How to remove the sound restriction in headphones on Xiaomi: all ways of 2026

You've encountered a situation where headphones are connected to Xiaomi, but the sound is too quiet despite the maximum volume level? This is not an accident - the manufacturer deliberately restricts the output power through the EU Volume Limit (European safety standard) to protect users' hearing. However, for many, this limitation becomes a problem, especially when using high-omnipotent headphones or in noisy conditions.

In this article, we’ll look at all the current ways to remove a restriction, from simple settings in MIUI to advanced methods using ADB and engineering menus. It’s important to understand that some methods require unlocking the bootloader or root rights, which can affect the warranty and security of the device, and we’ll also explain how to revert the restrictions if necessary.

Note: instructions are relevant for Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones based on MIUI 12-15 (including hyperos).For models older than 2019 (such as the Mi 9 or Redmi Note 7), additional steps may be required.

Why Xiaomi limits the volume in headphones?

Volume restriction is not a whim of the manufacturer, but a requirement of the European standard EN 50332-2, which regulates the maximum sound level in personal audio devices. According to this standard, prolonged exposure to sound above 85 dB can lead to irreversible hearing loss. Xiaomi, like other brands (for example, Samsung or Apple), are forced to comply with these standards for sales in the EU.

But there are nuances:

• 🔊 The restriction applies only to wired and Bluetooth headphones. The built-in speaker of a smartphone usually does not have such restrictions.
• 📱 On some models (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro or XP) POCO F5) The limit can be bypassed through the developer settings, whereas on budget Redmi (for example, Redmi). 12C) need ADB.
• 🚫 After updating MIUI Restrictions may come back – this is due to Xiaomi’s security policy.

Interesting fact: China and some Asian countries don't have default volume limits, because of differences in local security standards, and if you bought a smartphone in the European region, the volume limit will be activated out of the box.

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

The simplest method that works on most MIUI 12-15 devices is that it doesn’t require additional tools, but it may not be available on some models (e.g., the Redmi Note 11 for the European market).

Instructions:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Go to the section Sound and vibration.
3. Slip on Volume (or Volume Settings on newer versions of MIUI).
4. In the upper right corner, press on ⋮ → Additional settings.
5. Find the option to limit the volume of headphones (or EU Volume Limit) and turn it off.

If there is no such item, try an alternative path:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Tap 7 times on the MIUI version to activate the developer mode.
3. Go back to the basic settings, open Additional → for developers.
4. Find the option to turn off the absolute volume limit (Disable Absolute Volume) and activate it.

Check the version of MIUI (Settings → About the phone)

Activate Developer Mode (7 taps according to MIUI)

Connect headphones to a smartphone

Make a backup of settings (Settings) → Additionally. → Backup)-->

Important! Some firmware (e.g. MIUI Global for POCO X5) may call it Disable Safe Volume Warning or Headphone Volume Boost. If you don't find anything, move on to the next method.

Method 2: Using ADB to Remove Restrictions (Universal Method)

If standard settings didn’t work, ADB (Android Debug Bridge) is the most reliable way to get around the restrictions. It works on all Xiaomi models, including the Redmi 10C, POCO M5 and flagships like Xiaomi 14. You’ll need a computer with Xiaomi drivers installed and USB debugging enabled.

Step-by-step:

1. Download ADB Tools and unpack the archive into a separate folder.
2. On your smartphone, activate the developer mode (as in Method 1) and enable USB debugging in the developer settings.
3. Connect your phone to your PC through USB-Cable (use the original cable for stability).
4. In the ADB folder, press Shift + right mouse button and select Open PowerShell window here (or Command Prompt for Windows 10 and below).
5. Enter the command to check the connection: adb devices If the device appears in the list, continue. If not, install the Xiaomi driver and repeat the step.
6. Execute the command to remove the restriction: adb shell settings put global volume_safe_speaker 0 Next: adb shell settings put global volume_safe_headset 0
7. Reboot your smartphone.

