Modern Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones have become powerful multimedia centers capable of playing music in studio quality, but most users do not even suspect that their Bluetooth headphones are far from working at full capacity. The problem lies in the automatic choice of the audio compression protocol, which often prioritizes connection stability over sound quality, condemning owners of expensive accessories to mediocre sound. Understanding what kind of audio codec your device is using at the moment is the key to unlocking the true potential of the audio system.
The Android ecosystem, and in particular the MIUI or HyperOS shell, has a complex logic of negotiating between the signal source and the receiver. The smartphone always tries to choose the highest possible standard supported by both devices, but sometimes this logic fails or requires manual intervention. Xiaomi owners often wonder why on one phone tracks sound crystal clear, and on the other, even with the same headphones, artifacts and porridge are heard in low frequencies.
Next, we’ll take a closer look at the hierarchy of codecs available for Xiaomi devices, figure out which one is considered the best for different use cases, and learn how to forcely switch settings through a hidden engineering menu. You’ll learn why SBC is far from always evil, and in which cases LDAC can be redundant.
Quality Hierarchy: From SBC to LDAC to LHDC
To understand which codec to choose, you first need to understand the technical limitations of each data standard. The basic layer for all Bluetooth devices is SBC (Sub-band Coding), which provides the minimum possible quality, sufficient for phone conversations, but often unsatisfactory for music with a rich frequency range. This codec uses a lossy compression algorithm that cuts off part of the high-frequency spectrum, which makes the sound flat and devoid of detail.
The next step in evolution is AAC (Advanced Audio Coding), which is the standard for Apple devices and is widely used in the Android world. It provides significantly better compression efficiency compared to SBC, retaining more high-frequency parts with less bitrate. For iPhone owners, this is the main and often the only option available, but in the Android world, including Xiaomi, there are more advanced technologies such as Qualcomm's aptX and Sony's LDAC.
The top of the pyramid is currently Hi-Res Audio, which includes LDAC, LHDC and aptX Adaptive, which can transmit data at up to 990 kbps, three times the Bluetooth CD-quality standard. However, it is worth remembering that support for these formats requires not only the corresponding Xiaomi smartphone, but also headphones with similar stuffing.
⚠️ Note: Having the Hi-Res Audio logo on the Xiaomi smartphone box does not guarantee the operation of all codecs. Often support is limited to only basic standards, and advanced versions (like the one in the box). LDAC) It can be software-disabled or absent from a particular model.
The choice between them depends on your priorities: if you want maximum detail and you listen. FLAC-If you're listening to music on a noisy subway or while jogging, the priority is the stability of the connection that the good old-fashioned best provide. AAC or.
Qualcomm aptX technologies: which option to choose for Xiaomi
Xiaomi smartphones, especially the flagship Mi and Xiaomi Number series, are often based on Snapdragon processors, which automatically gives them support for the aptX family of codecs. This is Qualcomm’s proprietary technology, which has historically been considered the “gold standard” for Android devices due to the balance between sound quality and signal latency.
There are several versions of this standard, and it is important to understand their differences. The basic aptX provides a bitrate of 352 kbit/s, which is already better than SBC, but still is lossy compression. The more advanced aptX HD increases throughput to 576 kbit/s, allowing for a wider dynamic range and fewer compression artifacts, which is critical for complex musical compositions.
However, the most versatile solution for modern users is aptX Adaptive. This codec is unique in that it dynamically changes the bitrate from 279 to 420 kbps depending on the level of interference and the requirements of the application. If you watch videos or play, it will reduce latency to a minimum; if you listen to music in a calm environment, it will improve the quality of data transmission.
It is important for Xiaomi owners to know that activation of these codecs occurs automatically when paired, but only if the headphones also support the corresponding standard.In the list of available codecs in the engineering menu, you will see only those that are supported by both devices.
Battle of the Titans: Sony LDAC vs Huawei LHDC at Xiaomi
When it comes to maximum audio quality on Android, two giants are in contention: Sony’s LDAC and Savitech’s Low Latency High Definition Audio Codec (LHDC), which is often associated with Huawei but is also being actively introduced into Xiaomi devices. Both codecs are Hi-Res Audio Wireless and are capable of transmitting sound with 24-bit/96 kHz parameters.
LDAC was the first to offer data transfers of up to 990 kbps, which theoretically allows for almost three times as much data as standard Bluetooth. This makes it an ideal choice for audiophiles using quality IEMs or full-size headphones. However, LDAC has a well-known problem: in maximum-quality mode, it can be unstable in places with a lot of radio interference.
