Where is the microphone on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro: detailed scheme and tips for diagnosis

Owners of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro often face the need to find a microphone β€” whether to check its health, clean up dust or diagnose sound problems during calls. Despite the apparent simplicity of the question, the location of the microphones in this model has its own nuances: there are three of them, each responsible for different functions. One is used for conversations, the second for noise reduction, and the third for recording video and voice messages.

In this article, we will not only show the exact coordinates of all microphones on the body of a smartphone, but also explain how to quickly identify them visually, even if you are holding the Redmi Note 8 Pro in your hands for the first time. In addition, you will learn how to check each microphone for performance without special tools, and what to do if the sound is recorded with interference or not at all.

How many microphones are there in the Redmi Note 8 Pro and why are there so many?

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro has three microphones, and this is no coincidence, due to the need to ensure high-quality sound recording in different scenarios:

  • πŸ“ž Main microphone – used for telephone conversations and voice calls (such as WhatsApp or Telegram) located at the bottom of the case.
  • 🎀 The second microphone is responsible for noise reduction during calls, located at the top next to the headphone jack.
  • πŸ“Ή Third microphone, which is used to record video or voice messages, integrated into the top module next to the main camera.

This approach allows the smartphone to adapt to environmental conditions, for example, when a call is made in a noisy place, the second microphone picks up extraneous sounds, and the system automatically suppresses them, improving the intelligibility of the voice. When recording video, the third microphone focuses on the source of sound in the front, minimizing echo and reverb.

Interestingly, in more budget models Xiaomi (for example, Redmi). 8A) Often only two microphones are installed, sacrificing noise reduction quality. In the Note 8 Pro, the manufacturer went to increase the number of microphones to meet the standards of flagship devices of the time (2019).

πŸ“Š Why you need to find a microphone on the Redmi Note 8 Pro?
Problems with sound during calls
Poor quality of video recording
Cleaning of dust/mud
Curiosity
Other

The exact location of microphones: diagram and photo

So to be sure where the microphones are, use our diagram, which is all on the front of the device, but they're visually different in shape and location:

Type of microphoneLocation.AppearanceFunctions
Basic (for conversations)Lower part of the body, left of the connector USB-CTiny hole (β‰ˆ1 mm) next to the speaker grilleCalls, voice calls, commands to voice assistant
Noise suppressionTop part, right of the 3.5 mm connectorA small hole under a plastic insertSuppression of background noise during conversations
To record videoUpper left corner, next to the front cameraPoint under the display glass (not visible from the outside)Video recording, voice messages, streams

The third microphone (for video recording) is hidden under the display glass and has no external opening, and it cannot be mechanically cleaned, either by software or in a service center.

To make it easier to navigate, look at the speaker grille at the bottom of the smartphone, the main microphone on the left of it, if you look at the screen, but the noise reduction microphone is often confused with the light sensor, which is symmetrical to the headphone jack, but a little closer to the edge of the case.

How to distinguish a microphone from a sensor?
The noise-cancellation microphone has a metal mesh, and the light sensor has a matte glass, and if you hold a flashlight, the sensor will light up slightly, and the microphone will not.

How to check the performance of each microphone?

If you suspect that one of the microphones is not working, you can test it without going to the service.

Checking the main microphone (calls)

The easiest way to do this is to call another phone and ask the person to rate the sound quality.

  1. Open the Dictaphone app (standard or third-party, such as Easy Voice Recorder).
  2. Start recording and talk to the bottom of the phone (where the connector is) USB-C).
  3. Play the recording - the voice should be clear, without wheezing.

Verification of noise reduction microphone

This microphone only works in tandem with the main one, so you can test it.

  • Turn on speakerphone during the call.
  • Create background noise (e.g., turn on music on another device).
  • If the interlocutor hears your voice clearly, and the music is muffled, the noise reduction microphone is serviceable.