After the reboot, check the volume in the headphones. If the sound is still limited, try the additional command:

adb shell settings put global headset_safe_volume_enabled 0

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If ADB does not recognize the device, try enabling the USB Debugging option (security options) in the developer settings and selecting File Transfer mode when connected.

Warning: Changes through ADB are reset after resetting settings or updating MIUI.To return the restrictions, replace 0 by 1 in the commands above.

Method 3: Engineering menu (power users only)

The Engineering Menu (MTK Engineer Mode or Qualcomm Service Menu) allows you to manually adjust audio settings, including volume limits. This method is suitable for devices on MediaTek chips (for example, Redmi Note 12 on Helio G88) and Qualcomm Snapdragon (for example, POCO X4 Pro on Snapdragon 695).

Attention! Incorrect changes to the engineering menu can lead to loss of sound or firmware failure.

Instructions for MediaTek:

1. Install the MTK Engineer Mode app (Medek! chips only).
2. Open the app and go to Hardware Testing → Audio.
3. Select Headset Mode (or Headphone Mode).
4. In the Max Vol field, change the value from 150 (or another number) to 160-180 (do not exceed 200!).
5. Save the settings and restart the phone.

For Qualcomm Snapdragon:

1. Dial the dialer code ##36446337## (or #4636## → Audio on some models).
2. In the Audio menu, select Headset.
3. Find the Max Vol or Volume Limit settings and increase the values by 10-20%.
4. Press Set and restart the device.

Method 4: Modified firmware (for advanced)

If you’re willing to take drastic measures, installing custom firmware (e.g. xiaomi.eu or PixelExperience) will remove volume restrictions completely, a method that is suitable for devices with an unlocked bootloader and requires Fastboot or TWRP skills.

Advantages of custom firmware:

• 🔊 Complete removal EU Volume Limit at the System Level.
• 🛠️ Additional sound settings (Equalizer, Virtualization) 3D-sound).
• 🚀 Optimizing productivity and lack of bloatware.

Risks:

• ⚠️ Loss of warranty (if the bootloader was unlocked).
• ⚠️ Possible bugs (e.g., non-functioning) NFC camera).
• ⚠️ Need for manual updates.

Popular firmware for Xiaomi:

Important: before installing custom firmware, it is necessary to:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (can take up to 72 hours).
2. Install TWRP Recovery for your model.
3. Make a full backup through TWRP (including EFS and Modem).

💡

Custom firmware gives you maximum freedom, but it requires technical skills. If you're a beginner, it's best to focus on methods 1-3.

Method 5: Applications for sound amplification (alternative)

If you don't want to go through the system settings, you can use third-party apps, which don't remove the MIUI constraints, but they amplify the sound software, and the downside is that you can distort the sound and you can use more battery.

Top.-3 sound-enhancement:

1. ViPER4Android (Magisk or root requires): 🎛️ Advanced equalizer with presets for different genres. 🔊 Volume Boost function up to +6 dB. 🎧 Support for high-omnipotence headphones. Installation: download APK, Install it with Magisk Manager (root).
2. Volume Booster GOODEV (rootless): 📱 Increases volume to 200 percent of standard volume. 🔋 Low battery consumption. 🚫 Not working. MIUI 14+ no-non-exclusive.

Equalizer FX

• 🎵 Available in Settings → Sound and vibration → equalizer.
• 🔊 Allows you to raise frequencies, but does not remove volume limit.

For custom firmware:

• Install the official MIUI via Fastboot or Recovery.
• Or look for the Enable EU Volume Limit option in the firmware settings.

If the sound is gone after the restriction is returned, check:

• 🔌 Connecting headphones (try another connector or Bluetooth device).
• 🔊 Sound settings in Settings → Sound and vibration → Loudness.
• 🛠️ System File Integrity (You may need to reflash your phone).