How to Make Xiaomi Sound Better: From Bass to Surround Sound

Are you tired of quiet or flat sound on your Xiaomi? Music sounds dull, movies lose the effect of presence, and voice calls are barely audible? The problem isn't always with speakers - 90% of the time it's the wrong settings or unused features. This article will help unlock the full potential of your device's audio system, whether it's a Redmi Note 12 smartphone, Xiaomi's flagship 14 or Mi TV Q2.

We will look at both software methods (hidden MIUI settings, equalizer, Dolby Atmos) and hardware solutions, from headphone selection to external speakers, and focus on common bugs that spoil sound: an incorrect profile, disabled effects, or outdated firmware. All instructions are relevant for MIUI 14/15 and HyperOS (2026).

Important: the results depend on the device model. Flagship smartphones (Xiaomi 13T Pro, Mix Fold 3) have stereo speakers and support for Dolby Vision, while budget smartphones (Redmi A2, POCO M6) are limited to monophonic sound, but even on them you can achieve noticeable improvements!

1. Checking basic sound settings

Before digging deep, make sure you have all the options you need enabled. Often users listen to "cut-off" audio for years without even knowing that half of the features were disabled by accident.

Open the Settings → Sound and vibration and check:

🔊 Media volume - should be at or close to maximum, and the volume of calls and alarms should be separately adjusted!
🎧 Type of connected devices – if you use Bluetooth headphones, select a profile AAC or aptX (not) SBC, He's the worst in quality).
🔄 Adaptive sound – turn on if you want automatic adjustment to the environment (does not work on all models).
🚫 Don’t disturb – turn off if the sound is lost during calls.

On Xiaomi TVs (Mi TV A Pro, Redmi Smart Fire TV), the path is different: Settings → Sound → Sound Modes. Here, choose Movie for bass or Music for clear high frequencies. Avoid Voice mode - it cuts low frequencies.

📊 What kind of Xiaomi device are you using?

Smartphone

Television

Headphones

Column

Other

2.Equalizer setting: how to add bass and improve vocals

The built-in equalizer in MIUI is the most powerful tool for customizing sound, and unfortunately, many users ignore it, even though even the basic setup gives a 30-40% improvement.

How to open the equaliser:

On smartphones: Settings → Sound and vibration → Equator (on some models, the path: Settings → Additional → Sound effects).
On TVs: Settings → Sound → Equalizer (not available on all models).

Recommended presets for different genres:

Genre of music	60 Hz (bass)	230 Hz (lower middle)	910 Hz (medium)	3.6 kHz (upper middle)	14 kHz (high)
Hip-hop/Electronics	+5 dB	+3 db	0 dB	-1 dB	+1 dB
Rock/Metal	+3 db	+4 dB	+2 dB	0 dB	+2 dB
Classics/Jazz	+1 dB	+2 dB	+3 db	+2 dB	+1 dB
Speech/Podcasts	-2 dB	0 dB	+4 dB	+3 db	-1 dB

On Xiaomi’s dual-speaker smartphones (e.g., Xiaomi 13 Pro), the equalizer works separately for each speaker – this allows you to create a stereo sound effect even without headphones. To activate, go to Settings → About phone, tap 5 times on the MIUI version, then enter the code # #36446337# and select Stereo Test.

How to keep your preset equalizer?

In MIUI 14+, you can save custom presets. To do this: 1. Configure the equalizer sliders for yourself. 2. Click on three dots in the upper right corner. 3. Select "Save as" and give a name (for example, "Bases for Auto"). Presets sync with your Xiaomi account if cloud backup is enabled.

3. Dolby Atmos and other sound effects

Dolby Atmos creates surround sound by simulating 5.1 or 7.1 multichannel systems. It's not always available on Xiaomi devices, depending on the model and the firmware region.

On smartphones:

Open Settings → Sound and vibration → Sound effects.
If you see Dolby Atmos, turn it on and select a profile (Film, Music or Voice).
If Dolby is not available, try installing it through Settings → Apps → Install APK by downloading the official file from Dolby’s website (supported models only!).

