How to increase volume on Xiaomi Redmi 4X: a detailed guide

Xiaomi Redmi 4X, released in 2017, is still in service for many users due to its reliability and autonomy. However, over time, owners are beginning to notice that the standard volume of multimedia speakers is not enough to comfortably listen to music or watch videos in noisy environments, a common problem not only for this model, but also for many budget devices, where savings on audio components are the norm.

There are many ways to fix this without having to physically interfere with the design of the device: software amplification, adjustment of the settings of the MIUI operating system, and the use of specialized utilities allow you to squeeze the maximum possible out of the speaker. It is important to understand that software enhancement of sound level has its limits, dictated by the hardware capabilities of the device.

In this article, we will look at safe and effective methods to help you make the sound louder.We will not recommend dangerous experiments with soldering or using untested software that can damage the audio track. All of the steps below are aimed at optimizing your Redmi’s current settings. 4X.

Basic setting of the sound profile in MIUI

Before you get to the tricky part, make sure that all the standard settings are max-wired and working correctly. Often users forget to check the basic parameters, relying on the system's automatic algorithms that may be wrong, and the first thing you need to do is go to the Settings menu and select Sound and Vibration.

You should pay attention to the multimedia volume slider here. Make sure it's set to the far right. This section also has a built-in graphical equalizer that allows you to adjust the frequency characteristics of the sound. To increase the perceived volume, you should choose a preset "Rock" or "Pop" as they usually amplify the medium and high frequencies, making the sound more vivid and legible.

Don't ignore the Mi Sound feature if it's available in your firmware version. This module lets you choose the type of headphones you use, which also affects the overall sound picture, although it's mainly about the external output. For the built-in speaker, it's more important to adjust the balance correctly and make sure that the Security mode does not limit the maximum signal level.

⚠️ Attention: When you choose aggressive equalizer settings, the sound may become distorted or hoarse. This is due to overloading the speaker at certain frequencies. If you hear a crack, immediately return the equalizer settings to the value of "Normal" or "Standard».

After making changes to the equalizer, the system may need to reboot to apply the settings. Don't ignore this step, as the audio drivers must completely update their settings. In some cases, re-switching between profiles helps, which shakes up the software audio mixer.

Using an engineering menu to amplify the signal

One of the most powerful ways for advanced users to access the engineering menu is to access the hidden hardware test section, where you can directly control the audio amplification level, and to log into the menu on Redmi 4X, you need to open the Phone app and type #3646633##.

Once you enter the code, you'll open the Engineer Mode interface, and you'll go to the Hardware Testing tab, then you'll select Audio and then Audio Debugging. In the list that opens, look for Speaker. This is a list of scenarios (Scenes) like Normal, Headset, Handsfree. We're interested in Normal for normal talk and listen mode, or LoudSpeaker Mode for hands-free and multimedia.

Inside the selected mode, you will see volume sliders (Level 0-15). This is where you can increase the maximum value. However, be very careful: excessively increasing the value of the Max Vol can lead to a physical rupture of the speaker membrane.

Once you change the values, be sure to press the Set Audio or Apply button to save the settings. Without this step, all changes will be reset after the device is restarted. It is also recommended to take a screenshot of the initial values before starting experiments to be able to return to factory parameters.

⚠️ Warning: The engineering menu is a tool for developers, changing unknown parameters can lead to unstable system operation or total loss of sound. Write down any changes you make so that you can return the original values if necessary.

Third-party applications to increase volume

If standard tools are not enough, third-party apps from the Google Play store come to the rescue, they work on the principle of software amplifiers, raising the signal level above the system limit. The leader in this niche has been the Volume Booster GOODEV application for many years. It is simple, free and efficiently works on older versions of Android, which are installed on Redmi 4X.

The way these applications work is simple: they create a virtual layer on top of the system mixer and amplify the signal that passes through them. Once you install the application, launch it and move the gain slider. It is recommended not to exceed the value of 20-30%, as higher values are guaranteed to cause severe distortion.

