How to increase volume on Xiaomi smartphones: from standard settings to hidden features

Are you missing important details in conversations because of a quiet speaker? The music in your headphones sounds like a whisper and notifications have to be listened to in complete silence? The problem of weak sound on Xiaomi smartphones is familiar to many users - especially owners of budget models like the Redmi 9A or Poco M3. The reasons can lie in both the software limitations of MIUI and the hardware features of the device.

In this article, we’ll break down 10 proven ways to increase volume on Xiaomi – from basic settings to advanced tricks with engineering menus and modification of system files. You will learn how to safely raise the sound level without the risk of damaging the speakers, which applications really work and which are a waste of time.+), where the sound setting has its nuances.

We warn you right away: some methods require root rights or unofficial firmware installation. If you're not willing to risk a warranty, focus on the top 5 on our list.

1. Standard volume settings in MIUI: What are you missing?

Most users limit themselves to the volume slider on the sidebar, but MIUI hides the extra controls in the back of the menu.

  • πŸ”Š Separate adjustment of sounds: go to Settings β†’ Sound and vibration β†’ Loudness. You can set the level for the ringtone, music and video, notifications and alarms separately here. 12T The maximum volume of the alarm clock is 15% higher than that of the notifications.
  • 🎡 Equalizer and sound effects: in the same section tap on sound quality. Activate Adaptive sound (automatically adjusts volume to ambient noise) or select the preset equalizer Bass - this does not visually increase volume, but makes the sound more saturated.
  • πŸ“± Do Not Disturb: If the sound suddenly becomes quieter, check if it is activated through the notification panel.It can block notifications or reduce the volume of calls to 50%.

On models with MIUI 14+ (such as Xiaomi 13 Lite or Redmi Note 12), the Smart Sound Assistant feature has been introduced, which analyzes the acoustics of the room and automatically adjusts the volume to turn it on:

  1. Open Settings β†’ Special features β†’ Improve the sound.
  2. Activate the Smart Sound Assistant switch.
  3. Take a short setup by holding the phone to your ear.

⚠️ Note: On some devices (e.g. Poco) X3 Pro after updating to MIUI 13, the separate volume control for system sounds is missing. If you need to return it, try resetting the sound settings: Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Application management β†’ Three points. β†’ Reset application settings.

πŸ“Š What kind of Xiaomi model do you have?
Redmi (Series Note, A, K)
Poco (F, X, M)
Xiaomi (digital series, T, S)
Black Shark
other

2. Engineering menu: how to unlock hidden sound settings

Engineering menu (Engineer Mode) is a hidden section of settings where you can manually adjust the settings of speakers, microphones and even antennas. On Xiaomi smartphones with Qualcomm processors (for example, Redmi Note 11 Pro or Poco F4), this menu allows you to increase the volume by 20-30% without root rights.

To get there:

  1. Open the Phone app.
  2. Enter the combination: ##4636## (to check your phone information).
  3. If the combination didn’t work, try ##36446337## (for MediaTek devices like Redmi 10C).
  4. Choose Hardware Testing β†’ Audio.

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

ParameterDescriptionRecommended value
Speaker ModeDynamic mode (0 - normal, 1 - loud)1
Headset ModeHeadphone mode (0 - normal, 1 - reinforced)1
Max VolMaximum volume (default value - 150)160-180 (not higher!)
TypeType of speaker (0 - main, 1 - conversational)0

When you change settings, press Set and restart your phone. Important: don't set Max Vol above 180, which can cause sound distortion or damage to the speaker on a long-term basis.

What to do if the engineering menu is not opened?
If you enter the code and you see a message saying, "Unfortunately, no connection is established," your Xiaomi model blocks access to the engineering menu, and the alternative is to use the MTK Engineering Mode app (for MediaTek devices) or Qualcomm Engineer Mode (for Snapdragon), download the APK from a trusted source (for example, APKCombo), install and run with administrator permission.

3. Apps to amplify sound: top-5 work-action

If standard methods didn't work, third-party utilities will come to the rescue, and we've tested dozens of apps and selected those that actually turn up the volume without harming the speakers.

  • πŸ₯‡ Volume Booster GOODEV β€” The simplest solution with support MIUI 12-14. It allows you to increase the volume on 30% Plus: no rooting. Minus: background noise can appear at maximum volume.
  • πŸ₯ˆ Precise Volume – gives precise control over the sound level with increments 1%. It is useful for models like Xiaomi. 11 Lite NE, where the standard regulator jumps through 5-10%. Works through ADB (guideline).
  • πŸ₯‰ ViPER4Android FX β€” The legendary audio mod for Android requires Magisk and a patch for MIUI, But it gives you incredible flexibility, from equalizers to virtual surround sound.
  • 4️⃣ Equalizer & Bass Booster is a free app with presets for different genres of music. X4 Pro and Redmi. K50.
  • 5️⃣ SoundAssistant (from Samsung, but compatible with Xiaomi) – allows you to divide the volume for each application, for example, make YouTube louder and Telegram quieter.

To install Precise Volume via ADB:

  1. Download Platform Tools and unpack it on your computer.
  2. Connect your phone to your PC and allow debugging over USB (Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ MIUI Version (shoot 7 times) β†’ Additional β†’ For developers β†’ USB debugging).
  3. Open the command line in the folder with the platform-tools and type: adb shell pm grant com.pittvandewitt.precisevolume android.permission.WRITE_SECURE_SETTINGS
  4. Install Precise Volume from Google Play and adjust the sound levels.

⚠️ Note: Apps like Volume Booster Pro or Super Loud Volume Booster often contain malicious code or display intrusive advertising. We do not recommend using them. APK Check it out on VirusTotal.

β˜‘οΈ Preparation for the installation of sound mods

Done: 0 / 4

Modification of system files: for advanced users

If you’re willing to take the risk (and lose the warranty), you can change the system files that control volume, a method that’s suitable for devices with an unlocked bootloader and a TWRP installed.

The main files that can be modified:

  • /system/vendor/etc/mixer_paths.xml β€” contains volume settings for different scenarios (calls, music, headphones).
  • /system/vendor/etc/audio_effects.xml β€” responsible for sound processing (equalizer, bass).
  • /system/vendor/etc/audio_policy_configuration.xml β€” Determines the maximum volume levels for each output device.

Example of modification mixer_paths.xml loudspeaker:

  1. Download the file to your computer through ADB Pull: adb pull /system/vendor/etc/mixer_paths.xml
  2. Open the file in a text editor (e.g. Notepad++) and find the lines: <path name="speaker"> <ctl name="RX1 Digital Volume" value="84" /> </path>
  3. Increase the value from 84 to 90-95 (not higher!).
  4. Save the file and download it back: adb push mixer_paths.xml /system/vendor/etc/ adb shell chmod 644 /system/vendor/etc/mixer_paths.xml
  5. Reboot the phone.

On Xiaomi models with speakers from NXP (for example, Xiaomi 12S Ultra), changing values above 92 can cause physical damage to the speaker membrane due to increased load.

πŸ’‘

Before modifying system files, create a full backup via TWRP. If the phone stops turning on after the changes, swipe the original file back through fastboot or restore the backup.

5. Hardware causes of quiet sound: when the "iron" is to blame

If the software methods didn't work, the problem could be the hardware, and here are the most common reasons:

  • πŸ”‡ Pollution speaker: dust and pile over time clog the speaker grid, reducing the volume by 40-60%. Especially relevant for models with a lower speaker (for example, Redmi). 9 POCO M2).
  • πŸ”Œ Bad contact headphone jack: if the sound is quiet only in headphones, check the jack for oxidation or mechanical damage. on Xiaomi with Type-C (for example, Xiaomi) 11T) The problem is often solved by simple cleaning.
  • πŸ”‹ Weak battery: when the discharge is below 15%, the system automatically lowers the volume to save energy. MIUI 12+.
  • πŸ› οΈ Damage to the speaker membrane: if the sound became quiet after falling or getting moisture, most likely, the membrane deformed. In this case, only a replacement speaker will help (cost - from 800 to 2500 rubles depending on the model).

To check the speaker for pollution:

  1. Call ##0673## or #0289## (Equipment Test)
  2. Select Speaker Test and listen to the test sound.
  3. If the sound is distorted or missing, the speaker is faulty. If the sound is clear but quiet, the problem is settings or pollution.

To clean the speaker:

  1. Turn off the phone.
  2. Take a soft toothbrush (or makeup brush) and gently clean the speaker mesh.
  3. Use a spray of compressed air (such as cleaning the keyboard) to remove dust from the inside.
  4. Do not use alcohol or liquids – they can damage the membrane!

πŸ’‘

If the sound has not improved after cleaning the speaker and the equipment test is a sign of a physical malfunction, in which case self-repair is not recommended: contact the service center.

Some Xiaomi smartphones have unique sound features that are worth knowing about, and we've collected data on the most popular models:

ModelFeatures of soundAdjustment recommendations
Redmi Note 10 ProStereodynamics, but the sound balance is shifted towards the lower speakerIn the engineering menu, increase Speaker Gain for the top speaker by 5-10%
Xiaomi 12 ProDolby Atmos support, but disabled by defaultActivate in Settings β†’ Sound. β†’ Sound quality β†’ Dolby Atmos
Poco F3Quiet microphone when calling (frequent user complaint)In the engineering menu, increase the Mic Gain to 200 (default 160)
Redmi 9AOne speaker, weak bass.Use an equalizer with a preset Bass or Rock
Xiaomi Mi 11 UltraHardware support for Hi-Res Audio, but requires special headphonesTurn on Hi-Res Audio in the sound settings and use headphones with impedance 32 ohms

On MIUI devices for POCO (like Poco X3 NFC or Poco F4), there is a hidden Super Volume feature to activate it:

  1. Install Activity Launcher from Google Play.
  2. Find the activity of com.miui.player in the list.
  3. Start Super Volume and follow the instructions.

7. Alternative methods: if nothing helps

If you’ve tried all the techniques but the sound is still quiet, consider these options:

  • 🎧 Use an external amplifier: devices like FiiO A1 or iBasso DC01 They connect to Type-C and amplify the sound in the headphones. Suitable for Xiaomi without an audio jack (for example, Xiaomi 13).
  • πŸ”Š Bluetooth speaker or headphones: even the budget speaker Xiaomi Mi Portable Bluetooth Speaker sounds louder than the built-in speakers.+ (For example, the Redmi Note 11 Pro+) We recommend headphones Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro with support LC3.
  • πŸ”„ Reset to factory settings: Sometimes the sound becomes quiet after the update MIUI. Reset will return the standard sound settings!
  • πŸ›’ Replacement speaker: if all methods have been tried and the sound remains quiet, perhaps the speaker is worn out.Cost of replacement: One speaker: 800-1500 RUB Stereopara (for models like Xiaomi) 11T Pro: 2000–3500 rubles.

For owners of Xiaomi with an infrared port (for example, Redmi Note 8 Pro or Mi 9T), there is an original life hack: connect the phone to the home speaker system via the IR port using a universal remote control.

πŸ’‘

If you often listen to music at maximum volume, install the Sound Notification app, which will alert you if the sound level exceeds the safe 85 dB, which will help avoid hearing damage.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Why is the sound so quieter after the MIUI update?
In new MIUI versions (starting with 13), Xiaomi has tightened the maximum volume limits due to European standards EN 50332-2. To return the previous level: Reverse to the previous version of MIUI via Fastboot. Or use the Magisk module Disable MIUI Volume Warning (requires root). On some devices (for example, Redmi Note 10) helps reset the sound settings: Settings β†’ Apps β†’ Application Management β†’ Three points β†’ Reset applications.
Can I turn up the microphone during calls?
Yes, for this: Open the engineering menu (code ##4636##). Go to Hardware Testing β†’ Audio β†’ Increase the value of Mic Gain with 160 before 180-200. For models on MediaTek (e.g. Redmi) 9C) The Microphone Volume Booster app will also help. ⚠️ Warning: Increasing microphone volume can cause noise in conversation. Test changes in quiet environments.
Why is the sound quiet in the headphones, but normal on the speaker?
This problem is typical for devices with Type-C (without the 3.5-Causes of the connector: πŸ”Œ Low-quality adapter (if you use the adapter) 3.5 Buy the original Xiaomi adapter or a certified adapter USB-C to 3.5mm. 🎧 High impedance headphones (more) 32 The smartphone can't provide enough voltage. Solution: use impedance headphones. 16-32 Om or external amplifier. πŸ”‹ Food restrictions. MIUI there is a charge saving feature that reduces the volume in the headphones at the battery level below 20%. Shuts down in Settings. β†’ Battery β†’ Energy conservation β†’ Settings β†’ Limiting productivity.
How to increase the volume of the alarm clock?
Alarm clock MIUI It has a separate volume control. To find it, open the Watch app (⏰) Select the alarm clock. β†’ Melody. β†’ If the alarm is still quiet: Install a third-party app like Sleep as Android or Alarmy. In the engineering menu, increase the Alarm Max Vol to 100 (by default 80).
Is it safe to listen to music at maximum volume?
No. According to WHO research, listening to sounds above 85 dB for more than 8 hours a day can lead to irreversible hearing loss. At maximum volume, Xiaomi's smartphone outputs up to 95-100 dB, which is dangerous after 15-30 minutes. Recommendations: Use the 60/60 rule: no more than 60% volume for 60 consecutive minutes. Install the Sound Meter app to monitor decibel levels. Enable volume limit in Settings β†’ Sound β†’ Safe Sound (available on MIUI 12+).