In the world of wireless audio, audio quality often depends less on the drivers than on the codec used. Xiaomi ecosystem users often wonder which models of headphones support advanced codecs, such as aptX, to enjoy high-resolution sound without delay. Understanding this technology is critical for those who value the purity of sound when listening to music or minimal latency in games.
Xiaomi has launched many devices under the Mi True Wireless, Redmi Buds and Xiaomi FlipBuds brands in recent years, but codec support varies from model to model. The standard SBC protocol is everywhere, but it is aptX and its variations that unlock the potential of Bluetooth connectivity. In this article, we will discuss in detail the list of compatible devices and the technical nuances of audio codecs in the Chinese giant’s ecosystem.
It’s worth noting that having a codec in your headphones is only half the equation. Your smartphone or sound source should also support aptX transmission. If you’re a Xiaomi or Redmi smartphone owner, the likelihood of compatibility is high, but checking the specifications of a particular device is still necessary before buying accessories.
What is aptX and why it is needed in headphones Xiaomi
The aptX (Audio Processing Technology) codec is a family of audio compression algorithms developed by Qualcomm. Unlike the standard SBC codec, which is often criticized for loss of quality and high latency, Qualcomm’s technologies provide more efficient data transfer over Bluetooth. This allows for near-CD-quality audio transmission, taking up less bandwidth and providing a stable connection.
There are several versions of this standard, and it is important to understand the difference between them: the basic aptX provides a bitrate of up to 352 kbit / s, which is already noticeably better than the standard SBC. However, for audiophiles, the versions of aptX HD (High Definition), which work with 24-bit sound, and aptX Adaptive, which dynamically changes the quality of the stream depending on the level of interference in the air.
⚠️ Note: AptX support does not guarantee high-quality automatic activation. You must activate the appropriate mode in your smartphone’s Bluetooth settings unless it is automatically selected.
For gamers, Low Latency technology is especially important, which minimizes the delay between video and sound. In Xiaomi headphones, the implementation of these technologies allows you to achieve delays in the region of 60-80 ms, which makes wireless play on your phone quite comfortable. Without the support of such codecs, the delay can reach 200 ms or more, creating desynchronization.
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Use the Xiaomi Earbuds app or Mi Buds M8 to check the current active codec in real time.
Full list of Xiaomi and Redmi models with support for aptX
Analyzing the Xiaomi wireless acoustics market, a clear division can be made: flagship models are almost always equipped with Qualcomm chips with support for advanced codecs, while budget series are often limited to AAC and SBC. Below is a list of popular models, the specifications of which claim support for the aptX family.
The Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro and Mi True Wireless Earphones were designed as direct competitors to the AirPods Pro and Samsung Galaxy Buds, so engineers have equipped them with a full range of audio technologies. Past models such as the Air 2 Pro or Air 2S also often support these standards, but require a regional version.
- 🎧 Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro – flagship model with aptX Adaptive and active noise cancellation.
- 🎧 Mi True Wireless Earphones 2 Pro – Support for aptX and aptX Adaptive for high-quality sound.
- 🎧 Xiaomi Buds 3T Pro – premium segment with codecs LDAC and aptX Adaptive.
- 🎧 Redmi Buds 3 Pro is one of the few budget segments with aptX Adaptive.
Special attention should be paid to overhead headphones such as Xiaomi Wireless Headphones. In this category, support for aptX HD is more common, as the form factor allows you to accommodate a larger battery and antenna for stable transmission of large amounts of data. users of the Redmi Note and Mi series should expect full compatibility with these models.
Differences between aptX, aptX HD and aptX Adaptive
When you choose headphones, it’s important to know which codec you’re getting. Basic aptX is the middle ground for most music and podcast genres, and it requires fewer decoding resources, which can have a positive impact on battery life.
AptX version HD It's designed for music fans, and it supports 24-bit depth and sample rate up to 48 kHz. FLAC-files or streaming services like Tidal or Qobuz in Hi-Fi mode, the presence of this version of the codec in Xiaomi headphones will be a decisive factor.
The most modern and smart technology is aptX Adaptive. This codec is unique in that it doesn't have a fixed bitrate. It constantly analyzes the quality of the radio signal and the audio content. If you watch video, it will reduce latency (Game Mode mode), if you listen to complex symphonic music in a quiet room, it will increase the bitrate for maximum quality.
| Characteristics | aptX | aptX HD | aptX Adaptive |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bitrate (max) | 352 kbps | 576 kbps | 420 kbit/s (variable) |
| Bit-of-bit | 16 bits | 24 bits. | 16/24 bits |
| Delay. | ~70 ms. | ~80 ms. | ~80 ms (Game Mode ~60 ms) |
| Principal appointment | Universal. | Hi-Res Audio | Adaptability and play |
⚠️ Attention: To work with aptX HD and aptX Adaptive, both devices (earphones and smartphones) must support these versions of the codec. When connected to a regular phone, only the basic aptX or AAC.
How to check and activate codec on a Xiaomi smartphone
Many users don’t know that even with compatible devices, a smartphone can default to using an AAC or SBC codec to save power. To force aptX on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices, you need to activate the developer menu. This is a standard procedure for Android, which gives access to hidden Bluetooth settings.
To start, go to Settings → About Phone and start quickly clicking on MIUI Version (or OS Version) about 7-10 times until the notification “You’ve become a developer” appears. Then go back to the main settings menu, select Additional → For Developers. In this menu, you need to find the Bluetooth-related section.
Path to setup: Additional settings → For developers → Bluetooth codecIn the Bluetooth Codec list that opens, you'll see all the options available. If your Xiaomi headphones are connected and support aptX, this item will be active for you to choose from. If aptX is not available (crossed out or not in the list), then either the headphones do not support this codec or the connection is unstable.
☑️ Checking for activation of aptX
Compatibility issues and sound quality
Even if you bought a model from the list of aptX-supporting, you may run into problems. Often the cause is incompatible versions of Bluetooth or software failures. For example, older smartphones with Bluetooth 4.0 may not work properly with new headphones using aptX Adaptive, switching to lower standards.
Another common problem is signal interference, high-quality codecs require a stable channel, and if you're in a place with a lot of Wi-Fi networks or other Bluetooth devices, the algorithm can automatically lower the bitrate or switch to SBC to avoid connection breaks, and in such cases, the sound quality can subjectively deteriorate.
Also, it is worth considering that some global versions of Xiaomi headphones may differ from Chinese counterparts in a set of supported codecs. Often for the sake of royalties or regional features, from global firmware or (iron) can remove support for LDAC or leave only the basic aptX. Always check the box or official website for your region before buying.
Why does the sound crack when aptX is turned on?
Comparison with competitors: Sony LDAC and Apple AAC
The world of wireless audio is dominated by three players: Qualcomm with aptX, Sony with LDAC and Apple with AAC. Xiaomi headphones most often rely on the Qualcomm ecosystem, making them ideal partners for Xiaomi, Redmi, as well as many Samsung, Asus and other Android brands.
Sony’s LDAC technology theoretically offers a higher bitrate (up to 990 kbit/s) than aptX HD. However, LDAC requires a very stable connection to work, and in real-world conditions (in the subway, on the street) it often slides down to aptX quality.
The AAC codec, which is the standard for the iPhone, is also supported by Xiaomi headphones. However, on Android devices, the implementation of AAC may vary depending on the processor manufacturer. Therefore, for Android smartphone owners, the presence of aptX in Xiaomi headphones is the preferred scenario for obtaining predictably high sound quality.
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For owners of Android smartphones, the bundle "Xiaomi phone + headphones with aptX" is optimal in terms of price / quality / stability.