Have you bought a new Xiaomi device — a smartphone, a TV or wireless headphones — but only play audio in mono mode? Or did the stereo disappear after the upgrade? This problem is most often due to the wrong settings, outdated firmware or hardware limitations of a particular model. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to turn on stereo sound on different Xiaomi devices, from the budget Redmi to the flagship Mi 13 Ultra and Xiaomi TV Q2.
It's important to understand that not all models support full-fledged stereo sound. For example, in most Xiaomi smartphones, only one speaker is broadband (for medium and high frequencies), and the second is low-frequency (for bass). However, software processing allows you to simulate the stereo effect. And in TVs and headphones, the brand's stereo is implemented at the hardware level - it just needs to be set up correctly.
If you are not sure if your model supports stereo, check the specifications on the official Xiaomi website or use the compatibility table in one of the sections of this article.
1.How to check if stereo sound works on your Xiaomi
Before you tune the sound, make sure that the problem really exists, and many users confuse the stereo effect with surround sound or simply do not notice the difference because of poor quality content.
- 🎧 Use headphones: connect wired or wireless headphones and play a track with clear channel separation (for example, "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen - at the beginning of the song the guitar only sounds in the right channel). If the headphones sound is distributed to the sides, the stereo works.
- 📱 Smartphone speaker test: Open any audio player, turn on the track, and alternately cover the left and right speaker. If the sound changes (for example, high or low frequencies disappear), the stereo is active. If the sound just gets quieter, it's mono.
- 📺 Checking the TV: on Xiaomi TV Go to Settings. → Sound. → The speaker test, the system will play the sound in turn through each speaker, and if you hear the difference, the stereo will work.
If tests show that stereo is missing, move on to the next section. If there is stereo, but the sound quality does not suit you, pay attention to the settings of the equalizer (section 4) or the hardware limitations of your model (section 6).
2. Enable stereo sound on Xiaomi smartphones (MIUI)
In Xiaomi smartphones, stereo is activated automatically when playing media, but sometimes manual adjustment is required. Instructions are suitable for all models on MIUI 12-14, including Redmi Note 12 Pro+, Xiaomi 13T, POCO F5 and others.
First, make sure that the system does not activate the "Monoaudio" mode (it is intended for people with hearing impairments).
- Open Settings → Special Opportunities → Hearing.
- Check that the Monoaudio switch is switched off.
- If the option is enabled, deactivate it and restart the smartphone.
If the mono audio mode has been disabled, but the stereo still doesn’t work, follow the following steps:
Check to disable mono-audio in special features |
Update MIUI to the latest version|
Reset the sound settings to factory |
Check the operation of the speakers for physical damage-->
- Update firmware: Settings → About Phone → System Update In some versions of MIUI, sound bugs are fixed only after the update.
- Reset the sound settings: Settings → Sound and vibration → Resetting This will return the factory equalizer settings and eliminate software failures.
- Check the speakers for physical damage. If one of them is contaminated or damaged, the stereo effect will be disrupted. Use a soft brush or compressed air to clean (do not use liquids!).
If after all the manipulations, the stereo sound didn't work, maybe your model doesn't support it at the hardware level. Check this in Section 6.
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On some Xiaomi models (such as the Redmi Note 10 Pro), stereo only works when the screen is horizontally oriented. Try turning the phone into landscape mode and play the audio.
3.Stereo sound setup on Xiaomi TVs (Mi TV)
Xiaomi TVs (Mi TV A2, Q2, P1 and others) support stereo sound, but sometimes it turns off after updating or resetting. To return the stereo, follow the following steps:
First, check the current sound mode:
- On the remote control, press the Settings button.
- Go to Sound. → Sound mode.
- Choose Stereo (if other modes are available, such as Home Theater or Music, try them – they can use stereo too).
If the Stereo option is missing or inactive, reset the audio settings:
Settings → Sound → Additional → Resetting sound settingsAfter reset, check if the stereo mode is on. If not, update the TV firmware:
Settings → About TV → System Update → UpdateWhat if the sound is lost after the update?
If your Xiaomi TV is connected to external acoustics (soundbar, AV-Receiver, make sure that the correct output format is selected in the settings:
Settings → Sound → Digital Sound (HDMI/SPDIF) → PCM or Auto⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi models TV (Like Mi. TV 4S 2018–2019) stereo only works when connected via HDMI ARC. If you are using an optical cable (SPDIF), sound can be transmitted in monomode.
4. Activation of stereo sound in Xiaomi headphones (AirDots, Buds, FlipBuds)
Xiaomi’s wireless headphones (AirDots, Buds, FlipBuds) play stereo by default, but sometimes users run into problems due to improper synchronization or Bluetooth settings. Here’s how to fix monosound in headphones:
Step 1. Check the connection.
