Weak sound on Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphones is a common problem, especially on budget models like the Redmi Note 12 or POCO X5. The manufacturer often lowers the maximum volume in the MIUI firmware to protect speakers from overload or meet safety standards. But what if you need to urgently amplify the sound to listen to music, videos or calls, and there is no desire or ability to get root rights?
In this article, we’ll look at three proven ways that work on most Xiaomi devices without having to unlock the bootloader or install custom firmware. All methods have been tested on current versions of MIUI 14/15 and HyperOS, but have their own nuances, from the time effect to the potential risks to the speakers. Importantly, none of them guarantee 100% security for the hardware, so use them at your own risk.
1.Use of the Engineering Menu (MTK/Qualcomm)
The most effective way to increase volume without root is to activate hidden settings through an engineering menu, which works on devices with MediaTek processors (such as the Redmi Note 11, POCO M4 Pro) and partly on Qualcomm Snapdragon (such as the Xiaomi 12 Lite), the main advantage is the ability to fine-tune the volume for each type of sound (media, calls, alarm clock).
To open the engineering menu:
- 📱 Open the Phone app and enter the combination: ##36446337## (for MediaTek) or ##4636## (for Qualcomm).
- 🔊 Go to the Hardware Testing section → Audio.
- 🎧 Select the type of sound (e.g. Media Volume for music or Ring Volume for calls).
- ⚙️ Set Max Vol to 150 or 160 (standard 100).
⚠️ Warning: Exceeding 160 can cause sound distortion or damage to the speaker. On some models (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro) the engineering menu is blocked - in this case, use alternative methods.
Make a backup copy of the data
Charge your phone at least 50%
Close all background applications
Check the processor model in Settings → About the phone
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2. applications for amplification of sound (without root)
If the engineering menu is not available, third-party apps will come to the rescue, not modifying system files, but acting as intermediaries between the audio stream and the speakers.
| Annex | Supported models | Max, boost. | Risks. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Volume Booster | All models on MIUI/HyperOS | up to +30% | High frequency distortions |
| Equalizer FX | Requires Android 10+ | up to +20 per cent | Battery discharge |
| Precise Volume | Media files only. | fine-tuning | Doesn't work with calls. |
How to use:
- Download the app from Google Play (avoid APK from unknown sources!).
- Launch and give access to the sound settings.
- Move the volume slider to the maximum value.
- Enable the Boost Media Volume option (if any).
⚠️ Note: Apps like Volume Booster may conflict with Xiaomi’s system sound effects (like Mi Sound Enhancer).If you have wheezing after installation, turn off all sound enhancements in Settings → Sound.
Volume Booster
Equalizer FX
Precise Volume
Other/Not using
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3. Modification of configuration files via ADB
For power users, there is a way to change the system volume limits through ADB (Android Debug Bridge), a method that does not require root, but requires a computer and debugging mode enabled, suitable for models on MIUI 12-15 and HyperOS.
Step-by-step:
- Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone and click on MIUI Version 7 times.
- Activate USB Debugging in Settings → Additional → For developers.
- Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell settings put global volume_steps 30 This increases the number of volume levels with 15 before 30, allowing for more precise regulation of sound.
- To increase the volume, use: adb shell settings put global volume_music_speaker_scale 1.5 (significance 1.5 louden 50%; safest — 2.0).
⚠️ Attention: Wrong commands ADB This can cause resets or audio errors. Before experimenting, back up through Settings. → System system → Backup.
What if the sound is gone after ADB?
Comparison of methods: which way to choose?
Each of the three methods has its pros and cons, depending on your Xiaomi model, technical skills and goals:
- 🔧 The engineering menu is the most powerful way, but it doesn't work on all devices.
- 📱 Applications are a universal option, but give moderate amplification (+20–30 percent and can drain the battery.
- 💻 ADB — Flexible for advanced users, but requires a computer and caution.
If you need to temporarily amplify the sound (for example, to watch a movie), use apps. ADB-setting.
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Potential risks and how to avoid them
Increasing the volume above the factory limits is always associated with risks:
- 🔊 Sound distortion – wheezing appears at high levels, especially on bass.
- 🔥 Overheating of speakers – prolonged playback at maximum volume can damage the membrane.
- 📉 Quality reduction – software enhancement often degrades sound detail.
To minimize the risks:
- 🛡️ Do not set maximum values in the engineering menu (optimum - 140-150).
- 🎵 Use the equalizer to reduce low frequencies (bass) that are more loading the speakers.
- ⏱️ Limit the playback time at high volume (no more than 1-2 hours in a row).
⚠️ Attention: On models with IR-With a blaster (for example, Redmi Note 10) the amplification of sound can cause interference in the remote control. If you notice failures, reset the sound settings.
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Alternative solutions: if nothing helps
If none of these methods have worked well, consider the alternatives:
- 🎧 External speakers – Bluetooth speakers or headphones with an amplifier (for example, Xiaomi Mi Portable Speaker).
- 🔄 Update of the firmware - in new versions MIUI Sometimes increase the maximum volume (check in Settings). → Updating the system).
- 🔧 Replacement of speaker – if the sound is quiet due to a physical malfunction, contact the service center.The cost of replacing the speaker on Xiaomi is from 800 to 2000 rubles.
On some models (e.g., the POCO F5), the problem of low sound is solved by turning off the Dolby Atmos function in the sound settings. Try deactivating all sound effects and checking the volume again.