How to improve the sound in Xiaomi wireless headphones: from smartphone settings to hardware life hacks

Xiaomi’s wireless headphones are some of the most popular on the market due to their price-performance ratio. However, even top-end models like the Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro or FlipBuds Pro sometimes disappoint with the sound: low volume, low frequencies or “empty” bass. Most of the time, the problem lies not in the hardware, but in the wrong settings – both on the headphone side and on the side of the sound source (smartphone, PC or player).

In this article, we’ll look at 12 proven ways to improve sound in Xiaomi wireless headphones, from basic equalizer and codec settings to advanced firmware and hardware tricks. You’ll learn how to make sound bigger, more detailed and louder without distortion — even on budget models like Redmi AirDots 3. And if your headphones are already “outdated,” we’ll show you how to restore their quality with software and physical improvements.

We warn you beforehand: some methods require root rights on your smartphone or interference with the firmware of the headphones. If you are not willing to take risks, focus on the first 5 sections, where you can collect safe and reversible methods. For experienced users, we have prepared instructions for flashing, replacing the earbuds and even modifying the drivers.

1. Check the basic connection settings

Before you dig deeper, make sure the headphones are connected correctly. Mistakes at this stage can nullify all further effort.

• 🔗 Bluetooth codec: Xiaomi headphones support AAC, SBC and (in top models) aptX or LDAC. On Android, open Settings → Connected devices → Settings gear next to the headphones → Sound quality and choose the best quality (this will include) aptX/LDAC, On the iPhone, codec is always available. AAC — never change.
• 📶 Connection stability: if the sound is interrupted or wheezing, the problem may be interference. Reconnect the headphones, make sure there are no sources of interference (microwaves, other Bluetooth devices) nearby. In extreme cases, reset the headphones to the factory (press the button on the case for 10-15 seconds).
• 🔊 Mono/Stereo mode: rarely, but it happens that the headphones go into mono mode (for example, after a failure). Check this in the Bluetooth settings on your smartphone - should be specified Stereo or A2DP.

If you use headphones with a Xiaomi smartphone (for example, Redmi Note 12 or Xiaomi). POCO F5), Close background applications that can eat away at Bluetooth resources, especially for games or streaming services.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Buds) 3T Pro) when connected to Windows, the sound can be quieter than on Android, it is associated with Bluetooth drivers, the solution is to install the official Xiaomi Earphones application from the Microsoft Store or manually update the Bluetooth adapter driver.

2.Tune the equaliser (EQ) smartphone-on-ear

The equalizer is the main tool for audio adjustment, and in Xiaomi headphones, it can be configured in two ways: through a proprietary app or third-party utilities.

Method 1: Mi Earphones (for most models)

The Mi Earphones app (or Xiaomi Earphones for new models) is available for Android and iOS.

• 🎛️ Select one of the preset profiles (Basic, Vocal, Balance).
• 📊 Set up a customized EQ (Not available on all models).
• 🔇 Turn on ANC (Active noise cancellation or Transparency mode (if supported).

How to set up:

1. Install the app from Google Play or the App Store.
2. Connect the headphones and open the application.
3. Go to the Sound or Equator section.
4. Select a profile or create your own by moving sliders for low (60-250 Hz), medium (500-2000 Hz) and high (4000-16,000 Hz) frequencies.

On models Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro and FlipBuds Pro in the application there is a hidden Super Bass mode - activated by holding the equalizer button for 3 seconds.

Method 2: Third-party equalizers (Wavelet, Poweramp, Viper4Android)

If the firm EQ Not enough, use third-party apps:

• 🎵 Wavelet (free, with support) LDAC and aptX – automatically selects a profile for your headphones.
• 🔊 Poweramp Equalizer (paid but with extensive customization options).
• 🐍 Viper4Android (It requires root but gives you maximum control over sound).

Example of settings in Wavelet:

1. Install the app and give it access to the Sound Settings.
2. Select AutoEQ and find your headphone model in the database (e.g. Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro).
3. Activate the profile and adjust the volume manually if necessary.

3. Optimize the sound source

Sound quality depends not only on the headphones, but also on the device from which the signal is coming. Even the top-end Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro will sound bad if the smartphone or player "spoils" the audio stream. Here's what you can do:

On Android smartphones.

