Why Xiaomi has a quiet sound when talking and how to fix it
The problem of low volume speaker on Xiaomi smartphones is common among many users. The reasons can be different, from the dust-filled grille to software restrictions in the firmware MIUI. Most complaints are received on the models Redmi Note 10/11/12, Poco X3/X4 and Mi 11 Lite, where the manufacturer artificially lowers the volume to save battery or meet safety standards.
In this article, we will discuss 7 proven ways to increase the volume of the speaker when talking, from standard settings to hidden functions of the engineering menu. It is important to understand that some methods require superuser rights (root), and the wrong actions can lead to damage to the hardware (for example, burn out the speaker when overloaded).
If the problem appears suddenly, first check the obvious: is not closed grille speaker case, whether it is clogged with dust (especially relevant for models with a lower speaker, like the Redmi 9A). Also make sure that the call settings do not activate the mode "Silent sound" or "Vibration".
1. Volume settings in MIUI: What can be changed without root
MIUI firmware offers several built-in audio adjustment tools, starting with the basic settings that are available to all users:
- ๐ Increase volume through slider: During the call, press the volume button and move the slider up to maximum.In some versions, MIUI (13-14, for example, has a separate regulator for the "Calls".
- ๐ฑ Mode "Sound amplifier": Go to Settings โ Special facilities โ Sound amplifier and activate the option, which will increase the volume by 10-15%.
- ๐ Disabling restrictions EU: On European firmware (MIUI EU) There are volume limits. If you have a global version, you can skip this.
For Xiaomi models on Android 12+ (such as Xiaomi 12T or Redmi Note 12 Pro), the path to settings may be different: Settings โ Sound and vibration โ Media Volume โ Additional settings. Here you can turn off automatic volume control (Adaptive Sound), which sometimes lowers the signal level.
โ ๏ธ Warning: If the sound becomes distorted or wheezing after the setting changes, return the parameters to their original state.
2. Engineering menu: hidden volume settings
The Engineering Mode allows you to manually adjust speaker settings, including maximum volume, which works on most Xiaomi devices, but requires caution โ incorrect values can damage the hardware.
To open the engineering menu:
- Open the Phone app and type the combination: ##36446337## (or #4636### for older models).
- Go to Hardware Testing โ Audio โ LoudSpeaker Mode.
- In the Max Vol field, increase the value from 84 to 90-95 (no higher!).
- Save the settings and restart the phone.
For models running Qualcomm processors (such as Poco F3 or Redmi K40), the path may be different: Hardware Testing โ Audio โ Normal Mode โ Level. Here you can set the volume for Voice Call (calls) and Ring (ringtones).
What to do if the engineering menu is not opened?
| Xiaomi model | Recommended value of Max Vol | Warning |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10/11 | 90โ92 | Above 92 - Risk of misstatement |
| Poco X3/X4 | 88โ90 | Sensitive to overload |
| Mi 11 Lite | 85โ88 | Weak speaker, do not increase much |
| Redmi 9A/9C | 95 (max.) | Low default sound quality |
3. Apps to amplify sound: top-5 decision-making
If standard methods don't work, you can use third-party applications. We tested 15 utilities and selected the 5 most effective for Xiaomi devices:
- ๐ Volume Booster GOODEV โ It increases volume by 30 to 40 percent without root, runs through a virtual audio driver, and it can cause delays.
- ๐ฑ Precise Volume โ allows you to fine-tune the volume for each type of sound (calls, media, alarm clocks). MIUI 12โ14.
- ๐ง SoundAssistant (from Samsung, but it works for Xiaomi) - gives access to advanced audio profile settings. Useful for Android 11 models+.
- ๐ง ViPER4Android โ requires root or Magisk, but offers maximum control over sound, including an equalizer for a conversational speaker.
- ๐ ๏ธ Equalizer FX โ It's a light equalizer with preset vocal enhancement, it doesn't turn up the volume directly, it makes the sound clearer.
To install ViPER4Android on Xiaomi with MIUI 13/14, you will need:
- Install Magisk and ViPER4Android FX module.
- In the application settings, select the Legacy Mode driver.
- Activate the Voice Call profile and increase the Master Gain setting to +3โ+5 dB.
โ ๏ธ Note: Apps like Volume Booster may conflict with system services MIUI. If after installation there are lags or the phone began to overheat, remove the utility and restart the device.
Check compatibility with the Android version|Make a backup copy of the sound settings|Disable other sound modifiers|Check the reviews of the app for the last 3 months-->
4. Hardware solutions: cleaning and replacement of the speaker
If the software methods did not help, the problem may lie in the physical state of the speaker. On Xiaomi devices, the following hardware malfunctions are most common:
- ๐งน Grid pollution: Dust and pile from clothing clog the speaker holes, especially in lower-end models (e.g. Redmi). 9A). Clean the grille with a soft brush or compressed air.
- ๐ง Moisture: Even after a minor contact with water, the speaker contacts oxidize.
- ๐ Membrane wear: Over time, the dynamics lose elasticity, which leads to a decrease in volume.
- ๐ Bad plume contact: If the sound disappears when you press the case, the problem is connecting the speaker to the motherboard.
For self-cleaning dynamics:
- Turn off the phone and remove it. SIM-map.
- Use a plastic blade to gently fit the speaker grille (on most models it is mounted on latches).
- Remove the dust with a cotton swab soaked in alcohol (do not overdo it!).
- Blow the holes with compressed air (for example, a canister for cleaning equipment).
If the speaker is damaged, it can be replaced yourself (the cost of a spare part for the Redmi Note 10 is about 300-500). โฝ). This will require:
- Buy the original speaker (the article can be found on the AliExpress website or 4PDA on the phone model).
- Use a set of screwdrivers T3-T5 and plastic blades.
- Follow the disassembly guide (for example, on YouTube for your model).
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Before disassembling your phone, take a picture of the location of all the plumes and screws. Xiaomi models often use screws of different lengths - it is easy to confuse them!
5. Adjustment via ADB: for advanced users
If you have experience with ADB (Android Debug Bridge), you can change the system volume settings without root.This method is suitable for Android 10+ devices and requires a computer.
Instructions:
- Enable USB Debugging in Settings โ About Phone โ MIUI Version (click 7 times on the line with the version, then go back to Additional Settings โ For Developers).
- Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell settings put global volume_music_speaker 15 (where 15 โ maximum value, use for calls volume_voice_call_speaker).
- To apply the changes, restart the device.
List of useful ADB-tune-up:
Increase the volume of calls (max. 15)
adb shell settings put global volume_voice_call 15
Increase the volume of notifications
adb shell settings put global volume_alarm 15
Reset the sound settings to standard
adb shell settings reset globalโ ๏ธ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB Before experimenting, back up your system with an adb backup or MIUI Backup.
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ADB-The commands temporarily turn up the volume before rebooting. For a permanent effect, you will need a script in Tasker or superuser rights.
6. Firmware and modifications: when nothing helps
If all previous methods failed, there are two radical options: flashing or installing a custom kernel, which are only suitable for advanced users and require unlocking the bootloader.
Option 1: Installation of custom firmware
Some firmware, such as Pixel Experience or LineageOS, do not have the volume limits inherent in MIUI.
- ๐ Loss of warranty (if the phone is under warranty).
- ๐ Possible battery problems (not all firmware is optimized for Xiaomi).
- ๐ฑ Non-working chips MIUI (For example, the Game Turbo or Second Space).
Option 2: Modified core
Cores like FrancoKernel or Kirisakura allow you to fine-tune the sound, including amplifying the speaker.
- Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool.
- Install TWRP Recovery.
- Swipe the kernel through TWRP (e.g., Kirisakura-Xiaomi.zip file).
- In the kernel settings, find the Sound Control section and increase the Headphone/Speaker Gain setting.
Example configuration for Redmi Note 11 with Kirisakura core:
# Volume increase speaker (file /sys/kernel/sound_control/speaker_gain)
echo 5 > /sys/kernel/sound_control/speaker_gain
Improved voice clarity
echo 1 > /sys/kernel/sound_control/voice_clarityHow do you get back a standard core if something goes wrong?
7.Alternative methods: headphones, Bluetooth and external speakers
If you can not increase the volume of the built-in speaker, consider alternative options:
- ๐ง Wired headphones with a microphone: Even cheap headphones (such as Xiaomi Basic) will provide a clearer sound than the built-in speaker.
- ๐ Bluetooth headset: Devices like Xiaomi AirDots or Redmi Buds 3 support the protocol HFP, call-optimized.
For models that support Mi AIoT (such as Xiaomi 13), you can use a smart speaker (such as Xiaomi Smart Speaker) to receive calls.
- Connect your phone and speaker to the same Mi Home network.
- In the column settings, activate the option to Accept calls.
- During the call, select the speaker as the audio output device.
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Bluetooth headsets with cVc 8.0 support (such as Redmi Buds 4) are better at suppressing noise and amplifying the voice of the interlocutor than the built-in speaker.