Where is the microphone in the Xiaomi Redmi smartphones: a complete guide with schemes and tests

Are you trying to make an important call or record a voice message, but your interlocutor complains that he can't hear you? Or maybe the voice assistant Google Assistant refuses to recognize commands? The reason often lies in the malfunction of microphones — and in smartphones Xiaomi Redmi can be several. Unlike budget models of other brands, where usually a single microphone is installed, the Redmi series devices (especially flagship modifications) are equipped with a system of 2-4 microphones for noise reduction and improved sound recording.

The problem is that the manufacturer rarely specifies the exact location of the microphones in official documentation, and without this information, it is difficult to verify which microphone is out of order – the bottom (main), the top (talking) or the additional (noise reduction). In this article, we will not only show where exactly all the microphones in the popular Xiaomi Redmi models (from Redmi Note 7 to Redmi) are located. K60 Pro, but we can also diagnose them without going to a service center, and you can learn how to tell the difference between a hardware failure and a software failure, which applications to use for testing, and what to do if the microphone gets clogged with dust or moisture.

How many microphones in Xiaomi Redmi and why there are several

Depending on the model and year of release, Xiaomi Redmi smartphones can have from 1 to 4 microphones, their number directly affects the sound quality during calls and video recording.

• 📞 Main microphone (bottom) - responsible for voice transmission during calls and recording sound when shooting video with the main camera.
• 🗣️ Top microphone - used to reduce noise and improve voice quality during conversations, located at the top of the body (near the speaker or front camera).
• 🎤 Additional microphones (2-3 - found in flagship models (for example, Redmi) K50 Pro or Redmi Note 12 Pro+). They create a stereo effect when recording video and help suppress background noise.

For example, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro has three microphones: one at the bottom, one at the top and one at the side (near the volume buttons). 9A — There's only two, the main one and the top one. Why is this important? If you're not hearing well during the call, but the voice recording is working fine, the problem may be the top microphone, which is responsible for the voice transmission on the network.

By the way, many users confuse microphones with an infrared port (some Redmi models have at the top of the body) or with a light sensor. To be sure, remember that the microphone always looks like a small hole (sometimes covered by a grid), not like a glass lens or a plastic connector.

The exact location of microphones in the popular Xiaomi Redmi models

We analyzed the design of more than 20 Xiaomi Redmi models and compiled a table with the exact location of the microphones. Note: in some devices, microphone holes can be hidden under decorative inserts or rubber plugs (especially in models with protection). IP53).

In models with protection from dust and moisture (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro)+ s IP53) The microphones are often covered with membranes that get clogged with dirt over time, and this is one of the main reasons for the deterioration of sound quality - many users mistakenly think that the microphone has broken, although it is enough to clean the hole.

If you haven’t found your model in the table, use the universal rule: 90% of Xiaomi Redmi smartphones have at least two microphones – one at the bottom (for recording and calling), the other at the top (for noise reduction).

How to check the microphones on Xiaomi Redmi: 3 reliable ways

Before you bring your phone to the service, make sure the microphones are the problem, and in many cases, the "microphone" is:

• 🔇 Smooth system settings (for example, access to the application is disabled).
• 📵 Network problem (poor connection when calling on the phone) 4G/VoLTE).
• 🎛️ Firmware failure (especially after updates) MIUI).

We have selected three of the most reliable verification methods that work on all Xiaomi Redmi models, regardless of the version. MIUI:

1. Test through the engineering menu (code ##4636##)

This is the most accurate way, as it allows you to check each microphone separately:

1. Open the Phone app and enter the combination: ##4636##.
2. In the menu that appears, select Phone Information (or Testing in new versions). MIUI).
3. Scroll down to the Microphone or Audio section.
4. Press Mic Test – the system will test all microphones in turn, showing the signal level.

⚠️ Warning: If the signal level of one of the microphones is 0 dB or much lower than the others, this is a sign of hardware failure (contact break or microphone failure).

Verification through the Dictator app

This method will help determine if the main microphone (bottom) is working.

1. Open the standard Dictaphone app (or install a third-party one, such as Voice Recorder).
2. Start recording and talk to different parts of the phone: 🎤 In the lower part (near the charger) - should record your voice. 📞 Upper (near the speaker) – if the recording is here, then the top microphone is also functional.

Listen to the tape. If the voice sounds muffled or with noise, the problem is with the microphone or the contamination.

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If you're recording and you're not being heard during calls, check your network settings. In some regions, operators are turning off VoLTE support, which can make the microphone silent when calling on the phone. 4G.

3. Diagnostics through service applications

For deep inspection, we recommend using specialized utilities:

• 🔧 Phone Doctor Plus – Tests all microphones, shows the signal level in real time.

If all tests show that the microphones are working, but problems remain, check:

• 🔄 Resolution settings for the microphone in Settings → Annexes → Permits.
• 📶 Network quality (switch to the network) 4G on 3G vice versa).
• 🔊 Voice settings in Settings → Sound. → Voice quality (in some firmware) MIUI There is a separate regulator for the microphone).

The microphone doesn't work on the recorder.|The microphone doesn’t work just for calls.|The problem arose after the fall / fall of moisture|All permissions for microphone included|The test in the engineering menu showed 0 dB-->

What to do if the microphone is not working: step-by-step instructions

If the diagnostics confirm that the microphone is malfunctioning, don't rush to carry the phone for repair. In 60 percent of cases, the problem can be solved independently. We've collected all possible ways, from the simplest to the most radical.

1. Cleaning microphones from dust and dirt

The most common cause of microphone deafness is clogging of the holes, especially in protected models. IP53/IP54, where the microphones are covered with membranes:

• 🧹 Use a soft brush (for example, for drawing) or a toothpick with cotton wool.
• 💨 Blow the holes with compressed air (a canister for cleaning equipment).
• 🚫 Do not use needles or metal objects – they can damage the microphone membrane.

⚠️ Warning: If the microphone gets moisture (for example, after rain), do not dry the phone with a hair dryer or on a battery. Put it in a bag of silica gel (from a shoe box) for 12-24 hours.

2. Resetting settings to factory

Sometimes the microphone stops working after the update. MIUI Or custom firmware installations, and in that case, soft resetting will help:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Select Reset all settings (does not delete files, only settings).
3. After restarting, check the microphone.

If it doesn’t help, complete the reset (with deletion of data) via Settings. → Additionally. → Recovery and discharge.

Checking the microphone contacts (for experienced users)

If the phone fell or was under mechanical stress, the microphone plume could move away to check this out.

1. Turn off the phone and remove it. SIM-map.
2. Carefully remove the back cover (this will require a plastic spatula and a hair dryer to soften the glue).
3. Find the plume running from the microphone to the motherboard (usually signed as MIC or Audio).
4. Check if the connector has moved away. If so, insert it back in carefully.

⚠️ Warning: Disassembly of the phone is not warranty. If your Redmi is still under warranty, you should contact the Xiaomi service center.

4. Update or roll back firmware

In some versions MIUI There were bugs that caused the microphones to fail. MIUI 13.0.4 for Redmi Note 10 Pro had an issue with audio drivers:

• 🔄 Update your firmware to the latest version through Settings → Updating the system.
• 🔙 If the problem occurs after the update, roll back to the previous version. MIUI with the Mi Flash Tool.

5. Microphone replacement

If all previous methods have failed, the microphone is likely to have failed and needs to be replaced.

• 💰 Replacement of one microphone: 500-1500 ₽ (model-wise).
• 🔧 Replacement of a plume with a microphone: 1500–3000 ₽.

To replace, contact only authorized Xiaomi service centers – this guarantees the use of original spare parts.

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If the microphone stopped working after a phone drop or moisture hit, 90% of it will need to be replaced, in this case, self-repair is not recommended, as you can damage the motherboard.

Frequent questions about microphones in Xiaomi Redmi

We have collected answers to the most popular questions of users who have faced problems with microphones in Xiaomi Redmi smartphones.

How to prolong the life of microphones in Xiaomi Redmi: 5 tips

The microphones in Xiaomi Redmi smartphones are quite reliable, but their life can be significantly reduced by improper operation.

• 🚫 Do not put the phone down on soft surfaces (sofa, bed) – this leads to clogging holes with dust.
• 🧴 Clean the microphone holes regularly (every 2-3 months) with a brush or compressed air.
• 🌧️ Avoid getting moisture – even if your Redmi has protection IP53, Microphones remain a vulnerable spot.
• 📱 Do not drop the phone - the blow can damage the soldering of the microphone to the motherboard.
• 🔄 Update the firmware - in new versions MIUI Often fix bugs with audio drivers.

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If you talk on the phone often in noisy places (such as outside), use a headset with a microphone, which will reduce the load on the built-in microphones and improve the quality of communication.

Also note the cases: some models (especially those with high sides) can cover the microphone holes. Before buying a case, check if it has microphone cutouts.

What to do if the microphone in Xiaomi Redmi does not work

So let's summarize:

1. Determine which microphone is not working (lower, upper or secondary) using the tests in this article.
2. Check the software settings - permissions, updates MIUI, factory-dumping.
3. Clean the microphones of dust and dirt – this solves the problem in 70% of cases.
4. If nothing helps, contact the service for diagnosis or replacement of the microphone.

Remember, in most cases, a broken microphone is not a hardware breakdown, but a software contamination or failure. Start with the simplest steps (clean, reboot, check permissions) and then move on to radical measures.

If your Xiaomi Redmi model was not mentioned in the article, write its name in the comments and we will help you determine the location of the microphones!