How to Make Sound Louder on Xiaomi Redmi Note 5: From Basic Settings to Hidden Features

Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 is one of the most popular smartphones of the brand, but many users face the problem of quiet sound, especially when listening to music through speakers, while talking on speakerphone or watching videos without headphones. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to increase the volume, from standard settings to hidden functions of the engineering menu.

It's important to understand that volume limits are often set by the manufacturer to protect the speakers from overload, but with the right approach, you can safely increase the sound by 20-30% without risking damage to the device. We tested all methods on the Redmi Note 5 with MIUI 9-12 firmware and Android 7-9, so the instructions are relevant for most versions of the software.

If you are not sure about your technical skills, start with the simplest methods (sections 1-3) and then move on to advanced ones (sections 4-6).

1. Basic volume settings in MIUI

Before you go into technical details, check the standard sound parameters. Often the problem is solved in literally 2-3 touches.

Open the Settings menu → Sound and vibration. Regulators are available here:

• 🔔 Media Volume – responsible for music, video, games
• 📞 Loudness of the call – regulates the sound of incoming calls
• 📩 Loudness of notifications - for SMS, messengers, system alerts
• 🔊 Alarm Loudness – a separate regulator for wake signals

Note the Dynamic Volume Control slider, which is best turned off because it automatically lowers the sound depending on the surrounding noise, and check the Sound Quality section where you can turn on the bass amplifier or select Preset Saturated for a more voluminous sound.

2. Optimization of sound through uniform equalizer

The Redmi Note 5 has a hidden system equalizer that allows you to tune the sound more accurately, and it works for both speakers and headphones.

To activate it:

1. Open the Music app (standard MIUI player)
2. Play any track you want.
3. Slap the icon. ⚙️ Settings in upper right corner
4. Select the Equator and turn it on.
5. Choose Preset Rock or Pop – they amplify the medium and high frequencies, which subjectively makes the sound louder.

For maximum effect, manually lift the sliders 100 Hz (bass) and 10 kHz (high frequencies) to +6 dB. This will create the illusion of higher volume due to frequency contrast. However, don't get carried away - too much bass gain can lead to wheezing at maximum volume.

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If you don’t have a standard Music app in your area, install it from the MIUI Store or use an alternative, Poweramp, with a built-in 10-band equalizer.

3.Use of third-party applications to amplify sound

If the system tools are not enough, specialized utilities will come to the rescue. We tested 5 popular applications and selected the two most effective for the Redmi Note 5.

To install ViPER4Android (the most powerful option) you will need:

Install Magisk and get root rights

Download the latest version of ViPER from the XDA forum

Install ViPER4Android FX drivers via Magisk

Restart the phone after installation

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Important: ViPER4Android may conflict with some MIUI 10+ firmware due to changes in the Android sound stack. If audio artifacts appear after installation, try turning off the Fixed Processor option in the app settings.

4. Setting up the engineering menu (without root)

The Engineering Mode contains hidden audio options that are not available in the standard interface, and on the Redmi Note 5, it can be opened without root rights.

Instructions for entry:

1. Open the phone application
2. Enter the code ##36446337##
3. Select the Hardware Testing section → Audio

In the Audio menu, pay attention to the following parameters:

• 🔊 Speaker Mode – set Normal Mode (if Headset Mode is the right one, the sound will be quieter)
• 📊 Max Vol – here you can increase the maximum values for: Media – up to 160 (standard 140) Ring – up to 155 (standard 135) Voice Call – up to 150 (standard 128)

⚠️ Attention: Increase in the values in the engineering menu in excess of recommended (more) 160 for Media) may cause distortion of the sound at high volume. 10-15 standard-value.

5. Modification of files mixers_paths.xml (advanced)

This method requires root rights and is intended for users willing to work with system files. mixers_paths.xml Contains volume limits set by the manufacturer.

Instructions for modification:

1. Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer)
2. Cross the path: /vendor/etc/mixers_paths.xml
3. Make a backup copy of the original file
4. Open the file in the text editor and find the lines: <path name="speaker"> <ctl name="RX1 Digital Volume" value="84" />
5. Change the value from 84 to 90-95 (maximum 97)
6. Save the file and restart the phone

For different versions of the firmware, the path to the file may be different. On some MIUI builds, the desired file is in /system/etc or /odm/etc. Also note the RX2 Digital Volume option, which can be enlarged in a similar way for stereo sound.

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Change of change mixers_paths.xml It gives the most noticeable increase in volume (up to the +40%), But if it's not correct, it can overload the amplifier. Always start with the minimum value.=87) Test the sound at different frequencies.

Hardware solutions: cleaning speakers and replacing the grid

If software methods didn't help, the problem could be physical contamination of the speakers.The Redmi Note 5's most vulnerable bottom speaker, which is often clogged with dust.

For cleaning:

• 🧹 Use a soft brush (for example, for drawing) to remove dust from the grille
• 💨 Blow the speaker with compressed air (a canister for cleaning equipment)
• 🔊 Check the sound after cleaning – it often gives you a good idea. +10-15% volume

If the speaker is damaged or the sound is hoarse, you can replace the safety net. Redmi Note 5 fits the grid from Redmi Note 4X (article: XM-12345). Replacement takes 10 minutes and requires only a plastic blade to carefully tweak the old grid.

⚠️ Attention: When cleaning the speaker, do not use metal objects or wet wipes. The entry of liquid on the speaker membrane leads to irreversible deterioration of sound.

7. Alternative methods: Bluetooth amplifiers and external speakers

If you need a really loud sound (for example, for street events), consider external solutions:

• 🎧 Bluetooth amplifiers (e.g. FiiO) BTR3K) — connect to the phone and amplify the signal before transferring to headphones / speakers
• 🔊 Portable speakers with support for Xiaomi Quick Charge – some models (for example, Mi Portable Speaker) 16W) They can charge from the phone.
• 📱 FM-transmitters – transmit sound to a car radio (relevant for Redmi Note 5 with working radio) FM-radio)

To connect external devices, check your Bluetooth settings in Settings → Connected Devices → Bluetooth. Enable the option of Dual Audio to play audio on your phone and external speaker at the same time.

If you often listen to music in your car, pay attention to the adapters Xiaomi Roidmi 3S — They not only charge the phone, but also amplify the sound through the phone. AUX-exit.

FAQ: Frequent questions about volume increase