Are you trying to find a microphone in your Xiaomi smartphone but you don't know where it is located? Or are you having a problem when the person you're talking to can't hear you while you're on the phone? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at where the microphones are in different Xiaomi models, how to check them and what to do if they don’t work. from the budget Redmi to the flagship Mi and the new model. POCO — Each series has its own characteristics.
The microphones in Xiaomi smartphones can be located in several places: bottom, top, next to the camera or even under the screen (in new models). Their number varies from 2 to 4, depending on the model and its functionality. For example, in Xiaomi 13 Ultra there are as many as 4 of them: basic, additional for noise reduction, conversational and for video recording. And in the budget Redmi Note 12 — usually 3. If you are not sure where to look, do not worry: we have prepared visual diagrams and instructions for popular models.
It's important to understand that microphone problems aren't always about physical damage, and sometimes settings, connector contamination, or software failures are to blame. In this article, you'll find not only layouts, but step-by-step diagnostic instructions, and cleaning and repair tips. If there are any questions after reading, check it out. FAQ-The block at the end where we collected answers to the most common problems.
How many microphones in Xiaomi smartphones and why they are needed
Modern Xiaomi smartphones are equipped with several microphones, each of which performs a different function, and their number depends on the model and its price segment:
- 📱 Budget models (Redmi) 10A, POCO M5): 2 microphones - main (lower) and spoken (upper).
- 📱 Mid-segment (Redmi Note 12 Pro, Xiaomi) 12T): 3 microphones – a third is added for noise reduction.
- 📱 Flagships (Xiaomi 13, Mix Fold 3): 4 microphones, including a special one for video and speakerphone calls.
Let’s see what everyone is responsible for:
| Type of microphone | Location. | Functions |
|---|---|---|
| Main (lower) | Near the connector. USB-C orodynamic | Video recording, voice messages, voice recognition |
| Conversational (top) | Near the front camera or speaker | Calls, video calls, voice commands |
| For noise reduction | On the back or bottom. | Filtering of extraneous noise during calls |
| Additional (for stereo recording) | Upper or lower face | Improved sound quality in video recording |
In some models, such as the Xiaomi 13 Pro, microphones are hidden under a decorative grille, which makes it difficult to visually find them. If you are not sure where the microphone is in your model, use the official documentation or check through test calls (we will discuss this later).
⚠️ Note: In smartphones with water protection (IP53/IP68) The microphones are often closed with a special membrane. Don't try to remove it - this can violate the tightness!
Where to look for a microphone in popular Xiaomi models
The location of microphones can vary greatly even within the same series. Below we have collected diagrams for the most popular models Xiaomi, Redmi and other popular models. POCO. If your model is not on the list, follow the general principles:
- 🔍 The bottom microphone is almost always next to the connector. USB-C orodynamic.
- 🔍 The top microphone is searched for near the front camera or in the area of the speaker.
- 🔍 Additional microphones can be on the back (e.g., Xiaomi) 12S Ultra) or under volume buttons.
Next are visual cues for specific models:
Microphone Location Scheme in Xiaomi 13/13 Pro
Redmi Note 12 Series:
- 📍 Lower microphone: right of USB-C (barred).
- 📍 Top microphone: left of front camera (under speaker grid).
- 📍 Third microphone: on the back, next to LED-flash.
POCO F5 / F5 Pro:
- 📍 Main microphone: left of USB-C.
- 📍 Conversation microphone: to the right of the front camera.
- 📍 Microphone for noise reduction: on the upper edge (near the IR port).
Xiaomi 12T / 12T Pro:
- 📍 Lower microphone: under the speaker grille (right of the USB-C).
- 📍 Top microphone: under the grid of a conversational speaker.
- 📍 Additional microphone: on the back, under the camera module.
If your model is not specified, try to find technical documentation on the official Xiaomi website or use applications for testing microphones (we will talk about them in the next section).
Xiaomi 13/13 Pro|Redmi Note 12 Series|POCO F5/F5 Pro|Xiaomi 12T/12T Pro|Another model-->
How to check the microphone on Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions
If the person you're talking to doesn't hear you when you're calling, or if voice messages are recorded with noise, check if the microphone is working at all. Here are 3 reliable ways to diagnose:
1. Test call
The easiest way to do this is to call another phone and check the sound quality, and if you're not hearing well, you can't hear it.
- 🔊 Try switching to speakerphone (using a different microphone).
- 🔊 Check if you are covering the microphone with a finger or a cover.
- 🔊 Ask the person to rate the sound quality at different positions of the phone.
2. Use of built-in dictaphone
Open the standard Dictaphone app and record a few seconds of speech.
- ✅ If the voice is clear, the microphone works.
- ❌ If you hear interference, a crackling or voice is barely distinguishable - a problem with the microphone or its contamination.
3. Special testing applications
For a deep diagnosis, install one of these applications:
- 📱 Phone Doctor Plus – Tests all microphones individually.
