Sound and vibration → Equator.
2. Select the User Profile (or Bass if you want to amplify the low frequencies).
3. Lift the sliders to 100Hz, 300Hz and 1kHz – this will make the sound more saturated and Subjectively loud.
4. Save the settings as a new preset (e.g. Max Volume).

If your version of MIUI does not have an integrated equalizer, you can add it through Settings → Additional → MIUI Lab (the item may be called differently depending on the firmware version). Alternatively, use third-party applications like Equalizer FX or Wavelet, but they require additional permissions.

Important: equalizer doesn't increase the actual power of the sound, it only changes the perception of the sound. If you want a real volume boost, move on to the following ways.

💡

For Xiaomi models with LDAC support (such as Xiaomi Buds 4), turn this codec on in Bluetooth settings. It transmits sound in higher resolution, which can improve the perception of volume.

3. Activation of the developer mode and change of sound parameters

If standard settings don’t work, you can try to increase the volume limits through developer mode, a method that works on most Xiaomi smartphones, but requires caution – incorrect values can lead to distortion of the sound.

Instructions for activation of the developer mode:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Tap 7 times on the MIUI version until you become a developer!
3. Go back to the basic settings and find a new section for developers.

Now you need to change the sound parameters:

1. In the For Developers section, find the USB Debugging and enable it (this is a must for some changes).
2. Scroll down to the Network and Sound block and select the Absolute Bluetooth Volume Level.
3. Set the value “Disabled” – this will remove volume restrictions for Bluetooth devices.

After this, check the volume. If you don't notice the changes, try reconnecting the headphones. Note that some Xiaomi models (like the Redmi Note 10 Pro) may not have this option, so move on to the next one.

Basic settings of MIUI

equalizer

Developer mode

I haven't tried it yet.-->

4. Engineering menu: hidden sound settings

The Engineering Menu is a hidden settings section where you can change hardware settings, including amplifying sound. Careful: the wrong actions here could cause your headphones to break or Bluetooth to crash!

To open the engineering menu:

1. Open the Phone app and type in the combination: ##36446337## (for MediaTek) or ##4636## (for Qualcomm).
2. Select the Hardware Testing → Audio section.
3. In the Headset Mode or Headphone Mode submenu, look for Max Vol or Volume Gain options.
4. Increase your values by 5-10 units (no more!), then save the changes and restart the phone.

Warnings:

⚠️ Warning: Exceeding more than 15 units can cause sound distortion or overheating of speakers. Xiaomi earphones are not designed for high power, and excessive gain reduces their lifespan.

If the sound is hoarse or intermittent after the changes, return the values to the original state. Also note that on some firmware, the engineering menu can be blocked, in which case only flashing or using the firmware will help. ADB-team.