Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro is one of the most popular mid-range smartphones, but many users are faced with the problem of not loud enough. Even at maximum volume, the speakers can sound quieter than competitors, and in headphones the volume of bass leaves much to be desired, the reasons lie in both hardware limitations (small size of speakers, features of the Mediatek Helio G90T chipset) and in the software limits set by the manufacturer.
In this article, we will discuss 7 working ways to increase the volume on the Redmi Note 8 Pro, from basic MIUI settings to hidden engineering menu features. Importantly, not all methods are safe for speakers. For example, forced volume up through modified firmware or booster apps can cause sound distortion or even hardware damage. We will note the risks in each section so that you can choose the best option.
System settings of sound in MIUI: what can be changed without risk
Start with basic settings – often the problem is solved in literally 2-3 touches. Redmi Note 8 Pro available standard volume controls for multimedia, calls and alarm clock, but there are hidden options.
Open the Settings → Sound and vibration and check:
- 🔊 Multimedia volume: move the slider to the right. MIUI There are separate regulators for Multimedia, Calls and Alarms – they need to be configured independently.
- 🎧 Improved sound in headphones: turn on the option MI Sound Enhancer (only available with connected headphones) adds bass and extends the stereo effect, but can create distortions on cheap headphones.
- 📱 Do Not Disturb Mode: Make sure it is turned off (Settings) → Do not disturb. Sometimes users accidentally activate it, which automatically reduces the volume.
If the sound remains quiet after this manipulation, go to the next section. There is a bug on the Redmi Note 8 Pro with MIUI 12+: after the update, the equalizer settings are reset. Check it in the Music app (the Equalizer icon in the upper right corner).
2. Equalizer setting: how to boost bass and overall volume
The built-in equalizer in the Redmi Note 8 Pro allows you to spot-correct the sound, but many users do not use it. The correct settings can add up to 15-20% volume due to the raising of low and medium frequencies.
How to set up:
- Open the standard Music app (or Mi Video for video).
- During playback, tap the icon. ⚙️ Settings → equalizer.
- Choose a Bass or Rock preset – they amplify the low frequencies, which subjectively makes the sound louder.
- For fine tuning, go to User and lift the sliders to 60 Hz, 230 Hz and 910 Hz by +3...+5 dB.
The equalizer works only in standard Xiaomi apps. Third-party players (Spotify, YouTube) will require a separate app, such as Equalizer FX or Wavelet. Note that excessive bass amplification on cheap headphones can lead to wheezing.
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If after setting the equalizer sound began to distort, try to reduce the slider by 10 kHz to -2 dB - this will reduce hissing at high frequencies.
3. Engineering menu: hidden volume settings (for experienced)
The Engineering Mode allows you to bypass the limitations of MIUI and increase the volume to 110-120% of the standard, but this method is not recommended for continuous use - it increases the load on the speakers and can reduce their life.
Instructions:
- Open the Phone app and type in the combination: ##36446337## (if it doesn't work, try ##4636## → Hardware Testing → Audio).
- Go to Hardware Testing → Audio → LoudSpeaker Mode.
- In the Max Vol field, change the value from 84 to 90-95 (do not bet above 95!).
- For headphones, select Headset Mode and increase the Max Vol to 100.
- Save the settings and restart the phone.
⚠️ Attention: After changing the parameters in the engineering menu, the speakers may start wheezing at maximum volume. If this happens, return the values to the standard. MIUI setup.
What happens if you set Max Vol = 100 for speakers?
