How to increase the volume of wireless headphones on Xiaomi Redmi 9: all working ways

Why are the Redmi 9’s wireless headphones playing too quiet?

Owners of Xiaomi Redmi 9 often face a problem: when you connect wireless headphones (especially budget models like Redmi AirDots or Haylou GT1), the maximum volume seems insufficient. Even on a full scale, the sound remains weak, and in noisy environments it is almost not audible.

It's about the manufacturer's restrictions. Xiaomi artificially lowers the volume level through European safety regulations (EU In addition, Redmi 9 uses Qualcomm Snapdragon 460, the chipset of which does not always correctly process Bluetooth codecs (for example, the chipset of the system is not always correct, SBC or AAC). As a result, the sound loses its dynamics, and its level seems lower than through wired headphones.

Another possible reason is that Bluetooth profiles don't match, so if your headphones support AptX and your smartphone only supports SBC, the sound will be compressed, which will affect the volume and quality, and you can check this in the developer's settings (more on that later).

Method 1: Turning off volume limit in settings

The easiest and safest method is to remove the software limitation that Xiaomi sets by default.

1. Open the Settings. → Sound and vibration.
2. Stick to the volume (or media volume).
3. In the upper right corner, press on ⋮ → Disable Safe Mode (or Remove the EU Restriction).
4. Confirm the action by moving the slider to the right.

After that, the maximum volume will increase by 20-30%, but note that this method does not work on all MIUI firmware. If there is no option to turn off Safe Mode, move to the next method.

⚠️ Warning: Long-term listening to music at high volume (above 80% of the scale) can lead to irreversible hearing loss!

Method 2: Adjusting the uniformity of sound (EQ)

Sometimes the problem is not the volume itself, but the wrong frequency balance. For example, if the headphones are dominated by high frequencies, the sound subjectively seems quieter, in which case the built-in equalizer will help:

1. Go to Settings → Sound and vibration → Sound uniformity.
2. Select the preset profile of Basa or Rock – they amplify the low frequencies, making the sound volumetric.
3. If you need a precise setup, tap the User and manually lift the sliders to 60 Hz and 250 Hz (this will add "heavy" to the sound).

You can also use third-party equalizer apps like Wavelet or Poweramp Equalizer, which offer more flexible settings, including virtual surround and bass amplifier.

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If the sound becomes distorted after the change in EQ, reduce the level of high frequencies (above 8 kHz) - this will eliminate wheezing.

Method 3: Enabling Developer Mode and Changing the Bluetooth Codec

If your headphones support advanced codecs (like AptX or LDAC), but your smartphone uses SBC, the sound will be compressed, hence the low volume.

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version (you will receive a notification "You are a developer").

Settings → Additional → For Developers

Bluetooth network

• Bluetooth → AAC (better for Apple AirPods) or AptX (for Sony, JBL headphones).
• Bluetooth Bitrate → 320 kbps (maximum quality)
• Save the settings and restart the phone.

After this manipulation, the volume will increase by 40-50%, but there is a risk of distortion of the sound at high levels. If you hear wheezing, lower the Max Vol to 140.

Method 5: Sound amplifiers applications

If you don't want to go through the settings, you can use third-party apps that work as an intermediate amplifier, increasing the volume at the software processing level.

• 🎧 Volume Booster GOODEV — Simple booster with presets for different types of headphones.
• 🔊 Precise Volume – allows you to go beyond the system volume scale.
• 🎛️ Wavelet – combines equalizer and amplifier, supports automatic adjustment for specific models of headphones.

Example of settings in Volume Booster GOODEV:

1. Install the application and open it.
2. Activate the Boost Media Volume switch.
3. Move the slider 120-130 percent (maximum 150 percent, but this is fraught with distortion).
4. Turn on the Prevent Distortion option to reduce the risk of wheezing.

The downside of such applications is that they discharge the battery faster (by 10-15%) and can conflict with the system sound effects of MIUI.

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Third-party amplifiers do not increase the physical power of the speakers, but only amplify the signal at the software level, which can lead to distortion if the headphones are not designed to handle this load.

Method 6: Hardware solutions (if nothing worked)

If the software methods did not give a result, the problem may be in the hardware:

• 🔋 Weak Bluetooth module in Redmi 9 – Broadcom chip BCM4356 It doesn’t always work well with headphones.
• 🎧 Low speaker resistance in headphones (less than 16 ohms) – they require more power than a smartphone can give.
• 🔌 Interference from other devices – if Wi-Fi routers are running nearby at 2.4 GHz, the sound can be cut".

What to do in such cases:

1. Use headphones with 32 ohm resistance – they are better compatible with the Redmi 9.
2. Connect your headphones via a Bluetooth 5.0 adapter (like the Avantek BTA-200) to provide a more stable connection.

If the problem in the smartphone itself (for example, damaged connector or audio chip), only a service center will help. The average cost of repairing an audio track in Redmi 9 is 1,500-2,500 rubles.

Method 7: Alternative firmware (for power users)

Xiaomi Redmi 9 can be customized firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience) that has no volume limits, but this method is only suitable for those who are ready for:

• ⚠️ Loss of warranty.
• 🔧 Possible bugs (unstable camera, Bluetooth or sensors).
• 🔄 Need for manual updates.

If you do decide, follow the instructions:

1. Unblock bootloader through the official Xiaomi website (you need a Mi Account and wait 7 days).
2. Install TWRP Recovery for Redmi 9 (model lancelot).
3. Download LineageOS 18.1 (Android 11) from lineageos.org.
4. Sweat through TWRP, having previously made a backup.

In custom firmware, volume is adjusted through Sound Settings → Volume Panel, where you can set a limit of up to 150% of the standard.

⚠️ Warning: Wrong firmware can turn Redmi 9 into a brick. If you're not sure about your skills, consult a specialist.

FAQ: Frequent questions about volume increase