How to increase volume on Xiaomi smartphone: from basic settings to hidden features

Have you noticed that the sound on your Xiaomi is quieter than before? Or initially the speakers are not loud enough compared to other smartphones? The problem of low volume is relevant for many models, from the budget Redmi Note to the flagship Xiaomi 14. The reasons can be different: software limitations of the manufacturer, clogging speakers, incorrect audio profile settings or even hardware malfunctions.

In this article, we’ll look at all the ways you can turn up the volume, from standard MIUI settings to hidden engineering menu features, how to safely raise the sound level without risking damaging the speakers, which apps really work and which promise miracles. Separately, we’ll look at the problems with quiet sound in headphones, during calls and when playing music. All instructions are relevant for MIUI 14/15 and new models from 2023-2026.

1. Basic volume settings in MIUI

Before digging deep into system files, check the obvious. Xiaomi has several volume levels that many users miss:

• 🔊 Volume slider: Press the physical volume button and make sure the slider is raised to maximum. MIUI It is divided into Media, Calls and Alarms – check each one.
• 🎵 Equator: Go to Settings → Sound and vibration → Equator. Choose Bass' preset or Rock, they automatically turn up the volume.
• 📱 Do Not Disturb: If activated, the sound may be muted. Check in the notification curtain or in Settings → Don't disturb.

Pay special attention to the Adaptive Sound setting (available on models with MIUI 13+), which automatically adjusts the volume to the ambient noise, but sometimes it doesn't work correctly, to turn it off:

1. Open Settings → Special features → Adaptive sound.
2. Move the slider to the off position.
3. Reboot your smartphone.

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If the sound is quieter after the MIUI update, try resetting the sound settings to factory: Settings → System → Resetting → Resetting the sound settings.

2. Engineering menu: hidden volume settings

Xiaomi smartphones have a hidden engineering menu where you can manually increase the maximum volume level for speakers, headphones and microphone. Careful: incorrect values can lead to distortion of the sound or damage to the speakers! We recommend increasing the volume by no more than 10-15% of the standard values.

To get into the engineering menu:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Enter the combination: ##36446337## (for new models) or #4636## (for older models).
3. Select the Hardware Testing option → Audio.

In the Audio menu, you are interested in the following options:

⚠️ Warning: If the sound starts to wheez or distort after the changes to the engineering menu, immediately return the standard values! Prolonged sound reproduction at inflated levels can physically damage the speakers.

3. Sound amplification applications: what really works

There are hundreds of apps on Google Play that promise to turn up 2x volume, most of them are dummy ones that just duplicate the system settings, and we tested the top-end solutions and only picked the ones that actually affect the sound:

• 🎧 Volume Booster GOODEV — It increases volume by changing the frequency response, works with speakers and headphones, but can add background noise.
• 🔊 Equalizer FX — Advanced equalizer with presets for different genres of music, allows you to raise the volume by 20-30% without distortion.
• 📱 SoundAssistant (from Samsung, but it works on Xiaomi) – gives a separate volume control for each application.

How to use volume boosters correctly:

Set minimum amplification (5-10%) and check for distortions|

Do not use boosters at the same time as the engineering menu.|

Turn off the app when listening through headphones (risk of hearing damage)|

Watch the temperature of the smartphone – sound processing loads the processor-->

One of the most effective solutions is the ViPER4Android, which is a professional audio driver that requires root rights but gives you incredible control over sound. If you have a bootloader unlocked, follow the instructions:

1. Download ViPER4Android FX from the official website (not from Play Market!).
2. Install the driver via Magisk (ViPER4Android FX Driver).
3. In the application settings, activate Master Limiter and raise the level by 3-5 dB.

⚠️ Attention: ViPER4Android It may conflict with systemic sound effects MIUI. Before installation, make a backup through TWRP!

4. Hardware problems: when software won't help

If all the software methods failed, the problem could be the physical condition of the speakers.

• 🧹 Clogging speaker – dust, pile or debris block the membrane, especially for models with open speakers (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro).
• 🔧 Discarded contact - after a fall or impact, the speaker may not be attached to the board well.
• 🔋 Membrane wear – over time, speakers lose elasticity, especially when played frequently at maximum volume.
• 💧 Moisture intrusion – even after successful drying, oxidation of contacts can worsen sound.

