Wireless headphones on Xiaomi smartphones often work quieter than you would like, especially when listening to music in noisy places or using budget models like Redmi Buds or Haylou. The reason lies not only in the limitations of the headphones themselves, but also in the software limits of the MIUI operating system, which artificially reduces the maximum volume to protect hearing.
In this article, we’ll look at 7 proven ways to increase the volume of wireless headphones on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO phones, from standard settings to hidden features and third-party apps. All methods tested on MIUI 12-14 and are relevant for 2020-2026 models. Importantly, some solutions require permission to change system files, so check the warnings before using them.
1. Equalizer setup in the standard Mi Music player
The built-in Mi Music player (or Music in newer versions of MIUI) contains hidden equalizer settings that can amplify the sound by 15-20%, a method that does not require superuser rights and works even on locked bootloader devices.
To activate the amplification:
- 🎵 Open the Music app and play any track.
- 🔊 Slip on the equalizer icon (three stripes) in the lower right corner.
- 📊 Choose Bass or Rock presets – they automatically raise the low and medium frequencies.
- 🔧 For manual settings, go to User and lift the sliders 100Hz and 1kHz to +6 dB.
Important: After changing the equalizer settings, check the sound on different tracks - some genres (such as classical music) may begin to distort. If wheezing occurs, reduce the amplification at high frequencies (8 kHz and above).
2. Enable Mi Sound Enhancer (Hidden Function)
Starting with MIUI 13, Xiaomi’s firmware has introduced a hidden module called Mi Sound Enhancer, which increases the volume of Bluetooth devices by software-based audio processing, a feature that is not documented, but can be activated through the codes of the engineering menu.
Instructions for inclusion:
- Open the Phone app and enter the combination: ##36446337## (this is the code for audio testing in the engineering menu).
- From the menu that opens, select Hardware Testing → Audio → Headset Mode.
- Find Mi Sound Enhancer and set the Enabled value.
- Reboot the phone.
This feature increases volume by 25-30%, but can cause distortion of the sound at the maximum level. If the headphones start to "wheezy", reduce the volume by 1-2 divisions.
What if the code doesn't work?
3.Use of applications to amplify sound
If standard methods don't work well, you can install third-party utilities, and the best ones not only increase the volume, but also offer additional equalizer settings, and we tested 5 applications, the results in the table below.
| Annex | Volume up. | Additional functions | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Volume Booster GOODEV | up to +40% | Equator, bass-booster | Advertising requires permission to notify |
| Equalizer FX | +25% | Presets for genres, 3D-effects | Paid version for full functionality |
| Precision Audio | up to +35% | Bluetooth 5.0+ support, virtualization | A complex interface |
| Bass Booster | up to +50% (bass only) | Low frequency amplification, visualizer | Distortion at high volume |
The most balanced version is the Equalizer FX, which does not give maximum volume increase, but minimizes distortion.
- Download the app from the Play Market.
- Launch it and give access to the sound control.
- Turn on the Volume Amplifier switch and set the level to +20-25%.
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Before using volume boosters, check the headphones at maximum volume without the amplifier. If there is already distortion, the additional amplification will only worsen the sound.
4. Change the file mixer_paths.xml (advanced)
This method requires an unlocked bootloader and root rights, but it gives you a maximum volume increase of up to +60% compared to standard settings, the essence of which is to edit the system file, which limits the sound level for Bluetooth devices.
Step-by-step:
- 📱 Install a file manager with root support (e.g., Root Explorer).
- 🔍 Cross the path: /system/vendor/etc/mixer_paths.xml
- 📝 Find the lines with the parameters: <path name="speaker"> <ctl name="SPK Amp Gain" value="3" /> and change value="3" value="7".
- 🔄 Save the file, set the rights 644 (rw-r)--r--) and reboot the phone.
⚠️ Attention: Incorrect editing mixer_paths.xml This can cause loss of sound or damage to system files. Before changing, back up the original file. 12 Pro) this file may be called mixer_paths_tasha.xml.
5.Setting up Bluetooth codecs
The quality and volume of Bluetooth audio depends on the audio codec you use. Xiaomi uses SBC, the most versatile, but not the most efficient codec, by default. If your headphones support AAC, aptX or LDAC, turning them on can improve sound.
How to change the codec:
- 🔗 Put your headphones on the phone.
- 📱 Go to Settings. → Connected devices → Settings gear next to the headphones.
- 🔊 Select Sound Quality or Audio Codec (the name of the item depends on the version). MIUI).
- 🎧 Best options: 🎵 aptX Adaptive – the best balance of quality and volume (if headphones support). 📀 LDAC — maximum quality, but may cause delays. 🔄 AAC — good-fashion SBC iOS-based.
If you don't have a codec option in your settings, your phone doesn't support your choice of codec, and the Bluetooth Audio Codec app (requires Android 10+) will help.
Make sure your headphones support aptX/LDAC (check the specs)|Check the Bluetooth version on your phone (at least 5.0 for aptX)|Switch off Bluetooth power saving in battery settings |Reconnect your headphones after changing the codec-->
6. Disabling MIUI restrictions via ADB
System system MIUI Artificially limiting the maximum volume to protect hearing, and you can remove these limits by using the power of the ear. ADB-The method works on all Xiaomi phones with Android 9 and newer.
Instructions:
- 🖥️ Install. ADB Tools on the computer.
- 📱 Turn on Debugging. USB on the phone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Tap 7 times, then return to the additional → For developers).
- 🔌 Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell settings put global volume_steps 30 (This increases the number of volume levels with 15 before 30).
- 🔊 Then type: adb shell settings put global volume_boost 1 (switches on a hidden volume booster).
- 🔄 Reset the device.
After these commands, the maximum volume will increase by 10-15 dB. To return everything back, do:
adb shell settings delete global volume_boost
adb shell settings put global volume_steps 15⚠️ Attention: Increase in the number of volume steps (volume_steps) This may lead to non-linear regulation, the first 10–15 The divisions will be almost inaudible, and the latter will be too loud!
7. Hardware methods: checking headphones and telephone
If the software didn't work, the problem could be in the hardware.
- 🔋 Headphone charge: Discharged batteries often turn down the volume.charge the case to 100% and check the sound.
- 🧲 Bluetooth interference: Other devices (routers, microwaves) can cause interference. Try using headphones elsewhere.
- 🔊 Contamination of speakers: Dust and earwax reduce volume. Clean the speaker grid with a soft brush or compressed air.
- 📱 Port of charging phone: If the connector USB-C contaminated, this can affect the stability of the Bluetooth connection (especially on the Redmi Note). 10/11).
If the headphones are quieter after falling or getting moisture, the speaker is likely damaged, in which case only repair will help. To diagnose, connect the headphones to another device (for example, a laptop) and compare the volume.
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Before using any volume-boosting techniques, check the headphones on another device. If they are quiet everywhere, the problem is with the headphones themselves, not with Xiaomi's settings.