How to increase the volume of the speaker on the Xiaomi Mi8: from simple settings to engineering tricks

Xiaomi Mi8 is the flagship of 2018, which is still relevant due to the powerful hardware and flexible firmware. However, many users experience a quiet sound during calls: the interlocutor is hard to hear, especially in noisy places. The reasons can vary from software constraints to physical wear of the speaker. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to increase the volume of the speaker, including hidden settings, engineering menus and hardware solutions.

It's important to understand that the Mi8 uses a separate, limited-power earpiece, and unlike multimedia speakers, its volume is not only controlled by system settings but also by hardware limits. However, there are ways to get around those limitations, from safe to risky, and we'll start with the simplest of methods and gradually move on to advanced ones so you can choose the best option.

If you keep the sound quiet after all the manipulations, the problem may be a leak in the speaker, a plume, or a membrane wear, which would require you to disassemble the device or visit a service center, but before you carry the phone for repair, try all the solutions below, one of which will work.

1. Checking basic sound settings

Before digging deep, make sure that the problem isn't in the trivial settings. Often users accidentally change the sound settings or activate modes that lower the volume.

Open the Settings → Sound and vibration and check:

• 🔊 Call volume and notifications - move the slider to maximum. Sometimes this parameter is reset after updates.
• 📞 Incoming call volume is a separate regulator that is not always synchronized with the overall sound.
• 🚫 Don’t disturb – make sure mode is turned off or set to skip calls.
• 🎧 Adaptive sound – if the function is active, it can automatically turn down the volume depending on the surroundings.

It's also worth checking the sound profile in the notification curtain, sometimes users switch to Quiet or Vibration and forget to return to the standard mode, and if the sound hasn't changed after this manipulation, move to the next section.

2. Cleaning dynamics from dust and debris

One of the most common causes of silent sound is contamination of the speaker, and over time, dust, pile from pockets, or cosmetics get into the grid, which blocks the sound waves. On the Mi8, the speaker is located above the screen, and it's easy to score even when used carefully.

To clean up, you will need:

• 🧹 Soft toothbrush (new or clean).
• 💨 Compressed air container (optional).
• 🔦 Lighting lamp.
• 🧴 Alcohol wipes (for degreasing).

Cleaning instructions:

1. Turn off the phone and point the flashlight at the speaker grille.
2. Carefully walk the brush on the holes, moving in one direction.
3. If there is a can, blow out the dust with short presses (keep at a distance of 5-10 cm!).
4. Wipe the area around the speaker with an alcohol napkin.

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Do not use toothpicks or needles, they can damage the membrane of the speaker. If the dust is not removed, you should contact the service.

After cleaning, check the sound. If there are no improvements, the problem lies deeper — perhaps in software constraints or hardware wear.

3.Use of engineering menu to increase volume

The Xiaomi Mi8, like other smartphones on the Qualcomm Snapdragon, has a hidden engineering menu where you can manually adjust audio settings, a method that requires caution, as incorrect changes can lead to crashes.

To open the engineering menu:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Enter the combination: ##36446337## (code may not work on some firmware).
3. If the code doesn’t work, try ##4636## → go to the Hardware testing tab → Audio.

In the engineering menu, look for the Audio or Hardware Testing section, and you can change the following settings:

• 🔊 Sph (microphone) – do not touch unless there are problems with voice transmission.
• 📞 Receiver is a conversational speaker, and you can zoom in on Volume here (for example, from 140 to 160).
• 🔇 Max Vol - Maximum volume limit (change carefully!).

Record the current parameter values|Do not exceed the value of 160 Receiver|Do not change the microphone settings|Reboot your phone after the changes-->

Warning: An increase in volume above 160 units may cause sound distortion or damage to the speaker, the optimal value for the Mi8 is 150-155.

After the changes, restart your phone and check the sound. If the effect is temporary (sets are reset after the reboot), use the apps to fix the parameters (more on this in the next section).

