How to listen to music on Xiaomi: from basic settings to Hi-Res Audio

Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones have long ceased to be just bells, becoming full-fledged multimedia centers that can satisfy the needs of even sophisticated audiophiles. However, to get the maximum quality from the device, it is not enough just to connect headphones - you need to properly configure the software shell MIUI or HyperOS. Owners often do not suspect that the hidden capabilities of the sound engine can significantly improve the detail and volume of sound.

Modern models support advanced wireless data technologies like LDAC and aptX Adaptive, which provide a bitrate close to the studio. But without properly activating these features in the engineering menu or through the developer's settings, the sound will shrink to the basic SBC standards, losing nuance. We'll figure out how to turn your Xiaomi into a portable Hi-Fi player.

It's important to understand that the quality of playback depends not only on the hardware of the smartphone, but also on the software algorithms for signal processing. Dolby Atmos system and Xiaomi Sound brand add-ons can both add volume and introduce distortions if used thoughtlessly. Let's dive into the finer settings that will change your perception of music on mobile devices.

Basic sound setting and equalizer Mi Sound

The first step to quality sound is to calibrate the built-in equalizer, which is available in standard system settings. The path to it usually runs through the Settings menu → Sound and Vibration → Sound Effects. Here the user can choose (preset) for a particular genre or adjust frequencies manually. However, standard presets often sound flat due to aggressive high-frequency raising.

To get a more natural sound, it's recommended to switch to manual control mode and create your own profile. Experiment with sliders (low frequencies) to add depth to bass, but don't overdo it to keep the middle out. High frequencies are better cleaned up a little if you hear whistling or sharpness in vocals.

⚠️ Note: When using third-party equalizer apps along with the built-in Mi Sound, a processing conflict may occur, leading to wheezing or complete disappearance of the sound.

The Dirac Audio feature, available on the brand’s flagship models, corrects phase distortion and time delays to make the scene wider, and activation requires the audio service to be rebooted automatically after settings are applied.

• 🎧 Select the type of headphones (intrachannel, overhead) for automatic correction of the ASX.
• 🎚️ Reset the equalizer settings to zero before manual calibration for the purity of the experiment.
• 🔊 Turn on the Volume Up option only if the standard one is missing, as it adds compression.

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For classical music and jazz, try lowering the frequencies slightly above 10 kHz and raising the 200-400 Hz area for warmth to the tone.

Activation. HD-codecs and Bluetooth audio

Wireless music listening on Xiaomi can be truly high-quality if you activate support for high-resolution codecs. By default, the system often chooses a compatible but low-quality codec. SBC. To change this, you need to go to the hidden Settings menu. → The phone. → Press 7 times on "Version" MIUI" plug-in.

Once you activate the developer menu, look for System → Additional settings → For developers. In the list of options, look for Bluetooth Audio Codec. Here you will find a choice between SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD and LDAC (if supported by a chip and headphones). The LDAC selection allows you to transfer up to 990 kbit / s, which is three times more than standard Bluetooth.

Consider that using high-resolution codecs increases power consumption and can reduce battery life, and when Bluetooth signals are poor, the system can automatically switch to a lower bitrate to maintain connection stability, which can cause interruptions.

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For maximum quality in the developer menu, also set the "Bit depth" option to 24 bits if your headphones support it.

Use of USB-DAC and external DACs

Smartphone owners without a 3.5mm connector or audiophiles looking for perfect sound often pay attention to external digital-to-analog converters (DACs). Xiaomi works well with external USB-DACs via the Type-C port, allowing you to bypass the limitations of the built-in sound card. Connecting such a device requires support for USB OTG technology, which is available in all modern models.

When connecting an external DAC, the system must automatically switch the output of sound to USB-If this does not happen, check the settings in the Settings menu. → Connections and sharing → USB. Sometimes you need to activate the debugging USB or select the "File Transfer" mode so that the device is recognized correctly.

Power is an important aspect: powerful portable DACs can consume more power than the smartphone port can give, which will lead to a cork or shutdown. USB-Hub with external power or choose compact "whistle" (dongle) DAC), mobile-friendly.

• 🔌 Use quality cables USB-C to USB-C or USB-C to USB-A data-supported.
• ⚡ For stationary DACs, be sure to use external power to avoid interference.
• 📱 Make sure that the DAC driver is compatible with Android (class) UAC 2.0).

Third-party audio players for Android

The standard MI Music player is functional, but to play Lossless formats (FLAC, ALAC, DSD) and bypass system limiters, it is better to use specialized software. Third-party applications often have their own audio output engine, which allows you to send bit-perfect directly to the DAC, bypassing the Android system mixer, which can resample audio.

One of the best solutions is USB Audio Player PRO, which has exclusive access to USB-exit and support MQA. You should also pay attention to Poweramp or Hiby Music, which offer deep customizations. DSP and support for native inference DSD. These applications allow you to fully control the playback chain.

When installing such software, the system may request permission to access files and microphone (for noise reduction functions in calls, if the player uses them).

⚠️ Note: Some "heavy" players with active DSP-processing can cause increased heat of the processor during long-term listening in high resolution.

Elimination of interference and static noise

A common problem when listening to music on Xiaomi smartphones is background noise, hissing or cracking, especially when using wired headphones. Often the reason lies in tips from communication modules or a poor adapter. If you hear intermittent crackling on an incoming call or notification, this is a sign of poor shielding of the cable or adapter.

To minimize interference, try disabling intangible communication modules such as NFC or mobile data if you’re listening to offline music, and switching Wi-Fi from 2.4 GHz to 5 GHz helps, as the first band can interfere with a Bluetooth connection.

In some cases, static noise is caused by an audio driver software bug.The solution can be found in rebooting the audio service via ADB or simply restarting the device.If the noise is only stored in a particular application, try clearing its cache.

adb shell am broadcast -a com.android.server.audio.action.AUDIO_SERVER_RESTART

This command, entered through a computer with a debugging smartphone, will force the Android audio server to restart, which often removes accumulated software glitches.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions