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

Quiet sound on Xiaomi is a common problem, especially on budget models Redmi or POCO, where the manufacturer has saved on speakers. But even flagship devices lose volume over time due to dusty grilles, MIUI software limitations or hardware wear. In this article, we will discuss 7 proven ways to increase volume, from basic settings to hidden functions of the engineering menu and third-party applications.

It's important to understand that the physical limitations of the speakers cannot be completely circumvented. If you're trying to turn the Redmi Note 10 into a portable speaker, the results will be modest. But for comfortable listening to music, videos or calls, you can only get +20-30% to the current volume. We'll also point out which methods are safe for the device and which can shorten the life of the speakers if you use it carelessly.

1. Check basic sound settings in MIUI

Before digging deeper, make sure the problem isn't the trivial settings. MIUI often resets audio settings after updates or when you plug in your headphones.

• 🔊 Sound mode: go to Settings → Sound and vibration → Sound quality and select Dynamic or Custom (some models have equalizer available).
• 📱 Separate Regulators: In the same tab, check Media, Calls and Alarm Sliders – they can be set at different levels.
• 🚫 Don’t interfere with the software: disable features like Adaptive Sound or Smart Volume Control (they automatically mute the sound in some scenarios).

On models with stereo speakers (e.g. Xiaomi 11T or POCO F4), check the balance between the top and bottom speakers in Settings → Special features → Sound settings → Stereo sound balance. Sometimes one of the speakers is running at 70% power due to a software failure.

Cleaning of speakers from dust and debris

Clogged speaker grilles are the main reason for the quiet sound on Xiaomi smartphones, especially after a year of use: Dust, fibers from clothing and even sweat fat prints accumulate on the membrane, drowning out high frequencies, cleaning can return up to 15-20% of lost volume.

How to clean the speakers without risking damage to them:

• 🧹 Soft brush: use a soft bristling toothbrush or makeup brush. Carefully run along the grille without pressing.
• 💨 Compressed air: A spray of compressed air (to clean keyboards) will help blow out dust.Keep the balloon vertical to avoid fluid intake.
• 🎵 Sound test: After cleaning, check the sound at maximum volume - if the wheezing and distortion are gone, the problem was pollution.

⚠️ Warning: Never use sharp objects (toothpicks, needles) - they can tear the speaker membrane. Also avoid wet wipes: liquid trapped inside will disable the speaker.

If the sound is quiet after cleaning, the problem lies in software limitations or hardware wear. On models older than 3 years (for example, the 2019 Redmi Note 8 Pro), speakers often lose power due to degradation of magnets or membranes.

3.Use of the engineering menu to unlock volume

The Engineering Mode bypasses the software limitations of MIUI, which artificially lower the volume to protect speakers, a technique that works on most Xiaomi models, but requires caution – incorrect settings can lead to distortions of sound.

Instructions to increase volume through the engineering menu:

1. Open the Phone app and enter the combination: ##36446337###
2. Select Hardware Testing → Audio → LoudSpeaker Mode.
3. In Max Vol, increase your Media, Ring and Voice Call values by 5-10 units (do not set maximum values!).
4. Save the settings and restart the smartphone.

Make a backup copy of the data

Record the current volume values

Do not exceed the recommended limits (+10 units)

Reboot your phone after the changes-->

On some models (e.g., the POCO X3 Pro), the engineering menu may be called the MTK Engineering Mode or Qualcomm Service Menu. If the combination doesn't work, try alternative codes:

• #4636## (general test menu)
• #8647## (for some versions of MIUI)

⚠️ Attention: Increased volume through the engineering menu can cause distortion at maximum levels. If the sound starts to "hritter" after the changes, reduce the values by 3-5 unit.

4. Apps to amplify sound: top-5 utility

If system settings don't work, third-party apps will come to the rescue, and they work on two principles: either amplify sound at the software level (via equalizer), or bypass Android restrictions with root access. We selected 5 proven utilities that are compatible with Xiaomi:

For most users, SoundAssistant is the best solution, allowing you to separate the volume controls for each application and remove the limit by the maximum level, but ViPER4Android, despite its powerful functionality, requires root rights and can conflict with MIUI on new firmware.

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Before installing audio amplification apps, check user reviews of your Xiaomi model – some utilities can cause the processor to overheat on weak chipsets (for example, Snapdragon 6xx).

5. Update firmware and reset sound settings

Sometimes a quiet sound is a consequence of a software bug in MIUI. Xiaomi regularly releases updates to fix problems with audio drivers.

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. If you have a new version, install it (preferably via Wi-Fi).
3. After the update, reset the sound settings: Settings → Applications → Application Management → Three dots (menu) → Reset the application settings.

If the problem has occurred after the update, try to roll back to the previous version. MIUI Instructions for rollback are available on the official Xiaomi forum (section) MIUI ROM). On models with Qualcomm Snapdragon, for example, POCO F3) This will require an unlocked loader.

⚠️ Warning: Resetting the audio settings will remove all custom equalizer presets and volume levels for individual applications.

Hardware methods: replacement of speaker or amplifier

If the software methods did not help, the problem may lie in the hardware:

- Wear of the speaker (loss of magnetic properties, rupture of the membrane).

- Sound amplifier damage (a common problem after falls or moisture).

- Oxidation of contacts on the motherboard.

The Xiaomi speaker replacement is possible, but requires experience and tools:

1. Buy an original speaker for your model (for example, for the Redmi Note 11, a part with the MDY-11-13 article will suit).

2. Disassemble the phone by following the guide for your model (see YouTube or iFixit).

3. Solder off the old speaker and solder the new one, observing the polarity.

The cost of replacement in the service center:

- Dynamics: 800-2500 ₽ (model-wise).

- Sound amplifier: 1500–4000 ₽ (requires chip-level soldering).

On models with IP53 protection (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro +) after replacing the speaker will have to restore tightness, otherwise the phone will lose water protection.

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Before replacing the speaker, check it for performance with a multimeter - sometimes the problem is not in it, but in the plume or amplifier.

7. Alternative solutions: Bluetooth speakers and headphones

If all attempts to turn up the volume have failed, consider external devices. Modern Xiaomi supports:

• 🎧 Bluetooth headphones: even the budget Redmi Buds 4 sound louder than the built-in speakers.
• 🔊 Portable speakers: Xiaomi Mi Portable Speaker JBL Go 3 connects to Bluetooth and gives high-quality sound.
• 🎵 FM-Transmitter: If the car is quiet, use the Xiaomi Roidmi 3S audio transmission to a car tape recorder.

For models with a 3.5 mm connector (for example, the POCO M4 Pro) suitable wired headphones with an amplifier, for example, 1More Triple Driver. They are not only louder, but also better built-in speakers.

If you watch video on your phone often, look for low-latency headphones that solve the problem of quiet sound and synchronize audio with the picture.

FAQ: Frequent questions about volume on Xiaomi