How to increase volume on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro: from standard settings to hidden features

Low volume speakers or headphones on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro are a common problem, especially after MIUI updates or with prolonged use of the device. Unlike flagship models, budget smartphones often save on audio chip quality, which leads to quiet sounds in games, music or calls. However, the situation can be corrected from basic volume settings to deep interference with system files.

In this article, we will analyze all possible ways to increase the volume - from safe (equalizer adjustment, speaker cleaning) to risky (modification) mixer_paths.xml). Each method is tested on the Redmi Note. 8 Pro with firmware MIUI 12–14 Android 9–11. Important: Some solutions require root rights or unlock the bootloader, which may deprive you of guarantees.

If you're not ready to experiment with the system, start with the first three sections, which don't require technical skills. For advanced users, we've prepared instructions for working with engineering menus and custom firmware. We warn you that doing the wrong thing can cause damage to your speakers or malfunction your phone.

Before you start, check if the quiet sound is a hardware problem.

• 🔊 Test speakers at maximum volume with different types of content (music, video, call).
• 🎧 Connect headphones – if the sound in them is normal, the problem is in the phone speakers.
• 🛠️ Inspect the speaker grille for dust or mechanical damage.

1. Standard volume settings in MIUI

To start with, the obvious is that you check the basics of sound. Xiaomi hides some of the options in the back of the menu, so many users miss them.

Open Settings → Sound and vibration. The following regulators are available here:

• 🔈 Multimedia Volume – Responsible for Music, Video and Games.
• 📞 Loudness of the call – regulates the sound of incoming calls.
• 🚨 The Loudness of the Alarm Slider – A Separate Slider for the Alarm Signals.
• 🔕 No sound – switch to turn off all sounds.

Notice the "Sound Amplifier" option (not available on all firmware) which increases volume by 10 to 15 percent through software processing, but can add distortions.

1. Go to Settings → Special features → Improve the sound.
2. Activate the Sound Amplifier slider and select the gain level.

If you do not have an option, upgrade your MIUI to the latest version or use alternative methods in the following sections.

2. Equalizer and sound effects setup

The built-in MIUI equalizer allows not only the frequency adjustment, but also the indirect influence on the perceived volume, for example, amplifying the high and medium frequencies creates the illusion of louder sound.

To open the equaliser:

1. Start the Music app (standard MIUI player).
2. During the playback of the track, click on the icon ⚙️ top-right.
3. Select the Equalizer → Customized.

Recommended settings for maximum volume:

• 🎛️ Increase sliders by 1kHz and 4kHz to +3-4 dB.
• 🔊 Reduce low frequencies (60 Hz, 150 Hz) by −1–2 dB to avoid wheezing.
• 🎵 Turn on the option "3D-sound (if available) for volumetric effect.

For global changes (including sound in games and video), use third-party equalizers such as Wavelet or Poweramp Equalizer, which operate at the system level and require permission to modify the sound.

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If after changing the equalizer, the sound became hoarse, reset the settings to factory and reduce the increase in high frequencies.

3. Cleaning of speakers from dust and debris

One of the reasons for the quiet sound is the physical contamination of the speakers. On the Redmi Note 8 Pro, the lower speaker (main speaker) is particularly prone to clogging due to its proximity to the USB-C connector.

For cleaning:

1. Turn off the phone and remove it. SIM-map.
2. Use a soft brush (for example, for drawing) or a compressed air balloon to remove dust from the speaker grille.
3. For persistent contamination, gently walk along the edges of the grille with a toothpick without pressing the membrane.

Do not use wet wipes or alcohol - this can damage the speaker's waterproof membrane! If the sound has not improved after cleaning, the problem may be a hardware malfunction (detachment of the membrane, oxidation of contacts).

Check the speaker for mechanical damage:

• 🔍 Light a flashlight into the grid - the membrane should be intact, without tears.
• 🎵 Play a test sound (e.g., a 1kHz sinusoidal signal) – if distortion is heard, the speaker is faulty.

4.Use of the engineering menu to amplify sound

The engineering menu (#4636##) allows you to fine-tune the audio system settings, including volume limits, but incorrect changes can cause damage to the speakers or malfunction of the phone.

Instructions for setting:

1. Open the Phone app and enter the code ##4636##.
2. Go to the Hardware Testing → Audio tab.
3. In Speaker, select Normal Mode and increase the Max Vol value by 2-3 units (maximum 160).
4. Press Set and restart the phone.

Warnings:

⚠️ Setting Max Vol above 160 can cause the audio chip to overheat or rupture the speaker membrane.