- 📱 Microphone Test – shows the signal level in real time.
- 📱 SoundAbout allows you to force switch between microphones.
If tests show that the microphone is not working, move to the next section - there we will tell you how to fix the malfunction.
Check the microphone for contamination|Make sure the problem isn't with the cover.|Update the firmware to the latest version|Reset network settings (Settings) → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Reset)|Try another one. SIM-card-->
What to do if the microphone is not working: 5 ways to solve the problem
If the diagnosis shows that the microphone is defective, don't rush to bring the phone to the service center. In 70% of cases, the problem can be solved independently. Here are 5 proven methods, from simple to complex:
1. Cleaning the microphone of dust and dirt
The most common cause of microphone failure is pollution, and dust, pocket pile, or cosmetic residue can block the sound holes.
- 🧹 Use a soft brush (for example, for drawing) or compressed air (a canister).
- 🧹 For persistent contaminants, gently wipe the hole with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol (only for models without a stainless one). IP-certification!).
- 🧹 Do not use needles or toothpicks – they can damage the microphone membrane.
⚠️ Attention: In models with protection IP68 (For example, Xiaomi 13 Pro) self-cleaning microphones can violate the tightness.
2. Verification of settings and resetting of parameters
Sometimes the microphone goes off at the software level.
- 🔧 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Permits → Microphone and make sure that the right applications are allowed access.
- 🔧 B Settings → Turn off the noise cancellation function when calling (sometimes it blocks the microphone).
- 🔧 Reset network settings: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Reset.
3. Firmware update
Firmware bugs can cause problems with the microphone.
- Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
- Click Check Updates and install the latest version of MIUI.
- After the update, restart the phone.
Hardware diagnostics (test codes)
With the help of service codes, you can check the hardware status of the microphone:
#6484## - Audio test (checking microphones and speakers)
#4636## → Phone information → Checking the microphoneIf the test shows a Microsoft failed, the problem is hardware – a replacement will be required.
5. Replace the microphone (if nothing worked)
If all of these methods don't work, the microphone is probably physically damaged.
- 🛠️ Contact an authorized Xiaomi service center (the warranty will remain).
- 🛠️ If the warranty is over, you can replace the microphone yourself (but it is risky!).
The cost of replacing the microphone in the service: from 800 to 2500 rubles, depending on the model.
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Before visiting the service, back up your data! Sometimes a full phone reset is required to replace the microphone.
Common causes of microphone failure in Xiaomi
The microphones in Xiaomi smartphones are not failing for a reason. TOP-5 The reasons that most often lead to their failure:
- 💦 Getting liquid – even if the phone has protection IP68, Long-term exposure to moisture can damage the microphone.
- 🧲 Magnetic interference – if the phone often lies next to speakers, headphones or magnets.
- 🔊 Mechanical damage - falls, impacts, pressure on the body.
- 🔥 Overheating – if the phone overheats frequently (such as during games), it can damage the microphone.
- 🛠️ Poor repairs – if the phone was previously dismantled and poorly assembled back.
Interesting fact: in Xiaomi 12S Ultra microphones are protected by a special coating against dust, but are still sensitive to moisture. If you use your phone often outside or in the bathroom, the risk of breakdown increases.
To extend the life of the microphones:
- 🛡️ Avoid using your phone in the rain or in high humidity.
- 🛡️ Don’t put your phone in your pocket with keys or coins – they can scratch the microphone grille.
- 🛡️ Regularly clean the microphone holes from dust (soft brush).
💡
If the microphone stopped working after falling or getting liquid, do not try to clean it yourself - this can aggravate the problem.
How to replace the microphone on your own in Xiaomi
If you are confident and willing to take risks, you can try replacing the microphone yourself.Caution: this will void the warranty and may lead to additional breakdowns if you do not have experience! 10/11/12 and POCO X3/X4.
What you need:
- ✅ New microphone (buy on AliExpress or in specialty stores, for example, Xiaomi Mi Store).
- ✅ Screwdriver Set (Phillips #00, Y00, plastic mediator).
- ✅ Hair dryer for softening glue (or a special heater).
- ✅ Tweezers and screen-suction cups.
Step-by-step:
- 🔧 Turn off the phone and remove it. SIM-map.
- 🔧 Heat the back cover with a hair dryer (1-2 minutes) and gently tuck it in with a plastic mediator.
- 🔧 Unscrew the screws holding the metal plate over the motherboard.
- 🔧 Find the microphone (usually soldered to the board or connected via a plume).
- 🔧 Unplug the plume (or unplug the old microphone) and install a new one.
- 🔧 Put your phone back together, check its performance.
Video instructions for specific models can be found on YouTube (see "Xiaomi [your model] microphone replacement" on request).
⚠️ Attention: In models with IP-certification (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Pro) after self-replacement of microphone protection from water and dust will be violated!