The Xiaomi Mi 9T (also known as the Redmi K20 in some regions) is a popular smartphone with excellent price-performance ratio, but many users face the problem of quiet conversational speaker, especially in noisy rooms or when using hands-free. In this article, we will explore all possible ways to increase the volume of the speaker, from secure settings MIUI to deep changes in the engineering menu.
It's important to understand that the volume limits on the Mi 9T are not accidental: they're sound distortion and speaker damage protection, but if you're willing to compromise between quality and volume, our instructions will help you get the results. Let's start with the simplest methods and gradually move on to more complex ones.
1. Check basic sound settings in MIUI
Before you resort to radical measures, make sure the problem isn't with the standard settings.There are a few hidden settings on the Xiaomi Mi 9T that can affect the volume of the speaker.
Open the Settings → Sound and vibration and check:
- 📞 Voice amplification is an option in the Calls section. Turn it on if the speaker is too quiet.
If these settings don't work, move on to the next step. Some Mi 9T firmware may not have voice augmentation, which is fine, as it depends on the MIUI version and the firmware region.
2. Cleaning the speaker and checking hardware problems
Often the silent sound is not caused by software constraints, but by physical contamination. The Mi 9T speaker is located at the top of the screen and can be clogged with dust, pile or even potassium deposits.
How to clean the speaker without risk of damage:
- Use a spray of compressed air (to clean keyboards) at a distance of 10-15 cm.
If cleaning did not help, check the speaker for hardware malfunctions:
- 🔇 Dynamics test: dial ##4636## → "Phone information" → "If the sound is distorted or missing, the problem is the iron.
⚠️ Note: Do not use sharp objects (needles, toothpicks) to clean the speaker – this almost always leads to damage to the membrane!
3.Use of the engineering menu (without root)
The engineering menu is a hidden settings section where you can manually increase the volume of the speaker. On the Xiaomi Mi 9T, it is accessed through code, but you need to change the settings carefully.
Instructions for increasing volume:
- Open the Phone app and dial ##36446337## (or #4636## → Engineering menu → Audio).
- Go to Hardware Testing → Audio → LoudSpeaker Mode.
- Find the Max Vol (or Volume) option for Speaker or Voice Call.
- Increase the value by 5-10 units (no more!). For example, if it costs 140, put 150.
- Save the settings and restart the phone.
The effect will be noticeable immediately, but there are risks:
- 🔊 Distortion of sound at maximum volume.
- 🔥 Overheating of the speaker with prolonged use.
- 🚨 Resetting settings after update MIUI (You have to repeat the procedure).
Make a backup copy of the data
Record the current parameter values
Do not exceed the recommended limits (+10 units)
Check the sound after each change.-->
4.Apps for amplification of sound (without root)
If you don't want to get into the engineering menu, you can use third-party apps. For Xiaomi Mi 9T, you can:
| Annex | Functions | Risks. | Link (Play Market) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Volume Booster | Increases volume by 20–30% through soft filters | Can distort sound at high frequencies | Download |
| Precise Volume | Thin volume setting for each type of sound | Requires permission to "overlay over other applications" | Download |
| Equalizer FX | Equalizer with presets for low/high frequency amplification | It doesn’t work with some versions of MIUI. | Download |
How to use sound boosters correctly:
- Install the application and give all the necessary permissions.
- Start with a minimum amplification (+10-15%) and check the sound.
- If wheezing occurs, reduce the level or turn off the booster.
⚠️ Note: Volume Booster applications do not increase the physical power of the speaker, but only amplify the signal programmatically, which can lead to distortion and accelerated wear of the speaker during prolonged use!
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Before installing the sound booster, check user reviews specifically for the Xiaomi Mi 9T - some applications conflict with the MIUI 12+.
5. firmware modification (for advanced users)
If standard methods fail, the most radical way is to modify system files, which requires unlocking the bootloader and root rights, which is insecure and can lead to a device blink.
What can be done with root rights:
- 📱 Installation of a custom core (e.g. FrancoKernel) where volume limits are removed.
Step-by-step instructions for editing mixer_paths.xml:
- Get root rights (for example, through Magisk).
- With Root Explorer, find the file along the way: /vendor/etc/mixer_paths.xml.
- Make a backup of the file!
- Open the file in the text editor and find lines with speaker or voice call.
- Increase the rx6 digital volume by 5-10 units (e.g., from 84 to 90).
- Save the file, restart the phone and check the sound.
Example of a change in mixer_paths.xml:
<path name="speaker">
<ctl name="RX6 Digital Volume" value="90" />
<ctl name="RDAC2 MUX" value="RDAC2_DIGITAL" />
</path>⚠️ Attention: Incorrect editing mixer_paths.xml It can cause total loss of sound or damage to the speaker!
What if the sound is lost after the change?
6. Alternative solutions: headset and external speakers
If all attempts to increase the volume of the speaker were unsuccessful, consider alternative options:
- 🎧 Bluetooth headset – even budget models (such as Xiaomi Mi True Wireless Earbuds) will give a cleaner and louder sound.
- 🔊 External speaker – portable speakers (e.g. Xiaomi Mi Portable Speaker) connect via Bluetooth and solve the volume problem.
- 📱 Loud communication – in noisy places, turn it on through the button in the phone app during a call.
- 🔄 Replacement of the speaker – if the speaker is physically damaged, its replacement will cost 800-1500 rubles (depending on the service center).
Advantages of alternative solutions:
- ✅ No risk of damaging your smartphone.
- ✅ Best sound quality (especially with headset).
- ✅ Universality – suitable for other devices.
7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them
When trying to turn up the volume of the speaker, users often make critical mistakes.
| Mistake. | Effects of consequences | How to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Too much volume increase in the engineering menu (+20+ units) | Sound distortion, overheating speaker, failure | Increase by no more than 10 units at a time. |
| Editing mixer_paths.xml backup | Loss of sound, need for flashing | Always backup the file before making changes |
| Using sharp objects to clean the speaker | Membrane damage, cracking when reproduced | Clean only with a soft brush or compressed air |
| Installation of incompatible Magisk modules | Bootloop (Curved Download), Loss of Root | Check the compatibility of the module with your version of MIUI |
If you have already made one of these mistakes, don’t panic:
- 🔄 If you distort the sound after changes in the engineering menu - reset the settings to the factory through Settings → System system → Resetting settings.
- 📱 If the phone does not turn on after editing system files, try to go to Fastboot (click Power). + Loudness down) and reflash stock firmware.
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The safest way to turn up the volume is to use an external Bluetooth headset, which is guaranteed to keep the speaker safe and give you better sound quality.