How to really amplify the sound in Bluetooth headphones on Xiaomi: from standard settings to engineering menu

Xiaomi’s wireless headphones are some of the most popular on the market for their price-to-quality ratio, but many users face the problem of low volume when connected over Bluetooth. Even at the highest level, the sound can be quieter than in wired counterparts, the reasons are rooted in the limitations of the Bluetooth protocol, the settings of MIUI and the hardware features of the headphones themselves.

In this article, we'll look at 7 working ways to turn up the volume, from basic smartphone settings to hidden engineering menu features. It's important to understand that not all methods are equally effective for different models. For example, Redmi AirDots and Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro have different audio profiles, while MIUI 14 and HyperOS have different audio processing algorithms. We tested the solutions on current firmware in 2026.

If you've tried to turn up the volume through a standard regulator, but the result is not satisfied, don't rush to buy new headphones. 80 percent of the time, the problem is solved by software settings. The main thing is to act consistently and check the sound after each step.

1. Check basic sound settings in MIUI/HyperOS

Before digging deeper, make sure the system doesn't activate volume limits. Xiaomi has several "hidden" switches that can lower the sound level to protect hearing.

Open Settings → Sound and vibration. Here, pay attention to:

• 🔊 Safe volume level - if it's on, the system automatically lowers the sound after you exceed the threshold.
• 🎧 Improved sound for headphones – in some firmware, this option can distort the sound, try turning it off.
• 📱 Separate volume control – make sure the controller for Bluetooth devices is set to maximum (sometimes it resets after connecting new headphones).

Pay special attention to the item Additional audio settings (in older versions of MIUI it was called Headphone Settings), here you can hide the option "Limit EU volume" - it must be deactivated, as it artificially lowers the maximum sound level according to European standards.

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If your firmware doesn’t have a “Safe Volume Level” option, try resetting the sound settings to factory: Settings → Applications → Application Management → Three Dots (menu) → Resetting the application settings → Select Media and Sound.

2.Use of uniform volume distribution (DVC)

Dynamic Volume Control (DVC) is a technology that automatically balances volume between different types of content (music, calls, notifications) and can understate sound for Bluetooth devices in some cases. Disabling DVC often helps to increase volume by 10-15%.

To deactivate DVC:

1. Go to Settings → Special features → Hearing settings.
2. Find the item "Equal volume distribution" (or "Dynamic Volume" in global firmware).
3. Turn off the slider.
4. Reboot your smartphone.

After turning off, check the sound in the headphones. If there is no difference, return the settings back - perhaps in your model, Xiaomi DVC does not affect Bluetooth audio.

3. Activation of the engineering menu to increase volume

The most radical, but also the most effective way is to change the sound parameters through the engineering menu, which requires caution, since the wrong settings can lead to distortion of the sound or even damage the earphone speakers.

Instructions for Xiaomi on MIUI 12-14 and HyperOS:

1. Open the phone app.
2. Enter the code ##36446337##
3. You will be taken to the engineering menu. Go to the Hardware Testing → Audio → Headset Mode section.
4. Find the settings: Headset Max Vol - set the value of 150 (usually 128-140 by default). Headset Vol - increase to 60-70 (standard: 50).

Save the settings and restart the phone.

📱 Make a backup copy of the sound settings

🔊 Check the current volume of the headphones (write down the value)

📝 Download Headset Max Vol and Headset Vol

🔋 Charge your phone at least 50% (in case of a crash)-->

Warning: Values above 150 for Headset Max Vol can cause sound distortion at high frequencies. If there is a wheezing or crackling after the changes, return the settings to standard.

4. Apps to amplify sound: top-3 decision

If the system settings don't work, third-party apps will come to the rescue, and we tested dozens of utilities and selected the three most effective ones for Xiaomi.

Important: Before installing applications, check permissions. Utilities to amplify sound should request access to Settings and Media. If the application requires access to contacts or SMS, this is a reason to be wary.

Volume Booster|Precise Volume|Equalizer FX|Other|I don't use it.-->

5. Update of the firmware of headphones and smartphone

Manufacturers regularly release updates that optimize Bluetooth connectivity. For example, in Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro after upgrading to V1.7.0.8, the volume increased by 12% due to the improved LC3 codec.

How to update the firmware headphones:

• 📱 Make sure the latest version is installed on your smartphone. MIUI or HyperOS (Settings) → The phone. → Updating the system).
• 🎧 Put your headphones on the phone.
• 🔄 Open the official Mi Earphones app (for AirDots) or Xiaomi Earbuds app (for Buds).
• 📲 Go to the Firmware Update section and follow the instructions.

If there is no update button in the app, check:

• Are the headphones connected to the original charging case?
• Is the charge level sufficient (at least 50%).
• Is the mobile network or Wi-Fi active (update downloaded via the Internet).

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After updating the firmware of the headphones, reset them: remove the device from the Bluetooth list, then re-arrange the pairing, which will help avoid conflicts between old and new parameters of sound.

6. Alternative codec and Bluetooth settings

By default, Xiaomi uses the SBC codec to transmit audio over Bluetooth, which provides medium quality and limited volume.Switching to AAC or aptX can improve things.

How to change the codec:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
3. Find the Bluetooth Codec (or Bluetooth Audio Codec).
4. Choose aptX (priority) or AAC (if aptX is not supported).
5. Also activate the Bluetooth Absolute Volume.

After changing the codec, check the sound in the headphones. If there is interference, return the settings back - perhaps your headphone model is not optimized for the selected codec.

⚠️ Note: not all Xiaomi models support the aptX codec, for example, in the Redmi Note 10 Pro it works stably, and in Poco it works stably. X3 NFC You can make a sound stutter. Check compatibility on the manufacturer's website before changing.

7 Hardware Solutions: When Software Methods Don't Help

If none of the methods gave the result, the problem may lie in the hardware:

• 🔋 Discharged headphone battery – at a charge level below 20%, many models automatically turn the volume down.
• 🎛️ Contaminated speakers -- dust and earwax can physically block sound. Clean your headphones with a soft brush.
• 🔌 Charging case problems – if contacts are oxidized, headphones may not receive enough power for maximum volume.

For the diagnosis of hardware malfunctions:

1. Connect your headphones to another device (like a laptop or tablet), and if the sound is quiet, the headphones are the problem.
2. Check the headphones at maximum volume in a quiet room. If the sound is clean but quiet, the settings of the smartphone are to blame. If you hear distortions, the speakers may malfunction.

If headphones are warranty, contact the service center Xiaomi. in 2026, the company free replaces the speakers in the models Buds 3/4 Pro and AirDots 3 when confirming factory defect.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the volume of Xiaomi Bluetooth headphones