How to Improve the Sound Quality in Headphones on Xiaomi Phone: A Complete Guide

Why is the sound in Xiaomi headphones disappointing?

Xiaomi smartphone owners often face the problem of mediocre sound through wired or wireless headphones. Even models with support for Hi-Res Audio (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro+ or Xiaomi 13 Ultra) sometimes give out muted bass, insufficient detail or distortion at high volume, the reasons are rooted in both hardware limitations (weak built-in DAC) and in the software settings by default.

The manufacturer optimizes the sound for the “average” user, sacrificing quality for the sake of battery power savings or compatibility with cheap accessories. Fortunately, most problems are solved without buying a new phone – adjust existing parameters correctly enough or use third-party tools. In this article, we will discuss 7 proven methods, including hidden MIUI functions, uniform equalizers and even hardware modifications for enthusiasts.

It’s important to understand that the result depends on the headphone model. Xiaomi’s AirDots Pro 2 or Buds 4 Pro have their own customizations in the proprietary app, and budget wired models like Mi Basic require manual adjustments through system tools, starting with the simplest: built-in MIUI capabilities.

1. Sound optimization through MIUI settings

Modern versions of MIUI 14/15 offer advanced audio settings that many users ignore. To reach them, go to Settings → Sound and vibration → Sound quality. Three key parameters are available here:

• 🎵 Equalizer: Offers 10 presets (from "Rock" to "The Voice") and the ability to create your own profile. For bass sound, we recommend starting with the Bass preset and increasing the slider by 60 Hz per head. +3 dB.
• 🔊 Sound amplifier: Includes hardware signal amplification, useful for high-impedance headphones (from 32 ohms), but can add noise on cheap models.
• 🎧 Adaptive sound: Automatically adjusts the equalizer to the genre of music, works only with supported streaming services (Spotify, Apple Music).

Pay special attention to the item Audio format in the same menu. If your headphones support LDAC or AAC (check in specs), choose the appropriate codec instead of the standard SBC. This is especially true for the Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro or SoundPEATS Air3, where the difference in audio detail is up to 30%.

⚠️ Warning: Enabling the audio amplifier function at maximum volume levels can cause the chipset to overheat on budget models (Redmi) 10A, Poco M5). For long listening, monitor the temperature of the body near the 3.5 mm connector.

2. Hidden developer settings for audiophiles

For advanced users, MIUI hides additional audio options in the developer menu to activate it:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. 7 times tap on the item MIUI version
3. Return to the main settings menu – a new section for developers will appear

In this menu, find the following options:

• 🔧 Turn off absolute volume: By default MIUI It synchronizes the volume of the headphones and speakers, and it allows you to independently adjust the levels.
• 🎛️ Disable audio processing: Deactivates built-in effects (such as virtual surround) that can spoil sound.
• 📊 Bluetooth Codec Monitor: Shows the current codec used (SBC, AAC, aptX) and bitrate, useful for diagnosing connection problems.

Critical nuance for owners of flagships: on Xiaomi 13/14 The series in the developer menu is available option Select audio device, allowing you to manually switch between the built-in DAC and the external USB-DAC (if connected) is the only way to harness the full potential of Beyerdynamic headphones. DT 990 Pro (250 Ohms) without additional amplifier.

Bluetooth's absolute volume is turned off|Codec monitor on|Audio processing is disabled (unless surround is required)|Current bitrate checked (should be) ≥256 kbps)-->

3. Third-party equalizers: Wavelet vs Poweramp

The built-in MIUI equalizer is limited to 5 bands and does not support custom presets. For fine tuning of the sound, we recommend two applications:

For most users, Wavelet is the best choice.

1. Select a headphone model from the database (or create a custom profile).
2. Activate AutoEq – the algorithm will automatically select the frequency response.
3. Enable LDAC/aptX in Bluetooth settings (if supported).

The Poweramp’s key feature is Direct Volume Control, which bypasses the MIUI volume limits, especially for the Redmi Note 11 and other models with a software limit of 85% volume.

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If the sound is quieter after installing Wavelet, check the Limit amplifier settings in the Effects section. Set the value to 0 dB for maximum volume.

4. Hardware solutions: external DACs and amplifiers

If software methods do not give the desired result, it is worth considering hardware improvements. Xiaomi budget smartphones (for example, Redmi 12C or Poco X5) are equipped with weak built-in DACs that are not able to unlock the potential of headphones with impedance above 32 ohms.

• 🎧 USB-C DAC: Devices like iBasso DC05 AudioQuest DragonFly is connected via OTG And it's a clean sound, without interference. ₽.
• 🔌 Portable amplifiers: FiiO A3 topping NX4 DSD Suitable for headphones with impedance 150-600 They require separate food.
• 🔄 Adapters Lightning/USB-C: For models without 3.5-mm connector (for example, Xiaomi) 12T) It is useful to use an adapter with a built-in DAC, for example, Apple USB-C to 3.5mm (Despite the brand, it works with Android).

Before buying, check compatibility with your Xiaomi model:

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi with Snapdragon processors 4xx/6xx series (e.g. Redmi) 9A) External DACs may not work well due to driver limitations. Check reviews for your specific model before buying.

5. Customizing sound for specific applications

Different apps use audio streams in different ways, such as YouTube Music, which compresses audio to 128 kbps on mobile devices by default, and Spotify limits the quality of free accounts. Here's how to optimize audio in popular services:

• 🎵 Spotify: In the app settings, select Sound Quality → Very high (320 kbps) Activate Volume Normalization to align tracks. For Spotify Premium, turn on Spotify Connect and select an external DAC (if connected).
• 🎥 YouTube/YouTube Music: YouTube Premium is available for quality up to 256 quid (AAC). Use the Enhancer for YouTube extension (requires Xiaomi) EU ROM or Magisk) for forced inclusion of high bitrate.
• 🎮 Games: In Settings → Sound and vibration → Sound quality in games, select High. PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Disable Embedded Voice Chats – They Compress Sound to 48kHz.

For local files, we recommend using Hi-Res Audio players:

• 📱 USB Audio Player PRO: Supports DSD256 and MQA, It works with external DACs.
• 🎶 Neutron Music Player: 32/64-bit processing, parametric equalizer.

For models with ANC (active noise reduction) (Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro) additionally check:

• 🔇 In the Mi Earphones app, update the firmware of headphones.
• 🎛️ In the settings ANC Select Adaptive Mode instead of Maximum – This reduces the artifacts of sound.

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi with MediaTek processors (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro) LDAC It may not work smoothly due to driver problems, in which case switch to aptX Adaptive or AAC.

7. Radical methods: ROOT and custom firmware

If you're willing to go to extreme lengths, unlocking the bootloader and installing custom firmware will open up access to advanced audio capabilities.

• 📱 Xiaomi.EU ROM: Including ViPER4Android Dolby Atmos support for headphones, Advanced equalizer settings (up to 15 bands).
• 🔧 Magisk + Audio Modification Library: Installs JamesDSP drivers for global audio processing. MIUI loudly.
• 🎛️ Castomic core (e.g., FrancoKernel): Optimizes DAC at the hardware level. Adds support DSD and MQA.