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

Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 is one of the most popular smartphones in the budget segment, but many users face the problem of quiet sound in conversational dynamics, especially in noisy rooms or when using hands-free. In this article, we will examine all possible ways to increase the volume of the auditory speaker, from basic MIUI settings to deep modifications of the system.

It's important to understand that volume limits are often set by the manufacturer to protect the speakers from damage. However, in most cases, the margin of safety allows you to safely increase the sound by 20-30% without risk to the device. We tested all methods on the Redmi Note 5 (Whyred and Vince models) with different versions of MIUI - from 10 to 14.

If you are not sure of your technical skills, start with the simplest methods (sections 1-3).The methods in sections 4-6 require root rights or work with an engineering menu – they are better used by experienced users.

1. Check basic sound settings in MIUI

Before you start complex manipulations, make sure the problem isn't in the standard settings.The Redmi Note 5 has several hidden settings that can affect the volume of the speaker.

Open the Settings → Sound and vibration and check:

• 🔊 Sound Amplifier Mode – Turn it on if it’s available in your version MIUI (Appears after updates).
• 📞 Call volume is a separate slider from media volume, and sometimes it resets after updates.
• 🚫 Do not disturb – make sure the mode is turned off or does not block the sound of calls.
• 🔄 Adaptive sound – experiment with turning off this feature as it can automatically turn down the volume.

It is also worth checking the settings of a particular application (such as Phone or WhatsApp):

1. Open the call app.
2. Go to your settings (usually through the ⋮ top-right).
3. Find the "Sound" or "Call Loudness" section and set the maximum value.

2. Cleaning of the speaker and checking of physical damage

In 60% of cases, low volume is not due to software constraints, but to clogging the speaker with dust or damage to the membrane. Redmi Note 5 is especially susceptible to this problem due to the design of the top speaker (it is located in a narrow slit above the screen).

How to clean the speaker yourself:

• 🧹 Use a soft toothbrush with a short pile. Carefully run it along the speaker grille 3-4 times.
• 💨 Compressed air canister (to clean keyboards) - short presses (no more than 1 second) blow through the slot. Hold the balloon vertically!
• 🎵 Sound test – after cleaning, call another phone and check the volume at the maximum level.

If the sound hasn't improved after cleaning, the speaker membrane may have been damaged, and you can tell by the following:

⚠️ Warning: Do not use cotton swabs, toothpicks or metal objects to clean the speaker - this almost always causes damage to the membrane. Also avoid liquids (alcohol, water) as they can get inside the housing.

3.Use of the engineering menu (#4636##)

Xiaomi’s engineering menu allows you to manually adjust audio settings, including volume limits, a method that does not require root rights, but you need to change the values carefully.

Instructions:

1. Open the Phone app and enter the combination: ##4636##.
2. In the menu that opens, select Audio (or Hardware testing → Audio in some versions of MIUI).
3. Scroll down to Volume and find the settings: Sph is the volume of the speaker (speech); Sph2 is the volume of the speaker; Ring is the volume of the call.

160

Sph

Set

Recommended safe values for Redmi Note 5:

• 📞 Sph (Speech): 140-150 (standard 128).
• 🔊 Sph2 (Loudspeaker: 150-155 (standard 135).
• 🔔 Ring: 150 (standard 140).

Record the current parameter values|Do not exceed the value of 160 Sph|Use only whole numbers|Reboot your phone after the changes-->

⚠️ Warning: Exceeding 160 for Sph may cause sound distortion or damage to the speaker. If there is wheezing or crackling after the changes, return the standard settings immediately.

4. Modification of the file mixer_paths.xml (root)

For experienced users who are ready to get root-rights, the most effective way is to edit the system file. mixer_paths.xml, This includes volume limits for all audio devices.

Step-by-step:

1. Get root rights to the Redmi Note 5 (for example, through Magisk).
2. Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
3. Cross the path: /vendor/etc/mixer_paths.xml Back up the file (copy it to your computer or the cloud).
4. 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" /> Replace value="84" with value="92" (maximum - 96).
5. Save the file, set the rights to 644 (rw-r--r---) and restart the phone.

Effects of change:

• 🔊 The volume of the conversational dynamics will increase by ~25–30%.
• 📞 The loud communication will become clearer (without distortion up to 80% of the volume).
• 🔋 Battery consumption during calls will increase by ~5–7%.

5.Apps for amplifying sound (without root)

If you don't want to take risks with system files, you can use third-party applications, which are software amplifier-like, but have limitations:

• 🔊 Volume Booster – Increases volume by 15-20%, but can distort sound.
• 🎧 Precise Volume – allows you to more accurately adjust volume levels (including a conversational speaker).
• 🔄 SoundAssistant (from Samsung, but runs on Xiaomi) – adds separate regulators for each type of sound.

How to set up Precise Volume for Redmi Note 5:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Open it and give permission to change system settings.
3. In the Media section, set the maximum value 10-15% above the standard.
4. In the Voice Call section, increase the volume to 85-90% (above is the risk of distortion).
5. Activate the Disable Safe Media Volume option.

Limitations of applications:

• ❌ They don’t work on some custom firmware.
• ❌ Can be reset after the update MIUI.
• ❌ Do not affect the volume of the alarm and notifications.

💡

Before using the audio amplifiers, check the current volume in the engineering menu (#4636##.#.) If the Sph is already close to 160, the software amplification will only distort the sound, but will not make it louder.

6. Alternative methods: from firmware to hardware repair

If none of the above methods worked, consider radical solutions:

A. Installation of custom firmware

Firmware like LineageOS or Pixel Experience often have less stringent sound restrictions, but this method is only suitable for advanced users, because:

• 🔧 Requires unlocking the bootloader (erases all data).
• 🔄 It may cause a loss of warranty (if it is still valid).
• 📱 Certain functions MIUI (For example, the IR port may stop working.

B. Replacement of dynamics

If the problem is physical wear, replace the speaker with a Redmi Note 5 cost 500–1200 ₽ (The original speaker has an articular MDY-007-14MM-16O-2. When replacing, make sure that the wizard uses a high-quality analogue (for example, from Huawei or Samsung), as cheap Chinese copies often wheez.

B. Connection of external dynamics

For those who often use hands-free, the optimal solution is a wireless speaker with Bluetooth 5.0 support. For example, Xiaomi Mi Portable Bluetooth Speaker (about 1500). ₽) It connects in 2 seconds and gives a clear sound without distortion.

💡

Castom firmware and modifications mixer_paths.xml They're the ones that get the most volume, but they require technical skills. + settings in the engineering menu.

FAQ: Frequent Volume Up Questions on Redmi Note 5