Why Xiaomi is making its own sound smaller – all the reasons and solutions

Are you listening to music or watching a video on Xiaomi, and suddenly the volume starts to fall spontaneously? The problem is familiar to many owners of smartphones of this brand, from budget Redmi to flagship Mi and POCO. The reasons can be hidden in both software failures of MIUI and hardware malfunctions. In this article, we will analyze all possible scenarios why the sound on Xiaomi decreases without your participation, and give clear instructions on how to diagnose and fix the problem.

It's important to understand that if the volume drops only in certain applications (for example, YouTube or Spotify), it's more about the software settings. But when the sound decreases systemically - when listening through speakers, headphones or Bluetooth speakers - this is a signal of a deeper problem. We analyzed user reports and service data to compile a full guide with solutions for all versions of MIUI (including MIUI 14 and HyperOS).

1. Automatic volume control in MIUI

One of the most common reasons is the built-in responsive sound features in Xiaomi firmware, which can turn the volume down on its own in three cases:

  • πŸ”Š Hearing protection: if you listen to music at high volume, MIUI Activates the restriction (according to EU standards, maximum 85 dB).
  • πŸ“± Adaptive volume: the function analyzes ambient noise and adjusts the sound (does not work on all models).
  • πŸ”‹ Battery savings: In Ultra-Savings mode, the system can mute sound to reduce the load on the processor.

To disable these functions:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Sound and vibration β†’ Additional settings.
  2. Turn off Adaptive Volume and Safe Volume options.
  3. In the Battery Savings section, check if the Ultra-Savings mode is activated.
πŸ“Š Your Xiaomi model is in the series.
Redmi
POCO
Mi
Black Shark
other

Attention! On some models (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Pro or POCO F5), the adaptive volume is hidden in the MIUI lab. To find it, type in the settings search. lab. (without quotes).

2. malfunctions in Bluetooth and wired headphones

If the sound decreases only when you connect headphones (wired or Bluetooth), the problem lies in the drivers or profile of the device, most often this is manifested on models with a Qualcomm chip (for example, the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ or POCO X5 Pro), which uses aptX Adaptive technology.

Here's what you need to check:

  • 🎧 Bluetooth Codecs: Go to Settings β†’ Connected devices β†’ Settings gear next to the headphones β†’ Audio codec. Try changing aptX to SBC or AAC.
  • πŸ”Œ Wired headphones: clean the Type-C or 3.5mm jack of dust (use a wooden toothpick). 10C and older contacts are often oxidized.
  • πŸ”„ Resetting Bluetooth settings: in Settings β†’ Connected devices β†’ Three points. β†’ Resetting settings.

β˜‘οΈ Diagnostics of problems with headphones

Done: 0 / 4

Some MIUI firmware has a bug: after an update, the system resets the priority codec to LDAC, which can cause volume drawdowns. If your model supports LDAC (such as Xiaomi 12T), try manually setting AAC.

3. Damage to speakers or connectors

Hardware malfunctions are the most serious cause, and if the sound decreases even after the settings are reset, it may be damaged:

  • πŸ”ˆ Dynamics: on Redmi models and POCO Often the contact soldering goes away after falls, see if the sound is distorted at maximum volume.
  • πŸŽ›οΈ Audio chip: on smartphones with MediaTek (for example, Redmi Note 11) can overheat the chip MT6781, which causes a dip in sound.
  • πŸ”Œ Type-C connector: if the problem is only with wired headphones, inspect the connector for bent contacts (relevant for the jack). POCO M4 Pro and the like).

How to check the speaker:

  1. Run the sound test through the engineering menu: dial ##4636## β†’ Phone information β†’ Speaker test.
  2. Listen to the sound of the melody at different frequencies, and the wheezing or interruptions indicate damage.
What does a damaged Xiaomi speaker look like?
The photos below show typical defects in speakers after falling or getting moisture (membrane detachment, contact corrosion) which usually results in a 30-50% volume drop.

Critical information: on Xiaomi models with stereo speakers (for example, Mi 11 Ultra or Redmi K50 Gaming), it is often the upper speaker that fails due to overheating of the processor. If the sound drops when playing or charging, this is a sure sign.

4. Application conflicts and viruses

Some applications (especially optimizers or "cleaners") can interfere with audio settings, and viruses sometimes block system services responsible for audio, for example, Redmi 9A users complained about the Android.Triada virus, which changed the volume in the background.

How to diagnose:

  • πŸ›‘οΈ Check your phone for viruses via Google Play Protect or Dr.Web.
  • πŸ“± Launch your phone in Safe Mode (press the power button) β†’ Safe Mode. If the sound doesn't drop, it's the third-party app's fault.
  • πŸ” See which apps request permission to Change system settings (c Settings) β†’ Annexes β†’ Permits).

List of applications that often cause conflicts:

AnnexProblem.Decision
Clean MasterBlocking audio servicesRemove or disable autostart
Battery DoctorReduces volume in economy modeTurn off sound optimization in the settings
Equalizer FXConflict with System EqualizerReset the equalizer settings
Parallel SpaceDuplication of audio streamsLimit background activity

⚠️ Note: If you have installed modified firmware (e.g. xiaomi.eu or Pixel Experience), the problem may be incorrect build. | grep audio.

5. Resetting the sound settings to factory

If previous methods didn't work, try resetting the audio settings, which will delete all custom equalizer profiles and adaptive settings.

