Unlocking the microphone for Yandex on Xiaomi: the full guide 2026

If you are faced with the fact that Yandex services (Voice Assistant, Navigator or Search) can not access the microphone on your Xiaomi smartphone, the problem lies not in the application itself, but in the features of the MIUI firmware.

In this article, we will look at all possible causes of microphone locking and give step-by-step instructions for eliminating them. MIUI, What system parameters affect the microphone, and what to do if standard methods do not help, POCO and flagships Xiaomi 13/14, Where optimization algorithms work most rigorously.

Before you start settings, make sure that the problem is the software constraints, not the hardware malfunction. Try recording the voice meme in another application (for example, WhatsApp or a standard voice recorder). If the microphone works there, then it is precisely the settings for Yandex.

Why Yandex does not see the microphone on Xiaomi: the main reasons

MIUI is known for its aggressive approach to managing permissions and background processes, and here are the key factors that may cause Yandex services to lose access to the microphone:

  • πŸ”’ Lack of explicit permission to use the microphone in the app settings (even if you gave it before, a cache reset or update could reset settings).
  • πŸ›‘οΈ Limitations MIUI Security – built-in antivirus and permissions manager often blocks background microphone access for β€œsuspicious” applications.
  • πŸ”„ Battery Auto Optimization, which suspends applications in the background, including access to hardware resources.
  • πŸ“± Specific features of specific models: POCO F5, Redmi Note 12 and new flagships (Xiaomi 14 Ultra) are subject to additional restrictions for non-system applications.
  • πŸ”„ Version Conflict: If you have a beta version installed MIUI Or the custom firmware, may not be necessary API microphone-worker.

Interesting fact: on some Xiaomi models (such as the Mi 11 Lite), the problem only occurs when you connect your headphones with a microphone, the system mistakenly identifies the external device as β€œuntrusted” and blocks access.

⚠️ Note: If you have recently updated MIUI Before version 14 or later, check the Settings section. β†’ The phone. β†’ Version. MIUI. In recent builds, the permissions management mechanism has changed – now some applications require double confirmation of access to the microphone (in the Android and in the settings of the app). MIUI Security).

Step 1: Checking basic permissions in Android settings

Start with the obvious: check if Yandex has been given permission to use the microphone at the operating system level.

  1. Open Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Application Management.
  2. Find the desired application in the list (for example, Yandex, Yandex Navigator or Alice).
  3. Go to the Permissions section.
  4. Make sure the switch opposite the microphone is active (on position).
  5. If the permission is already on, turn it off and turn it back on again – this will reset the permission cache.

Some versions of MIUI (especially 13 and 14) may require additional confirmation under the Special Permits section.

  • 🎀 Access to microphone in the background
  • πŸ”„ Auto-start (for Yandex Navigator)
  • πŸ“± Display over other windows (for voice assistant)

β˜‘οΈ Verification of basic permits

Done: 0 / 4

If the microphone is still not working after these manipulations, move on to the next step – set up MIUI Security.

Step 2: Set up MIUI Security and Auto-Optimization

Xiaomi firmware has a hidden permission layer that is controlled through the Security app (or MIUI Security on global versions), which is where access to the microphone is most often blocked.

  1. Open the Security app (the shield icon).
  2. Go to the Permissions Management section β†’ Applicants' authorizations.
  3. Find the Yandex app in the list and select it.
  4. Activate all switches associated with the microphone, including: 🎀 Microphone πŸ”„ Background activity πŸ“‘ Auto-start

Security

Optimizing the battery

No restrictions.

On POCO and Redmi models with global firmware, the path may be slightly different: Security β†’ Permissions β†’ Permissions for apps β†’ [Select Yandex] β†’ Microphone.

πŸ’‘

If Yandex is not listed in MIUI Security, try opening the application itself (e.g., running voice search) and then repeating the steps.

After the changes, restart the device – this is necessary to apply the new rules of battery optimization.

Step 3: Resetting cache and data of the Yandex application

If the permissions are set correctly, but the microphone is still not working, the problem may be in the damaged cache of the application, which is especially true after the updates to MIUI or the Yandex application itself.

  1. Open Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Application Management.
  2. Select a problem application (for example, Yandex).
  3. Press Warehouse.
  4. Perform alternately: 🧹 Clear the cache πŸ—‘οΈ Clear the data (this will delete all application settings, including search history!)

Restart the application and re-enable all permissions.

For applications like Yandex Navigator or Alice, you will need to re-authorize after the data reset. Make sure you remember the password from your Yandex account!

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro)+) After cleaning the data, the application can request additional permission to access the contacts - this is normal and does not affect the microphone.

Step 4: Check hardware settings and conflicts

If the software methods didn't work, make sure the problem wasn't hardware or conflicts with other applications.

Problem.How to checkDecision
Conflict with other applicationsRun a voice recorder or other application with a microphone in parallel with YandexClose all background applications through Recent β†’ Close all
Headphone problemsConnect your headphones and check the microphone in another appClean the 3.5mm connector or reconnect the Bluetooth headphones
Mike malfunctionRecord a voice message on Telegram or WhatsAppContact the service center if the microphone is not working anywhere.
Do not disturb mode.Check the top notification bar for the bell iconTurn off the mode or add Yandex to the exceptions

Pay particular attention to Bluetooth headphones. Xiaomi with MIUI 14 has a bug where the system mistakenly identifies an external microphone as "busy" even if the headphones are disabled.

