How to turn on mono sound on Xiaomi devices: TVs and smartphones

Many Xiaomi users face a situation where they need to switch stereo to mono mode, which can be due to hearing problems, using a single earphone or connecting to an outdated audio system. The inclusion of mono audio allows you to combine left and right channels into one, making audio more accessible and comfortable for perception.

In this article, we will discuss in detail how to activate mono mode on Xiaomi TVs and smartphones, including models with a high-performance system. MIUI Android TV. You will learn about all the available methods, possible limitations and nuances of customization for different versions of firmware. TV, Redmi Smart TV, and also the Xiaomi smartphones and POCO.

Why do you need a mono sound on Xiaomi?

Monophonic sound is not just a technical feature, it's an important accessibility feature, and it's necessary in a few cases:

• 👂 Hearing problems – with unilateral hearing loss or using one hearing aid, mono mode helps not to miss part of the audio.
• 🎧 Broken headphones – if one speaker in the headphones does not work, mono sound will allow you to hear the entire audio stream through a serviceable channel.
• 📺 Outdated audio equipment – some speakers or sound systems only support monophonic signal.
• 🎮 Gaming and media applications – in some games or videos, important sounds (such as voice prompts) may only be played in one channel.

On Xiaomi devices, the mono sound function is implemented differently depending on the type of device. TV Android TV It can be hidden in the settings of special features, and on smartphones — in the audio menu or through the engineering menu.

How to turn on mono sound on Xiaomi TVs (Mi) TV, Redmi Smart TV)

Xiaomi TVs based on Android TV (Like Mi. TV 4A, Mi TV 5, Redmi Smart TV X) support monomode via availability settings, but the path to this feature may vary depending on the firmware version.

Method 1: Through setting up special features

This is the easiest and safest method that works on most models:

1. Turn on the TV and go to the main screen.
2. Open the settings (cog in the upper right corner).
3. Select the Special Features section (or Accessibility in English).
4. Scroll down and find the option Mono audio.
5. Activate the switch.

If you don't have an option, try upgrading your TV firmware to the latest version. On some older models (e.g. Mi). TV (3) the function may not be available.

Update the TV firmware to the latest version

Connect your TV to the Internet to check for updates

Make sure you use the Xiaomi remote (not universal)

Check if special features are disabled-->

Method 2: Engineering menu (for advanced users)

If the standard method didn't work, you can try activating mono sound through an engineering menu, which is suitable for advanced users, because it requires caution:

1. Turn on the TV and go to Settings → About TV.
2. Find the build number and quickly click on it 7 times in a row until a notification appears about the activation of the developer mode.
3. Go back to the main settings menu and open a new section for developers.
4. Find the USB debugging option and turn it on.
5. Connect the TV to your computer through USB and use ADB-Adb shell settings put global mono_audio 1
6. Reboot the TV.

⚠️ Warning: Misuse of the engineering menu can cause your TV to malfunction.If you're not sure what you're doing, contact Xiaomi's support team.

How to turn on mono sound on Xiaomi smartphones (MIUI)

On smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO The mono sound function is also available, but its location depends on the version. MIUI. In the latest versions (MIUI 12-14) the option is moved to the settings of special features, and in older ones it can be in the audio menu.

Method 1: Through setting up special features (MIUI 12–14)

Instructions for modern smartphones:

1. Open the settings on your smartphone.
2. Go to the Special Opportunities section.
3. Select Hearing (in English version).
4. Activate the Mono audio option.
5. If necessary, adjust the balance between the left and right channel with a slider.

Once activated, all audio (music, video, calls) will play in mono mode. To return stereo, you just need to turn off this option.

Method 2: Through sound settings (MIUI 10–11)

On older versions of the firmware, the path may differ:

1. Open the Settings. → Sound and vibration.
2. Scroll down and find the Additional Settings section.
3. Select Mono sound and turn on the function.

If there is no option, upgrade your smartphone to the latest version. MIUI or use ADB-Team (similar to the method for televisions).

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In some models (for example, POCO F3) The mono sound is automatically activated when you plug in a single speaker headphone. Check this before manually adjusting.

Method 3: Through the Engineering Menu (for all versions) MIUI)

If the standard methods don't work, you can use the engineering menu, which is universal, but it requires caution.

1. Open the Phone app and enter the combination: ##36446337###
2. In the menu, select Hardware Testing → Audio.
3. Find the Mono Audio option and turn it on.
4. Save the settings and restart the smartphone.

⚠️ Note: Not all Xiaomi models support this combination. On some devices, the engineering menu may be blocked by the manufacturer. ADB:

adb shell settings put global mono_audio_enabled 1

Problems and Solutions When Including Mono Sound

Even after you activate mono mode, users may face a number of problems, and let's look at the most common ones and how to fix them.

Problem 1: The mono sound option is not in the settings

If you don’t find the right option, the reasons may be as follows:

• 📱 Outdated firmware - update MIUI Android TV last-minute.
• 🌍 Regional restrictions - some features are disabled in the firmware for certain countries.
• 🔧 Modified firmware - if you use custom firmware, the feature can be removed.Install the official version.

If the update didn’t work, check the mono sound support for your model in Xiaomi’s official documentation.

Problem 2: Mono sound only works on headphones

On some devices, the mono mode is only activated when the headphones are connected, to turn it on for speakers:

1. Connect the headphones and activate the mono sound.
2. Turn off the headphones - on some models, the setting is saved.
3. If it doesn't help, use it. ADB-The command for forced inclusion: adb shell settings put global force_mono_audio 1

Problem 3: The sound became quieter after the mono mode was turned on

This is normal, because the audio stream is distributed over a single channel to increase the volume.

• 🔊 Use the equalizer in the sound settings (increase low and medium frequencies).
• 🎛️ Enable Sound Amplification in Special Features (if available).
• 📱 Install a third-party audio management app, for example ViPER4Android (Root rights are required).

Alternative ways to get a mono sound

If your Xiaomi device does not support mono sound at the software level, you can use alternative methods.

Method 1: Use of an external audio adapter

Some Bluetooth adapters and sound cards have a built-in stereo-mono conversion function, such as:

• 🎧 Bluetooth transmitters with monomode support (for example, Avantek) APTX).
• 🔌 USB-C channel-adjusted audio adapters.
• 📦 AV-receivers with channel mixing function.

Connect the adapter to your TV or smartphone and activate mono mode in its settings.

Method 2: Software for PC

If you are streaming audio from Xiaomi to your computer (for example, via Miracast or a computer). HDMI), You can use programs for mixing channels:

• 🖥️ Voicemeeter – allows you to combine stereo channels into mono.
• 🎛️ Equalizer APO — Free equalizer with monomode support.
• 🎵 Audacity – for processing audio files before playback.

Method 3: Settings in media players

Some apps have built-in options for mono sound:

• 🎬 VLC — In the audio settings, select Audio → Audio device → Mono.
• 🎵 Poweramp - in the Settings menu → Audio. → Exit → Mono mix.
• 📺 Kodi – in the sound settings, activate Stereo in mono.

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If your Xiaomi device doesn’t support mono sound at the software level, external adapters and PC programs are the best solution.

Mono and Stereo Sound Comparison: Which is Better?

Mono and stereo sound have their advantages and disadvantages, depending on your needs.

Mono sound is necessary if you use a single earphone or hearing aid, since in stereo mode you will hear only a part of the audio stream (for example, only the left channel).

Stereo sound is preferred for listening to music, watching movies and games where spatial sound is important, but mono mode is often more convenient for everyday tasks (calls, podcasts, news).

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions