Why AAC is important for Xiaomi devices
The AAC (Advanced Audio Coding) codec is a modern audio compression standard that delivers higher audio quality than the legacy SBC. On Xiaomi devices — whether smartphones (Redmi, POCO, Mi), headphones (Xiaomi Buds, AirDots) or smart speakers — AAC support allows you to transfer music with minimal loss, especially over Bluetooth. However, by default, many models use SBC, which significantly worsens the sound when listening to Music Apple, Spotify or YouTube Music Music.
The inclusion of AAC is relevant for Xiaomi owners who:
- 🎧 Uses wireless headphones with support AAC (Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro or AirPods).
- 📱 Listens to music from your smartphone via Bluetooth in your car or on a speaker.
- 🎵 Notices "compressed" sound at high frequencies (e.g., classical music or podcasts).
- 🔊 Connects the device to a MacBook or iPhone, where AAC — basic codec.
It’s important to understand that AAC isn’t always available out of the box — it can be blocked by MIUI firmware or Android limitations. In this article, we’ll look at how to force codec to activate on different Xiaomi devices, including hidden settings and circumventing restrictions.
How to check if your Xiaomi device supports AAC codec
Before you try to turn on AAC, make sure your device supports it.
- Connect your headphones or speaker over Bluetooth.
- Open Settings → Connected devices → Settings gear next to your gadget.
- Scroll down to the "Sound Quality" or "Code" block.
If you have an AAC on the list, your device is compatible. If you don't, check:
- 📋 Version MIUI (In Settings → On the old versions (below). MIUI 12) AAC may be absent.
- 🔄 A headphone model. For example, Xiaomi Buds. 3T supportive AAC, Redmi Buds 2 Lite - No.
- 🔧 Root rights (if you want to force the codec to activate).
| Xiaomi device | Support for AAC | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 13/13 Pro | ✅ Yes. | Automatically switches to AAC with compatible headphones. |
| POCO F5 | ✅ Yes. | Requires manual selection in Bluetooth settings. |
| Redmi Note 12 | ⚠️ Partially. | Supports, but can "fly" to SBC after reconnecting. |
| Xiaomi Buds 4 | ✅ Yes. | It only works with MIUI 13+. |
| Redmi Buds 3 Pro | ❌ No. | It only uses SBC and aptX Adaptive. |
⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi devices (e.g. Redmi) 9A) AAC It can be displayed in settings, but not actually work due to the limitations of the Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset. 4xx. Check the sound in practice!
Method 1: Enabling AAC through standard MIUI settings
If your device supports AAC, the easiest way to activate it is to:
- Connect your headphones or speaker over Bluetooth.
- Go to Settings → Bluetooth.
- Put the gear next to the connected device.
- Select "Sound Quality" or "Audio Codec".
- In the list of available codecs, select AAC.
Some MIUI firmware (e.g. MIUI 14 for the global version) may not have a codec item.
☑️ What to do if there is no option "Audio codec"
If the sound is interrupted or artifacts appear after selecting AAC, go back to SBC, which means your device is not optimized to work with the codec.
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On Xiaomi 12T Pro and later, AAC is turned on automatically when connected to Apple devices (for example, MacBook or iPad).
Method 2: Forced AAC Enablement through Developer Options
On some Xiaomi devices (especially custom firmware) AAC is hidden in the developer menu to activate it:
- Activate Developer Mode: Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version (Tap 7 times)
- Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
- Find the Bluetooth Audio Codec (Bluetooth Audio Codec).
- Select AAC from the list.
- Reset the device.
If there is no Bluetooth code, try:
- 🔍 Insert "Debugging by" USB" same-menu.
- 📱 Connect the device to the PC and use ADB-Adb shell settings put global bluetooth_aac_on 1
- 🔄 Reconnect the Bluetooth device.
⚠️ Attention: POCO X3 Pro and some models with Snapdragon 860 chipset forced on AAC through ADB You can cause Bluetooth to crash. Backup your data before you experiment!
Method 3: Using third-party applications to activate AAC
If standard methods don't work, you can use third-party utilities, such as the Bluetooth Audio Codec Changer app (available on Google Play) that allows you to manually prioritize codecs.
- Install the application and grant it ADB rights (USB debugging is required).
- In the codec list, select AAC and move it to the top.
- Reboot the Bluetooth module (the button "Restart Bluetooth" in the application).
Other useful applications:
- 🎛️ "Developer Quick Settings adds tile for quick codec switching.
- 🔊 "SoundAssistant – expands the audio settings on Xiaomi.
- 📊 "Bluetooth Auto Connect helps to stabilize the connection when using the device AAC.
On the Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra and Mi 10 Pro, the Bluetooth Audio Codec Changer application may not work due to MIUI limitations. In this case, only manual editing of system files (root required) will help.
How do you know if AAC is working?
Problem Solving: AAC is on, but the sound is bad or interrupted
Even if you have managed to activate the AAC, there may be problems:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The sound is interrupted. | Weak Bluetooth signal or interference | Reduce the distance to the source, disable other Bluetooth devices |
| Hissing at high frequencies | Low AAC bitrate (e.g. 256 kbps) | In the codec settings, select the maximum quality (if available) |
| AAC switches itself to SBC | Limitations of MIUI firmware | Update the firmware or use it ADB-codec |
| Sound delay (lag) | AAC adds buffering | Try aptX Low Latency (if supported) |
If problems persist, go back to SBC or try LDAC (if your device supports it). On Xiaomi with Snapdragon 8 Gen 1/2 chipsets, LDAC often runs more stable than AAC.
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On Xiaomi with MIUI 14+, the best audio quality via Bluetooth is achieved by a combination of AAC codec and 320 kbit/s bitrate. However, stable operation requires firmware without modifications and headphones with AAC support (for example, Sony WH-1000XM5 or AirPods Pro).
AAC Alternatives: When to Choose a Different Codec
AAC is not always the best choice. Consider other codecs depending on the task:
- 🎮 aptX Low Latency – for games (minimum latency).
- 🎶 LDAC — for listening to music in high resolution (up to 990 kbps).
- 🚗 SBC — Stable operation in the car (less interference).
- 🎤 aptX Adaptive – for voice calls (automatically adjusts bitrate).
For example, on Xiaomi 13T Pro with Sony WF-1000XM4 headphones, it is better to use LDAC, and on POCO X5 Pro with Redmi Buds 4 Active – aptX.
To change the codec:
- Open Bluetooth Settings.
- Select the connected device → "Sound quality".
- Experiment with available codecs while checking the sound.