Headset Test on Xiaomi: what is it and how to test the headset

You plugged your headphones into a Xiaomi smartphone or tablet, but the sound is interrupted, the microphone is not working, or the device does not recognize the accessory at all? In such cases, the hidden Headset Test feature, a built-in tool for diagnosing headsets, comes to the rescue. This option is available on most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO, But not all users know it exists.

In this article, we will take a look at what a Headset Test is, how to run it on different models, what parameters are checked, and what to do if the test detects problems, and how to distinguish a hardware malfunction from a software failure, which will save time and money on unnecessary repairs.

What is Headset Test and Why You Need It

Headset Test (or “Headset Test”) is a service mode in firmware MIUI, It's designed to test the performance of the connected headphones:

• 🔊 Check the sound in the left and right speakers
• 🎤 Test the microphone (if it is in the headset)
• 🔌 Diagnose a physical connection (for wired models)
• 📶 Evaluate the stability of wireless connection (for Bluetooth headphones)

This is especially helpful if you are facing one of these problems:

• 🔇 There is only sound in one headphone.
• 🎵 Distortion or cracking in reproduction
• 📞 The interviewee can't hear you on the phone.
• 🔌 The device does not recognize the connected headset

It's important to understand that Headset Test is not a universal solution to all problems, but a tool for primary diagnosis, and it helps to localize the problem whether it's in the accessory itself, the smartphone connector, or the software.

How to run Headset Test on Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions

How to call the test depends on the device model and version MIUI. We have collected relevant methods for most Xiaomi, Redmi and other smartphones. POCO.

Method 1: Engineering menu (for most models)

This method works on devices with MIUI 12 and newer:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Enter the combination: ##36446337## (or ##HEADSET## on some models).
3. The Headset Test menu will appear on the screen.

Method 2: Developer settings (for older versions) MIUI)

If the first method didn’t work, try this algorithm.

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version and tap it 7 times.
2. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
3. Find the Equipment Test or Diagnostic item.
4. Select the Headset Test.

Connect the headphones to the smartphone|Close all applications that use sound|Make sure the battery is charged >20%|Stay in a quiet room to check the microphone-->

Method 3: For wireless headphones (Bluetooth)

For Bluetooth headsets (such as Xiaomi AirDots or Redmi Buds), the process is slightly different:

1. Connect the headphones to the smartphone via Bluetooth.
2. Run any audio player and start playing.
3. Press the Volume buttons simultaneously + and Loudness − 5 seconds.
4. A notification of the start of the test should appear.

If none of the methods worked, check if your carrier is blocking access to the engineering menu, and some firmware (e.g. global versions for Europe) may be disabled.

Decoding the test results: what do errors mean

When you run the Headset Test, you'll see a screen with a few tabs or buttons, and this is what they mean.

If the test shows an error in one of the points, the reasons may be different:

• 🔌 Connector problems: Oxidation of contacts, mechanical damage or dust in the 3.5 mm or USB-C port.
• 🎧 Headphone malfunction: Wire break, speaker or microphone failure.
• 📱 Software failure: Driver conflict, errors in MIUI or corrupted system files.
• 🔋 Low charge: For wireless models, a discharged battery can cause failures.

Typical errors and their solutions

Let’s discuss the most common problems that Headset Test reveals, and how to fix them.

1.There is only sound in one headphone

If the test shows that only the left or right speaker is working:

• 🔧 Check the sound balance in the settings: Settings → Sound. → Stereo balance.
• 🧹 Clean the headphone jack of dust (use a wooden toothpick or compressed air).
• 🔄 Try connecting the headphones to another device - if the problem remains, the accessory itself is defective.

2. The microphone is not working.

If the microphone indicator does not respond to the voice:

• 🎤 Check if the microphone is physically silenced (for example, there is a Mute switch on the headset).
• 🔊 Make sure that the headset microphone is selected in the call settings: Settings → Annexes → Phone. → Microphone default.
• 📱 Reset network settings: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings.

3. The device does not recognize the connected headset

If the smartphone does not respond to the connection of headphones:

• 🔌 Try another connector (if you have an adapter) USB-C → 3.5 mm).
• 🔄 Reboot the device with a connected headset.
• 📲 Update the firmware - in some versions MIUI There were accessory recognition bugs.
• 🛠️ If nothing helps, perhaps the connector is damaged - repairs will be required.

