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

Have you turned on your favorite track at full volume, but the sound in Xiaomi headphones is still too quiet? The problem is familiar to many owners of the brand’s smartphones – MIUI limitations, Bluetooth codec features or incorrect settings can “smother” sound even at the maximum level. In this article, we will discuss 7 working ways to increase volume without risking damaging the speakers, including hidden MIUI functions, equalizer optimization and safe use of third-party applications.

It’s important to understand that quiet sound isn’t always the fault of the headphones. Most often, the problem lies in the software limitations of the smartphone (especially on the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 or Xiaomi 13 models with MIUI 14+), the inappropriate Bluetooth codec or even in the settings of a particular application (for example, Spotify or YouTube Music). We tested all methods on current firmware in 2026 – no “left” tips like “sweep custom software”.

Warn in advance: increasing the volume above factory limits can cause sound distortion or damage to the earphone speakers. If the sound remains quiet after all the manipulations, the problem may be in the headphones themselves (polluted grids, damaged cable) or in the Type-C/3.5 mm connector on the smartphone.

1. Check the basic volume settings in MIUI

Start with the obvious: maybe the volume is limited at the system level or at the application level. MIUI has separate regulators for media, calls and alarms, and they're easy to confuse.

How to check:

• 🔊 Press the physical volume button on your smartphone → Make sure that the Multimedia slider (not the “Ring” or “Alarm”) is raised to the maximum.
• 🎧 Connect your headphones and repeat the action – sometimes MIUI Resets volume settings when connecting accessories.
• 📱 Open the Settings. → Sound and vibration → Volume and manually adjust all sliders.

If the slider gets stuck by 70-80%, this is the MIUI protective limit.It can be bypassed (see Section 3), but first make sure that the problem is not different:

Check the volume in another app (e.g. YouTube)

Connect the headphones to another device (PC, other smartphone)

Clean the Type-C/3.5mm connector of dust (carefully with a toothpick)

Update. MIUI last-minute-->

On some models (Xiaomi 13 Pro, Redmi K60) there is a separate Safe Volume option in the sound settings – it must be turned off to remove the restrictions.

2. Optimize your Bluetooth settings (for wireless headphones)

Xiaomi’s wireless headphones (like AirDots 3 or Buds 4) often work quieter than wired ones due to Bluetooth audio compression.The problem is compounded if the smartphone uses an outdated SBC codec instead of AAC or aptX.

How to improve sound:

1. Open Settings → Connected devices → Settings gear next to the headphones.
2. Select Sound Quality or Audio Codec (the name of the item depends on the model).
3. Set AAC (for balance of quality and volume) or aptX (if headphones support).

If you don’t have a codec choice in your settings, try Developer Options (see section 4 for how to turn on) and check if Low Latency is activated (it lowers volume for connection stability).

Xiaomi AirDots/Buds

Redmi Earbuds

Wired headphones 3.5 mm

Type-C wired wires

Other wireless (Sony, JBL, etc.)

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3. Turn off volume limit in MIUI (hidden function)

MIUI blocks volume increase above 80-85% for security reasons, and this limit can be removed through Developer Mode.

Step-by-step:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Click 7 times on MIUI Version (you will be notified "You are a developer").

Settings → Additional → For Developers

Turn off the absolute volume level

Disable Absolute Volume

activate

Reboot your smartphone.

After that:

• 🔊 The volume in the headphones will be adjusted regardless of the system.
• 🎛 You will be able to set the level above 100% in some applications (for example, Poweramp).

💡

If there is no Disable Absolute Volume, upgrade to the latest version of MIUI or use an alternative method in Section 5.

⚠️ Warning: Turning off the absolute volume level may cause the sound to be distorted at maximum values. 90-95%, If you are not sure about the quality of the headphone speakers.

4.Use equalizer and MIUI sound effects

The right equalizer settings can visually increase the volume by raising the low and high frequencies. MIUI has a built-in tool, but it's hidden deep in the menu.

How to set up:

1. Open Settings → Sound and vibration → Sound quality.
2. Select the Equator (if there is no item, see spoiler below).
3. Set the Basa or Rock presets, which amplify the low frequencies, which subjectively makes the sound louder.
4. Manually lift the sliders at 60 Hz and 250 Hz (low frequencies) by +3... +5 dB.

For advanced users:

• 🎛 Wavelet app (free in Google Play) allows you to fine-tune the equalizer for specific headphones.
• 🔊 In Poweramp (paid version) there is a function Preamp – it increases the total volume by +6 dB without distortion.

5. Install third-party applications to amplify sound

If the built-in methods didn't work, try specialized utilities. We tested 5 applications, the best results were found in Volume Booster and Precise Volume.

Instructions for Volume Booster GOODEV:

1. Download and install the app.
2. Connect the headphones and start playing music.
3. In the application, move the Media Volume slider by +15...+20%.
4. Activate the Apply on Boot option to save the settings after the reboot.

⚠️ Attention: Volume Booster applications run on top of the system mixer, and if they are used to wheez or crack, immediately turn down the volume and remove the program, which is a sign of overloading the speakers.

6. Check the headphones and jack for physical damage

If the sound is quiet in just one earpiece or in a certain position of the cable, it's probably hardware.

• 🔍 Wired headphones: Try connecting them to another device. Swing the cable at the base -- if the sound goes away, it's a wire break. Clean the connector. 3.5 mm/Type-C dust (use flashlight and toothpick).
• 🎧 Wireless headphones: Reset them to factory settings (usually by pressing the power button for 10 seconds). Check if the speakers are dirty (greatly wipe with a cotton swab). Update the headphone firmware through the official app (e.g. Mi Earphones).

On Xiaomi models with a Type-C connector (such as the POCO X3 or Redmi Note 11), the USB-C → 3.5 mm adapter often fails. Try connecting the headphones through another adapter or using Bluetooth.

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If the headphones work normally on another device, but quietly on Xiaomi, the problem is in the smartphone (connector, firmware or settings).

7. Alternative methods: from firmware to hardware repair

If none of these things work, there are radical measures that you should only take if you are confident in your actions:

• 🔧 Flashing: Some custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience or LineageOS) removes restrictions MIUI Risk: loss of warranty, possible device "brick.
• 🔊 Modifications mixer_paths.xml: The system file has volume limits, and it can be edited through Root, but it requires technical skills.
• 🛠 Repair: If the problem is a Type-C connector or audio chip (for example, after a smartphone crash), contact the service center. The average cost of repairing the connector is 1,500-3,000 ₽.

For models with Qualcomm Snapdragon (such as the POCO F5 or Xiaomi 12T), you can try activating Dirac Audio, a sound enhancement technology that sometimes raises the volume.

1. Install Dirac Audio Control (Root required).


2. Select High Definition or Bass Boost profile.




3. Reset the device.

⚠️ Attention: Editing system files or firmware custom software will void the warranty and may lead to unstable operation of the smartphone. → Additionally. → Backup and reset.

FAQ: Frequent questions about volume in Xiaomi headphones