How to Remove Volume Limiting in Xiaomi Headphones: Safe and Effective Techniques

Why Xiaomi limits the volume in headphones and whether it can be fixed

If you own a Xiaomi smartphone and notice that the sound in the headphones is too quiet even at maximum volume is not an accident. the company deliberately limits the volume level through the MIUI firmware, referring to the European safety standards EN 50332-2. These regulations are designed to protect users' hearing from prolonged exposure to loud sounds (over 85 dB).

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to remove the restriction, from simple settings in the MIUI menu to advanced methods using ADB and engineering menus. Importantly, not all methods are equally safe. For example, changing system files through root can lead to loss of warranty or unstable audio drivers, especially on the Xiaomi 12/13/14 series models with speakers from Harman Kardon. So we will focus on solutions that do not require superuser rights.

Before you start, check:

• 🔊 Type of headphones: wired (3.5 mm or Type-C) or wireless (Bluetooth). TWS-Headphones (for example, Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro) some methods will not work.
• 📱 Version MIUI: In Settings → The telephone, the ways to MIUI 14 may not work on HyperOS.
• 🔧 Having a bootloader lock: if you previously unlocked it for custom firmware ROM, Some restrictions could be removed automatically.

Method 1: Disable the restriction through MIUI settings (without root)

The easiest and safest method is to use hidden options in the standard MIUI menu.It works on most models, including the Redmi Note 11/12, POCO X5 and Xiaomi 13 Lite, but may not be available on devices for the European market (EEA).

Instructions:

1. Open the Settings. → Sound and vibration.
2. Slap the icon. ⚙️ (gear) in the upper right corner next to the volume slider.
3. Select Headphone Safety (or Volume Limitation in older versions).
4. Turn off the switch to limit the volume of the headphones.
5. Confirm the action by pressing OK in the warning window.

If there is no headphone safety item:

• 🔄 Try changing the firmware region to India or Global (not Global). EEA) through settings → Additionally. → Region.
• 📲 Install the Hidden Settings for app MIUI — It reveals the hidden options.

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After disabling the restriction, check the sound on different tracks. On some models (for example, Xiaomi 11T Pro), the basses may become too saturated - reduce the equalizer in the sound settings.

Method 2: Use of the Engineering Menu (codes and MTK Engineer Mode)

The engineering menu is a powerful tool for fine-tuning audio parameters, but it requires caution. Incorrect changes can lead to audio distortion or even damage to the speakers. This method is suitable for devices on Qualcomm Snapdragon and MediaTek processors, but the menu interface will be different.

For MediaTek (Redmi 10/9, POCO M4 Pro):

1. Install MTK Engineer Mode from Google Play.
2. Open the app and go to Hardware Testing → Audio.
3. Select Headset Mode (for wired headphones) or Speaker Mode (for a speaker).
4. In Max Vol, increase the Media, Ring and Voice Call values to 160 (maximum).
5. Press Set and restart the device.

For Qualcomm (Xiaomi 12/13, Black Shark):

1. Enter the code ##36446337## (for MIUI 14) or #4636###.
2. Go to Audio → Headset.
3. Increase Max Volume parameters for all categories by 20-30% of current values.

⚠️ Note: Some models (Xiaomi Mix 4, Redmi) K50) The menu will block changes after the reboot, and if the volume is reset, repeat the procedure or use alternative methods.

Method 3: ADB commands to remove restrictions (no root)

ADB (Android Debug Bridge allows you to change system settings without obtaining root rights. This method is universal for all Xiaomi models, but requires a connection to a computer. MIUI settings may reset.

Step-by-step:

1. Download ADB Tools and unpack the archive.
2. Turn on your phone to USB Debug in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (tap 7 times on the build number, then go back to Settings → Additional → For Developers).
3. Connect your phone to your PC and open the command line in the folder with ADB.
4. Enter the commands in turn: adb shell settings put global volume_steps 30 adb shell settings put global volume_music_speaker_scale 1.5 adb shell settings put global volume_headset_scale 1.8
5. Reset the device.

For models with HyperOS (e.g. Xiaomi 14), use alternative commands:

adb shell cmd media_volume set_stream_max 3 15


adb shell cmd media_volume set_stream_max 0 15

Where 3 is the stream for media, 0 is for calls, and 15 is the maximum value (can be increased to 20).

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ADB commands are temporary – after resetting or updating MIUI, they will have to be reused, and system files are modified (only for experienced users) for permanent effect.

Method 4: Applications for sound amplification (ViPER4Android, Equalizer)

If the system methods don't work, third-party applications will come to the rescue.

• 🎵 ViPER4Android — Advanced audio processor with support FX-Requires driver installation via Magisk (for Android 10)+).
• 🔊 Equalizer & Bass Booster – a simplified version with presets for different genres of music.
• 📱 Wavelet – optimizes the sound for specific models of headphones (there are profiles for Xiaomi Buds).

How to set up ViPER4Android:

1. Download APK with XDA Developers (the version for your Android).
2. Install the driver through Magisk Module (instructions on the official website).
3. In the app, activate: 🔘 Master Limiter (increases volume without distortion). 🔘 Viper Bass (to enhance low frequencies). 🔘 Convolver (for spatial sound).

Driver

Compatibility Mode

MIUI

⚠️ Attention: Xiaomi with HyperOS ViPER4Android If the sound starts to break, turn off Audio Effects in the developer settings.

Method 5: Modification of system files (root only)

If you're willing to take risks and get root rights, you can edit the system files that control volume, which is the maximum volume gain, but you need to:

• 🔓 Unlocked bootloader (instructions for Xiaomi here).
• 📱 Installed by Magisk or SuperSU.
• 💾 Backup of the section /system.

Instructions:

1. Install Root Explorer.
2. Cross the path. /system/etc/ and find the file. mixer_paths.xml (or mixer_paths_qrd_skuh.xml for Qualcomm).
3. Open the file in the text editor and find the lines: <path name="headphone"> <ctl name="HPHL Volume" value="60" /> <ctl name="HPHR Volume" value="60" />
4. Increase the value to 80-90 (no higher, otherwise the risk of damage to the headphones!).
5. Save the file, set the rights to 644, and restart the device.

For devices on MediaTek (Redmi) 9A, POCO C40) The path to the file may be different: /vendor/etc/audio_effects.conf or /vendor/etc/audio_policy_configuration.xml.

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi 13 Ultra and other flagships with Dolby Atmos editing mixer_paths.xml This can cause the speakers to fail. Before you change, check the file for a section. <dolby> — If you have one, use commands instead. ADB method 3.

What to do if nothing helps: alternative solutions

If all of these methods have failed, the problem may lie not in the program limitations, but in:

• 🔌 Hardware limitations: Some models (Xiaomi Civi 2) have a weak audio amplifier that is physically unable to produce high volume.
• 🎧 High-impedance headphones, like Beyerdynamic. DT 770 Pro (250 Ohms) Requires an External Amplifier.
• 🔋 Energy saving: in Ultra battery mode MIUI automatically reduces volume.

Alternative solutions:

• 🔊 External Bluetooth amplifier (e.g. FiiO) BTR5) — circumvention MIUI improves sound.
• 📱 Custom-based firmware ROM (LineageOS or Pixel Experience, where there are no restrictions on Xiaomi.
• 🎵 Using uniform compression (in applications like Poweramp) to increase the volume of quiet tracks.

If you suspect a hardware problem, check the headphones on another device. To diagnose the Xiaomi audio chip, use the test:

adb shell dumpsys media.audio_flinger

In the conclusion, pay attention to the lines with error or underflow - they indicate driver failures.

FAQ: Frequent questions about volume limiting on Xiaomi