On Xiaomi TVs (Q, P, A Pro series):

🎬 Settings → Sound. → Dolby Audio – Turn on and select the Cinema for maximum effect.
🔊 Settings → Sound. → DTS Virtual:X is an alternative to Dolby, and works on some models (e.g. Mi). TV Q1 75").

Warning: Dolby Atmos may conflict with Bluetooth headphones. If the sound starts to interrupt, turn off Dolby or reconnect the headphones.

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On Xiaomi smartphones with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2+ processor (for example, Xiaomi 14), Dolby Atmos supports the format 7.1.4 – this means that the sound is distributed not only horizontally, but also vertically (the effect of “sound from above”).

4.External devices: headphones, speakers and soundbars

Even the most advanced smartphone won't replace a full-fledged speaker system. If you care about sound, consider connecting external devices. Here's what works best with Xiaomi's technology:

🎧 Headphones: Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro – support LDAC (near-quality CD), adaptive ANC. Redmi Buds 5 – budget option with good bass and low latency. 1More SonoFlow – Compatible with MIUI, have your own equalizer in the app.
🔊 Portable speakers: Xiaomi Mi Portable Bluetooth Speaker – compact, with bass and water protection IPX7. Tronsmart Mega – 80W power, suitable for street parties.
📺 Soundbara for TV: Xiaomi Mi TV Soundbar – Optimized for Mi TVs TV, Supports Dolby Audio. Redmi Soundbar Pro - 4 speakers, subwoofer, connection over HDMI ARC.

How to connect:

For Bluetooth devices: Enable pairing mode on the speaker/earphones, then on your smartphone go to Settings → Bluetooth and select the device. For TV: Settings → Devices → Bluetooth.
For wired speakers (3.5 mm or USB-C): Use the Xiaomi Type-C to 3.5mm adapter (if no connector is available). On TVs, connect via HDMI ARC or optical output.

Attention: When connected via Bluetooth, the sound may be delayed (delay up to 200 ms).

Use the aptX Low Latency codec (if supported).
On TVs, turn on Game Mode in the sound settings.
Do not use Wi-Fi and Bluetooth at the same time, as this increases latency.

MIUI and HyperOS have hidden settings that don't show up in the standard interface, which allow you to fine-tune the sound, but you need to be careful - incorrect changes can degrade the quality.

How to open the engineering menu:

1. Open the phone app.


2. Enter the code ##4636##.




3. Select "Phone Information" → "Select Test Type" → "Audio".




4 You can test the speakers, the microphone and adjust the sensitivity.

Useful commands for sound:

# #36446337## is a stereo test (working on Xiaomi 12/13/14).
#7594## - Reset the sound settings to factory (use if the sound gets worse after the experiments).
#2846579## → ProjectMenu → Audio – Advanced microphone and speaker settings.

Note: In the engineering menu, don't change the settings unless you understand the meaning of the settings! For example, increasing Digital Gain above 100% can cause sound distortion.

Backup your settings in Mi Cloud

Write down the current parameters (take a picture of the screen)

Do not change the microphone settings unless you are sure.

After the changes, restart the device-->

6. Update of firmware and drivers

Often, sound problems are solved by a banal system update, and the manufacturer regularly releases patches for audio drivers, especially after users complain about specific models.

How to update:

On your smartphone: Settings → About phone → System update. If there are no updates, manually check through Three Dots → Select an update package (download firmware from Xiaomi’s website).
On TV: Settings → About TV → Software Update. To force check, press Menu → Update on the remote.

If the sound has gone or become worse after the update:

Reset the sound settings: Settings → System → Resetting the settings → Reset the sound settings.
Clear the Settings app cache → Apps → All apps → Settings (click Clear Cache).
Reverse to the previous firmware version via Fastboot (instructions on the 4PDA forum).

On Xiaomi TVs from 2023-2026 (e.g. Mi TV Q2 2026) after upgrading to HyperOS, sound may disappear in some applications (Netflix, Disney+).

7. Hardware problems: when to carry in the service

If none of the software methods worked, it might be the hardware problem.

🔇 The sound is completely lost (even in headphones).
🔊 The speaker wheezes or makes extraneous noises (cracking, whistling).
🎵 There is only one speaker sound (on smartphones with stereo sound).
🔌 3.5 mm connector or USB-C It doesn't recognize headphones.

What you can do on your own:

Blow the headphone jack with compressed air (possibly there is dust).
Check the speakers for physical damage (cracks, dents).
Connect an external speaker via Bluetooth – if there is sound, the problem is in the hardware of the smartphone/TV.

When to contact the service:

If the speaker does not work after falling or getting moisture.
If the sound is distorted even at a minimum volume.
If your smartphone or TV doesn’t detect the headphones/columns (the audio chip may have burned).

The cost of sound repair in Xiaomi:

Problem.	Smartphone	Television
Replacement of the speaker	1 500–3 000 ₽	3 000–8 000 ₽
Audio jack repair	1 000–2 500 ₽	2 000–5 000 ₽
Replacement of audio chip	4 000–10 000 ₽	10 000–20 000 ₽

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If your device is warranty, do not disassemble it yourself! in Xiaomi service centers, speakers will be replaced for free during factory defects (if there are no autopsy marks).

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi sound

🔊 Why Xiaomi has a quiet sound in the calls, but loud music?

In MIUI, call volume and media are regulated separately. Check: When you call, press volume buttons and the call volume slider will appear (not to be confused with Media). Open Settings → Sound and vibration → Loudness and move the call slider to maximum. If the sound is still quiet, turn on Voice Amplification in the call settings. On some models (Redmi 9A, POCO M3), the quiet sound in the calls is a hardware feature (a weak top speaker).

🎧 How to turn on spatial sound in Xiaomi headphones?

Spatial sound (the 3D effect) is available on Xiaomi Buds 3/4 Pro and FlipBuds Pro headphones. To turn on: Connect your headphones to your smartphone. Open the Mi Earphones app (download to Google Play if there isn't one). Go to Settings → Spatial sound and select Turn on. For better effect, turn on Head Tracking (earphones will adjust to movements). If you don't have the option, update the headphone firmware through the same app.

📺 Why on Mi? TV No sound through HDMI ARC?

The problem is HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel is caused by: Incorrect cable (High Speed required) HDMI 2.0 or higher. Unplugged. ARC customized TV: Settings → Sound. → HDMI ARC → Incompatibility with soundbar/receiver (check if your device supports) ARC Solution: Turn off and reconnect the cable. HDMI. On the remote. TV press Home → Settings → Devices → HDMI ARC → Reboot. Update the TV firmware.

🔇 Why the sound disappears when connected to the Bluetooth speaker?

Most often this is due to: Codec conflict (for example, the column supports only SBC, and the phone tries to use AAC); weak Bluetooth signal (walls, interference from Wi-Fi); energy-saving settings (MIUI can turn off Bluetooth in the background). How to fix: In Bluetooth settings on your phone, select Settings (cog next to the device) → Audio codec → SBC. Disable Adaptive battery in Settings → Battery. Reconnect the device (forget the speaker in Bluetooth settings and reconnect).

🎵 How to Make the Sound Louder on Redmi Note 10/11/12?

On budget Redmi smartphones, sound is limited due to weak speakers. To increase volume: Set the equalizer to maximum bass and high frequencies (this creates the illusion of volume). Turn on Dolby Atmos (if any) in Music mode. Use audio amplifiers (for example, Volume Booster or Equalizer FX). To radically increase volume, you need to reflash with a modified audio driver (risky, lost warranty!). Attention: Long-term listening to music at maximum volume spoils the speakers often after 6-12 months of intensive use.