Where is the microphone in the Xiaomi Redmi smartphones: circuits, checking and troubleshooting

Have you noticed that the person you're talking to doesn't hear you well while you're calling, and voice messages are recorded with noise? Or maybe the voice assistant Google Assistant stopped responding to commands? The reason most often lies in a malfunction of the microphone. In Xiaomi Redmi smartphones, there can be several of them - and each is responsible for its functionality: the main one for calls, an additional one for noise cancellation, and in some models even a separate microphone for video.

In this article, we will not only show the exact location of microphones on all popular Redmi models (from Redmi Note 7 to Redmi 13C), but also teach you how to check them without special equipment. You will learn why the microphone can stop working after a drop or update of the firmware, and what to do about it.

How many microphones in Xiaomi Redmi smartphones and what they are responsible for

Most modern Xiaomi Redmi smartphones have two or three microphones, depending on the model and year of release.

  • πŸ“ž Main microphone - used for phone calls and voice messages, located at the bottom of the case.
  • 🎀 An additional microphone is responsible for noise reduction and improving sound quality, usually located at the top (near the speaker or front camera).
  • πŸ“Ή Video microphone – present in flagship models (e.g. Redmi) K60). Located on the back next to the main camera.

Budget models like the Redmi 10A or Redmi 9C often only have two microphones installed: the main and the secondary for noise cancellation, while the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ or Redmi K50 already have three for clearer voice and video recording in Dolby Atmos format.

Fun fact: In some Redmi models, the second microphone is used not only to suppress noise, but also to determine the direction of sound when recording 3D-audio video, which allows you to create a surround sound effect, as in professional microphones.

πŸ“Š What kind of Redmi model do you have?
Redmi Note 10/11/12
Redmi 9/10/13 Series
Redmi K40/K50/K60
Another model
I don't know.

The microphones may be positioned differently even within a single series. Below we have compiled the exact diagrams for the most common Xiaomi Redmi models. Note: in the photos, the microphones are marked with red dots, but in reality they look like small holes (sometimes closed with a grid).

ModelMain microphoneAdditional microphoneVideo microphone (if available)
Redmi Note 12 Pro/Pro+Downstairs, right of USB-CUpstairs, next to the speaker.On the back, next to the main camera.
Redmi 13C / 13RDownstairs, left of USB-CAbove, next to the headphone jackβ€”
Redmi K60 / K60 ProDown, center (between USB-C and speaker)Upstairs, next to the IR port.On the back, under. LED-flash
Redmi 10 / 10A / 10CDownstairs, right of USB-CUpstairs, next to the front camera.β€”
Redmi 9 / 9A / 9CDown, left of microUSBTop, next to the 3.5mm connectorβ€”

⚠️ Note: In water and dust-proof models (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro)+ certified IP53) microphones are often closed with an extra membrane. Don't try to remove it - this can interfere with the leakage!

If your model is not in the table, use the universal rule:

  • πŸ” The main microphone is always looked for at the bottom of the case, next to the charging connector.
  • πŸ” The additional microphone is usually located at the top – next to the speaker, front camera or headphone jack.
  • πŸ” The video microphone (if any) is located on the back, next to the main camera or flash.
What does the microphone look like in reality?
Usually a small hole with a diameter of 1-1.5 mm, sometimes closed with a metal or plastic mesh. In some models (for example, the Redmi K-series), the hole can be surrounded by a rubber seal to protect against moisture. Do not confuse the microphone with a speaker hole - it is noticeably larger (3-5 mm) and often has a decorative grille.

How to check the microphone Xiaomi Redmi without special tools

Before you bring your phone to the service, make sure the microphone is the problem. Here are 3 diagnostic methods that do not require disassembling the device:

1. Verification through built-in dictaphone

The easiest way to do this is to record a voice message and listen to it:

  1. Open the Dictaphone app (if not, download it from Google Play).
  2. Press the recording button and say a few phrases at different distances from the phone (10 cm, 50 cm, 1 m).
  3. Stop the recording and listen to it in your headphones.

πŸ”Š What should be: Your voice is heard clearly, without wheezing or extraneous noises, and if the recording is silent or disturbed, the microphone is faulty or contaminated.

2. Test through the engineering menu

This method allows you to check each microphone separately:

  1. Open the phone app and dial the code: ##4636##
  2. In the menu that opens, select Phone Information.
  3. Scroll down and find the Microphone (or Audio β†’ Microphone).
  4. Speak to each microphone in turn – the signal level (green bars) should be displayed on the screen.

⚠️ Warning: If you test one of the microphones, the bars don't respond to voice, it can mean both hardware failure and software failure. Before visiting the service, try resetting to factory settings (more on this below).

3. Verification through third-party applications

If standard methods don’t help, install one of these apps:

  • πŸ“± Microphone Test – shows the signal level in real time.
  • πŸŽ™οΈ Voice Recorder – allows you to record sound from different microphones separately.
  • πŸ”Š Sound Meter – Measures noise levels, helps identify sensitivity issues.

β˜‘οΈ Checklist before visiting the service

Done: 0 / 5

Why the microphone on Xiaomi Redmi may not work-7 cause

If the test shows that the microphone is faulty, first determine the cause of the failure.

  • 🧹 Hole contamination – dust, pile or moisture can block sound, especially for models without protection IP.
  • πŸ’₯ Fall or impact – even a mild mechanical impact can damage the microphone contacts.
  • 🌧️ Moisture infestation – if the phone gets wet, contact oxidation can disrupt the microphone.
  • πŸ”„ Firmware failure - after update MIUI The microphone may stop working due to driver errors.
  • πŸ”Œ Charging connector problems – in some models, the microphone is connected to the same board as the one on the phone. USB-C.
  • πŸŽ›οΈ Incorrect settings – Disabled noise cancellation or energy saving modes can affect sound quality.
  • πŸ› οΈ Poor repairs – if the phone was already repaired, the microphone plume could be damaged.

Critical information: In the Redmi Note 11 and later, microphones are often soldered directly to the motherboard, which means that replacing them requires a complete disassembly of the phone and soldering work – this is almost impossible at home!

If the problem has occurred after the MIUI update, try rolling back to the previous firmware version or resetting the settings:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ About the phone β†’ Reset settings.
  2. Select Reset all settings (does not delete files, but resets system settings).
  3. After restarting, check the microphone again.

πŸ’‘

If the microphone stopped working after the fall, do not shake the phone or knock on it - this can aggravate the problem, it is better to take it to the service immediately, indicating that you suspect damage to the plume.

How to Clean the Mik on Xiaomi Redmi at Home

If the fault is caused by contamination, you can try cleaning the microphone yourself.

You'll need:

  • 🧻 Soft brush (for example, makeup) or unnecessary toothbrush.
  • πŸ’¨ A compressed air canister (can be bought at an electronics store).
  • πŸ”¦ Lighting flashlight (optional).
  • 🧴 Alcohol wipes (to clean the case around the microphone).

Step-by-step:

  1. Turn off the phone and get it out. SIM-card (if the microphone is near the tray).
  2. Hold the flashlight to the microphone hole, so you will see the contamination.
  3. Carefully walk the brush along the hole, moving from the center to the edges.
  4. Use compressed air (hold the balloon vertically, 5-10 cm away) to blow out dust.
  5. Wipe the body around the microphone with an alcohol napkin (do not drip alcohol inside!).
  6. Wait 10-15 minutes for the phone to dry completely, then turn it on and check the microphone.

⚠️ Warning: Never use wet wipes or liquids to clean the microphone opening itself! moisture can get inside and cause contact corrosion. If the contamination is severe (such as sticky dirt), it is better to contact the service.

πŸ’‘

Cleaning the microphone with compressed air is the safest method, but its effectiveness depends on the type of contamination. If the dust has mixed with moisture and formed a dense plaque, professional cleaning will be required.

What to do if the microphone on Xiaomi Redmi does not work: a step-by-step guide

If self-cleaning didn’t help, follow this algorithm:

  1. Check settings: Open Settings β†’ Sound. Make sure the microphone volume slider is not at a minimum. Turn off Noise Reduction (sometimes it distorts the voice).

Update the firmware:

Go to Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ Update the system and install the latest version of MIUI. Sometimes bugs with the microphone are fixed in new builds.

Reset the network settings:

B Settings β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ Resetting network settings.This can help if the problem is with modem drivers.

Check in safe mode:

Press the power button, then hold your finger to Turn off, the Safe Mode option will appear. Only system applications work in this mode. If the microphone is running, one of the installed applications (most often messengers or voice assistants) is to blame.

Contact the service:

If nothing helps, take your phone to an authorized Xiaomi service center, with the average cost of replacing your microphone between 800 and 2,500 rubles (depending on the model).

πŸ’‘ Tip: Make a backup before you visit the service. Sometimes a full phone reset is required for diagnosis.

Frequent questions about microphones in Xiaomi Redmi

Can I use a phone with a broken microphone?
Yes, but with limitations. You can't: Call normally (the person won't hear you), use voice messages in messengers, give commands to the voice assistant, but you can: Use a headset with a microphone (Bluetooth or wired), communicate via text messages, listen to music and watch videos.
Why is my voice still quiet when the microphone is working?
This may be due to: Pollution of the microphone (dust reduces sensitivity); Activated Energy Saving mode (limits performance, including the microphone); problems on the interlocutor's side (weak network signal, malfunction of its speaker); Try: Clear the microphone (see the instructions above); Turn off energy saving in Settings β†’ Battery; Call from another phone to check the quality of communication.
Can I replace the microphone with Xiaomi Redmi?
Theoretically, yes, but: Redmi Note 10 and later will require a soldering station (microphone soldered to board). In Redmi 9/9A/9C, the microphone is attached to the plume, but disassembly requires special tools (suction cups, mediators). The risk of damaging other components (for example, the screen plume) is very high. If you do not have experience in electronics repair, you should contact the service. The cost of self-replacement (including the purchase of microphone and tools) often exceeds the cost of working in the workshop.
Why did the microphone sound disappear after the MIUI update?
This is a typical problem after major updates. Causes: Failure in audio system drivers. Conflict with user audio settings. firmware error (solved by rollback or waiting for a patch). Solutions: Reset audio settings: Settings β†’ System applications β†’ Sound β†’ Settings Reset. Remove the Phone app cache to Settings β†’ Apps. Reverse to the previous version of MIUI via Fastboot (instructions are available on the 4PDA forum).
How to check if the microphone on the back is working (for video)
This microphone is only used when recording video. To test it: Open the camera and switch to video mode. Cover the bottom microphone with your finger (to turn it off). Record the video while speaking in the direction of the back panel. Listen to the recording β€” if the voice is clearly heard, the microphone is working. If the sound is not: Clear the microphone hole on the back. Check the camera settings β€” it may be turned off.