• 📱 Turn off audio processing: Many manufacturers (including Xiaomi) add their sound "improvements" that only spoil the quality. → Sound. → Sound effects and turn everything off (e.g. Mi Sound Enhancer or Dolby Atmos).
• 🎧 Use Hi-Res Audio-enabled apps: Spotify (with Very High setting), Tidal, Apple Music (without loss) or Qobuz. On YouTube Music, turn on Always High Quality in Settings.
• 🔧 Set up Bluetooth bitrate: on some firmware MIUI The default is a 328 kbps limit. To remove it, activate the developer mode (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — tap 7 times) and in the Developer Settings find Bluetooth Codec and Bitrate A2DP, maximum.

iPhone.

There are fewer options on iOS, but there are a couple of life hacks:

• 🍎 Enable the Equator in Settings → Music. → Equalizer and choose Late Night (boosts bass) or Rock (raises high frequencies).
• 🔇 Turn off Volume Limitation in Settings → Music. → Volume limitation.
• 🎵 Use Apple Music with lossless enabled (Settings) → Music. → Audio quality).

On PC (Windows/macOS)

If you connect your headphones to your computer:

• 🖥️ On Windows, open the Control Panel → Sound. → Headphone properties → Additionally, and select 24 bits, 48,000 Hz (or higher if supported).
• 🍏 On macOS, go to System Settings → Sound. → Exit and choose the maximum quality.
• 🎛️ Install Equalizer APO (Windows) or SoundSource (macOS) for fine-tuning EQ.

💡

If the sound in the headphones Xiaomi has become worse after the update MIUI, Try to roll back to the previous firmware version or reset your network settings (Settings) → System system → Resetting settings → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth).

4. Update the headphone firmware

Manufacturers regularly release firmware updates for headphones that can improve sound, add new codecs or fix bugs. For example, Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro after upgrading to version 4.7.1 has received support for the new version. LDAC, This greatly improved the detailing of the sound.

How to update firmware:

1. Install the branded application Mi Earphones/Xiaomi Earphones.
2. Connect the headphones to your smartphone.
3. Open the app and go to the Firmware Update section (usually in the headphone settings).
4. If a new version is available, click Update and wait until it is completed (don’t turn off the headphones!).

If the update doesn’t come automatically, try:

• 🔄 Reconnect the headphones.
• 📥 Remove the cache of the Mi Earphones application (Settings) → Annexes → Xiaomi Earphones → Memory. → Clear the cache).
• 🌍 Change the region in the app (sometimes updates are released earlier in China or Europe).

⚠️ Attention: Do not interrupt the process of updating the firmware! If the Xiaomi headphones "hang" at the firmware stage (red indicators burn for more than 10 minutes), reset: put them in the case, close the lid, then remove and hold the button on the case for 20 seconds. If this does not help, contact the service.

Download the headphones to 100%|Connect to stable Wi-Fi|Close the background applications|Do not remove the headphones from the case before completion|Check the firmware version after the update-->

5. Physical improvements: embushures, positioning, cleaning

Sometimes the problem isn't the settings, but the physical factors: loose fit, contamination of speakers, or wear of the bottles. Here's how to fix it:

Replacement of ambusheries

The standard silicone earbuds in Xiaomi headphones often do not provide sufficient insulation, which causes low frequencies to be lost.

• 🔄 Buy shape memory embroideries (such as Comply Foam or SpinFit) that are better at insulating from outside noise and improving bass.
• 🎵 Size: If the hoods are too big or small, the sound will "leak out." Complete with Xiaomi Buds usually go 3 size (S/M/L) — experiment.
• 🧼 Wash your earbuds once a month with soapy solution (no alcohol!) to remove earwax that can clog sound channels.

Proper Positioning in the Ear

Incorrect landing of headphones leads to:

• ❌ Loss of bass (if the speaker is not directed to the ear canal).
• ❌ Discomfort with prolonged wearing.
• ❌ Leaking sound out.

How to put on your headphones correctly:

1. Pull the ear canal up and back to open the ear canal.
2. Insert the headphone and slightly twist it so that the earpiece fits tightly.
3. Check the tightness: If you hear external sounds, try a different size of earpieces.