  1. Open the settings β†’ Connected devices.
  2. Remove all stored Bluetooth devices.
  3. Reboot the phone.
  4. Reconnect the headphones and check the microphone.
What if the microphone only works on the headphones?
If the built-in microphone is not functioning but the external microphone (in the headphones) is working, the problem may be physical damage to the bottom microphone (located next to the charging connector). On the POCO X3 Pro and Redmi Note 10 models, this is a common malfunction after falls. Check the microphone for contamination or mechanical damage.

Step 5: Additional settings for specific Xiaomi models

Some Xiaomi smartphones have unique features that affect the microphone, and the following are solutions for popular models:

  • πŸ“± Xiaomi 13/14 Series: These flagships have dual microphone authorization. After enabling permission in Android settings, you need to additionally confirm access to Settings β†’ Confidentiality β†’ Permits for special functions β†’ Microphone.
  • πŸ“± POCO F4/F5: These models have Game Turbo mode activated by default, which blocks background processes. β†’ Special facilities β†’ Game Turbo.
  • πŸ“± Redmi Note 12 Pro+: Disabling the Smart Optimization function in Settings can help here β†’ Battery and performance β†’ Optimizing the battery.
  • πŸ“± Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra: Check the settings for additional features β†’ Developer functions β†’ Debugging by USB. Sometimes the debugging on conflict with access to the microphone.

For devices with MIUI Global (e.g., POCO X5 Pro), you may need to change the region in the settings:

  1. Open the Settings. β†’ Additionally. β†’ Region.
  2. Choose India (if available) or Russia (for better compatibility with Yandex Services).
  3. Reset the device.
πŸ“Š What kind of Xiaomi model do you have?
Redmi Note 12/Pro
POCO F5/X5
Xiaomi 13/14
Mi 11/12
Another model

Step 6: Alternative methods if nothing helps

If the standard methods didn’t work, try the following advanced solutions:

  • πŸ”§ Reset all permissions: Open Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ Permit management β†’ App permission reset. Confirm reset and restart the phone. Re-enable all permissions for Yandex applications.

Install an old version of the application

Sometimes new versions of Yandex applications conflict with MIUI. Download the old version of the APK (for example, with APKCombo) and install it manually.

Related: Rejection of MIUI Update

If the problem appears after the firmware update, you can roll back to the previous version via Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ System Update β†’ Three Points β†’ Select the service pack.

⚠️ Note: Before rolling back the firmware, be sure to back up your data via Mi Cloud or locally. on some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T) Retraction can lead to blocking of the loader!

If you use custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), the problem may be the lack of proprietary microphone drivers, in which case only flashing to an official MIUI will help.

πŸ’‘

On bootloader devices, microphone access may be restricted due to SELinux policies. Check the bootloader status with fastboot oem device-info (device unlocked: false).

Frequently asked questions

Why did the microphone stop working in Yandex after the MIUI update?
The new versions of MIUI 14+ have changed their permissions policy. Apps now require dual microphone access confirmation, in the Android settings and in MIUI Security. Once updated, all previous permissions are reset and need to be reconfigured. Further check Settings β†’ Privacy β†’ Special Features Permissions – there may be a hidden microphone switch.
I gave all the permissions, but Yandex Navigator still can't hear voice commands. What do I do?
For Yandex Navigator critical not only the permission to the microphone, but also: πŸ“ Access to geolocation (enable High Accuracy in Location Settings). πŸ”„ Background activity (in MIUI Security β†’ Optimize your battery without restrictions). 🎧 No conflicts with Bluetooth (disable all connected devices and check the microphone again).If the problem persists, try reinstalling the app or using the Navigator beta (available on the developer site).
My POCO X3 Pro only has headphones on it. How do I fix it?
This is a common problem on 3.5mm connector devices. Causes and solutions: Connector pollution: Blow the connector with compressed air or gently clean it with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. Contact oxidation: If the phone fell or came into contact with moisture, it may be necessary to replace the connector. Software Failure: Reset network settings in Settings β†’ Connections and sharing β†’ Reset network settings. If nothing helps, check the microphone in safe mode (press the power button). β†’ Safe Mode. If it's running the microphone, it's the third-party app's fault.
Can I unlock the microphone for Yandex without root rights?
Yes, all of the methods described in this article don't require root rights, but if you're ready to experiment, you can use root access: πŸ”§ Edit the file /system/etc/permissions/platform.xml, Adding permission for Yandex applications. πŸ› οΈ Use AppOps to force microphone access. πŸ“± Install Magisk module to bypass restrictions MIUI. Please note: improper root actions may result in loss of warranty or device inoperability.
After resetting to factory settings, the microphone in Yandex again doesn't work.
When you reset to factory settings: All application permissions are reset. Restore standard MIUI Security policies that can block background access. If you restored data from the backup, old conflicting settings could be transferred. Solution: after the reset, do not restore the settings from the backup. Set up permissions for Yandex manually, as described in Step 1 and Step 2.