Xiaomi Redmi 8 has multiple microphones that record voices during calls, videos, voice messages and noise cancellation, but their compact location often raises questions among users — especially when there are problems with sound. Where exactly are these microphones? How to quickly identify them without disassembling the body? And what to do if the interlocutor can not hear you?
In this article, we will take a closer look at the physical location of all the microphones in Redmi 8, including the main, secondary and noise suppression microphones, learn how to visually distinguish them from speakers or other holes, and get step-by-step instructions on how to check the performance of each of them, and also reveal the typical causes of malfunctions – from banal contamination to hardware breakdowns – and give recommendations for their elimination.
If you're experiencing microphone problems after a phone crash, a firmware update, or just want to make sure the device is in good condition before you sell it, this information is helpful, and for those who are planning a self-repair, we've prepared a diagram with the exact coordinates of the microphones relative to the other parts of the case.
How many microphones in Xiaomi Redmi 8 and what everyone is responsible for
The Xiaomi Redmi 8 comes with three microphones, like most modern smartphones in the budget segment, and their distribution is not accidental, it is optimized for the cleanest possible sound in different use cases.
- 📞 The main microphone is responsible for the transmission of voice during calls, located at the bottom of the phone, next to the charging connector.
- 🎤 Extra microphone -- used to record video, voice messages and hands-free.
- 🔇 Noise reduction microphone — analyzes ambient noise and suppresses it to improve sound quality, usually placed next to the main microphone.
This configuration allows the smartphone to adapt to different conditions: for example, during a video call in a noisy place, an additional microphone picks up your voice, and a noise suppressor microphone filters out extraneous sounds. If one of the microphones fails, this immediately affects the quality of communication or recording.
It’s important to understand that Redmi 8 doesn’t have a separate microphone for voice unlocking – this feature uses a primary or secondary microphone depending on the position of the phone. It’s also worth noting that the quality of the recording depends largely on the firmware: in some custom MIUI builds, the microphones may not work properly.
The exact location of microphones: diagram and photos
To find microphones on Xiaomi Redmi 8, just look carefully at the case, we have prepared a visual diagram showing the exact locations:
| Type of microphone | Location. | Appearance | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main microphone | Lower face, left of USB-C connector | Small round hole (sometimes with metal mesh) | Often confused with a hole for mounting the body |
| Additional microphone | Top edge, next to 3.5mm audio jack | Thin slit or hole under the speaker grille | It can be hidden under a decorative panel. |
| Noise reduction microphone | Lower edge, right of the main microphone | A barely noticeable hole without a grid. | Sometimes not visible (hidden under the body) |
The photos below show all three microphones from different angles. Note that microphone holes are often disguised as design elements, such as a speaker grille or decorative inserts. To avoid confusing the microphone with a speaker, remember that speakers are always larger and usually have a visible metal mesh.
In the Redmi 8 model, the noise reduction microphone can be hidden under the back cover and have no outer hole - this is normal for Xiaomi budget devices.If you don't see the third hole, it doesn't mean the microphone is missing.It can be built into the main board and pick up sound through the slits of the case.
How to distinguish a microphone from a speaker?
How to check the performance of each microphone
If someone complains that they can't hear you, or if they're recording a video without sound, the first thing you need to do is check which microphone is not working, and use standard MIUI tools or third-party apps.
Method 1: Using a built-in voice recorder
- Open the Dictaphone app (if not, install it from Google Play).
- Start recording and say a few phrases while moving your phone:
Listen to the recording: if the sound disappears at a certain position, the problem is in the corresponding microphone.
Method 2: Test call
- Call another phone and turn on speakerphone.
- Turn your finger over the microphone holes:
Method 3: Specialized Applications
For deep diagnostics, install tools like Microphone Test or Phone Check and Test, which show the signal strength of each microphone in real time, and if there's no response to sound on the graph, the microphone malfunctions.
Make sure nothing closes the microphone holes (cover, film, dirt)|
Try recording voice messages in different messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram)|
Check your call settings: Is the Noise Cancel option enabled in Settings → Calls|
Update your firmware to the latest version of MIUI (sometimes microphone bugs are patched)
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⚠️ Warning: If the microphones stopped working after a phone drop or moisture hit, don't try to disassemble the device yourself.In Redmi 8, the microphones are soldered to the motherboard and their replacement requires soldering equipment.
