How to increase the volume of the speaker on Android Xiaomi: from standard settings to engineering menu

Speakers in Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones are often criticized for not loud enough — especially when listening to music in noisy places or while making calls. The manufacturer limits the maximum sound level for safety reasons (so as not to damage speakers or hearing), but these restrictions can be circumvented. In this article, we will discuss 7 proven ways to increase the volume — from standard MIUI settings to deep modifications of the system.

It's important to understand that not all methods are equally safe. Some require unlocking the bootloader or root rights, which is insecure and can lead to breakdown. We've noted the risks in each section -- read carefully. If you just need to make the sound a little louder, start with the first three ways. If you're ready for experiments, go to the engineering menu or modify the system files.

1. Standard MIUI settings: what can be squeezed without risks

Before you go into the system files, check the basic parameters. MIUI has hidden options that raise the volume without harming the device.

Open Settings → Sound and vibration and pay attention to:

• 🔊 Amplification of sound in headphones – includes an equalizer for external speakers (does not work on all models).
• 🎵 Mi Sound Effects – Activate the preset “Bas” or “Bright” to add 5-10% volume.
• 📞 Loudness of the call – some firmwares have a separate slider for alarm clocks and notifications.

Also check Settings → Special features → Sound enhancement. Here you can turn on mono sound (combines left and right channels) or speech amplification - this will help if the speaker is wheezing at high frequencies.

2. Engineering menu: hidden volume settings

Xiaomi smartphones have a hidden engineering menu (Engineer Mode) where you can manually raise volume limits, a method that does not require root, but works until you reboot (on some models, it is saved forever).

To get on the menu:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Enter the code ##36446337## (or #4636### on older versions of MIUI).
3. Go to the Hardware Testing → Audio section.
4. Select LoudSpeaker Mode (or Speaker).
5. In the Max Vol field, change the value from 160 to 180-200 (do not put above 220 - the risk of damage to the speaker!).
6. Press Set and restart the phone.

⚠️ Note: On models with stereo speakers (Redmi Note 11 Pro, Xiaomi 13) you will have to adjust each speaker separately. If after the changes there is wheezing or distortion, return the values to their place.

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Before you change the parameters in the engineering menu, write down the initial values on paper, which will help you roll back if the sound gets worse.

3. applications for amplification of sound (without root)

If you don't want to go through the settings, try third-party utilities, which work as a mediator between the system and the speaker, artificially amplifying the signal.

• 🎧 Volume Booster GOODEV — It's 20 to 30 percent louder without distortion.
• 🔊 Equalizer FX — not only enhances the sound, but also adjusts the frequencies (you can remove wheezing in high colors).
• 📱 Precise Volume – allows you to adjust the volume more accurately (step 1% instead of the standard 15%).

These applications have disadvantages:

• They work only with multimedia (does not affect calls and notifications).
• They can consume up to 5% of the battery per hour.
• Some models (POCO X3, Redmi 9A) require MIUI Optimizations to be disabled in the developer settings.

To disable MIUI optimization:

1. Activate Developer Mode (7 times click on the MIUI version in Settings → About Phone).
2. Go to Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Find the option to Disable MIUI Optimization and activate it.

Modification of system files (root required)

If you're willing to take a chance, you can change the volume limits right in the system files, which gives you a maximum gain (up to +50%), but requires an unlocked bootloader and root rights. On the new models (Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 13), this will lead to a loss of warranty.

Instructions for experienced users:

1. Install Root Explorer or Mixplorer (with root rights).
2. Go to /system/vendor/etc/.
3. Find the file. mixer_paths.xml (or mixer_paths_tasha.xml on some models).
4. Make a backup of the file!
5. Open the file in the text editor and find the lines: <path name="speaker"> <ctl name="RX1 Digital Volume" value="84" /> <ctl name="RX2 Digital Volume" value="84" />
6. Change the value from 84 to 90-95 (no higher!).
7. Save the file, reboot the phone.

⚠️ Attention: Incorrect values in mixer_paths.xml If the sound is completely lost after the changes, restore the original file.

5. firmware of the custom core (for advanced)

If standard methods don’t work, you can install a custom core (e.g., FrancoKernel or ElementalX) where the volume limits are removed by default.This method is suitable for models on Qualcomm Snapdragon (POCO F3, Xiaomi 11T).

The advantages of custom kernels:

• 🔊 Increase volume by 30-40% without distortion.
• 🎛 Additional settings of the equalizer in real time.
• 🔋 Optimizing power consumption (some cores reduce processor heat).

Cons:

• It requires an unlocked bootloader and TWRP.
• The risk of “bricking” the phone in case of installation error.
• Some models (Redmi Note 12) may not have NFC or fast charging.

Step-by-step:

1. Unlock the bootloader through the Mi Unlock Tool (waiting 7-14 days).
2. Install TWRP for your model.
3. Download the kernel from the XDA Developers website (e.g., FrancoKernel for POCO X3).
4. Fly the kernel through TWRP (don’t forget the backup!).
5. Set the volume in the kernel application (usually there is a separate Sound Control section).

Make a data backup in MIUI Backup

Check the phone model (not all cores are universal)

Charge your phone at least 60%

Download the correct version of TWRP for your chipset

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6 Hardware solutions: if software methods do not help

If the speaker is weak or damaged, no settings will save you.

• 🔧 Replacement of speaker – original and similar parts are sold on AliExpress or in service centers. ₽.
• 🎧 Using an external speaker – Bluetooth speakers or headphones with bass amplification (for example, Xiaomi Mi Portable Speaker).
• 🔊 Clean the speaker - dust and dirt reduce the volume by 20-30%. Clean the hole with a soft brush or compressed air.

How to understand that the speaker is faulty:

⚠️ Warning: If you're unsure of your soldering skills, don't try to repair the speaker yourself.On waterproof models (Xiaomi 13 Pro, Redmi Note 12 Pro)+) disassembly of the body violates the tightness.

7. Alternative methods: deception of hearing

Sometimes you can turn up the perceived volume without changing the phone.

• 🎶 Equalizer – in the Google Play Music or Poweramp app, raise the sliders 3-6 kHz (the frequency of human speech.
• 🔄 "Loud Communication" mode - during the call, turn on speaker and put the phone down on a hard surface (the sound will resonate).
• 📦 Amplifier case – some cases (e.g. Xiaomi Mi Stand) have notches that direct the sound forward.

Also check if the sound is blocked by a cover or protective glass. On models with a lower speaker (POCO X4, Redmi 10), the holes are often blocked by the fingers when holding the phone in a horizontal position.

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Before any changes to the system, back up the data. Even harmless audio amplification applications can conflict with MIUI and cause freezes.

FAQ: Frequent questions about volume up on Xiaomi