3.Mic check for video recording

Start recording the video in the standard Camera app:

  • Point the phone to a sound source (such as a TV).
  • After recording, check how well high and low frequencies are captured.
  • If the sound is deaf or missing, the microphone is faulty.

β˜‘οΈ Checklist for microphone diagnostics

Done: 0 / 5

If at least one of the tests fails, the problem may lie in:

  • 🧹 Pollution of microphones (dust, moisture).
  • πŸ”Š Software failure (for example, after an update) MIUI).
  • πŸ”§ Mechanical damage (fall, ingress of liquid).

πŸ’‘

If the microphone doesn’t work only in a particular app (like WhatsApp), try clearing its cache in your phone’s settings: β†’ Annexes β†’ WhatsApp β†’ Warehouse β†’ Clear the cache.

Typical problems with microphones and their solutions

Redmi Note 8 Pro users are most likely to experience four types of microphone malfunctions, and consider each of them and how to fix them:

1.The microphone does not pick up the voice during the calls

If the person you're talking to can't hear you, but you can hear them clearly, the problem is the main microphone.

  • Clean the microphone hole with a soft brush (such as a toothbrush).
  • Check if the microphone is covering the cover or film.
  • Restart your phone – sometimes it helps with temporary crashes.

2. background noise during conversation

If the person complains of echoes or foreign sounds, the noise-cancellation microphone is to blame.

  • Turn off Voice Improvement in Call Settings (Settings) β†’ Calls. β†’ Improving voice).
  • Update. MIUI until the latest version - in the old firmware were bugs with noise cancellation.

3. When recording video, the sound is absent or distorted

This indicates a third microphone malfunction.

  • Record the video in another application (for example, Open Camera).
  • Reset the camera settings to factory.
  • If the problem persists, the microphone is physically damaged.

4 All microphones stopped working at the same time

Mass failure of microphones is usually associated with:

  • πŸ”„ If you fail, then reset your settings (Settings). β†’ The phone. β†’ Resetting settings).
  • πŸ’§ When you get moisture – dry your phone in rice or with silica gel for 24 hours.
  • πŸ”Œ Damage to the plume - requires disassembly and diagnosis in the service.

πŸ’‘

If the microphones stop working after a fall or contact with water, DO NOT attempt to disassemble the phone yourself - this may lead to a short circuit.

How to Clean the Microphones on Redmi Note 8 Pro?

Microphone clogging is one of the most common causes of sound quality deterioration. In the Redmi Note 8 Pro, microphone holes are particularly prone to dust accumulation because of their small size. Cleaning can be done at home, but it is important to do so carefully so as not to damage the membranes.

You'll need:

  • πŸͺ₯ Soft toothbrush (new or clean).
  • πŸ’¨ Compressed air container (optional).
  • πŸ”¦ Lighting lamp.
  • 🧴 Alcohol wipes (to clean the case around the microphones).

Step-by-step:

  1. Turn off your phone to avoid accidental tapping.
  2. Hold the flashlight to the microphone hole, and the dust will be visible as dark lumps.
  3. Carefully, without pressing, brush the hole, and move from center to edge.
  4. If the dust is not removed, use compressed air from a distance of 10-15 cm Do not blow with your mouth - moisture from the breath can get inside.
  5. Wipe the body around the microphones with an alcohol napkin.

⚠️ Attention: Do not use toothpicks, needles or other sharp objects under any circumstances! The microphone membrane is extremely thin and easily tears. Also avoid liquids - even a drop of water can cause the microphone to fail.

After cleaning, check the microphones with a voice recorder or a test call. If the sound quality has not improved, the problem may be a software or hardware failure.

What to do if the microphone is filled with sticky dirt?
If dirt is in the hole (for example, from sugary drinks), do not try to remove it mechanically, it is better to contact a service where the microphone is gently washed with ultrasound or replaced.

