How to improve the sound quality in headphones on Xiaomi Redmi: from settings to hardware modifications

The sound in the headphones on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones is often the subject of criticism: users complain of insufficient volume, distortion at high frequencies or “empty” bass. The reasons can lie both in the software limitations of MIUI and in the hardware features of the budget models of the series. However, even without the purchase of expensive headphones or external DAC, you can significantly improve the sound – it is enough to set the equalizer correctly, choose the optimal codecs and take advantage of hidden firmware functions.

In this article, we will discuss 8 working methods, from basic settings in the Sound and Vibration menu to advanced tricks with engineering menus and third-party applications. Particular attention will be paid to the Redmi Note 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10 and POCO X3/X4 models, where sound problems are most common. All recommendations are tested on current versions of MIUI 14/15 and adapted for headphones with a 3.5 mm connector and Bluetooth.

We warn you right away: some methods require unlocking the bootloader or root rights — we will highlight them separately with the mark “for experienced” — for beginners, the first five points are enough to achieve a noticeable improvement without risking a guarantee.

1. Set up the built-in MIUI equalizer

The easiest way to improve sound is to use the built-in 10-band equalizer in Xiaomi’s settings. It’s available on all Redmi models with MIUI 12 and up, but many users are unaware of its existence.

To open the equaliser:

1. Go to Settings → Sound and vibration → Sound quality.
2. Select the Equalizer option (on some firmware it is hidden under Additional settings).
3. Activate the sliders and adjust the frequencies to your headphones.

For most budget headphones (for example, Mi Basic or Redmi Buds 3), we recommend this preset:

• 🎵 60 Hz (bass): +3-4 dB
• 🎵 230 Hz (lower middle): +1–2 dB
• 🎵 910 Hz (medium frequencies): 0 dB
• 🎵 14 kHz (upper frequencies): +2 dB

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If your firmware does not have an equalizer, install the Wavelet app from Google Play – it supports LDAC and aptX, and also has an advanced equalizer with automatic adjustment for specific headphone models.

Note that on models with a 3.5 mm connector (for example, the Redmi Note 10 Pro), the equalizer works only for wired headphones. Bluetooth devices will require additional codec configuration (more on this in the next section).

2. Optimization of Bluetooth codecs for wireless headphones

If you use Bluetooth headphones (such as Redmi Buds 4 or Xiaomi Earbuds S), the sound quality depends on the audio codec you choose. By default, Xiaomi sets SBC, the most versatile, but far from the best in quality codec.

To change the codec:

1. Put the headphones on the phone.
2. Open Settings → Connected devices → Settings gear next to your headphones.
3. Select Sound Quality or Audio Codec (the name of the item depends on the version of MIUI).
4. Install AAC (for balance of quality and stability) or aptX/LDAC (for maximum quality if the headphones support).

Important: The LDAC codec is only available on Xiaomi’s flagship models (like the Redmi K50 Pro or Xiaomi 13) and requires activation in the engineering menu. On budget Redmis, it may not be available even after manual tuning.

Activation of the Mi Sound Enhancer function (hidden function)

MIUI firmware has a hidden feature called Mi Sound Enhancer, which improves sound through hardware optimization, and it's disabled by default, but it can be activated through the engineering menu.

Instructions:

1. Open the Phone app and enter the combination: ##36446337###
2. From the engineering menu, select Hardware Testing → Audio → Headset Mode.
3. Find Mi Sound Enhancer and set the Enabled value.
4. Save the settings and restart the phone.

Effects of activation:

• 🔊 Increase volume by 15-20% without distortion.
• 🎧 Higher frequencies (less dirty sound).
• 🔋 Small increase in battery consumption (2-3%).

4. Update of firmware and sound drivers

Often, sound problems are solved by a banal MIUI update. In new versions of the firmware, Xiaomi regularly fixes bugs with audio drivers, especially for models with Qualcomm Snapdragon processors (for example, the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ with the Snapdragon 695).

How to check and update the firmware:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click Check Updates and install the latest version of MIUI.
3. After the update, reset the sound settings: Settings → Applications → App management → Sound → Storage → Clear the data.

If the update didn’t work, try rolling back to a stable version (e.g., from MIUI 15 to MIUI 14) if the sound gets worse after the update.

• 📥 Download the necessary firmware version from the official Xiaomi website.
• 🔄 Go to Settings. → The phone. → Updating the system → Three points. → Select a firmware file.
• ⚠️ Warning: rollbacks can lead to data loss if you do not back up!

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Updating your firmware is the safest way to improve sound, but it only works if the problem is caused by a software bug. If the distortions remain, move on to hardware methods.

5. Use of external DAC (for audiophiles)

If you use headphones that are higher than 32 ohms (like the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro or Sennheiser HD 560S), the built-in Xiaomi Redmi amplifier may not be able to handle their “swing”, in which case an external DAC (digital-to-analog converter) will help.

Budget options for DAC for Redmi:

• 🎧 Xiaomi USB-C to 3.5mm DAC (Official, connect to Type-C, price ~1 500 ₽).
• 🎧 Tempotec Sonata HD Pro (supports) 32-bit/384kHz, price ~3 000 ₽).
• 🎧 iBasso DC05 (For headphones with high impedance, the price ~5 000 ₽).

How to connect DAC:

1. Connect the DAC to the USB-C port of the phone (use the adapter if the DAC has a Micro-USB connector).
2. In the sound settings, select USB-audio.
3. Turn off the built-in MIUI equalizer – it can conflict with the DAC.

⚠️ Note: On Redmi models with MediaTek processor (e.g. Redmi 10 or Redmi) 9A) External DACs may not work as well due to driver limitations. Check compatibility on forums before buying (e.g, 4PDA).

6. Modification of system files (for experienced users)

If you're willing to take risks, you can make changes to the system files that control the sound, which requires an unlocked bootloader and root rights, but gives you maximum control over the audio.

Method 1: Editing mixer_paths.xml

This file contains volume settings and limits for different output devices, to change it:

1. Install Root Explorer or FX File Explorer with superuser rights.
2. Cross the path: /vendor/etc/mixer_paths.xml.
3. Find the RX1 Digital Volume and RX2 Digital Volume options.
4. Increase the value from 84 to 90-95 (no higher, otherwise there will be distortions!).
5. Save the file and restart the phone.

Method 2: Installation of a custom core

Some custom cores (e.g., FrancoKernel or Perseus) have improved audio drivers.

• 🔧 Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool.
• 🔧 Install custom recovery (TWRP).
• 🔧 Flow the kernel through recovery (see instructions for the XDA Developers for your model).

⚠️ Warning: Incorrect editing of system files or firmware of an incompatible kernel can lead to a phone "brick" (complete failure). TWRP!

7. Cleaning of the 3.5 mm connector and checking the headphones

Sometimes the problem isn't with the phone, but with the physical condition of the jack or the headphones, and dust, contact oxidation, or a damaged cable can make the sound worse.

How to clean the connector 3.5 mm:

• 🧹 Use a toothpick with cotton wool dipped in alcohol (do not overdo it with moisture!).
• 🧹 Blow the connector with compressed air (for example, a canister to clean the keyboard).
• 🧹 Check contacts for oxidation (green coating) - if there is, carefully clean with a lasticle.

How to check the headphones:

• 🎧 Connect them to another device (laptop or other phone).
• 🎧 Listen to sound at different frequencies (e.g., through YouTube test tracks).
• 🎧 Check the cable on the curves – often breaks occur at the plug or connector.

Check the 3.5mm connector for contamination|Test your headphones on another device|Update the phone firmware|Reset the sound settings to factory|Try the other headphones.-->

8.Alternative players and applications for sound

Xiaomi’s standard Music app doesn’t offer flexibility in settings. For better sound, we recommend using third-party players with support for Hi-Res Audio and advanced equalizers.

Top.-3 sound-enhancing applications:

Setup Poweramp for maximum quality:

1. Open the settings → Audio → Exit.
2. Select Hi-Res Output (if supported by your phone).
3. Turn on Direct Volume Control for precise volume control.
4. In the equalizer, activate the Bass Boost or Treble Boost preset, depending on your preferences.

For Bluetooth headphones in Wavelet, be sure to turn on:

• 🎛 AutoEQ (automatic setup for the headphone model).
• 🎛 Bass Tuner (to enhance low frequencies).
• 🎛 Limiter (to avoid distortion at high volume).

FAQ: Frequent questions about improving the sound on Xiaomi Redmi