Why Xiaomi’s sound itself is reduced: the reasons and how to fix it

Do you listen to music, watch videos, or talk on the phone, and suddenly the sound on your Xiaomi, Redmi, or POCO is spontaneously quieter? This problem is common to many users, and it can be due to both software failures of MIUI and hardware features of the device. In some cases, the sound is gradually reduced, in others, it drops sharply to a minimum for no apparent reason.

In this article, we’ll look at all the possible reasons why this happens, from trivial settings to hidden power saving features and hardware malfunctions, how to diagnose a problem, what parameters to check first, and what to do if standard methods don’t work, and focus on the hidden MIUI settings that even experienced users often ignore.

1. Automatic volume control in MIUI

The MIUI has several built-in features that can change the sound level on their own, most often the problem lies in the following mechanisms:

• 🔊 Adaptive sound – an algorithm that adjusts the volume to the surrounding noise (works in headphones and speakers).
• 📉 Energy saving – in Battery or Super Energy Saving modes, the system can limit the maximum volume.
• 🛡️ Hearing protection – a feature that forcibly reduces sound after prolonged listening at high volume.

To turn off adaptive adjustment, go to Settings → Sound and Vibration → Adaptive Sound and deactivate the slider. If the problem is energy saving, check the current profile in Settings → Battery and Performance → Energy Saving Mode. On some models (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro or POCO F5), the hearing protection feature is hidden in the “Additional Sound Settings” menu.

If the sound itself is reduced after disabling these options, the problem may lie deeper in system failures or hardware limitations.

2. malfunctions in Bluetooth and wireless headphones

Many users experience spontaneous decreases in sound when connected to Bluetooth headphones or speakers, due to several factors:

• 🎧 Bluetooth Protocol – Outdated versions (e.g. Bluetooth 4.2) may mistransmit volume data.
• 🔋 Energy saving headphones – some models (e.g. Xiaomi Mi True Wireless Earbuds) automatically reduce sound when the battery is discharged.
• 📱 Profile conflict – if the device is connected simultaneously as “Phone” and “Media”, the volume can be reset.

To diagnose the problem:

1. Open Settings → Connected devices → Bluetooth.
2. Click on the gear icon next to your headphones.
3. Check if the "Absolute Volume" item is on (if any). If so, turn it off.
4. Remove the device and reconnect.

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If the sound is only dimmed in certain apps (like YouTube or Spotify), try clearing the cache of those programs in Settings → Apps → App Management.

If the problem persists, try connecting the headphones to another device, and if the sound behaves the same way, the problem is with the headphones themselves, not the smartphone.

Damage to speakers or 3.5 mm connector

Physical malfunctions are one of the most frustrating reasons why the sound itself is diminished, most often because of:

• 🔊 Contamination speaker – dust or moisture can block the membrane, causing the sound to become quieter.
• 🎛️ Contact oxidation in the 3.5 mm connector (relevant for models with an audio connector, for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro).
• 🛠️ Mechanical damage after a fall or impact.

Checking hardware serviceability can be as follows:

1. Connect the headphones to another device, and if the sound is normal, the problem is in the smartphone.
2. Try to play the sound through the speaker at maximum volume, if you hear wheezing or distortion, there may be a malfunction.
3. Examine the 3.5mm connector (if any) for oxidation or contamination.

⚠️ Warning: If you suspect a physical malfunction, don't try to disassemble the smartphone yourself - this could lead to a loss of warranty.

4. System failures and MIUI errors

Sometimes the sound itself is reduced due to software errors, especially after updating or installing third-party applications.

• 🔄 Failure after update MIUI — New firmware versions may contain bugs in audio drivers.
• 📱 Application conflict – some programs (e.g., uniform downloaders or modified players) interfere with the sound settings.
• 🗑️ Cache clogged – accumulated temporary files can cause unstable operation of the audio system.

To correct system failures:

Clean the cache in Settings → Storage → Cleaning |

Reboot your smartphone in safe mode (hold the power button) → "Safe regime")|

Update MIUI to the latest version in Settings → About Phone → System Update |

Reset the sound settings to standard (in Settings → Sound and vibration → Resetting)

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If the problem occurs after installing a particular application, remove it and check if the bug persists. Also worth checking is Settings → Special features → Hearing – sometimes features like Monoaudio are activated, which affect the volume.

5. The impact of third-party applications on sound

Many users install audio enhancement apps (such as ViPER4Android, Equalizer FX or Wavelet) without realizing that they may be in conflict with system settings.

• 🎛️ Override system volume limits, which can cause sound to spontaneously change.
• 🔄 Interfere with Bluetooth codecs (e.g., aptX or LDAC).
• 📉 Activate volume limiters to protect speakers.

To check the impact of third-party applications:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find all programs related to sound (uniform downloaders, equalizers, bass modifiers).
3. Clear their cache and data, or better yet, delete them temporarily.
4. Restart your smartphone and check if the problem persists.

If the sound itself is no longer diminished after removing the third-party audio applications, the culprit is found, in which case you can try to reinstall the program or find an alternative with less interference with system settings.

6. Hardware limitations and model features

Some Xiaomi smartphones have hardware limitations that can affect volume.

For example, in POCO F4 GT in game mode, the system automatically lowers the volume so as not to distract the player. To turn this off, go to Settings → Special Features → Game settings and deactivate the option “Optimize sound in games”.

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 13T Pro) hardware constraints cannot be software-enabled, so you can only accept the features of the device or use external speakers.

7. Viruses and malware

Rarely, it happens that the sound itself is reduced by viruses or advertising Trojans that interfere with system settings.

• 📢 Show hidden advertising with its own soundtrack, lowering the volume of the main content.
• 🔊 Modify system files responsible for audio.
• 📱 Establish background services that conflict with MIUI.

To check your smartphone for viruses:

1. Install an antivirus (such as Dr.Web or Kaspersky Mobile).
2. Scan the device for threats.
3. Check the list of installed applications in Settings → Applications for suspicious programs.
4. If you find unfamiliar applications, delete them and restart the smartphone.

If the antivirus does not find anything, but suspicions remain, you can reset to factory settings (don’t forget to back up the data!).

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If the sound itself is reduced only in the browser or a particular application, the problem is most likely not in the smartphone, but in the service itself (for example, YouTube can automatically adjust the volume depending on the content).

FAQ: Frequent questions about spontaneous sound reduction