Cleaning the microphones: when and how to do it
One of the most common causes of microphones being bad is contamination of the holes, and dust, pocket pile, or cosmetic residue can block the sound signal, and cleaning should be done if:
- 🔍 The sound is muted, but the microphones are intact.
- 📉 The quality of the recordings deteriorated gradually (not after the fall).
- 🌫️ You can see the accumulation of dirt in the holes (use a magnifying glass).
Safe ways to clean:
- Dry cleaning: Use a soft brush (for example, for drawing) or a toothpick with cotton wool. Carefully walk along the edges of the holes without pressing.
- Compressed air: A compressed air canister (to clean keyboards) will help blow out dust. Keep the balloon upright to avoid fluid entering.
- Velcro tape: Cut a small piece of stationery Velcro and press gently against the hole - it will collect pile and dust.
What can't be done:
- 🚫 Blow the microphone with your mouth – saliva can get inside and cause corrosion.
- 🚫 Use sharp objects (needles, pins) - the risk of damaging the membrane of the microphone.
- 🚫 Apply liquids (alcohol-containing wipes, water) - this can close contacts.
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If the sound hasn't improved after cleaning, try resetting your phone to factory settings (Settings → About Phone → Settings Reset).
Typical malfunctions of microphones and their causes
Mik problems in Xiaomi Redmi 8 can be divided into two categories: hardware (physical damage) and software (software failure).
| Symptoms. | Probable cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The interviewee hears you intermittently. | Contamination of the main microphone or poor contact on the board | Cleaning or soldering of microphone |
| Sound is recorded with noises/wheezing | Damage to the microphone membrane (for example, after falling) | Replacement of microphone |
| The microphone doesn’t work in certain applications. | Permission conflict or program bug | Updating the application or resetting its settings |
| Total lack of sound when calling | Turning off the microphone in the settings or damaging the plume | Checking call settings or diagnostics at the service center |
Especially vulnerable in the Redmi 8 is the plume that connects the microphones to the motherboard, and if the body is not carefully disassembled or after a heavy impact, it can move away, which will lead to complete loss of sound, and if you recently dropped your phone and the microphones stopped working all at once, most likely the problem is in the plume.
Another common reason is a firmware update, and some versions of MIUI for Redmi 8 had bugs that shut down microphones after the update, which could be a rollback to the previous version or a manual firmware via Fastboot.
⚠️ Warning: If the microphones stop working after the phone hits the water, do not turn it on or plug it into charging. SIM-card and battery (if possible), then take the device to a service center. Moisture can cause microphone contacts to corrosion, and the longer the phone stays wet, the greater the risk of permanent damage.
Self-repair vs. service request
If you're sure there's a contamination or software failure, you can try to fix it yourself, but in cases of hardware failure, repairing the microphones in Redmi 8 requires special skills.
When you can fix it yourself:
- 🧹 Cleaning of holes (if there is no mechanical damage).
- 🔄 Resetting settings or flashing the phone.
- 🛠️ Replace the back cover (if the noise reduction microphone is hidden underneath it and does not work due to deformation).
When you need a service center:
- 🔧 Replacement of microphone – requires soldering work and disassembly of the phone.
- 🔌 Repair of the plume - if he moved away from the fee.
- 💧 After getting moisture - professional drying and cleaning of contacts is necessary.
The cost of replacing the microphone in Redmi 8 service centers varies from 500 to 1500 rubles depending on the model of the microphone and the complexity of the work. If the phone is warranty, repair can be free - but only if the breakdown is not caused by mechanical damage (falls, moisture).
For those who want to try to replace the microphone themselves, here is a brief guide:
- Buy an original microphone for Redmi 8 (the article can be found on AliExpress or in specialty stores).
- Remove the back cover with a plastic shoulder blade and hair dryer (to soften the glue).
- Unplug the battery and find the microphone on the board (it is labeled as MIC).
- Carefully solder out the old microphone and set a new one, observing the polarity.
⚠️ WARNING: If you replace the microphone yourself, you risk damaging other components of the board, especially if you have no experience with soldering equipment. Xiaomi Redmi 8 has fragile contacts, and careless handling can lead to loss of warranty or complete failure of the phone.
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If you are not sure about your skills, it is better to contact the service.The cost of microphone repair is usually 2-3 times lower than the price of a new phone, and the risk of finally breaking the device when repairing yourself is very high.