Where in Xiaomi is the speaker and how to clean it safely: a detailed guide

A mud-filled speaker on a Xiaomi smartphone is one of the most common causes of sound deterioration: muted basses, wheezing at loud music or distorted voices in calls. Many users mistakenly think that the problem lies in software settings or membrane damage, although it is often enough to properly clean the speaker of accumulated contaminants. In this article, we will analyze where the speakers are located in different Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models, what tools will be needed to clean, and how to conduct the procedure without risking damage to the device.

It is important to understand that the design of speakers in Xiaomi smartphones varies depending on the series and year of release. For example, the flagship models of the Mi 11 or Xiaomi 13 are equipped with stereo speakers with moisture protection according to the IP53 standard, whereas the budget Redmi Note 10 can only have one bottom speaker without additional protection. This also affects cleaning methods: what is suitable for the POCO F5 can be dangerous for the Xiaomi Civi 3 with ultra-thin grilles. We will consider universal methods, as well as nuances for specific lines.

Where are the speakers in Xiaomi smartphones: schemes for different models

In most Xiaomi smartphones, speakers are placed in two standard zones:

• 📱 Lower speaker next to the connector USB-C (Sometimes combined with a microphone, responsible for the main sound when listening to music or video.
• 🔊 Top speaker (conversational) - above the screen, next to the front camera, used for calls and notifications.
• 🎵 Stereo speakers – in premium models (for example, Xiaomi 12 Pro or Black Shark 5) both speakers give out sound, creating a volumetric effect.

To determine exactly where the speaker is in your model, use the table below. Note: in some devices (for example, Redmi 9A), the top speaker may be hidden under the screen grid and not visible.

If your model is not in the table, check the case of the smartphone: speakers are usually covered with a small metal or plastic grille with holes. In models with IP53 (for example, Xiaomi 12T), the grille can be denser, which makes it difficult to penetrate dust, but also cleaning.

Signs of a clogged speaker: when it's time to clean

Before you start cleaning, make sure that the problem is really the contamination, not a software failure or hardware breakdown.

• 🔇 Muffled sound – music or voices sound like they’re under a blanket, even at maximum volume.
• 🎶 Distortions at high frequencies - wheezing or crackling when playing songs with pronounced tops (for example, violin or female vocals).
• 📞 Poor hearing in calls – the interlocutor complains that you are not heard well, although the microphone works normally.
• 🌊 The “gurgling” effect – sound as if passing through water (typical for speakers clogged with liquid or sticky dirt).

If any of these signs are present, try checking the sound through your headphones first. If the headphones are clear, the problem is with the smartphone speakers. If the distortion remains, it may be the audio chip or firmware that is to blame (in which case cleaning won't help).

⚠️ Warning: Don't confuse a clogged speaker with a damaged membrane! If the sound is completely lost or metallic grinding appears, this may indicate a rupture of the membrane - in which case a replacement speaker is required.

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Before cleaning, check the sound settings: go to Settings → Sound and vibration → Sound quality and turn off all effects (such as Mi Sound Enhancer).

What to Clean Xiaomi Speaker: Safe Tools

To clean the speakers is strictly prohibited to use:

• 🧴 Liquids (alcohol, water, WD-40) — can damage the membrane or oxidize the contacts.
• 🧲 Magnets – speakers contain magnetic elements that can demagnetize.
• 🔪 Sharp objects (needles, toothpicks) - the risk of puncturing the membrane or scratching the grille.

Tools allowed:

For models with IP53 protection (for example, Xiaomi 13 Lite), you can use isopropyl alcohol 90%+, but only to wipe the outer lattice with a cotton swab moistened with just one drop.

Step-by-step: how to clean the Xiaomi speaker indiscriminately

This method is suitable for 90% of Xiaomi models and does not require opening the case.

1. Turn off your smartphone and remove it. SIM-card/memory card (if any) this will prevent short circuits from accidentally getting moisture.
2. Look at the speaker grille with a flashlight. If you see dense dirt or fibers, move to step 3. If the holes are clean but the sound is bad, there may be a problem inside the housing.
3. Use Scotch: Cut a strip of paint tape 1-1.5 cm wide, gently press it against the speaker grille (not glue to the holes!). Take it off sharply - dust and fine debris will remain on the scotch. Repeat 2-3 times.

Walk with a soft brush (tooth or makeup brush) along the grille, moving parallel to the holes, rather than across, and this will prevent the dust from sinking.

Application of compressed air (optional):

• Keep the balloon vertically at a distance of 5-7 cm from the speaker.
• With short presses (no more than 1 second) blow out the dust.
• Do not tilt the balloon - it can leak liquid!
• Check the result: turn on your smartphone and play back the test sound (for example, on YouTube, find the video "Test speaker 20 Hz - 20 kHz"). If the wheezing remains, repeat the procedure or contact the service.

The smartphone is off.|Extracted. SIM-card|Brush and scotch prepared|Checked lighting (needs flashlight)|Photo of the lattice before cleaning (for comparison)-->

⚠️ Warning: If the sound gets worse after cleaning (for example, a whistle), you accidentally moved the membrane or drove the dust deeper.

Cleaning dynamics with disassembly of the body: for experienced users

If surface cleaning doesn’t work and the speaker is clearly clogged from the inside (for example, after falling into the sand), a partial disassembly may be required.

You'll need:

• 🛠️ Set of screwdrivers (cross, five-point for Xiaomi).
• 🧲 Plastic mediator or blade for opening the body.
• 🔍 Loupe or magnifying glass.
• 🧴 Isopropyl alcohol 99% and cotton swabs.

Algorithm of action:

1. Turn off your smartphone and remove the back cover (to do this, carefully apply it to the perimeter, starting from the lower corner). In models with a fixed cover (for example, Xiaomi 12), you will need to warm up with a hairdryer.
2. Disconnect the battery plume (usually fixed by a latch) and prevent short circuits.
3. Find the speaker, it's screwed to a metal frame with 2-4 screws, and unscrew them carefully and remove the speaker.
4. Examine the membrane: If it's intact, clean it with a dry cotton swab. If you see dirt on the contacts, moisten the wand in isopropyl alcohol and wipe it gently.
5. Collect the device in reverse order, making sure that all the plumes are tightly connected.

Warning: disassembly of the case removes the warranty and is fraught with damage to the plumes. If you are not confident in their abilities, you should contact the Xiaomi service center.

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The disassembly of the body is justified only if the speaker is clogged from the inside (for example, after hitting sand or liquid).

Preventing clogging speakers: how to prolong the life of your Xiaomi

To keep the speakers in Xiaomi smartphone clean longer, follow these recommendations:

• 📱 Use a speaker-protected case – many cases have special protrusions that lift the smartphone above the surface, preventing dust from getting in.
• 🚫 Avoid carrying your phone in your pocket with coins or sand – small particles easily penetrate the grille.
• 🧼 Regularly wipe the grille with a dry wipe made of microfiber (1 time in 2-3 weeks).
• 🌧️ Do not use your smartphone in the rain or in dusty areas (for example, on a construction site) without protection.

For IP53 models (such as the Redmi Note 12 Pro), a hydrophobic coating (sold in electronics stores) can be added to repel moisture and reduce dust adhesion, but does not provide 100% protection.

If you often listen to music at maximum volume, set a uniform volume limit in the settings (Settings → Sound → Safe Volume Level) This will reduce the load on the speakers and prolong their life.

Frequent errors when cleaning Xiaomi speakers and how to avoid them

Many users make critical errors that cause the speakers to break, and here are the most common ones:

Another common mistake is to ignore the check after cleaning, always test the speaker at different frequencies (e.g., using the Sound Test app from Google Play), and if new distortions appear after cleaning, the procedure is not done correctly.

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If you've been cleaning the speaker and it's quieter than before, you've probably moved the membrane, and that's where professional diagnostics can help.

FAQ: answers to frequent questions about cleaning Xiaomi speakers