How to enable LDAC on Xiaomi: activate high-quality codecs

Owners of modern Xiaomi smartphones often wonder how to unleash the full potential of their wireless headphones. The standard SBC audio protocol, which is used by default, compresses the audio stream, leading to a noticeable loss of quality and detail. For music fans using expensive Hi-Res Audio-enabled acoustics, it is critical to switch to more advanced codecs such as LDAC or aptX HD.

The problem is that in the standard Android settings menu, these options are often hidden from the user. The system automatically selects the codec based on device compatibility, but does not always prioritize quality. To force LDAC activation, you need to access a hidden engineering menu known as the developer menu. This is a secure procedure that does not require root rights, but it allows you to fine-tune the wireless settings.

In this guide, we will take a look at the entire activation process, from unlocking hidden functions to checking the real bitrate of data transfer, and learn why your phone may not see the desired codec and how to bypass the software limitations of the MIUI or HyperOS shell.

Preparation of the device and compatibility check

Before you get to the tricky settings, make sure your hardware is physically capable of supporting high-resolution audio. Sony’s LDAC requires both transmitting device (smartphone) and receiving (earphones or speakers) support. Most flagship and mid-budget Xiaomi models released after 2018 have a built-in decoder.

However, having a Bluetooth 5.0 chip or higher does not guarantee LDAC automatic operation. Some regional firmware versions may have software limitations. You should check the specifications of your headphone model in advance. If they only support SBC or AAC, activating LDAC on the phone will not have any effect, since devices will not be able to "negotiate" the protocol.

⚠️ Warning: Make sure your headphones are at least 50% charged.When switching to high-quality codecs, the power consumption of the Bluetooth module increases, and a discharged battery may cause the connection to break during the testing process.

It’s also worth checking the operating system version. On older versions of Android (below 8.0), native LDAC support may not be available, and owners of devices with MIUI 12 shell and newer devices are more fortunate to have the necessary libraries already in their system that need only be activated.

Activation of the developer mode on Xiaomi

The key to managing codecs is in the hidden section “Developers”; it is closed by default so that inexperienced users do not accidentally change important system parameters; the unlock process is the same for most Redmi, POCO and Mi models. You do not need special applications or a computer connection.

First, open the standard Settings app and scroll down to the very bottom of the list to About Phone. Here we are interested in the line "Version". MIUI» (or "Version" OS» You need to click on this item quickly. 7 once in a row. 3-4 The system will warn you how many times you have to click, and after the seventh time, a pop-up notification will appear: You became a developer!».

Now go back to the main settings menu and go to the "Advanced" section, and there's a new item, "Developers," which is where we have all the tools we need to fine-tune Bluetooth, and be careful, changing the other settings in this menu can affect how the system works, so only change the settings that are related to audio.

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If the item "About phone" is not immediately, use the search by settings, entering the request "version" MIUI» or “Assembly number».

Setting up Bluetooth audio codecs

Once you log into the developer menu, scroll down to the Network or Bluetooth block. We're interested in Bluetooth Audio Codec. When you click on it, you'll see a list of available protocols. In the standard state, you'll have either Default or SBC, and you'll have to select an LDAC from the list.

If LDAC is not on the list, it means one of two things: either your smartphone doesn't hardwarely support this codec, or it's locked at the firmware level. In the latter case, choose aptX HD, which also provides quality close to CD, although it's inferior to LDAC in bitrate. After choosing the codec, the phone will require a reboot of the Bluetooth connection.

It is also important to pay attention to the item “LDAC sound quality” (or “Connection priority”), where you can choose the balance between stability and quality, for listening to music indoors, you should choose “Sound quality”, and for use on the street or in transport – “Balanced” or “Connection quality” to avoid stuttering.

Use of Bluetooth Codec Changer

In some cases, especially on global versions of Xiaomi firmware, the standard menu may not display all available codecs or not allow them to be selected.To solve this problem, there is a dedicated application Bluetooth Codec Changer. It works without root rights and allows you to force the inclusion of hidden Android functions.

Download the application from a trusted source (like Google Play or GitHub) and install it. Once launched, the application will request permission to use special features (Accessibility), which is necessary to emulate the clicks in the system menu. Give permission and follow the instructions on the screen.

In the interface, you'll see a list of available codecs. If LDAC is supported by hardware, but hidden by software, the software will allow it to be activated. The interface may be in English, but it's intuitive: you just need to switch the switchboard against the desired format.

⚠️ Note: Using third-party applications to change Bluetooth system settings can cause the connection to work unstable. If the sound is gone or there are severe delays after activation, delete the application or reset the Bluetooth settings.

Comparison of codecs: SBC, AAC, aptX and LDAC

Understanding the difference between formats will help you choose the optimal mode for different situations. Not always the best quality is the best choice, especially if you are in a place with a lot of radio interference.

As you can see from the table, LDAC It provides almost three times the data transfer compared to the standard SBC. This allows the transmission of a frequency range of up to 40 kHz (vs. 20 kHz y). CD-The aptX Adaptive may be preferable in motion, as it dynamically changes bitrates.

It's worth noting that when you use a 990 kbps LDAC, the range of the connection can decrease, and if you move too far away from the phone or put it in your long pocket, the sound can be interrupted, in which case the system itself will switch to a lower bitrate or other codec.

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LDAC provides the highest sound quality, but requires ideal signal reception conditions, and for sports and transportation, it is better to use aptX Adaptive or AAC.

Diagnostics and troubleshooting sound problems

Once you turn on the LDAC, you may encounter audio artifacts, cracks, or periodic breaks. This is a normal system reaction to a high load on the transmission channel. First of all, check if the desired codec is actually activated. In the engineering menu or through special applications (for example, Material You Stats), you can see the current active codec.

If the sound is interrupted, try to lower the quality priority in the LDAC settings. Switch from "Prioritize Audio Quality" to "Prioritize Connection Stability."This will reduce the bitrate to 660 or 330 kbit/s, which often solves the problem of interference without significant loss of audible quality for most tracks.

Problems can also arise from background applications that use the network. 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi can interfere with Bluetooth. Use 5 GHz Wi-Fi if possible or temporarily turn off data transmission to check the cleanliness of the channel.

⚠️ Attention: When used actively LDAC This is due to the increased load on the processor and Bluetooth module. If the device is very warm, take a break or switch to the aptX codec.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)