How to turn on the aptX codec on Xiaomi smartphones: full instructions with nuances

AptX is an audio compression technology that delivers better audio quality when transmitted over Bluetooth compared to standard SBC. Xiaomi smartphone owners often face a problem: even if their device supports aptX, this codec is disabled by default or not activated automatically, the reason lies in the manufacturer’s policy and the specifics of the implementation of MIUI.

In this article, we will discuss how to force aptX on different Xiaomi models (including Redmi, POCO and flagship series), which models support this codec, and what to do if after all the manipulations, the sound is still transmitted via SBC or AAC.

Which Xiaomi smartphones support the aptX codec?

Not all Xiaomi devices are equipped with a Qualcomm chip with aptX support.

• 📱 Flagship models: Xiaomi 13/14 Pro, Mi 11/12 Series, Black Shark 4/5 — Support aptX Adaptive (the most advanced version of the codec).
• 💰 Mid-segment: Redmi K50/60 Pro, POCO F4/F5 — Usually limited to aptX HD or basic aptX.
• ⚠️ Budget models: Redmi Note 11/12, POCO M5 — They are often only supported SBC/AAC.
• 🔍 Exceptions: Some devices on MediaTek (e.g. Redmi) 10C) They can have aptX but without official support. MIUI.

To find out if your smartphone supports aptX, check the specifications on Xiaomi’s official website or use applications like Bluetooth Codec Info (available on Google Play). Note that even if the chipset supports a codec, the manufacturer can block it software.

Why does aptX not automatically turn on?

The main reason is that Xiaomi prioritizes universal codecs (SBC/AAC) to ensure compatibility with the maximum number of devices.

• 🔧 Politics MIUI: In the firmware by default disabled forced activation of aptX, even if the headphones support it.
• 🔄 Dynamic Switching: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Ultra) automatically select codec based on communication quality, preferring stability over quality.
• 📱 Chipset limitations: On MediaTek devices (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro)+) AptX can be blocked at the driver level.
• 🔌 Headphone problems: Even if the smartphone supports aptX, headphones must declare it in a Bluetooth profile. Some brands (such as Sony) hide support for aptX in favor of the headphones. LDAC.

Important: On devices with MIUI 14 and later, forced aptX activation may require editing system files, as the option is hidden in the engineering menu.

Method 1: Enabling aptX via Bluetooth settings (official method)

If your smartphone and headphones support aptX, try turning it on in the standard way:

1. Connect the headphones to the smartphone via Bluetooth.
2. Open Settings → Bluetooth.
3. Press the badge. ⚙️ near the connected headphones.
4. Select Sound Quality or Audio Codec (the item name may vary depending on the MIUI version).
5. In the list of available codecs, select aptX or aptX HD.

If you don't have audio quality, your model doesn't support manual codec switching through the interface, so move on to the following methods.

Method 2: Activate aptX through the Engineering Menu (for advanced)

If the standard method didn’t work, you can try enabling aptX through hidden settings, which works on most Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset devices:

1. Open the Phone app and enter the code ##2432546## (this will open the Bluetooth Test Mode menu).
2. In the Audio Codec section, find the aptX string and set the Enabled value.
3. Save the settings and restart the smartphone.
4. Connect the headphones again and check the codec used in Bluetooth Codec Info.

Not all of the engineering menu codes work on newer versions of MIUI. On some devices (e.g. Xiaomi 14), this method may not work due to security limitations.

Method 3: Using ADB to force aptX to be enabled

If previous methods have failed, you can try activating aptX via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires connecting your smartphone to your computer and enabling the developer mode.

Instructions:

1. Turn on Developer Mode (go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times).
2. Return to Settings → Additional → For developers and enable USB debugging.
3. Connect your smartphone to your PC, install it ADB Tools and execute command: adb shell settings put global bluetooth_a2dp_hw_offload_disable 0
4. Then type: adb shell settings put global bluetooth_hfp_codec_priority"aptX,aptX-HD,SBC,AAC"
5. Restart the device and check the codec in Bluetooth Codec Info.

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB-commands can cause Bluetooth to crash. If the headphones stop connecting after the commands are executed, reset the network settings (Settings) → Connections → Resetting Wi-Fi, Mobile Network and Bluetooth).

How do you know if AptX is working?

To make sure that the aptX codec is activated, use one of the following applications:

If the app displays aptX but the sound is interrupted or distorted, try:

• 🔌 Turn off Absolute Volume in Bluetooth settings (if any).
• 📶 Move closer to the source (walls and interference can impair communication).
• 🔄 Reboot headphones and smartphone.

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If the sound is quieter after activating aptX, check the equalizer settings in the music app (like Spotify or Poweramp).Some equalizers automatically turn down the volume when using high-quality codecs.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after successful activation of aptX, users face problems, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

• 🔊 The sound is interrupted: Reduce the distance between your smartphone and headphones or turn off Bluetooth Energy Saving in the battery settings.
• 🎵 Low sound quality: Check if the headphones are in mode ANC Transparency – they can reduce bitrate.
• 🔄 Codec is dropped on SBC: This may be due to updates. MIUI. After the update, re-activate aptX through ADB.
• 🚫 aptX doesn't show up in the list of codecs: Maybe your model doesn't support it at the hardware level.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI Global some Bluetooth settings can be trimmed compared to the Chinese version of firmware.If you use global firmware and can't enable aptX, consider switching to a Chinese firmware. MIUI China (but note that this will require unlocking the bootloader).

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If your Xiaomi smartphone doesn’t support aptX at the hardware level, no software manipulation will help activate it.In this case, consider buying headphones that support LDAC or LHDC (for Xiaomi devices with Qualcomm 8 Gen 2+ chipsets).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions