How to improve the sound of speakers on the Xiaomi phone: from settings to hardware solutions

If you own a Xiaomi smartphone and notice that the sound from the speakers has become quieter, distorted or simply does not suit the quality, do not rush to blame the manufacturer. In 80% of cases, the problem can be solved by software methods or simple hardware improvements. Even budget models like the Redmi Note 12 or POCO X5 can produce acceptable sound if you configure them correctly.

In this article, we will analyze all possible ways to improve sound – from basic equalizer settings to non-obvious tricks with firmware and external accessories. You will learn how to diagnose a problem (hardware or software), which applications really help, and which only spoil the sound, and when to contact the service center. 10A), where improving sound requires a special approach.

1. Diagnostics of the problem: hardware failure or software bug?

Before you can improve something, you need to know what the problem is, and the sound can be quiet, distorted, intermittent, or completely absent.

  • πŸ”Š Check both speakers: on most Xiaomi, the lower speaker is responsible for low frequencies, and the upper speaker is responsible for medium / high. If only music is playing quietly, but calls are heard normally, the problem is in the lower speaker.
  • 🎡 Test on different applications: run music on Mi Music, YouTube and Spotify. If the sound is equally bad, it's the system's fault. If it's better somewhere and worse, it's the settings of the app.
  • πŸ“± Reboot and reset: sometimes the sound disappears after the update. Try restarting your phone or resetting the sound settings in Settings β†’ Sound. β†’ Resetting settings.

If the speaker is not working at all or is cracking even at a minimum volume, it's a hardware malfunction (membrane damage, contact oxidation or plume dumping), in which case only repairs will help. In all other cases, read on.

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi models 12T Pro and POCO F4 GT Frequently encountered bugs when after updating MIUI The solution is to roll back to the previous firmware version or manual firmware through Fastboot.

πŸ“Š What kind of smartphone you Xiaomi?
Redmi (Series Note, A, Pro)
POCO (F, X, M)
Mi (11, 12, 13)
Black Shark
Other

2. Set up the built-in MIUI equalizer

The easiest way to improve sound is to use the built-in equalizer, which is hidden in the settings in MIUI 14+, but gives good results:

  1. Open the settings β†’ Sound β†’ Equator.
  2. Select the user profile (if not, update the MIUI).
  3. Set up the sliders: πŸ”Ή 60 Hz: +3–4 DB for bass (but no more, otherwise there will be wheezing). πŸ”Ή 230–910 Hz: +1–2 dB. πŸ”Ή 14–16 keto: -1 dB to remove hissing.

"Bases + Clarity"

For models with monodynamics (Redmi 9A, POCO C40), it is recommended to increase the average frequencies (910-2.5 kHz) by +2-3 dB - this compensates for the lack of stereo sound.

Xiaomi modelRecommended presetFeatures
Redmi Note 11 Pro+"Rock" or custom 60-230 Hz amplificationGood speakers, but weak high frequencies
POCO X5 Pro"Jazz" or +2 dB at 910 HzStereodynamics, but poor detail
Mi 11 UltraClassics unchangedThe best speakers in the lineup, do not need correction
Redmi 10ACustom: +3 dB at 230–910 HzMonodynamics requires the strengthening of the average frequencies

πŸ’‘

If your version of MIUI doesn't have an equalizer, install the Wavelet app from F-Droid, which works at the system level and gives you more customization options than the standard equalizer.

3. Cleaning of speakers: remove dust and debris

Over time, the speakers accumulate dust, which degrades the sound, and you can clean them yourself.

Make sure your phone is off |Use a soft brush (e.g. makeup) |Gently walk through the speaker grille |Use compressed air (canister) |Do not use sharp objects for severe contaminants!

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For deep cleaning, isopropyl alcohol (70% +) is suitable:

1. Soak the cotton swab in alcohol.

2. Gently wipe the speaker grille (don't press!).

3. Let the phone dry for 10-15 minutes.

If the sound is better, but not perfect, the problem may be a clogged membrane, in which case only disassembling the phone in the service will help.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi 13 Pro and Mix Fold 2, the speakers are protected by a special grid. Don't try to remove it - this will lead to a loss of warranty.

4. Software update and reset sound settings

Sound problems often occur after a MIUI update.

  • πŸ“² Check the version. MIUI: Go to Settings. β†’ The phone. β†’ Version. MIUI. If the version is older than 14.0.5, update.
  • πŸ”„ Reset the sound settings: Settings β†’ Sound. β†’ Resetting settings β†’ Drop it.
  • πŸ› οΈ Clear the cache: Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Application management β†’ Music. β†’ Warehouse β†’ Clear the cache.

If the sound gets worse after the update, try to roll back to the previous version:

1. Download the necessary firmware from Xiaomifirmwareupdater.com.

2. Go to Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ System Update β†’ Three Dots β†’ Select a firmware file.

3. Select the downloaded file and wait for completion.

What if the sound is completely lost after the update?
This is a known bug in MIUI 14.0.2–14.0.4 Solutions: 1. Install Magisk and ViPER4Android module (requires root). 2. Reverse MIUI 13 via Fastboot. 3. Contact the service - possibly damaged audio codec (a frequent problem with the Redmi Note 10 Pro).

5. Sound enhancement applications

The standard MIUI equalizer is limited. For best results, use third-party applications:

AnnexAdvantagesDeficiencies
WaveletIt works at the system level, supports the auto equalizerF-Droid requires no Russian language
ViPER4AndroidMaximum customization, environmental effectsNeed root rights, difficult to configure
PowerampBuilt-in equalizer, support for Hi-Res audioPaid version, works only in the application
Equalizer FXSimple interface, preliminary settingsAdvertising doesn’t work with some apps

For installation of Wavelet:

1. Download APK from F-Droid.

2. Enable installation from unknown sources.

3. Launch the application and select "AutoEQ" to automatically adjust to your model.

ViPER4Android requires root or Magisk.

1. Install Magisk and get root.

Download ViPER4Android and the Audio Compatibility Patch driver.

3. In the settings, select "Background Processor" and set up the profile.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor (e.g. Xiaomi 13) ViPER4Android It can cause a stuttering sound. In this case, use Wavelet.

6 Hardware solutions: from external speakers to modings

If the software methods didn’t help, consider hardware improvements:

  • 🎧 Bluetooth speakers/earphones: even the budget Xiaomi Mi Portable Bluetooth Speaker sounds better than the built-in speakers.
  • πŸ”Œ USB-C audio adapter: connect an external sound card (such as DragonFly Red) for Hi-Res sound.
  • πŸ› οΈ Speaker replacement: AliExpress sells improved speakers for popular models (for example, for Redmi Note 9 Pro).
  • πŸ”Š Body moding: drill extra holes in the bottom of the body for better resonance (risky!).

For single speaker models (Redmi 9A, POCO C50), the best solution is to buy a Bluetooth receiver (such as Xiaomi Bluetooth Audio Receiver), which connects to a 3.5 mm connector (if any) or via USB-C and transmits the sound to external speakers.

πŸ’‘

The most effective hardware enhancement is external acoustics, and even cheap Bluetooth speakers sound better than 90 percent of smartphones.

Some Xiaomi models have unique sound problems, and here are the most common ones:

  • πŸ“± Redmi Note 10 Pro: Updated to Update MIUI 14 loses sound in the speaker. The solution is a rollback. MIUI 13 or firmware xiaomi.eu.
  • 🎡 POCO F3: Solution: Wavelet has a Harman preset".
  • πŸ”Š Mi 11 Lite: quiet sound in calls. Solution - turn voice amplification into Settings β†’ Special facilities β†’ Improvement of sound.

For the Xiaomi 12S Ultra and 13 Ultra with Harman Kardon speakers, it is software-intensive to improve the sound β€” they are already some of the best. But if you notice wheezing at high volume, check the tightness of the case (possibly moisture).

πŸ’‘

The POCO X3 Pro and Redmi K40 have a hidden feature called "Dolby Atmos." To enable it, type ##36446337## in the Phone app, then select "Dolby β†’ Music."

FAQ: Frequent questions about improving sound on Xiaomi

Can I improve the sound on Xiaomi without root?
Yes, most methods do not require root: equalizer setup, speaker cleaning, Wavelet or Poweramp. Root is only needed for ViPER4Android and some system modifications.
Why is the sound distorted at maximum volume?
This is a hardware limitation: Xiaomi speakers (except flagships) are not designed for high loads, so you can limit the volume to 80-90% in the settings or use external speakers.
How to check if the speaker is damaged?
Run the sound test through the engineering menu: Enter the phone app code ##4636##. Select "Equipment Testing." Press "Audio" and check both speakers. If one of the speakers is not playing, it's a hardware problem.
Does the firmware of Custom Recavery (TWRP) help to improve sound?
No, TWRP doesn't improve sound by itself, but it can also install custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience) where the audio driver can be better optimized.
Which headphones are best for Xiaomi?
For maximum quality, choose headphones with support LDAC or AptX: 🎧 Xiaomi Hybrid Pro HD β€” budget option with good bass. 🎧 Sony WH-1000XM5 β€” best ANC and the sound for the flagships. 🎧 1More SonoFlow is the best price/quality ratio on models with 3.5 mm connector (POCO X3 NFC) You can use wired Audio-Technica ATH-M50x.