How to check and clean the speakers:

1. Take a flashlight and inspect the speaker grille for debris.
2. Carefully walk along the grille with a soft toothbrush (without alcohol!).
3. For deep cleaning, use a can of compressed air (keep at a distance of 10 cm!).
4. Check the sound after cleaning - if there is no improvement, the problem is deeper.

If the speaker is wheezing or not working at all, you will need a replacement. On Xiaomi models, this will cost 800-2000 rubles depending on the complexity of the disassembly. POCO F5 worth ~1200 ₽, Xiaomi 13 Ultra – up to 2500 ₽ owing to the complex construction.

5. Volume setting for calls and notifications

Users often complain about the quiet sound while calling while the music is playing loud, which is due to separate settings for the speaker (it is smaller and weaker than the main speaker).

• 📞 Increase microphone volume: in the engineering menu (#36446337##) find Mic and raise the value to 230 (standard: 200).
• 🔕 Disabling Noise Reduction: Go to Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Noise suppression during the call and deactivate the option.
• 🎙️ Use the main speaker: during the call, turn on the speakerphone - the sound will go through the lower speaker, which is more powerful.

If the sound is interrupted or becomes quieter during the call, the problem may be in the operator's network.

1. Switch from 4G on 3G in network settings (Settings) → SIM-map → Preferred type of network).
2. Disable VoLTE (if enabled) – sometimes this technology conflicts with sound codecs.
3. Reset network settings: Settings → System → Reset settings → Reset network settings.

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If the silent sound is only when calling via WhatsApp/Telegram, the problem is the settings of the messenger.

6. Problems with Bluetooth headphones and speakers

When connected via Bluetooth, the sound can be quieter due to the limitations of protocol or codecs. Xiaomi often uses SBC codec, which compresses the sound.

• 🎧 Change the codec: in Bluetooth settings (Settings) → Connected devices → Settings (cogs) → Codec) select AAC or aptX (if supported).
• 📶 Check out the Bluetooth version: New headphones (like Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro) require Bluetooth 5.2+. On older smartphones, they will work worse.
• 🔋 Charging devices: with a low charge of headphones or smartphone, the sound automatically mutes.

If the sound in the headphones is distorted at high volume, try:

1. Turn off absolute volume in the developer settings (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version – tap 7 times, then Settings → Additional → For developers → Turn off absolute volume).
2. Reset Bluetooth settings: Settings → Connected devices → Three points → Reset settings.

For owners of Xiaomi/POCO with MIUI 14+, the dual connection function (simultaneously for two Bluetooth devices) is available, however, when activated, the volume can be distributed unevenly.

1. Open Settings → Connected devices → Dual connection.
2. Turn off the option or manually allocate the priority of the devices.

7.Alternative methods: from root rights to firmware replacement

If standard methods don't work, then radical solutions are left, and they require technical skills, but they have the maximum effect.

• 🔧 Modified firmware: Some custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience or LineageOS) have other sound profiles without restrictions MIUI.
• 📱 Root and editing mixer_paths.xml: This file has the maximum volume values. It can be edited using Root Explorer.
• 🔊 Magisk modules: Modules like Audio Modification Library and Dolby Atmos change sound.

Editing instruction mixer_paths.xml (Only for experienced users!):

1. Get root rights through Magisk.
2. Open Root Explorer and go along the way: /vendor/etc/mixer_paths.xml.
3. Find the lines with speaker and headphone, which have RX7 Digital Volume values.
4. Increase your values by 10-20% (e.g., from 85 to 95).
5. Save the file, restart the smartphone.

⚠️ Attention: Incorrect editing mixer_paths.xml This can cause a complete loss of sound or looping of the bootloop. Always back up the original file!

If you’re not willing to take risks, consider alternative firmware. For example, the Pixel Experience on the POCO X3 Pro offers 15-20% louder sound than the stock MIUI.

FAQ: Frequent questions about volume on Xiaomi