• 🚀 Volume Booster PRO — Alternative with more flexible equalizer settings and the ability to create profiles for different applications.
• 🎚️ Super Volume Booster is an application that can amplify the sound of not only media, but also alarm clocks, which can be critical for some users.
• 🔊 Bass Booster – in addition to increasing the common frequencies, allows you to separately raise low frequencies, making the sound more voluminous, although less loud in terms of decibels.

It is important to understand that the use of such programs increases the load on the processor and battery of the smartphone. On a device with a not new battery, this can reduce battery life. In addition, the constant operation of the amplifier in the background can cause the case to heat up in the area of the speaker.

Cleaning up the dynamics from pollution

Often the problem with quiet sound is not software, but the banal physical dirt. The Redmi 4X speaker grid is located at the bottom of the case and is constantly exposed to dust, pile from pockets and earwax. Clogged holes do not let the sound wave through, making the sound deaf and quiet.

To clean, you'll need a soft toothbrush, and preferably alcohol or a special electronics cleaner. Carefully, without pressing too hard, clean the speaker grid with circular motions. This will help knock out the stuck dust. If the contamination is severe, you can use paint tape: stick the sticky part to the speaker and sharply pull back, repeating the procedure several times.

Some users use the "purge" method, playing special low-frequency humming audio at maximum volume, while the vibration of the membrane pushes the dust out, and you can find such tracks on YouTube on the request "sound wave clean speaker".

After cleaning, be sure to check the sound. In most cases, if the smartphone is several years old, this procedure returns up to 30% of the lost volume. Do not use sharp objects such as needles or pins, as they easily damage the speaker membrane, which will lead to its complete replacement.

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Before cleaning the speaker, turn off the smartphone.This will prevent accidental short circuit if the liquid (alcohol) gets inside, and protect the speaker from voltage surges when in contact with the metal bristles of the brush.

Problems with Bluetooth headsets and external speakers

Sometimes users confuse the quiet sound of the main speaker with problems connecting external devices. If you use the Xiaomi Redmi 4X in conjunction with a Bluetooth speaker or headphones, and the sound is quiet, the problem may be in the dissynchronization of the volume of devices.

In Bluetooth settings on Android, there is an option called "Absolute Volume." If it's on, the volume of the phone and headphones is linked. If you spin the volume on the phone to maximum and it's kept low on the headphones, the overall sound will be quiet. Try turning this option off in the Developer Settings menu (Unplug Absolute Volume) to adjust the levels independently.

It’s also worth checking if a background app is connected that intercepts audio control, and some smartwatches or fitness bracelets can automatically turn down the volume of media when notifications arrive, forgetting to return it back.

If you use wired headphones through an adapter (since the 4X has a 3.5 jack, but many use Type-C adapters), make sure the adapter itself is in good working order. Cheap adapters often have high resistance, which "strangles" the sound, making it barely audible even at maximum.

Hardware limitations and wear of dynamics

And remember, the Redmi 4X is a budget device, and the mono speaker that's installed in it has physical limitations in power and frequency range, and over time, the magnetic system's dynamics weaken and the membrane's suspension loses elasticity, which naturally reduces the volume and quality of the sound.

If software and cleaning methods don't work, and the sound is not just quiet, but hoarse even at medium volume, it's a sure sign of physical wear and tear or damage, and then no booster apps will save the situation, but will only accelerate the demise of the component.

Replacing the speaker with Xiaomi Redmi 4X is a relatively simple and inexpensive procedure. New original or high-quality analog speaker will return the device to its former sonority. When choosing a part, pay attention to the size and connector of the plume, as they may differ in different revisions of the board.

⚠️ Warning: If the speaker is quiet after the new sound is replaced, the problem may be in the audio codec on the motherboard or in the oxidation of the connector contacts.

As a temporary solution for worn speakers, you can try using external portable acoustics. Connecting via AUX (if there is an adapter) or Bluetooth will allow you to enjoy loud sound without the risk of finishing the regular speaker completely.

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Physical wear and tear of the speaker membrane is irreversible, and if cleaning and software settings fail, the only right solution is to replace the hardware component.

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