- 🔗 Make sure both headphones are connected to the device. On Android, open Settings → Bluetooth and check if both headphones are displayed (e.g. Mi True Wireless Earbuds (L) and Mi True Wireless Earbuds (R)).
- 🔄 If one earphone is not connected, place both in the case, close it for 10 seconds, then remove and repeat pairing.
Step 2. Set up the Bluetooth codec
Android devices (including Xiaomi smartphones) can default to SBC codec, which does not always correctly transmit stereo sound, to change it:
- Activate Developer Mode: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (click 7 times)
- Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
- Find the Bluetooth Codec option and select AAC or aptX (if supported).
- Reconnect the headphones.
Step 3. Reset your headphone settings
If the problem persists, reset the headphones to factory settings:
- 🎵 For Xiaomi AirDots Pro 2 and similar models: place the headphones in the case, then press and hold the button on the case for 10-15 seconds until the indicator flashes red and white.
- 🔴 For Xiaomi Buds 3: Tap the touchpad on both headphones three times at the same time.
After reset, connect the headphones again via Bluetooth.
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If one of Xiaomi’s headphones is quieter than the other, check for contaminants in the speaker, often by cleaning with a soft brush or replacing the earpieces.
5. Troubleshooting: Why Stereo Sound Doesn't Work
If you have followed all the instructions but stereo is still missing, the reasons may be as follows:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The sound of mono on a smartphone | One of the speakers is damaged or contaminated. | Clean the speakers with compressed air or contact the service |
| There is no Stereo mode on TV | Outdated firmware or hardware limitations of the model | Update the software or connect external acoustics |
| One earpiece is silent. | Bluetooth module malfunction or battery discharge | Reset your headphones and charge the case |
| Stereo only works with headphones. | The smartphone does not support stereo speakers | Use external speakers or Bluetooth headphones |
If your Xiaomi device has recently fallen or come into contact with moisture, the reason for the lack of stereo sound may be damage to the audio chip or speakers contacts. In this case, self-repair is not recommended - contact an authorized service center.
⚠️ Note: Some Redmi budget models (e.g. Redmi) 9A or Redmi 8) stereo through speakers is not supported at the hardware level, in which case stereo will work only when you connect headphones or external speakers.
Xiaomi models with support for stereo sound: the full list
Not all Xiaomi devices are stereo or stereo-enabled at the hardware level, and here is a list of models that are guaranteed to play stereo through built-in speakers (for smartphones) or have a full stereo system (for TVs).
Smartphones with stereo speakers:
- Xiaomi 13 Pro, 13 Ultra
- Xiaomi 12 Pro, 12S Ultra
- Xiaomi 11T Pro, 11 Lite 5G NE
- Redmi K50 Pro, K60 Pro
- POCO F4 GT, POCO X5 Pro
Televisions with support for stereo sound:
- Xiaomi TV Q2 75", Q2 65"
- Xiaomi TV A2 55", A2 43"
- Xiaomi Mi TV P1 55", P1 65"
- Xiaomi Mi TV ES 2022 (all sizes)
Headphones with true stereo sound:
- Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro
- Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro
- Xiaomi AirDots 3 Pro
- Xiaomi Sound PEANUTS Edition
If your model is not on the list, it does not mean that stereo sound is completely absent, it may be implemented software (for example, through the processing of sound in headphones) or requires additional adjustments.
7. Additional Tips for Better Sound on Xiaomi
Even if the stereo sound on your Xiaomi device works correctly, it can be improved with built-in or third-party tools.
- 🎛️ Set up the equalizer: in Xiaomi smartphones go to Settings → Sound and vibration → Equalizer and select Preset Pop, Rock or Custom to amplify the desired frequencies.
- 🔊 Use Dolby Atmos: On supported models (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Pro) activate Settings → Sound. → Dolby Atmos → Cinema for surround sound.
- 📱 Install third-party players: Apps like Poweramp or Neutron Music Player offer advanced audio settings, including virtual stereo effect.
- 📺 Set up the sound on TV through HDMI ARC: If the TV is connected to the soundbar, select in the sound settings HDMI ARC → Auto or Passthrough.
Xiaomi TVs also have the Adaptive Sound feature, which automatically adjusts the volume and balance of channels to the content, activated in the menu:
Settings → Sound → Adaptive sound → On.If you often listen to music through your smartphone speakers, look for the bass amplifier mode in the sound settings. It amplifies low frequencies, but can slightly distort the stereo effect.