Location of the microphone on Xiaomi smartphones: where to look and how to clean

Finding the voice-transmitting element in a modern smartphone is often a real test for the eyes. Xiaomi engineers are looking to minimize the size of the frames and hide all the technical holes, making the design monolithic. That is why the question of where Xiaomi has a microphone becomes relevant not only when the device breaks, but also when you usually want to protect the device from moisture or dust.

In most cases, users panic when the person stops hearing them or voice messages are recorded with severe distortion. The main microphone is usually hidden at the bottom of the case, but its exact location varies depending on the series of devices. Understanding the design of your gadget is the first step to successfully diagnosing the problem.

In this article, we will discuss in detail the architecture of sound modules in the lines of Redmi, POCO and flagship Mi. You will learn how to distinguish the main hole from the noise suppressor and why you can not poke them with sharp objects. We will also touch on the topic of software failures, which are often masquerading as hardware malfunction.

Main and additional holes: anatomy of sound

The modern smartphone is equipped with not one, but a whole system of microphones that provide high-quality recording and active noise cancellation. The main microphone, which is used in most scenarios (calls, voice recorder, video), is traditionally located on the bottom end of the device. However, it is difficult to find it visually due to the presence of a speaker grille or USB-plug.

The second, the auxiliary microphone, is most often located on the upper edge of the body or next to the lens of the main camera, its main task is to analyze background noise and suppress it so that the speaker’s voice is clear. In some models, such as the Xiaomi 13 or 14 series, additional sensors can be hidden under glass or integrated into the frame.

⚠️ Warning: Never use sharp objects (needles, pins) to clean microphone holes.The metal tip can pierce the membrane, resulting in irreversible damage to the module and loss of leakage.

The third microphone is often hidden in the flash area or on the back, and it's activated when you record video horizontally to create stereo sound, and knowing which sensor is working right now helps you determine whether you need to clean the bottom or the top of the phone.

Location scheme on different models of Redmi and POCO

The low-end and mid-end devices in the Redmi Note and POCO M/X series have a more predictable design, where manufacturers are less likely to experiment with hidden holes, preferring classic solutions. In models like the Redmi Note 10 Pro or the POCO X3 NFC, the main hole is almost always to the right of the USB-C port, often combined with a speaker.

However, in newer versions like the Redmi Note 12 or 13, the lower edge design has become symmetrical. The left and right of the charging port may have the same slots, but only one of them works. The second serves aesthetics or is the output for the second speaker in the stereo system.

💡

To determine exactly where the microphone is, run the recorder and alternately close the suspicious holes with your finger, where the sound will suddenly disappear or become deaf, and the entrance is located.

The upper end of these models is also standard: a small round or oval hole next to the IR port or on the opposite side, in some cases, especially in protected series, it can be closed with a special mesh to prevent moisture from entering.

Below is a table that helps to orient in the arrangement of elements on popular models:

Xiaomi flagship series: where to look in Mi 13 and Mi 14

In flagship lines, such as Xiaomi 13 and 14, And in the Ultra series, engineers use more complex acoustic circuits, often using noise reduction technology with multiple microphones. 3-4 The main hole is still at the bottom, but it can be shifted to the edge or integrated into the tray. SIM-rare-time.

The Ultra series, where a huge block of cameras occupies a large part of the back, often hides directly in the camera module or under the brand logo, is designed to capture sound better when shooting videos.

Importantly, premium devices use a hydrophobic coating on microphone grids that protects against splashes, but can eventually become clogged with earwax or dust, which greatly reduces sensitivity, and you need to clean such holes with extreme caution using a soft brush.

⚠️ Attention: In flagship models with a rating IP68 Any manipulation of the holes can affect the leakage of the case, and if the phone is warranty, it is better not to clean yourself.

Also in top models, there is a frequent feature of recording sound from different directions, to this end, the system automatically switches between the bottom, top and rear microphones depending on the orientation of the phone.

Voice problems: diagnostics and software failures

Before you look for a physical hole and pick it up with a toothpick, you should rule out software errors. Often the microphone is technically correct, but the system blocks access to it or misallocates resources. Driver failure or application conflict is a common cause of silence in the tube.

Check permission settings. Go to Settings → Apps → All apps, find a messenger or voice recorder that doesn’t work, and make sure that access to the microphone is allowed. In the MIUI or HyperOS shell, these settings may be lost after updates.

It's also worth checking if Do Not Disturb or Pocket Mode is on, which can block audio input, sometimes helping a simple restart of the device that resets the audio driver's temporary errors.

• 📱 Reboot your smartphone and check the voice recorder.
• 🔇 Check if the microphone is covered with a cover or protective film.
• 🔌 Try to connect the headset: if there is sound through it, the problem is in the main module.
• 🔄 Perform a reset to factory settings (pre-made backup).

How to Clean the Microphone on Xiaomi

If the software methods didn't work, and you're sure the hole is clogged, go for a gentle brush, you'll need a soft toothbrush, paint scotch, or a special sticky gel for cleaning the appliances. Compressed air can also be useful, but you need to use it with caution.

First, gently walk with a dry soft brush through the holes, sweeping the dust in circular motions. Don't push hard to drive the dirt deeper into the body. If you see a dense lump of dirt, you can use a piece of tape sticking it to the hole.

For persistent contaminants, you can slightly moisten the brush with isopropyl alcohol, but be sure to press it well before contacting the phone. moisture should not leak into the hole. After cleaning, let the device dry for 10-15 minutes before turning on.

Replacement and Replacement: When You Need Help

If cleaning didn't work, and the recorder gets cracked, hissed, or silenced, there's probably been physical wear and tear or damage to the plume. Replacing the microphone with Xiaomi is not the most difficult procedure, but requires disassembly skills. In modern models, the microphone is often soldered on a sub-board that connects to the mother plume.

In some cases, especially after a drop or moisture, the contacts on the plume connector become oxidized, so you just need to remove the bottom cover, disconnect the battery, and clean the circuit board contacts, but if the microphone membrane breaks through, you need to solder or replace the entire bottom board.

The cost of repairs usually depends on the model. For budget Redmis, replacing the lower board can be inexpensive, as it is a common consumable. For flagships, the price will be higher due to the complexity of disassembling and the cost of the original components.

⚠️ Warning: Self-disassembly of a smartphone almost always leads to loss of warranty. If the device is new, you should contact an authorized service center.

💡

In 80% of cases, the “loss” of sound is solved by simply cleaning the microphone mesh from dust and pile, without the need to replace parts.

A bad microphone not only interferes with communication, but can also indicate more serious problems with the oxidation of internal components, which over time can disable other nodes of the smartphone.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions