Xiaomi wireless headphones are a popular solution for calls, streams and voice notes, but sometimes their microphone stops working or interferes. The problem can lie in the headphones themselves (AirDots, Buds, FlipBuds, etc.) and in the settings of the smartphone on MIUI. This article will help diagnose a malfunction of the microphone without contacting the service center, using only your Xiaomi phone.
We’ll take a look at 5 proven methods, from standard Android tools to hidden MIUI features that are rarely mentioned in official instructions, how to distinguish hardware breakdown from software failure, what settings affect recording quality, and what to do if the microphone works only in one headphone (relevant for models with dual microphones, for example, Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro).
Important: If you use third-party headphones (like Redmi Buds or POCO Buds), the verification methods will remain the same – the differences are only in branded customization apps (which we will also discuss below).
1. Quick check through the "Dictophone" (without installing applications)
The easiest way to test a microphone is to use a built-in voice recorder on Xiaomi, which is suitable for all headphone models (AirDots, Buds, FlipBuds, etc.) and does not require an Internet connection.
How to check:
- Connect the headphones to your phone via Bluetooth (make sure they are selected as a sound input/output device).
- Open the Dictophone app** (standard in MIUI or download from Google Play).
- Press the recording button and say a few phrases 10-15 cm from the microphone.
- Stop the tape and listen to it: 🔊 Loudness: If the voice is barely audible, the problem may be the sensitivity of the microphone. 📶 Interference: Hissing or crackling indicates poor contact or membrane damage. 🎙️ Mono/Stereo: If the recording is monophonic, it is possible that only one microphone works (relevant for models with two microphones).
⚠️ Warning: If you hear an echo or delay in the recording, the problem may be in the Bluetooth codec settings. → Bluetooth → Sound settings → Sound quality (select the selection) SBC instead AAC or).
2. Testing through Voice Search and Google Assistant
The second way is to use voice assistants that communicate directly with the microphone, which can help identify problems with speech recognition or audio delays.
Instructions:
- Activate Google Assistant (hold the Home button or say “OK, Google”).
- Say a command, such as, “What is the weather forecast today?”
- Pay attention: ✅ If the assistant correctly recognizes the question, the microphone works. ❌ If there is no reaction or the assistant asks you to repeat, check the headphone connection or restart Bluetooth.
For more accurate diagnosis:
- 📱 Run Voice Search** in the Google app (Mic icon in the search bar).
- 🔄 Try to speak in a quiet and loud voice – if the microphone is unstable, the assistant will recognize, then ignore the speech.
- 🎧 Turn off one headphone (if the model supports mono mode) and check if the microphone works in each individually.
⚠️ Warning: If Google Assistant doesn't respond only in headphones, but works through the phone's built-in microphone, the problem lies in the Bluetooth profile. Try removing the headphones from the device list and reconnecting them.
💡
If Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro headphones or newer, check for firmware updates in the Mi Earphones app> - sometimes microphone bugs are patched.
3. Verification through the engineering menu (hidden MIUI settings)
For advanced users, there is a way to test the microphone through the MIUI engineering menu, which shows the signal level and helps to identify hardware malfunctions.
How to open the engineering menu:
- Open the phone app**.
- Enter the code ##36446337##
- Select Audio → Mic Test.
- Put your headphones on and talk to the microphone, and the screen will show you a graph of the signal level.
What do indicators mean?
| Indicator. | Norma. | Problem. |
|---|---|---|
| Signal level | Green Zone (30–70%) | Red Zone (too quiet or loud) |
| Frequency | Straight line without jumps | A torn schedule (interference) |
| Channels | Both channels are active (for stereo microphones) | There's only one channel. |
⚠️ Note: If the microphone is not displayed at all in the engineering menu, it may mean:
- 🔌 Headphones are not recognized as an input device (check Bluetooth profile).
- 🛠️ Mikrone malfunction (requires repair).
What to do if the engineering menu is not opened?
4.Use of third-party diagnostic applications
If standard methods fail, use specialized applications that offer advanced tests, including frequency range and sound delay.
Top.-3 microphone-testing applications:
- 📊 Microphone Test (by Smart Tools) – shows the signal level in dB and analyzes interference.
- 🎤 Voice Recorder & Audio Editor – allows you to compare recordings from different microphones (built-in and headphones).
- 🔧 Bluetooth Auto Connect – Helps reset Bluetooth connection if microphone is “glutching».
How to test in the Microphone Test:
- Connect the headphones and open the application.
- Select the sound source: Bluetooth Mic (if the headphones are connected).
- Say the phrase and watch the schedule: 📈 Green Zone – The microphone is working normally. 📉 Red zone – signal is too weak (check the density of the headphones to the ear).
⚠️ Warning: If the app doesn't see the headphone microphone, update the firmware MIUI Or reset Bluetooth settings to Settings → System system → Resetting settings → Reset the network settings.
☑️ Preparation for the microphone test
5. Checking the microphone in calls and messengers
Sometimes the microphone is recorded but does not transmit voice during calls, which may be due to the settings of MIUI or a particular application (e.g. WhatsApp, Telegram).
How to test:
- Call another phone or use voice messages in messengers.
- Ask the interviewer to evaluate: 🔇 Silence – if the voice is not heard, check the microphone permissions for the app. 🔊 Distortions – wheezing or robotic voice indicates compression of the Bluetooth codec. 🎧 Mono Sound – If only one earphone is heard, turn on Mono Audio mode in the special features settings.
Solutions to common problems:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The interviewer can't hear you. | Microphone blocked by application | Go to Settings → Applications → [Messenger] → Permissions → Microphone and enable access. |
| Voice interrupted | Weak Bluetooth signal | Bring your phone closer to the headphones or turn off other Bluetooth devices. |
| Echoes in bells | Hand-held mode on. | Turn off the speakerphone in the call menu. |
⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (such as the Redmi Note 12) have a bug where the headphone microphone turns off after switching to the speaker.Solution: reconnect the headphones or reboot the phone.
💡
If the microphone is recording but not calling, the problem is with the settings of a particular app or Bluetooth profile. Check the permissions and codec!
6. Diagnostics of hardware malfunctions
If the software didn't work, maybe the problem is the physical malfunction of the microphone.
Signs of hardware malfunction:
- 🔧 The microphone doesn’t work in any application, even after resetting the settings.
- 💧 Headphones fell into the water or were subjected to severe blows.
- 🔌 One of the microphones (in models with two) is completely silent.
What you can do on your own:
- Clean the microphone holes with a soft brush or compressed air (do not use sharp objects!).
- Check the density of the earphones to the ear – some models (Xiaomi Buds 3T) have wearable sensors that turn off the microphone when it is not properly fit.
- Connect the headphones to another device (like a laptop) – if the microphone doesn’t work there, the problem is with the headphones.
⚠️ Attention: if headphones warranty, do not disassemble them yourself! in models Xiaomi AirDots Pro 2 and newer microphone integrated in the case, and its replacement requires soldering work.