How to Include Dual Audio on Xiaomi: The Complete Guide

Today’s Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones have powerful multimedia functionality that is often hidden deep in system settings. One of the most popular features for parties or shared content is the ability to stream audio simultaneously to two pairs of wireless headphones or a speaker, a technology known as Dual Audio or dual-sound mode.

Users often find themselves in a situation where the standard Bluetooth menu does not offer an obvious switch to connect the second device, which is due to the features of the MIUI and HyperOS shell, where the logic of the modules may differ from the stock Android.

You don't have to be an expert in network protocols to set up sync, but we'll look at both the standard tools of the system and the proven third-party solutions that allow you to bypass software constraints, and the main thing is to understand that the success of the operation depends on the version of Bluetooth and the support of profiles with your gadgets.

Technical requirements and compatibility of devices

Before you start setting up, you need to make sure your hardware is physically able to support audio streaming to two receivers at once.The technology is based on Bluetooth 5.0 and higher, which provides sufficient channel bandwidth.Older versions of the protocol may not be able to codify two independent streams without loss of quality or delay.

Xiaomi smartphones released in the last 3-4 years are usually equipped with the necessary modules. However, it is important to consider not only the phone, but also the headphones themselves. If you are trying to connect the old model of the headset released 5 years ago, the system can automatically turn off the second device or switch to mono mode.

Also worth noting is the role of codecs: To listen to music in high quality, both devices must support the same codecs, such as AAC or aptX. Otherwise, the system will be forced to switch to the basic SBC codec, which can reduce the clarity of the sound.

You can check the support in the technical specifications on the manufacturer's website or in the documentation. If your gadgets meet the requirements, you can go to the software part of the setup.

⚠️ Attention: When connecting two devices, the load on the smartphone battery increases by approximately 15-20%. It is recommended to monitor the level of charge if you are planning a long party.

Activation via standard Bluetooth menu

The easiest way to do this, which works on current versions of MIUI 13, MIUI 14, and HyperOS, is to use the system’s built-in functionality. Xiaomi engineers are gradually introducing native support for multiple connectivity into the standard interface.

To start, open the settings and go to the Bluetooth partition. Make sure the module is activated. Now pair with the first pair of headphones or speakers. Wait until the status changes to Connected, and check the audio playback.

After that, without turning off the first device, put the second pair of headphones in pairing mode. In the list of available devices on the smartphone screen should appear the name of the second headset. Click on it to connect.

• 🎧 Make sure that both devices are in close proximity to the phone (no more). 1-2 meters).
• 🔋 Make sure that none of the devices are in power saving mode, which can block the search.
• 📱 Update the device list by pulling the screen down if the second device doesn’t appear immediately.

In some cases, the system may request permission to use the microphone or change the profile. Accept requests to ensure stable operation. If the sound came only through one device, try clicking on the gear next to the device name on the Bluetooth menu and selecting the Media Audio option.

Use of the “Double Headphones” mode in MIUI

Xiaomi and Redmi smartphone owners can use a special feature that is sometimes hidden in the optional menu, called “Dual Headphones”, and is designed specifically for distributing sound to two outputs.

To find this option, open Settings and search for settings by searching for “Dual.” If your firmware version supports this feature, you will see “Dual Headphones.” Alternative path: Settings → Connection and Sharing → Dual Headphones.

Inside the menu, you'll see a list of previously paired devices, and you'll need to tick the boxes against the two devices you want to use at the same time, and the system will automatically reconnect them in a special mode.

If the sound is quiet or monophonic after activation, try turning off the Absolute Volume feature in the developer menu, which often helps synchronize signal levels.

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If the dual headphones feature is not in search, try changing your smartphone region to India or Global in the “More” settings» → «Region. This sometimes opens up hidden functions. MIUI.

Configure through the Engineering Menu and Developer Options

For advanced users who don’t have standard methods, it is possible to activate extended Bluetooth profiles through the developer menu, which requires caution, as changing system settings can affect the stability of the connection.

First, activate the developer mode. To do this, go to Settings → About Phone and quickly click 7 times on the MIUI Version or OS Version field. After the notification “You became a developer”, return to the main settings menu.

Go to Additional Settings → For developers. Find the Bluetooth section. We are interested in Bluetooth Audio Codec or Bluetooth version settings. It is also useful to check Disable Absolute Volume.

Path to the menu: Settings → Additional settings → For developers → Bluetooth Audio Codec

In this menu, you can try changing the codec to SBC, as it is the most versatile for dual output. High-quality codecs like LDAC or aptX HD may not support dual-device transfer due to limited bandwidth.

⚠️ Warning: Do not change the settings with the word "Debug" or "Log" in the name unless you understand their purpose.

After changing the settings, be sure to restart the smartphone, which will allow the system to re-initialize the Bluetooth stack with new parameters.

Third-party audio management applications

If Xiaomi’s system constraints don’t allow it to work, Google Play apps come to the rescue, using system APIs to force multiple devices to connect.

One popular solution is the Audio Relayer app or analogues like Samsung’s Sound Assistant (which runs on many Androids), which creates a virtual audio bridge by redirecting sound to the desired outputs.

• 📲 Download the app from a verified source (Play Store).
• 🔒 Provide the necessary permissions to access the microphone and Bluetooth.
• 🎚️ Set up the volume balance for each connected device within the app.

Consider that using such software can lead to increased battery consumption and a slight dissynchronization of sound (echo) when watching videos, which is less critical for listening to music than for movies.

Solving synchronization problems

Often, users are faced with a situation where devices are connected, but the sound comes from only one, or there is a strong out-of-synchronization. This can be caused by a Bluetooth cache or a profile conflict.

First, try to forget both devices in the Bluetooth menu and create a pair again. First, plug one, check the sound, then the second. If the problem persists, reset the network settings, which will return all network settings to factory values, but will not delete your personal files.

Reset path: Settings → Connection and Sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, Cellular Networks and Bluetooth → Reset settings. After that, the phone will reboot and you will have to re-enter the Wi-Fi passwords.

Signal interference can also be a problem, and if a powerful 2.4GHz Wi-Fi router is running nearby, it can jam Bluetooth, try switching Wi-Fi to 5GHz, or moving the router away from the listening area.

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Resetting network settings is a radical, but often the only way to fix Bluetooth stack software errors when simple reconnects don't help.

Possible problems and solutions

Even if you follow all the instructions, there can be nuances, such as one of the devices can be permanently disconnected, which often indicates that the smartphone's Bluetooth module is not able to cope with maintaining two active connections with a high bitrate.

In this case, try to reduce the sound quality in the settings of the player application itself or in the settings of Bluetooth codecs, if this option is available.

Another problem is that you can't adjust the volume of the second device independently, and within one Android operating system, it's often technically impossible without third-party software, and the volume is usually synchronized.

Comparison of Dual Audio Activation Methods

To make it easier for you to choose the right method, we have summarized the main characteristics of the methods in one table, which will help you assess the risks and the required level of training.

Choose a method based on your situation. For one-time use, a standard menu is better, and for permanent use, it is worth experimenting with the developer's settings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)