4. Boost Apps: Should You Use?
There are dozens of apps on Google Play that promise to turn volume up by 200 percent, most of which either don't work or just duplicate the standard equalizer, but a few proven tools can actually help:
| Annex | The effect | Risks. | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Volume Booster GOODEV | Increases volume by 10-15% through a software amplifier | Can create background noise | Google Play |
| Equalizer FX | 10-band equalizer + preamplifiers | Requires ROOT for full functionality | Google Play |
| Wavelet | Automatic sound adjustment under headphones | Paid functions, complex interface | Google Play |
| ViPER4Android | Professional sound processing (requires ROOT) | Complex installation, risk of conflicts with MIUI | XDA Developers |
⚠️ Note: Volume Booster applications are software-based, signal amplification, which leads to clipping, which in practice means that the sound will become louder, but there will be a metallic taste and distortion. For music, this boost is not suitable - only for notifications or navigator.
5. Hardware solutions: cleaning speakers and replacing the grid
If the software methods didn't work, the problem could be the contamination of the speakers. On the Redmi Note 8 Pro, the bottom speaker (multimedia) is particularly prone to clogging with dust and villi from your pocket, which physically blocks the sound waves, reducing the volume by 30-40%.
How to clean the speakers:
- 🧹 Soft brush: Use a soft bristling toothbrush to gently remove dust from the speaker grid. Movements should be circular, without pressing.
- 💨 Compressed air cylinder: spray in short bursts (distance) 5-7 Do not use a vacuum cleaner - it can damage the membrane.
- 🔧 Replacement of the grid: if the grid is deformed, it can be replaced. For the Redmi Note 8 Pro suits grids from Redmi Note 7/9 Pro (article: XIAOMI-1217-001).
If the sound has not improved after cleaning, check the speaker for physical damage. A common problem is peeling off the membrane due to falls or moisture, in which case you will need to replace the speaker (cost ~ 500-800 rubles in the service center).
Turn off the phone and remove it. SIM-map
Use only dry tools.
Don’t blow with your mouth – saliva can get inside the speaker
Check the sound after cleaning at minimum volume
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6. Update firmware and reset settings
Sometimes low volume is associated with software bugs in a particular version of MIUI. For example, in the firmware MIUI 12.0.3 for the Redmi Note 8 Pro was a bug that caused the speakers to sound quieter after connecting Bluetooth devices, the solution is to upgrade to the latest stable version.
How to update firmware:
- Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
- Click Check Updates and wait for the latest version to download.
- If the update is not available, download the firmware manually from the Xiaomi Firmware website (select Russia or Global region).
- Install firmware through Settings → About Phone → System Update → Three Dots → Select a firmware file.
If the problem appears after the update, try resetting the sound settings:
- Go to Settings → System → Additional → Resetting settings.
- Select Resetting Sound Settings (not to be confused with a full reset!).
- After restarting, reset the sound.
⚠️ Warning: If you install firmware manually, never interrupt the upgrade process. on Redmi Note 8 Pro this can cause a device to fail due to the features of the Mediatek chipset — 5-7 Do not turn off the phone even if the screen is off.
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Before updating your firmware, check the battery charge – it should be at least 50%. If the phone runs out during the process, it can lead to data loss.
7.Alternative methods: from Bluetooth amplifiers to external speakers
If none of the above methods helped, consider hardware solutions:
- 🎵 Bluetooth amplifier: devices such as FiiO BTR3 or SoundMagic ES100 connect via Bluetooth and amplify the signal before transfer to headphones. The cost is from 2000 rubles.
- 🔊 External speaker: even budget models (e.g. Xiaomi Mi Portable Bluetooth Speaker) sound louder than built-in speakers.
- 🎧 Amplifier headphones: models with impedance of 32 ohms and higher (for example, Audio-Technica) ATH-M20x) They require more power, which causes the phone to give a stronger signal.
- 🔌 adapter USB-C → 3.5mm: if you use wired headphones, an adapter with its own DAC (e.g. Apple) USB-C 3.5 mm can improve sound.
For the Redmi Note 8 Pro, the last point is especially relevant: due to the lack of a 3.5 mm connector, the sound in the wired headphones passes through the phone’s internal DAC, which is not of high quality. An external adapter with DAC (even for 1000-1500 rubles) can significantly improve volume and detail.