The weak sound on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro is a common problem, especially when listening to music through speakers or connected headphones. The reasons may lie in both the software limitations of MIUI and the hardware features of the model. For example, many users note that after updating the firmware, the volume automatically drops to 70% of maximum. Others face quiet sound in games or videos due to activation of the Safe Volume mode.
In this article, we will look at all the possible ways to increase sound, from basic settings to hidden functions of the engineering menu and third-party utilities. It is important to understand that some methods can affect sound quality or even shorten the life of the speakers, so before changing the parameters, we recommend testing each method at safe volume levels.
If you use the Redmi Note 8 Pro to listen to music through external speakers or headphones, check first for compatibility with the device. For example, some Bluetooth headsets require manual codec adjustment in Settings → Bluetooth. It is also worth making sure that the problem is not related to damage to the 3.5 mm connector – connect other headphones and compare the volume.
1. Check basic sound settings in MIUI
Before you resort to drastic measures, make sure the system does not activate volume limits. MIUI 12/13/14 for the Redmi Note 8 Pro has several hidden settings that can reduce sound automatically.
Open Settings → Sound and vibration and check the following points:
- 🔊 Safe Volume Mode: If it's on, it limits the maximum sound level to 75%. Turn it off by moving the slider to the right.
- 🎧 Amplify the sound in headphones: activate the option to Improve the sound in the headphones (available in not all versions). MIUI).
- 📱 Separate volume settings: In some firmware, the volume of media and calls is adjusted separately.
Also worth paying attention to is the sound profiles. The Redmi Note 8 Pro has a Balanced profile activated by default, which can artificially turn down the volume at high frequencies. Try switching to Dynamic or Bass in Settings → Sound → Sound Effects.
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If the sound is quieter after the MIUI update, try resetting the sound to factory settings. Go to Settings → All settings → Reset and Reset → Reset the sound settings.
2.Use of the engineering menu to manually adjust volume
The engineering menu (#36446337##) allows you to manually increase the volume of speakers and headphones by changing hardware constraints, a method that produces the largest increase in sound, but can cause distortion at maximum volume or damage to speakers during prolonged use.
Instructions for setting:
- Open the Phone app and enter the combination ##36446337## (some firmware may require #4636###).
- Go to the Hardware Testing → Audio section.
- Select the type of connection: 🔈 Speaker – for phone speakers; 🎧 Headset – for wired headphones; 📶 Bluetooth – for wireless devices.
Max Vol
150
160
128
140
Set
Write down the current Max Vol values for each type of connection |
Make sure the battery is over 50% |
Connect your phone to charge while setting up |
Check the speaker at standard volume before changes-->
Warning: values above 160 can cause speakers to overload, causing wheezing or breakdown, and if the sound becomes distorted after the changes, return the standard settings.
3. Increase the volume through ADB-teams (without root)
If the engineering menu is not available or does not generate enough growth, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge) to change system constraints. This method does not require root rights, but requires connecting the phone to a computer.
Step-by-step:
- Download and install Platform Tools from the official Android website.
- Activate Developer Mode on your phone: go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and press 7 times.
- Enable USB debugging in Settings → Additional → For developers.
- Connect your phone to your PC and execute: Adb shell settings put global volume_steps 30 adb shell settings put global volume_music_steps 30 This increases the number of steps of volume control with 15 before 30, allowing you to adjust the level more accurately.
- To increase the volume, use: adb shell settings put global volume_max_music 15 adb shell settings put global volume_max_alarm 15 (the value can be increased 20, But it's risky).
To diagnose hardware problems, follow the following steps:
- Put your headphones on and check the volume. If the sound on the headphones is normal, the problem is with the phone's speakers.
- Record a voice memo with a built-in voice recorder and listen to it. If the recording is quiet, the microphone or audio codec is faulty.
- Call your phone from another device, and if the person is not hearing you well, the problem may be in the upper microphone (which is also used for noise cancellation).
⚠️ Warning: If the sound is quieter or wheezing after the phone falls, don't try to disassemble the device yourself.In the Redmi Note 8 Pro, the speakers are soldered to the motherboard, and their replacement requires soldering equipment.
6. Alternative methods: Bluetooth codecs and external amplifiers
If you need to increase the volume significantly without the risk of damaging your phone, consider external solutions, such as using Bluetooth codecs that support aptX HD or LDAC can improve sound by 15-20% through more efficient data transfer.
You can also take advantage of:
- 🎛️ External DAC (e.g. FiiO) BTR3 or iBasso DC01): plug-in USB-C And it improves the sound in the headphones.
- 🔊 Portable amplifier (e.g. Xiaomi Bluetooth Audio Receiver): Increases the volume of speakers or headphones without loading on the phone.
- 📱 Magnetic amplifier holder: Some models (such as the Baseus Magnetic Amplifier) are attached to the back of the phone and amplify the sound of the speakers.
For the Redmi Note 8 Pro, we recommend USB-C DAC Xiaomi Hi-Res Audio Dongle - it is compatible with the phone, supports a resolution of up to 32-bit/384kHz and costs about 1000 rubles. When connected through it, the volume in the headphones increases by 25-30% without distortion.
7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them
When trying to increase sound, users often make mistakes that can make the problem worse, and here are the most common ones:
- 📱 Ignoring updates MIUI: Newer versions of firmware often fix sound bugs. Check for updates in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
Another common mistake is resetting audio settings through recovery, a method often recommended in forums, but it resets all audio settings, including calibrating microphones and speakers, which can degrade sound. Instead, use resetting only audio settings through Settings → Recovery and Reset.
⚠️ Note: if after changes to the engineering menu or through ADB The phone has stopped playing sound at all, reset the audio settings, or reflash the device via Fastboot. 90 percent of the time, that solves the problem.