  1. Go to Settings β†’ System and device β†’ Resetting.
  2. Select Reset audio settings (some models call this item Reset media settings).
  3. Confirm the action and restart the phone.

After discharge:

  • πŸ”Š Set up the equalizer again in Settings β†’ Sound and vibration β†’ equalizer.
  • πŸ“± Check the volume in different scenarios: calls, music, video.
  • πŸ”„ If the problem persists, perform a full reset (but pre-do backup!).

πŸ’‘

Before resetting, write down the current equalizer settings on paper or take a picture of the screen. After the procedure, you do not have to reset the parameters.

6. Update of firmware and core

Some versions of MIUI had audio-related bugs, such as MIUI 13.0.4 for the Redmi Note 10 Pro, which spontaneously reduced the sound due to a bug in the Linux 4.14.156 kernel.

How to update correctly:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ About the phone β†’ System update.
  2. If the update is available, download it over Wi-Fi (not mobile!).
  3. Before installing, charge your phone at least 50%.
  4. After the update, reset the cache to Recovery (click Power + Volume up when downloading).

If automatic updates do not help, you can install the firmware manually:

1. Download the latest version of MIUI for your model from https://new.c.mi.com/global/miuidownload/index


2. Rename the file to update.zip and place it in the root of memory




3. Go to Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ System Update β†’ Three Dots β†’ Select a firmware file




4.Confirm installation and wait for restart

⚠️ Note: On models with a locked bootloader (such as the Xiaomi 13 Lite), manual firmware can lead to a hard brick.Unlock Bootloader via the Mi Unlock Tool before the procedure.

7. Battery and power problems

Few people know, but a low battery charge or a faulty battery can affect volume, which is because the MIUI system, at a critical charge level (below 15%), begins to limit performance, including the audio subsystem.

Signs of battery problem:

  • πŸ”‹ Sound drops when charged below 20%.
  • πŸ“‰ The phone is quickly discharged even in standby mode.
  • πŸ”Œ When connecting charging, the volume is temporarily restored.

How to check the battery:

  1. Install the AccuBattery app and check the battery health.
  2. If the value is below 80%, the battery needs to be replaced.
  3. On removable battery models (such as the Redmi 7A), check the contacts for oxidation.

πŸ’‘

If the phone turns off at 30-40% charge, it is a sign of battery wear, in which case the sound may fall due to unstable power supply of the audio chip.

8.When to contact the service center

If you’ve tried all the techniques, but the sound on Xiaomi is still decreasing, it’s time to consult a specialist.

  • πŸ”§ After falling or getting moisture.
  • πŸ”ˆ The speaker makes wheezing or does not work at all.
  • πŸ“± Resetting settings and firmware did not help.
  • πŸ”Œ The problem manifests itself on speakers and on headphones.

Cost of repair in 2026 (example prices):

Type of repairCost (β‚½)Date(s)
Replacement of the speaker1 200 β€” 2 5001
Repair of the audio chip3 000 β€” 6 0002-3
Replacement of Type-C connector1 500 β€” 2 8001
Diagnostics + firmware800 β€” 1 5001

Before the service visit:

  1. Make a backup of the data (even if the phone is turned on).
  2. Write down the IMEI (type *#06#).
  3. Check if the service center has access to original Xiaomi parts.

⚠️ Note: In informal services, unoriginal speakers are often installed, which are used to 2-3 You're gonna wheez for months. 6 months.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi sound

Why does the sound only decrease in games?
In 90% of cases, this is due to game settings or performance optimization. Try: Turn off Game Mode in the notification curtain. In the game settings, find the Sound section and turn off Adaptive Volume. Add the game to Battery Optimization Exceptions (in battery settings). If the problem persists, update the GPU drivers via Game Turbo.
Can you replace the speaker with Xiaomi?
Theoretically, yes, but it's risky: On IP-certified models (e.g. Xiaomi 13), disassembly breaks tightness; Replacement requires a soldering dryer and microelectronics experience; a non-original speaker may sound quieter or distorted; If you do, use iFixit guides and only buy parts from trusted vendors (e.g. AliExpress Official Store).
Why is the sound so quieter after the MIUI update?
This is a typical problem when switching to a new firmware version. Reasons: Reset equalizer settings: after updating all custom presets are reset. Change in volume policy: MIUI 14 and HyperOS have tightened the limits on maximum volume. Bug in the new firmware: check the reviews on forums (for example, 4PDA or XDA-Developers). Solution: reset the sound settings (see Section 5) or roll back to the previous version of MIUI.
How to check if the network card is to blame for the sound problems?
The network card (modem) does not affect the sound directly, but in rare cases conflicts with VoLTE or VoWiFi can cause audio crashes.To rule out this cause: Disable VoLTE in Settings β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ Additional settings β†’ Challenges through LTE. Try calling in mode. 2G (If the sound on the calls normalizes, the problem is the modem settings.
Are there any audio enhancement apps on Xiaomi?
Yes, but use them with caution: The Pros of Cons app Volume Booster Increases volume by 20-30% Can distort the sound of Equalizer FX Frequency adjustments are in conflict with MIUI ViPER4Android Professional Sound Processing Requires Root Rights ⚠️ Warning: Sound amplifiers can damage speakers when used for long periods at maximum volume.