💡

If you use Xiaomi wireless headphones, reset them before the test. To do this, press the button on the case for 10-15 seconds before flashing the indicator in red and white.

How to distinguish hardware malfunction from software

One of the key questions in diagnosis is, is it the smartphone, the headphones, or the firmware that's to blame?

If you suspect a software failure, try:

1. Clear the cache of the Settings application → Applications → Application Management → Settings → Clear the cache.
2. Reset network settings (Settings) → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings).
3. Perform reset to factory settings (pre-return!).

If the problem is hardware, go to the service center. USB-C 3.5 mm will cost less than buying a new smartphone, but replacing the microphone in headphones is often unprofitable - it is easier to buy a new headset.

💡

If the Headset Test shows an Impedance error: 0 Ω, It almost always means a wire break in the headphones. Repair is possible, but more often it's cheaper to buy new ones.

Frequent questions about Headset Test on Xiaomi

We have collected answers to the most popular user questions related to testing headsets on Xiaomi devices.

Alternative ways to check the headset

If the Headset Test is not available or does not give clear results, use alternative diagnostic methods.

1. Verification through annexes

Google Play has specialized tools for testing audio devices:

• 🔊 SoundAbout – allows you to manually select a sound output device and check each speaker.
• 🎤 Microphone Test – analyzes the microphone and shows the signal level.
• 🔧 Phone Doctor Plus – comprehensive diagnostics, including tests of the headset.

2. Manual check without software

If you do not want to install third-party apps, follow these steps:

1. Connect the headphones and start recording voice (for example, in the recorder).
2. Listen to the recording – if the sound is interrupted or missing, the microphone is the problem.
3. Call another phone and ask the person to rate the quality of your voice.
4. Connect the headphones to the PC – if they work normally, the problem is in the smartphone.

3. Resistance check (for advanced users)

If you have a multimeter, you can check the resistance of the speakers yourself:

1. Transfer the multimeter to resistance measurement mode (200 Ω).
2. Connect the probes to the plug contacts (for 3.5 mm:

16–32 Ω

0 Ω

OL

💡

If the multimeter shows the resistance of the microphone Ω or OL, It means it's malfunctioning. In most cases, the microphone in the headphones is not repairable, it's easier to buy new ones.

When to contact the service center

Not all problems with the headset can be solved on your own.

• 🔌 Headset Test shows Impedance error: 0 Ω or OL for both speakers is a sign of a wire break inside the headphones.
• 📱 Connector. USB-C 3.5 mm physically damaged (bent contacts, cracks in the body).
• 🔇 The problem is with all headsets, but other devices (PC, laptop) work with them normally.
• 🔄 After updating MIUI The sound is missing in all connected devices.

Cost of repair:

• 🔧 Replacement of the connector 3.5 mm: from 800 to 1500 rubles.
• 🔌 Replacement of the connector USB-C: 1500 to 3000 rubles (depending on the model).
• 📱 Diagnosis of audio chipset: from 500 rubles (may require soldering).

Before the service visit:

1. Make a backup copy of the data.
2. Write down the smartphone model and version MIUI (It'll speed up the diagnosis).
3. Bring your original headset (if the problem is with it).

💡

If you use Xiaomi for warranty, do not try to repair the connector yourself - this will void the warranty.

Conclusion: How to avoid headset problems in the future

To minimize the risk of headphones and smartphone connectors breakage, follow these recommendations:

• 🔌 Carefully plug the plug: do not insert it at an angle and do not apply excessive force.
• 🧹 Clean connectors regularly: use compressed air or a soft brush.
• 🔋 Do not use headphones when low charge (for wireless models) – this can cause crashes.
• 📱 Update the firmware: in new versions MIUI Frequently fixes bugs associated with audio devices.
• 🎧 Keep your headphones correctly: don’t throw them at the bottom of your bag, use a case.

If you often experience sound problems, consider switching to wireless headphones. Xiaomi’s current models (such as the Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro or Redmi Buds 5) are free of connector issues and offer a stable connection.

Now you know how to diagnose headset malfunctions on Xiaomi with Headset Test, and in most cases, this feature helps you quickly identify the problem and make the right decision – whether it’s cleaning the connector, resetting the settings or visiting a service center.