Cleaning the speakers

Dust and sulfur accumulate over time on the speaker grid, muting the sound.

• 🧹 Use a soft brush (for example, for camera lenses) or a cotton swab soaked in isopropyl alcohol (not ethanol!).
• 🚫 Don’t blow into the speaker with your mouth – it can damage the membrane.
• 💧 For deep cleaning, use a sticky mass (such as Blutack) to gently remove contaminants from the grille.

6. Advanced methods: flashing, modification, hardware improvements

If the standard methods didn't work, and the sound still leaves much to be desired, we can go further -- but it requires technical skills, and these methods are suitable for advanced users and can be insecure.

Reflashing headphones through Fastboot or ADB

Some Xiaomi models (such as AirDots Pro 2 or Buds 3) can be reflashed with custom firmware that:

• 🔊 Increases maximum volume.
• 🎛️ Adds support for additional codecs (aptX, LDAC).
• 🔋 Optimizes energy consumption.

Instructions (for example, Xiaomi AirDots Pro 2):

1. Download custom firmware (for example, from the XDA Developers forum).


2. Connect the headphones to the PC in firmware mode (usually pressing the button for 10 seconds).




3. Open the terminal and perform:




adb devices




fastboot flash firmware name file.bin




4. Reset the headphones.

Risks: The wrong firmware can make headphones look hard. Check the firmware compatibility with your model before the procedure!

Replacement of speakers or crossover

In rare cases, the problem lies in the hardware, such as a worn speaker membrane or a faulty crossover (in models with hybrid drivers, such as the FlipBuds Pro).

• 🔧 Buy spare parts on AliExpress (look for the model of headphones) + «replacement driver»).
• 🛠️ Disassemble headphones with a plastic mediator (not a knife!).
• 🔊 Replace the speaker or crossover by following the connection scheme (usually 2-3 wires).

Cost of repair: ~500–1500 ₽ zip-drive + Work (if you give it to the service).

Modifying the case for better nutrition

In some models (for example, Redmi AirDots 3), a weak case battery leads to a voltage drawdown, which affects the sound.

• 🔋 Replace the case battery with a more capacious one (for example, from 300 mAh to 500 mAh).
• 🔌 Use an external powerbank to power the case during listening (relevant for long sessions).

⚠️ WARNING: Self-disassembly of Xiaomi headphones will void the warranty. If your model is still warranty, first contact the service center - perhaps a problem in marriage, and you will be replaced with headphones for free.

1 Headphones older than 2 years and warranty is over.

2.You are confident in your skills (or willing to take risks).

3. Standard methods have not yielded results.

In other cases, start with the software settings!-->

7. Model comparison: Which Xiaomi headphones sound better out of the box

If you haven’t bought headphones yet and want to choose the model with the best sound, here’s a comparison table on key characteristics:

If your goal is maximum sound quality, choose Buds 4 Pro, FlipBuds Pro or Buds 3 Pro. Redmi Buds 4 Active is suitable for your budget, but be prepared for manual equalizer tuning.

8. Alternative solutions: when nothing helps

If you’ve tried everything but still don’t like the sound, consider alternatives:

• 🎧 Buying new headphones: If your model is outdated (like AirDots Youth), even the most advanced settings won’t make it Sony WH-1000XM5. Investing in a more modern model (e.g. Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro) is often justified.
• 🔊 Use of external DAC/amplifier: for home listening, you can connect headphones to a Bluetooth transmitter (for example, FiiO) BTR5), which will improve sound processing.
• 📱 Source change: sometimes the problem isn't with the headphones, but with the smartphone. 4xx (Like Redmi. 9A) It may not be able to handle the AptX codecs or LDAC. Try connecting your headphones to another device.
• 🔧 Call to service: If the sound is distorted, interrupted or lost in one of the speakers, it can be a hardware malfunction (detached wire, damaged membrane.

If you decide to sell old headphones and buy new ones, pay attention to models with support LDAC (For example, Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro or hybrid drivers (FlipBuds Pro) – they give the best sound in the line Xiaomi.

FAQ: Frequent questions about improving the sound in Xiaomi headphones