How to increase the volume of the speaker on Xiaomi Redmi 8: safe and effective methods

Xiaomi Redmi 8 is a popular smartphone with good value for money, but many users face the problem of a quiet speaker, especially in noisy places or when using hands-free. Unlike multimedia speakers, conversational (also known as "audible") is limited to software for hearing protection, but its volume can be increased in several ways.

In this article, we'll look at 5 proven methods, from standard settings to engineering menus and third-party applications. It's important to understand that over-amplifying the sound can cause distortion or even damage to the speaker, so all the recommendations are given with a balance between volume and safety. If you're ready to improve your audibility during calls, read on.

Why is the Redmi 8 Speaker Quiet?

Before you start settings, you should understand the reasons for the quiet sound. On the Redmi 8 (model M1908C3IH), the speaker is located at the top of the body and has physical limitations:

• 🔊 Hardware limits: the speaker is designed for an average volume (about 80 dB) so as not to distort the voice of the interlocutor.
• 📱 Programmatic limitations MIUI: Firmware artificially lowers the maximum level for protection against overload.
• 🔋 Battery savings: When the charge is low, the system automatically lowers the volume.
• 🚫 Pollution or damage: Dust, moisture, or mechanical defects can impair sound.

If the problem comes on suddenly, first check the speaker for physical damage.

1. Call your phone from another device and listen to the sound.
2. Enable voice recording in the Dictator app and play it through the Speaker (Settings → Special Features → Gesture Management → Turn on the Dictator).
3. If the sound is distorted or missing, repairs may be needed.

Method 1: Volume settings in MIUI

The easiest and safest method is to use built-in MIUI tools, and many users don’t know that the system has separate regulators for conversational speaker and multimedia sound.

To turn up the volume:

1. Open the Settings. → Sound and vibration.
2. Find the "Loudness" section and tap it.
3. At the top of the screen you will see the sliders for: 🔔 Melody (calls and notifications) 🎵 Media (music, video) 📞 Call (conversational speaker)

"Bell"

If this method has not worked well, move on to the next method. Note that some versions of MIUI (e.g. MIUI 12.5 and later) may not have a separate controller for the speaker, in which case you will need to use an engineering menu.

💡

After changing the volume settings, restart the phone. Sometimes the system resets the audio settings after an update or crash.

Method 2: Engineering Menu (Engineer Mode)

The engineering menu is a hidden tool for fine-tuning the hardware components of a smartphone, including speakers. On Redmi 8, it is accessed through special code.

Attention, improper actions in the engineering menu can cause malfunctions in the phone.

1. Open the phone app.
2. Enter the code ##36446337##
3. You will be taken to the Engineer Mode menu. Go to the Hardware Testing → Audio section.
4. Select Normal Mode (normal mode) and find the settings "Sph" (microphone) and "Sph2" (talk speaker).
5. For "Sph2", set the Level to a maximum (usually 160 or 255, depending on the firmware version).
6. Save the settings and restart the phone.

Important: Some Redmi 8 firmware may reset the network settings after changing the settings in the engineering menu. If the mobile Internet disappears after the reboot, go to Settings → SIM-Maps and mobile networks and select the operator manually.

Record the current sound settings

Check the battery charge (at least 50%)

Connect to Wi-Fi (in case of network reset)

Do not interrupt the setup process-->

Method 3: Applications for sound amplification

If standard methods didn't work, you can use third-party utilities. Google Play has several proven applications that increase the volume of the conversational speaker through software processing of sound.

The best options for Redmi 8:

• 🔊 Volume Booster is a simple booster with a separate regulator for calls.Link to Play Market.
• 🎛️ Sound Amplifier (from Google) - amplifies sound by reducing background noise.
• 📱 Equalizer & Bass Booster – allows you to configure the equalizer for a conversational speaker (root rights are required for full functionality).

How to use the Volume Booster:

1. Install the application and open it.
2. Select the "Call Volume" tab.
3. Move the slider to a comfortable level (it is not recommended to put the maximum to avoid distortion).
4. Activate the Auto Boost option to automatically amplify calls.

⚠️ Note: Some apps require permission to access calls (android.permission.MODIFY_AUDIO_SETTINGS). Before installing, check reviews - there is a risk of running into malware under the guise of a sound booster.

Method 4: Change configuration files (for advanced)

This is a method that works for root-rights users or unlocked bootloaders, and it allows you to change the system files that control volume, and without root, you can't access those files!

Instructions:

1. Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
2. Go to /system/vendor/etc/.
3. Find the file. mixer_paths.xml (or mixer_paths_tasha.xml for some versions of Redmi 8).
4. Make a backup copy of the file (copy it on the SD-map).
5. Open the file in the text editor and find the lines with the parameters: <path name="handset-mic"> <ctl name="RX1 Digital Volume" value="84" /> <ctl name="RX2 Digital Volume" value="84" /> Here value="84" is the current volume limit. Change the value to 90 or 95 (no higher, otherwise wheezing!).
6. Save the file, return it to the original folder and restart the phone.

⚠️ Warning: Incorrect editing of system files can lead to bootloop ( looped boot).If the phone doesn't turn on after the changes, try restoring backup through TWRP.

Method 5: Hardware cleaning dynamics

If all software methods have failed, the problem may be physical contamination of the speaker.On the Redmi 8, the speaker is positioned at the top of the front panel and often gets clogged with dust, especially if the phone is carried in a pocket without a case.

How to clean the speaker:

• 🧹 Soft brush: use a makeup brush or a soft bristle toothbrush. Carefully swipe along the speaker grille.
• 💨 Compressed air: a can of compressed air (sold in electronics stores) will help blow dust from hard-to-reach places.
• 🧲 Magnetic case: if you use a magnet case, make sure it does not close the speaker.
• 🚫 What not to do: Blow the speaker with your mouth (humidity can damage the membrane); Use sharp objects (toothpicks, needles); Clean the speaker with wet wipes.

If the sound hasn't improved after cleaning, it's possible the speaker is damaged, in which case only a replacement at the service center will help, the cost of repairs for the Redmi 8 is about 800-1500 rubles (2026).

Comparison of methods: what to choose?

To make it easier for you to determine, we have collected the main pros and cons of each method in the table:

For most users, the best solution is a combination of engineering menus. + If you're not afraid of the risks, you can try editing. mixer_paths.xml, but only if you have a backup copy.

💡

Before any manipulation of system files or engineering menus, back up your data through Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset.

Frequent Questions (FAQ)