4.Applicants for sound amplification

If the engineering menu seems complicated, you can use third-party apps, and they work on two principles:

1. Software amplification – increase the volume at the OS level (for example, through an equalizer).
2. Fixing parameters – save changes from the engineering menu after the reboot.

Top.-3 Proven applications for Xiaomi Mi8:

For Volume Booster, you just need to install the application and move the slider 10-15% above the standard maximum. ViPER4Android will require additional driver configuration (the instructions are on 4PDA). If you do not have root rights, use ADB to fix the parameters:

adb shell settings put global volume_music_speaker 15


adb shell settings put global volume_voice_call_speaker 7

These commands will set the volume of calls to maximum system level, and be careful, too high can lead to overloading of the speaker.

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Third-party applications have a temporary effect. A permanent solution requires changing system files (root) or hardware repairs.

5 Hardware methods: replacement of speaker or plume

If the software didn't work, the problem is probably physical wear and tear or damage to the plume. On the Xiaomi Mi8, the speaker is connected to the motherboard via a flexible plume that is eventually rubbed or oxidized.

Signs of hardware malfunction:

• 🔇 The sound disappears when the phone is tilted.
• 🔊 Wheezing or distortions appear.
• 📵 The speaker is not working at all (check in Settings). → Sound. → Sound quality).
• 💧 The phone fell or came into contact with moisture.

For diagnosis:

1. Connect the headphones - if they sound clear, the problem is dynamics.
2. Call another phone and turn on speakerphone, and if the speaker goes missing when you press the body, it's the plume.

Cost of repairs in service centers:

If you decide to replace the speaker yourself, buy the original part (article: MDY-002-15S for Mi8).

• 🔧 Setting screwdrivers (T3, T5).
• 🧲 Screen suction cup.
• 🔥 Fryer (for softening glue).
• 🧴 Alcohol for cleaning contacts.

If you are not sure about your skills, you should contact the service, and a poor replacement can lead to a loss of warranty (if it is still valid) or additional breakdowns.

6.Alternative solutions: speakerphone and Bluetooth

If repairs or adjustments didn't help, consider workarounds:

1. Use of hands-free communication

Turn it on when you talk with a button in the call interface, minus the people around you will hear your conversation. On the Mi8, you can set up automatic speakerphone turn on:

1. Install the Tasker app.
2. Create a task: State → Phone → Incoming call.
3. Add action: Audio → Loud communication → On.

2. Connecting a Bluetooth headset

Evenbuds or low-cost Xiaomi Mi True Wireless Earbuds will solve the problem with sound. Modern headsets support AAC and aptX, providing clear voice.

3. forwarding calls to another number

If you have a second phone (like a work phone), set up a forwarding:

• Open the Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Call forwarding.
• Select Always Redirect and enter the number.

These techniques don’t solve the speaker problem, but allow you to communicate comfortably while you’re looking for a permanent solution.

7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

When trying to turn up the volume, users often make critical errors that lead to breakdowns. Here’s what you can’t do on the Xiaomi Mi8:

⚠️ Warning: Never use metal objects to clean the speaker. Even a soft needle can pierce the membrane, after which you will need to replace the entire module.

Top.-5 mistake:

1. Volume setting above 160 in the engineering menu → This leads to distortion of the sound and the risk of burning the speaker.
2. Use of non-original speakers → cheap analogues have low sound quality and quickly fail.
3. Neglecting backup before changing system files → It can lead to a phone "brick.
4. Self-disassembly without tools → on Mi8 The screen is glued and easily damaged.
5. Ignoring software updates → newer MIUI Often correcting sound bugs.

If after manipulation, the phone stopped turning on or artifacts appeared on the screen, immediately contact the service. On Xiaomi Mi8, after unsuccessful firmware or changes to system files, anti-rollback protection can work, which blocks the device.

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Before any changes to the engineering menu or system files, backup through Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions