How to turn on aptX HD Xiaomi: A Complete Guide to Set Up High-Quality Sound

What's aptX? HD Why it is important to your Xiaomi

Bluetooth aptX codecs HD and LDAC They've become the standard for audiophiles who want to maximize wireless audio quality, if you own a Xiaomi, Redmi or a smartphone. POCO And you can use these technologies, but you don't know how to activate them, and this is for you. AAC or SBC, aptX HD transmits audio in resolution 24-bit/48kHz, comparable CD-quality, but without wires.

The problem is that even on supported models (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Pro, Redmi). K60 Ultra or POCO F5 Pro) the function is often hidden in the depths of settings or disabled by default. The manufacturer does not always advertise this feature, leaving users in the dark. HD It can dramatically improve the sound of your Sony. WH-1000XM5, Bose QuietComfort or other headphones with codec support.

In this article, we will discuss:

• 🔍 How to check if your Xiaomi aptX supports HD (model)
• ⚙️ Step-by-step instructions for including codecs in settings MIUI
• 🎧 What headphones are compatible with the technology and how to check the current codec
• ⚠️ Common errors and ways to fix them (e.g., "codec not activated")

List of Xiaomi models with support for aptX HD and LDAC

Not all Xiaomi smartphones are equipped with Bluetooth chips that support aptX HD. This technology requires hardware implementation, so it is not in budget models (for example, Redmi Note). 12 or POCO M5). Below is an up-to-date list of devices where the function is guaranteed to work on MIUI 14/15 (Android 13/14):

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi 12 Lite or Redmi Note 11 Pro)+) The specifications include aptX Adaptive, but in practice it may not work with headphones that only support aptX. HD. Before buying headphones, check compatibility through the Bluetooth Codec Checker app (available on Google Play).

If your model is not in the table, it does not mean that it does not support the codec, POCO X3 Pro) may have hidden support that can be activated via ADB Or modified firmware. That's what we're going to do in the next section.

Step-by-step: how to turn on aptX HD Xiaomi

If your smartphone is listed above, follow this instruction.The procedure differs depending on the version. MIUI, But the algorithm is still there.

Method 1: Using standard MIUI settings (for most models)

This method works for MIUI 12-15 without the need for administrator rights:

1. Connect compatible headphones to your smartphone via Bluetooth.
2. Open Settings → Connections and Sharing → Bluetooth.
3. Press the badge. ⚙️ near the connected device.
4. Choose Audio Codec or Audio Quality (the name may vary).
5. In the list of available codecs, select aptX HD (or aptX Adaptive if HD no).
6. Reboot your headphones and smartphone to apply the changes.

Check the smartphone model for compatibility|Update. MIUI last-minute|Charge your headphones and phone. >50%|Disable other Bluetooth devices-->

Method 2: Through Developer Settings (for hidden options)

On some devices (such as Black Shark 5 Pro or Black Shark) POCO F3) The option is hidden, to unlock it:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and press 7 times.
2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
3. Find the Bluetooth Codec option or Bluetooth Audio Quality.
4. Choose aptX. HD drop-down.
5. Save the settings and reconnect the headphones.

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI Global for Xiaomi 11T Pro) the option may not be available even in developer mode, in which case only manually enabled via ADB (see next section).

Method 3: Through ADB (for power users)

If the standard methods don’t work, try the command. ADB:

adb shell settings put global bluetooth_a2dp_hw_offload_codec aptx_hd

After the command is executed:

1. Reboot your smartphone.
2. Reconnect the headphones.
3. Check the active codec in Bluetooth Settings → Device information.

💡

If after activation of aptX HD So the sound is interrupted, try turning off Hardware Acceleration audio in the developer settings.

How to check that aptX HD really works.

Many users include a codec, but are not sure if it is actually being used.

Method 1: Through System Information

On most Xiaomi smartphones, the current codec is displayed in Bluetooth settings:

1. Put the headphones on.
2. Open Settings → Bluetooth.
3. Click on your headphones.
4. Look at the audio codec or sound quality.

If you're saying aptX HD — It works, if it works. SBC or AAC — codec not activated.

Method 2: Applications

Install one of these apps from Google Play:

• 📱 Bluetooth Codec Checker – shows current codec and bitrate.
• 🎵 Developer Options (in the Bluetooth audio codec section).
• 🔊 PowerAMP (in the player settings there is information about the codec).

⚠️ Note: Some headphones (such as Sony) WH-1000XM4) switch automatically AAC, If the Bluetooth signal is weak, make sure you are in a confident reception zone (no further than 1-2 meters from the smartphone).

Method 3: A hearing test

If technical methods are not available, try to compare the sound:

• 🎶 Enable a track with a high bitrate (for example, FLAC 24-bit).
• Switch the codec from SBC aptX HD.
• Pay attention to the details: aptX HD It should give clearer high frequencies and deeper basses.

Common Problems and Their Solutions

Even after successful activation of aptX HD So, users are facing challenges. Let's look at the typical scenarios:

Problem 1: The codec is turned on, but the sound is interrupted.

This is a frequent complaint of Xiaomi owners. 12/13 series POCO F4 GT. Causes and solutions:

• 📶 Weak Bluetooth signal – remove interference (Wi-Fi routers, microwaves).
• 🔋 Battery Savings – Turn off Bluetooth Optimization in Settings → Battery → Optimization.
• 🎛️ Conflict with MIUI Optimizations – Turn them off through ADB: adb shell settings put global hidden_api_policy 1

Problem 2: aptX HD missing from the codec list

If the option is not displayed even in the developer mode:

• 🔄 Update the firmware - on older versions MIUI (The codec below 12.5) may be hidden.
• 🌍 Change the firmware region – some codecs are only available in EEA Chinese ROM.
• 🛠️ Install a custom core, such as FrancoKernel for POCO F3 unlocks hidden functions.

Problem 3: The sound got worse after turning on aptX HD

Paradoxically, but sometimes aptX HD worse AAC. Possible causes:

• 🎧 Bad headphones – some models (such as Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro) are worse handled by aptX HD, more AAC.
• 🎵 A low-quality source, if you are listening MP3 128 kbps, the difference will not be obvious.
• ⚙️ Wrong Equalizer Settings – Reset them in Settings → Sound. → equalizer.

💡

If neither method worked, check the headphones on another device (like a Sony or OnePlus smartphone). HD It doesn’t work there either – the problem is with the headphones, not Xiaomi.

Codec comparison: aptX HD vs LDAC vs AAC

To see if you should bother with settings, compare the main codecs available on Xiaomi:

🔹 When to choose aptX HD:

• 🎧 If you have Sony, Bose or Sennheiser headphones with codec support.
• 🎵 If you listen to music in high resolution (FLAC, ALAC).
• 🎮 If low latency is important (for example, for games or videos).

🔹 When is the best time to use LDAC:

• 🎧 Only if you have Sony headphones (for example, WH-1000XM5).
• 🎛️ If you are willing to put up with a little more delay for the sake of maximum bitrate.

🔹 When enough is enough AAC:

• 🍎 If you use AirPods or other Apple headphones.
• 📱 If your smartphone does not support aptX HD/LDAC.

More tips for better sound on Xiaomi

Enabling aptX HD — It's just part of the way to perfect sound:

1. Equalizer adjustment

MIUI It has an integrated equalizer, but it's often hidden to activate it:

1. Open the settings → Sound → Sound quality.
2. Select Equalizer (if you don’t have an option, install Wavelet from Google Play).
3. For aptX. HD We recommend a preset Bass Boost or Jazz.

2. Disconnection of sound processing

MIUI By default, it applies its own sound enhancement algorithms that can spoil aptX. HD. Turn them off:

• 🔇 B Settings → Sound off Mi Sound Enhancer.
• 🎤 B Settings → Additionally. → Special features turn off the sound amplification.

3. Optimization of the sound source

To unlock the potential of aptX HD, use:

• 🎵 Lossles formats: FLAC, WAV, ALAC (avoid MP3 below 320 kbps).
• 🎶 Players with support for Hi-Res: PowerAMP, Neutron, USB Audio Player Pro.
• 📀 High bitrate streaming services: Tidal HiFi, Apple Music Lossless, Qobuz.

💡

If you use Spotify, turn on the player's settings for High Streaming Quality (320 kbps) which is not True Hi-Res, but better than the standard 160 kbps.

FAQ: Frequent questions about aptX HD Xiaomi