How to increase the volume of the speaker on Xiaomi Redmi Note 5: from standard settings to hidden features

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 is still a popular smartphone due to its balanced specs and reliability, but many users experience a quiet sound while making calls. The earpiece in this model is often criticized for not being loud enough, especially in noisy conditions, and may be due to hardware limitations and software settings. MIUI.

In this article, we will discuss 7 proven ways to increase the volume of the speaker, from basic audio settings to working with engineering menus and modifying system files. It is important to understand that some methods require unlocking the bootloader or root rights, which can affect the warranty and stability of the device, we will specify the risks for each method and give recommendations for security.

1. Check basic sound settings in MIUI

Before resorting to drastic measures, make sure the problem isn't in the standard settings. the MIUI-based Redmi Note 5 has several hidden settings that can affect the volume of the speaker.

Open the Settings → Sound and vibration and check:

• 🔊 Call and notification volume – sometimes this slider is synchronized with the volume of the speaker.
• 📞 Voice enhancement (in some versions) MIUI There is a separate call point).
• 🚫 Do not disturb – make sure the mode is not activated or limiting the sound.
• 🔄 Adaptive sound – disable this feature if it interferes.

It is also worth checking the settings of a particular application for calls (e.g. Google Phone or standard Xiaomi Phone).Sometimes the volume is adjusted separately in the app settings under Sound during the call.

2. Cleaning dynamics from dust and debris

On the Redmi Note 5, the speaker is located at the top of the screen and often gets clogged with dust, which physically reduces the volume.

How to clean:

1. Take a soft brush (for example, for makeup) or a toothpick with cotton wool.
2. Carefully run the speaker on the grille without pressing hard.
3. Use compressed air (canister) at minimum pressure, keeping it at a distance of 5-7 cm.
4. Check the sound after cleaning – sometimes it’s enough to improve.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use sharp objects or wet wipes - this can damage the membrane of the speaker or display.If after cleaning the sound became worse (wheezing, distortion), probably the speaker is already worn out and requires replacement.

If the cleaning didn't work, go to software, but first check if the problem is hardware, plug in your headphones and compare the volume, and if the headphones sound normal and the dynamics are quiet, the problem is that.

3.Use of the engineering menu (without root)

Xiaomi’s engineering menu allows you to fine-tune audio settings, including the volume of the speaker.This method does not require root rights, but changing some parameters can lead to unstable operation.

How to open the engineering menu:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Enter the combination: ##4636###.
3. Select Hardware Testing (Equipment Testing).
4. Go to Audio → Loud Speaker Mode or Earphone Mode (depending on the MIUI version).

In this menu, you'll see volume sliders.

• 🔊 Sph Max Vol - Maximum microphone volume (does not affect the speaker).
• 📞 Ring Max Vol - Volume of the call.
• 🎧 Media Max Vol – Multimedia Volume.
• 🗣️ Voice Call Max Vol – this parameter is responsible for the volume of the speaker.

Try increasing Voice Call Max Vol by 5-10 units (usually 160 at most). If the sound becomes distorted or wheezing after the change, return the value.

Modification of system files (root required)

If standard methods don't work, you can try changing the system files that control volume limits, which requires an unlocked bootloader and root rights, and can also cause crashes if you do something wrong.

You'll need:

• 📱 Smartphone with unlocked bootloader and root rights.
• 🖥️ PC fitted ADB and Fastboot.
• 📂 Backup of the file mixer_paths.xml (situated /vendor/etc/).
• 🔧 Text editor (for example, Notepad)++).

Instructions:

1. Download the file. mixer_paths.xml From smartphone to PC: adb pull /vendor/etc/mixer_paths.xml
2. Open the file in the text editor and find the lines: <path name="handset-mic"> <ctl name="RX1 Digital Volume" value="84" /> <ctl name="RX2 Digital Volume" value="84" /> </path> Here RX1 and RX2 are responsible for the volume of the conversation speaker. The value of 84 is the standard limit.
3. Increase your values to 90-95 (do not put above 95 to avoid distortion).
4. Save the file and upload it back: adb push mixer_paths.xml /vendor/etc/ adb shell chmod 644 /vendor/etc/mixer_paths.xml
5. Reboot the phone.

⚠️ Attention: Incorrect editing mixer_paths.xml This can cause a complete loss of sound or looping of the boot. If the phone does not turn on after the changes, you will need to flash through the Fastboot.

5.Apps for amplifying sound (without root)

If you don't want to risk system files, you can use third-party apps, and they won't have the same effect as modification. mixer_paths.xml, But they can improve the situation on 20–30%.

Top.-3 Proven applications for Redmi Note 5:

These applications typically work by overlaying a virtual sound layer, so they can slightly increase the latency, and they don't affect the hardware constraints of the speaker, so the effect will be moderate.

Important: After installing any booster, check if there are any distortions in the sound. If the voice of the interlocutor has become robotic or intermittent, reduce the gain in the application settings.

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If the sound is quieter after installing the booster, try turning off the “Adaptive Sound” function in the MIUI settings – it may conflict with the application.

6. Replacement of the conversational speaker (hardware method)

If software methods haven't helped, the problem is probably with the dynamics itself.The Redmi Note 5 is known for wearing the speaker membrane over time, especially if the phone has often fallen or come into contact with moisture.

Signs of a faulty speaker:

• 🔇 The sound is there, but it is very quiet even at maximum.
• 🎵 Constant wheezing or distortion.
• 🔊 The sound disappears when the phone is tilted (contact has gone away).
• 💧 Oxidation traces on speaker lattice.

The cost of replacing the speaker with Redmi Note 5 in service centers is from 800 to 1500 rubles (depending on the region).

• 🛠️ You will need to unplug the screen (risk of damage to the plume).
• 🔧 Need special tools: sucker, mediator, tweezers.
• 📦 The original speaker has the article Xiaomi 1607-00017 (check compatibility).

Video instructions for replacement:

• 📹 Replacement of the speaker Redmi Note 5 (Step-by-step)
• 📹 Xiaomi Disassembly Without Damage

⚠️ Warning: If you replace yourself, you lose your warranty (if it's still valid), you also risk damaging your display plume or battery. If you're not sure about your skills, contact the service.

7. Alternative solutions: headphones and Bluetooth

If you can not increase the volume of the speaker, consider alternative ways of making calls:

• 🎧 Wired headphones with a microphone – even cheap models will give a clearer sound than the built-in speaker.
• 🔊 Bluetooth headset – for example, Xiaomi Mi True Wireless Earbuds or Redmi AirDots (cost from 1500 rubles.).
• 📱 Turning on speakerphone – in some situations, it’s better than pressing your phone to your ear.
• 🔄 Redirecting sound to an external speaker - in the settings of some firmwares, you can choose where to output the sound during a call.

If you make frequent calls in noisy places, the best solution is to buy a Bluetooth noise-cancelling headset. Modern models (such as the Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro) automatically amplify the voice of the interlocutor and suppress background noise.

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Before buying a new headset, check its compatibility with your version of MIUI – some models may not work properly with firmware older than MIUI 12.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the volume speaker on the Redmi Note 5