An alternative is to use the MTK Engineering Mode app (for Mediatek processors), which provides extended access to audio settings, including separate controllers for each speaker.

5. Modification of the system file mixer_paths.xml

For users with root rights or custom recovery, the most effective method is available - file editing. mixer_paths.xml, which stores volume limits at the hardware level.

Step-by-step:

1. Install Root Explorer or any file manager with root support.
2. Cross the path. /vendor/etc/mixer_paths.xml And back up the file.
3. Open the file in the text editor and find the lines: <path name="speaker"> <ctl name="RX1 Digital Volume" value="84" /> </path>
4. Increase the value from 84 to 90-95 (maximum 96).
5. Save the file, set the rights to 644, and restart the phone.

Change of change mixer_paths.xml without backup can cause total loss of sound! Before editing, check the compatibility of your firmware - on some versions MIUI file is protected from modification.

If the sound has disappeared after the modification:

• 🔄 Restore the original file from the backup.
• 📱 Check your phone through Fastboot.
• 🛠️ Contact the service center (indicate that the problem occurred after the "software update").

Backup file | Check version MIUI| Install Root Explorer | Charge phone >50% | Prepare cable for Fastboot-->

6. Third-party applications for sound amplification

If you don't want to interfere with system files, use specialized utilities that work at the software level of sound processing and do not require root rights.

Top.-3 apps for Redmi Note 8 Pro:

• 🎧 Volume Booster GOODEV — Increases volume to 200 percent with equalizer and compressor, supports separate profiles for speakers and headphones.
• 🔊 Precise Volume – allows you to accurately adjust the volume in 1% increments, bypassing restrictions MIUI.
• 🎵 FX Sound Enhancer – improves sound quality and adds bass, which creates a greater volume effect.

How to set up Volume Booster GOODEV:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Activate the "Sound Amplifier" option and set the level to 120-150 percent.
3. Turn on Equalizer and select Preset Loudness.
4. In the Settings section, note Ignore system limitations.

Restrictions of third-party boosters:

⚠️ Attention! Applications like Volume Booster don't increase the physical power of the speakers, they just amplify the signal in software: 🔋 Increased battery consumption (up to 10-15%). 🔊 Distortion of sound at maximum volume. 🛠️ Overheating of the audio chip during prolonged use.

7 Hardware solutions: replacement of speaker or amplifier

If the software methods didn't help, the problem could be in the hardware. On the Redmi Note 8 Pro, the most common ones fail:

• 🔈 Lower speaker (main) – responsible for low and medium frequencies.
• 🔊 Top speaker (conversational) – used for calls.
• 🎛️ Audiochip (less often) - with overheating or corrosion of contacts.

Signs of hardware malfunction:

• 🔇 The sound disappears when the phone is tilted.
• 🔊 Wheezing or cracking even at minimum volume.
• 📵 One of the speakers doesn't work at all.

The cost of repairs in 2026:

If you decide to replace the speaker yourself, buy the original part (the article for the Redmi Note 8 Pro - MDY-001-16S).

• 🔧 Set of screwdrivers (cross, flat, flat).
• 🧲 Screen suction cup.
• 🔥 Hazel-softening.

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Self-replacement speaker is not warranty. If the phone is warranty, contact an authorized service center Xiaomi.

8.Alternative methods: from headphones to external speakers

If you can not increase the volume of the built-in speakers, consider external solutions:

• 🎧 Headphones with amplified bass (for example, Xiaomi Hybrid Pro) HD) — It gives a clearer sound without distortion.
• 🔊 Portable speakers (e.g. Xiaomi Mi Portable Speaker) – Bluetooth-connected and up to 10W volume.
• 🎵 FM-transmitter – transmits sound from the phone to the car tape recorder.

To connect external devices:

1. Activate Bluetooth in the settings and pair the column/earphones.
2. For wired headphones, use a USB-C → 3.5 mm adapter (if no connector is available).
3. In the Music app, select the audio output device in the playback menu.

Advantages of external solutions:

• ✅ No risk of damaging your phone’s speakers.
• ✅ Higher sound quality (especially with speakers).
• ✅ The ability to use the phone as a remote control.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Additional costs for accessories.
• ❌ Inconvenient wearing a column/headphone.

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When using Bluetooth speakers, turn off the option Absolute Volume (Settings → Connected Devices → Bluetooth Settings → Additional) in the MIUI settings, allowing you to adjust the volume directly on the speaker.

FAQ: Frequent questions about volume increase