How to increase volume in Xiaomi Bluetooth headphones on MIUI 12: from software settings to hardware tricks

Xiaomi wireless headphones are a popular solution for music lovers, but many MIUI 12 users are faced with the problem of insufficient volume. Even at maximum settings, the sound may seem quieter than in wired counterparts. The reason lies in the limitations of firmware, hardware limits or incorrect settings of Bluetooth codecs. In this article, we will discuss 7 proven ways to increase the volume, from basic settings to hidden functions of the engineering menu.

It's important to understand that the problem isn't always with the headphones themselves. It's often the fault of optimizing the sound in MIUI 12, where the default volume limiters are activated to protect your hearing. But if you're sure the headphones are working (check them on another device) and the sound is still quiet, follow our guidelines. Some methods will require superuser rights (root), but most can be used without them.

1. Check basic sound settings in MIUI 12

Before you get into the technical details, make sure all standard settings are set correctly. Often users miss the obvious points that affect the final volume.

Open the Settings → Sound and vibration and check:

• 🔊 Media volume – slider should be at maximum (turn on music to check).
• 🎵 Equator – activate the Bass or Rock preset, as they amplify the low frequencies, creating a higher volume effect.
• 🔇 Don’t disturb – turn off this mode if it’s active.
• 📱 Bluetooth Audio – Choose a Codec SBC (most compatible) or AAC (Best quality with stable connection).

Also, look at the individual settings of the apps, for example, YouTube Music or Spotify may have its own volume control, which works independently of the system, go to the player settings and make sure there are no additional restrictions.

2 Unlock the hidden volume limit through the engineering menu

MIUI 12 artificially limits the maximum volume to protect the speaker and the user's hearing, but this limit can be bypassed through the engineering menu (#36446337## or ##4636##).

Instructions:

1. Open the Phone app and enter the combination ##36446337##.
2. Go to Hardware Testing → Audio → Headset Mode.
3. Find Max Vol or Media Max Volume and set the value to 150 (usually 80-100 by default).
4. Save the changes and restart the device.

Attention: after changing these parameters, the headphones can sound much louder, which increases the risk of damage to the speakers during prolonged listening at maximum.

Make a backup copy of the data

Record the current parameter values

Charge your phone at least 50%

Use headphones with overload protection-->

3. Customize Bluetooth codecs for maximum volume

Bluetooth codecs affect not only sound quality, but also volume. In MIUI 12, the default codec can be chosen with a low bitrate, which leads to a "muffled" sound.

To change the codec:

1. Put the headphones on the phone.
2. Open Settings → Connected devices → Settings (cog next to the headphones) → Sound quality.
3. Choose aptX or AAC (if supported).
4. Reconnect the headphones.

If there is no aptX on the list, your smartphone or headphones don't support it, in which case AAC is the best choice, which provides better volume than SBC while maintaining quality.

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If the sound is intermittent after changing the codec, go back to SBC, which is the most stable option for weak Bluetooth modules.

4.Use of third-party applications to amplify sound

If the system settings don't work, you can use specialized applications that work as an intermediate amplifier, processing the sound stream before you put it on your headphones. MIUI 12:

• 🎧 ViPER4Android — Powerful equalizer with volume gain (requires root or Magisk).
• 🔊 Volume Booster is a simple no root booster, but with limited settings.
• 🎛️ Equalizer FX — built-in in some firmware equalizer with presets for different genres.
• 📱 Poweramp Equalizer – a separate equalizer application from the creators of the popular player.

For example, in ViPER4Android to amplify the sound:

1. Install the app and driver (via Magisk or manually).
2. Open Master Limiter → Enable and set Max Gain to +6 dB.
3. In the Convolver section, select the "Super Bass" preset.
4. Activate Headphone Surround+ for surround sound.

Warning: Excessive amplification in these applications can lead to audio distortion (clipping) and damage to the speakers. Start with minimum values (+1-2 dB) and gradually increase.

5. Hardware solutions: cleaning headphones and replacing gaskets

Sometimes the problem is not with the phone settings, but with the headphones themselves, and over time, the speakers accumulate dust and the pads wear out, which worsens the sound insulation and subjective volume.

• 🧹 Speaker cleaning - use a soft brush or compressed air (canister) to remove dust!
• 🔄 Replacement of earpieces - worn pads miss out on external noises, making it seem quieter.Buy original or compatible earpieces for your model.
• 🔋 Charge check - discharged headphones can automatically turn down the volume. Charge them to 100% before testing.
• 🔌 Resetting – Some Xiaomi models (such as AirDots Pro) have a factory reset feature (click the button for 10 seconds).

For models with active noise cancellation (ANC), check if this mode is on. Sometimes the ANC can artificially turn the volume down to compensate for external noise. Try turning it off in the headphone settings (if you have one).

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Foam cloths (such as those in the Xiaomi Air 2 Pro) lose shape after 6-12 months, and replacing them can increase volume by 20-30% due to better sound insulation.

6. Update of the firmware of headphones and smartphone

Manufacturers regularly release bug fix updates, including sound issues.Make sure both your MIUI 12 smartphone and headphones run on the latest firmware.

To update the headphones Xiaomi:

1. Put the headphones on the phone.
2. Open the Mi Home or Xiaomi Wear app (depending on the model).
3. Go to the device section → Settings → Update the firmware.
4. If a new version is available, download it and install it.

For the MIUI 12 update:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click Check Updates and install the latest version.
3. After the update, reset Bluetooth settings: Settings → Connected devices → Three points → Reset Bluetooth settings.

Note: If the sound is still quieter after the update, try to roll back to the previous version of the headphone firmware (if this option is available).

7. Alternative methods: from custom firmware to external amplifiers

If none of these things worked, consider radical solutions, which require more effort, but yield noticeable results.

• 📱 Install custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience) – there are no restrictions MIUI Disadvantage: loss of warranty and risk of "bricking" the device.
• 🔊 External Bluetooth amplifier (e.g. FiiO) BTR3) — It connects to headphones and increases the signal power. Plus: works with any device.
• 🎧 Replacement of headphones with a model with support LDAC or aptX Adaptive – for example, Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro or SoundPEATS Air3 They have more powerful speakers.
• 🔧 Headphone modification – replacing speakers with more sensitive ones (only for experienced users!).

Before installing custom firmware, check compatibility with your smartphone model on the XDA Developers or 4PDA forums. For external amplifiers, pay attention to power output (at least 20 mW per channel) and support for your codec.

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Before buying an external amplifier, check it is compatible with your headphones. Some models (such as those with impedance below 16 ohms) may not give a volume gain.

FAQ: Frequent questions about increasing volume in Xiaomi Bluetooth headphones