LHDC, in turn, is positioned as a more modern and adaptive competitor.It also supports high bitrates (up to 900 kbps in LHDC 5.0), but claims less latency and a better compression algorithm that minimizes artifacts. Many new flagships Xiaomi, such as the Xiaomi 13 and 14 series, received certification and support specifically LHDC at the hardware level.
The difference between the two for the average user can be barely noticeable without ABX testing, but technically LHDC often wins in video use cases due to better latency optimization.
Why does LDAC sometimes work in an unstable way?
How to check and change the codec in the engineering menu Xiaomi
With standard means in the Xiaomi Bluetooth menu, you can't see which codec is currently in use, or force the device to switch to another standard, which requires activating the hidden developer menu, which is a safe procedure, but it requires care, because changing the wrong settings can lead to no sound.
To start, you need to activate Developer Mode. Go to Settings → About Phone and quickly click 7 times on MIUI Version (or OS Version). Once the “You Become a Developer” notification appears, go back to the main settings menu, select Additional Settings → For Developers.
Inside the developer menu, scroll down to the Network or Bluetooth section. We're interested in Bluetooth Audio Codec. When you click on it, you'll see a list of available codecs for your current connection. If the item is inactive (gray), the connected headphones don't support alternative codecs or the connection is not established.
Path to the menu:
Settings → Additional settings → For developers → Bluetooth audio codecYou can manually select LDAC, aptX HD or SBC here. Note that choosing a codec that is not supported by headphones will cause the sound to simply disappear or the device to automatically reset to SBC. Also, a bitrate setting for LDAC (330/660/990 kbps) is often available in this menu.
☑️ Checking the sound settings
Comparative table of codec characteristics
For clarity, we will bring the main parameters of popular codecs into a single table. This will help you quickly navigate what standard offers and what to expect from it in real use with Xiaomi devices.
| Codec | Max. bitrate. | Frequency of sampling | Delay (MS) | Best application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SBC | 328 kbps | 48 kHz/16 bits | ~220 ms | Basic use, calls |
| AAC | 256 kbps | 48 kHz/16 bits | ~150 ms | Streaming, Apple devices |
| aptX HD | 576 kbps | 48kHz/24bit | ~70-100 ms | Quality music |
| LDAC | 990 kbps | 96 kHz/24 bit | ~100-150 ms | Audio audition |
| LHDC 5.0 | 900 kbps | 192 kHz/24 bits | ~40-80 ms. | Hi-Res audio and games |
The table shows that LDAC and LHDC offer the highest performance, but that comes at a cost of increased power consumption and potential instability. The aptX family of codecs is in the middle, delivering excellent quality with minimal latency, making them the preferred multimedia product.
Compatibility issues and the impact of the Android version
Xiaomi owners often face a situation when after updating the firmware “loss” support for LDAC or aptX HD. This is due to the fact that Google changes the requirements for certification of Android, and manufacturers are forced to adapt drivers. For example, Android 13 and 14 changed the mechanism of the Bluetooth stack, which can affect the availability of some codecs in the developer menu.
In addition, the HyperOS shell version can prioritize codecs in different ways. Sometimes the system artificially limits the bitrate of LDAC to 660 kbps to save battery power, even if the headphones and phone support 990 kbps. In such cases, resetting network settings or reconnecting the device after rebooting the smartphone helps.
⚠️ Warning: Forced inclusion of a high-resolution codec (e.g, LDAC 990 kbps) can significantly increase the battery consumption of a smartphone and headphones. If you notice a fast discharge, try lowering the bitrate in the developer menu.
It’s also worth considering that some low-end Redmi or POCO models may not have aptX HD hardware support due to the limitations of the Bluetooth module installed, even if the processor theoretically allows it.
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Tip: To check the actual codec working, use the free Bluetooth Codec Changer app or Material Bluetooth Info from Google Play, which shows the active codec in real time without having to climb the developer menu.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Xiaomi Codecs
Why is there no LDAC or aptX option in the developer menu?
Will the audio improve switching to LDAC on Spotify?
Which codec is best for playing on Xiaomi?
Does the case affect the quality of the Bluetooth connection?
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The best codec is the one that supports both devices (smartphone and headphones). Forced unsupported codecs to be turned on will result in loss of sound. For music, choose LDAC/LHDC, for games, aptX Adaptive/LHDC, for compatibility, AAC.
To sum up, Xiaomi’s ecosystem provides a wealth of audio customization options, but requires the user to understand the basic principles of wireless protocols: Experiment with the settings in the developer menu, check your headphone support, and enjoy the quality sound that a modern smartphone has to offer.