The Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 is one of the most popular smartphones in the budget segment, but many users are faced with the problem of not loud enough. Even at maximum volume, the speaker can sound quiet, especially in noisy rooms or when listening to music without headphones, the reasons for this lie in both hardware limitations (small speaker size, one dynamic solution) and in the software settings of MIUI, which by default reduce the volume to protect equipment.
In this article, we will discuss 7 proven ways to increase volume on the Redmi Note 8, from basic settings to advanced methods using engineering menus and third-party applications. All solutions are tested on current versions of MIUI 12/13/14 and do not require root rights (except for one item that we will highlight separately).
1. Check basic sound settings in MIUI
Before you start complex manipulations, make sure the problem isn't in the standard settings.The Redmi Note 8 has a few hidden options that can limit volume.
Open Settings β Sound and vibration and do the following:
- π Turn off Adaptive Sound β This feature automatically lowers volume depending on ambient noise, but often works incorrectly.
- π΅ Activate βAmprovement of soundβ (if available) β the option appears after connecting the headphones, but sometimes affects the speaker.
- π Check the Do Not Disturb profile β even in Alarms Only mode, some notifications may block maximum volume.
- π Reset the sound settings to factory (button at the bottom of the menu) β this will eliminate possible software failures.
If the volume hasn't changed after this, move on to the next section. Note: Some firmware may not have the "Amptening Sound" option, which is normal for the Redmi Note 8 with the original MIUI.
2.Use of the engineering menu (without root)
The engineering menu is a hidden settings section where you can manually adjust the speaker settings. On the Redmi Note 8, it is accessed through standard code ##36446337##, but you need to change the values carefully - incorrect settings can lead to audio distortion or damage to the speaker.
Step instructions:
- Open the Phone app and enter the code: ##36446337###.
- Go to Hardware Testing β Audio β LoudSpeaker Mode.
- In the Max Vol field, set the value 160 (usually 140-150 by default).
- In Min Vol, leave the value 0 (the change can result in a quiet sound at minimum volume).
- Press Set and restart your smartphone.
β οΈ Note: Setting Max Vol above 165 is fraught with sound distortion ("wheezing") and can shorten the life of the speaker. If there is interference after the changes, return the value to 150.
The current values of Max Vol and Min Vol.|Use headphones for sound test|Not exceed 160|Reboot your phone after the changes-->
3. applications for amplification of sound (without root)
If you don't want to go through the settings, you can use third-party apps, and we tested 5 popular utilities and selected the two most effective ones for the Redmi Note 8:
| Annex | The effect | Cons | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Volume Booster | Increases volume by 20-30% due to software processing of sound | Advertising can distort sound at high frequencies | Google Play |
| Equalizer FX | Allows you to adjust the equalizer and increase low/high frequencies | Requires manual tuning, not all presets are suitable for the speaker | Google Play |
| Music Volume EQ | Combination of equalizer and booster with support for user profiles | Paid version for full functionality | Google Play |
Important: booster apps only work with multimedia (music, video, games), but do not affect the volume of calls and notifications. For the latter, you will need to change the system settings (see the section on the engineering menu).
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Before installing the booster, check it is compatible with your version of MIUI. Some applications may not work on custom firmware.
4. Equalizer setting in a standard player
The built-in Mi Music player on the Redmi Note 8 has a hidden equalizer that can be used to amplify the sound, a technique that doesn't increase the physical volume of the speaker, but improves the perception by adjusting the frequencies.
How to turn on and configure:
- Open the Mi Music app and play any song.
- Slap the icon. βοΈ Settings in upper right corner.
- Select the Equalizer β Customized.
- Increase the sliders by 60 Hz (bass) and 10 kHz (high frequencies) by 3-4 divisions.
- Save the preset under the name Max Volume.
This method is particularly effective for listening to music in the genres of hip-hop, electronic music or rock, where bass is important. For voice recordings or podcasts, it is better to use the preset Voice to avoid distortion.
5. Cleaning dynamics from dust and debris
One physical cause of quiet sound is a dust-filled speaker. On the Redmi Note 8, it's located at the bottom of the body and often clogged with pocket villi or dust. Cleaning can bring back up to 15-20% volume.
How to clean properly:
- π§Ή Soft brush -- use a paint brush or a soft-pile toothbrush, and gently run the speaker along the grille without pressing.
- π¨ Compressed air balloon - direct the jet at an angle 45Β° distance 5-7 Do not blow with your mouth β moisture from breathing can damage the membrane.
- π§² Magnetic case -- if you use magnet cases, check their location. A strong magnetic field next to the speaker can turn down the volume.
β οΈ Attention: Do not use sharp objects (toothpicks, needles) to clean - this can tear the speaker membrane. Also avoid wet wipes: getting liquid inside the case will lead to corrosion of contacts.
What to do if the speaker wheezes after cleaning?
6. Update firmware and reset settings
Sometimes the volume problem is due to software bugs in MIUI. Xiaomi regularly releases updates where the audio driver errors are corrected.
Go to Settings β About Phone β System Update. If a new version is available, install it. After the update, reset the audio settings:
- Open Settings β Applications β Application Management.
- Find Mi Music and Sound and Vibration, tap Warehouse β Clear the data.
- Reboot the phone.
If the problem has occurred after the update, try to roll back to the previous version of MIUI via Fastboot. Instructions for the Redmi Note 8 can be found on the 4PDA forum (the section about firmware for ginkgo).
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Updating your firmware is the safest way to fix sound problems, but always back up your data before installing a new version of MIUI.
7. Advanced methods (require root or unlock the bootloader)
If none of these methods worked, radical measures remain: they require unlocking the bootloader or obtaining root rights, which voids the warranty and can lead to a device bribing, and we recommend these methods only to advanced users.
List of possible actions:
- π§ File editing mixer_paths.xml β This file has volume limits. You can use Root Explorer to find it on the way. /vendor/etc/mixer_paths.xml and change the parameters. RX1 Digital Volume and Speaker Digital Volume.
- ποΈ Custom core installation β some cores (e.g. FrancoKernel) have improved sound drivers.
- π Modified ViPER4Android β It's a powerful sound processor, but it's complicated to set up. It only works on Android. 9-10 (Android 11+ requires additional patches).
β οΈ Attention: Incorrect editing mixer_paths.xml You can lose sound completely. Before you change it, back up the file. Also, keep in mind that increasing the volume at the core level increases the load on the speaker and reduces the life of the speaker. 2-3 once.
To unlock the bootloader on the Redmi Note 8, follow Xiaomi's official instructions.The process takes up to 72 hours due to account verification.