Software methods of diagnostics of microphones

If the physical cleanup didn’t help, the problem could be in the phone’s settings or a software failure. MIUI There are several hidden tools for diagnosing microphones, as well as third-party apps that will help to identify the malfunction.

1. Built-in microphone test in MIUI

Xiaomi has provided a hidden test of hardware components, including microphones, to run it:

  1. Open the Phone app.
  2. Enter the combination: ##6484### (or #64663## for new versions) MIUI).
  3. Choose Audio. β†’ Microphone Test.
  4. Follow the instructions on the screen – the system will check all microphones in sequence.

2. Third-party testing applications

If the standard test does not give results, install one of these applications:

  • πŸ“± Phone Doctor Plus – Checks all sensors, including microphones.
  • πŸŽ™οΈ Microphone Test – a specialized tool for recording and analyzing sound.
  • πŸ”Š SoundAbout – allows you to manually switch microphones and test them individually.

3. Resetting the sound settings

Sometimes the microphones are in trouble because of a setup conflict.

  1. Go to Settings. β†’ Sound and vibration.
  2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Reset Settings.
  3. Confirm the action and restart the phone.

⚠️ Warning: If the microphones are up after resetting, but the problem has returned after a while, the cause may be a conflict with the installed applications. Try to delete the last installed programs or perform a reset to factory settings.

What to do if the microphone does not work after the update MIUI?

Firmware updates often bring not only new features, but also bugs. MIUI, Here's what you can do:

1. rollback to the previous firmware version

If the problem appears immediately after the update, the most reliable way is to return the old version. MIUI. For that:

  • Download the necessary firmware from the official Xiaomi website (select the Redmi Note 8 Pro model and region).
  • Go to Settings β†’ About the phone β†’ System update.
  • Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Select the firmware file.
  • Specify the downloaded file and wait for the process to be completed.

2.Cache clearing through Recovery

Sometimes cleaning the cache without completely resetting:

  1. Turn off the phone.
  2. Press the Power button + Volume up to enter Recovery.
  3. Choose Wipe & Reset β†’ Wipe Cache.
  4. Confirm the action and restart the device.

3. Manual setting of access rights for microphones

In some versions MIUI And when you upgrade, you lose the permissions for the microphones to restore them:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Permissions Management β†’ Microphone.
  2. Make sure that all the necessary applications (Phone, Camera, WhatsApp, etc.) have access to the microphone.
  3. If permissions are disabled, turn them on.

If none of these methods worked, there are two options:

  • πŸ“₯ Wait for the next update MIUI, bug-fix.
  • πŸ”§ Contact the service center for reflashing through EDL-regime.

FAQ: Frequent questions about microphones in Redmi Note 8 Pro

Can I replace the microphone by myself?
Theoretically, yes, but in practice, it requires experience in soldering microelectronics. The microphones in the Redmi Note 8 Pro are soldered to the motherboard, and replacing them without special equipment can damage other components. If you are not sure of your skills, you better contact the service.
Why does the person hear me quietly, even if the microphone is clean?
This may be due to: Microphone sensitivity settings (try turning off noise cancellation in call settings); a problem on the interlocutor's side (for example, a weak network signal); wear of the microphone membrane (resolved by replacement).
How to turn off noise cancellation if it interferes?
V MIUI There is no direct option to turn off noise cancellation, but you can: Use headphones with a microphone - in this case, the noise cancellation turns off automatically. Install the SoundAbout application and manually select a microphone without noise cancellation.
Can the cover cover cover the microphone?
Yes, especially if the case has high sides or is not specifically designed for the Redmi Note 8 Pro. Check whether the case covers the hole of the main microphone at the bottom of the case. Also avoid cases with magnets - they can affect the operation of the sensors.
How to check the microphone at the hardware level?
For deep diagnosis you will need a multimeter or oscilloscope, but at home you can use the test mode: Enter the Phone application code ##4636##. β†’ Microphone. If the sound doesn't change, the microphone is defective.