Why Xiaomi speakers get dirty and when to clean them
The speakers in Xiaomi devices, from Redmi Note 12 smartphones to Mi Smart Speaker smart speakers, accumulate dust, pile and even skin particles over time, not only making the sound worse (wheezing, muting), but also causing the membrane to break due to increased load, and polluting devices that are often used in dusty rooms, outdoors or near sources of small debris (such as near pets).
The first signs that the speaker needs cleaning: a muffled sound (as if through a fabric), extraneous noise (crackling, whistling), or a complete absence of bass. In a Mi Band or Xiaomi Watch smartwatch, the pollution of the speaker can manifest as a quiet alarm or notification sound. It is important not to confuse these symptoms with software failures - for example, the wrong settings of the equalizer in Settings β Sound.
The manufacturer Xiaomi does not recommend disassembling the device yourself (this deprives the warranty), but surface cleaning of the speakers can be carried out without opening the case.
What not to do when cleaning the speakers Xiaomi
Before you start cleaning, remember the critical errors that lead to irreversible damage to the acoustics:
- π« Blow the speaker with the mouth - saliva and moisture from the breath settle on the membrane, accelerating the corrosion of contacts.
- π« Use sharp objects (needles, toothpicks, knives) - even a light touch will puncture the membrane.
- π« Clean with alcohol or solvents - they destroy the adhesive foundations of the mesh and spoil plastic parts.
- π« Apply a vacuum cleaner - strong traction can tear the membrane from the body.
- π« Heat the speaker with a hair dryer - overheating deforms plastic and rubber elements.
β οΈ Note: If your Xiaomi device is warranty-free, self-cleaning the speaker (especially with the disassembly of the case) will cancel it. In this case, contact the service center - official workshops use ultrasonic baths and professional tools.
For devices with waterproofing (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra or Redmi Note 12 Pro+) it is strictly forbidden to wash the speakers with water - despite the IP68 certificate, repeated ingress of liquid without factory sealing will lead to oxidation of the contacts.
Method 1: Dry cleaning with a soft brush
The safest way to remove dust and pile is to use a soft brush with natural pile (like makeup) or a new toothbrush with soft bristles, a method that is suitable for all Xiaomi devices, including smartphones, Mi Home speakers and Redmi Buds headphones.
Step-by-step:
- Turn off the device (for smartphones β transfer to the aircraft mode).
- Carefully sweep the speaker along the mesh with a brush (not across) light movements.
- For hard-to-reach places (for example, in headphones), use a cotton swab slightly moistened in distilled water.
- Allow the device to dry for 10-15 minutes before turning on.
For the Xiaomi Mi Smart Speaker or Mi AI Speaker speakers, you can use a vacuum cleaner with minimal power (the βdelicate cleaningβ mode), but keep the nozzle at a distance of 3-5 cm from the mesh so as not to retract the membrane.
βοΈ What you need for dry cleaning
Method 2: Cleaning with Scotch or Sticky Tape
This method is effective for removing large particles of dust and pile that are not cleaned by brushing, suitable for Xiaomi smartphones (for example, POCO X5 or Redmi 10C), where the speaker is located on the bottom end.
How to do this:
- Cut a strip of paint tape (width 5-7 mm).
- Carefully press the sticky side against the speaker grid without pressing.
- Remove the tape in one sharp movement β dust particles will remain on the adhesive surface.
- Repeat 2-3 times until the scotch shows no contamination.
β οΈ Warning: Do not use stationery tape, because it can leave traces on the plastic, and do not glue tape to the membrane (it can be seen through the grid), only to the outer grille.
For smartwatches Xiaomi Watch S3 or Mi Band 8 this method is not suitable β the speaker is too small, and there is a risk of damaging the microphone or sensors.
What if Scotch doesn't help?
Method 3: Use of special gels or mucus
For deep cleaning of speakers (for example, in the speakers Xiaomi Mi Portable Bluetooth Speaker), you can use a cleaning gel based on silicone. It penetrates into the crevices and "pulls" dirt, leaving no moisture.
Instructions:
- πΉ Buy a keyboard cleaning gel (e.g. Xiaomi Cleaning Gel).
- πΉ Apply a small amount on the speaker grid.
- πΉ Wait 1-2 minutes until the gel absorbs dust.
- πΉ Carefully remove the gel along with the contamination.
The advantage of this method is that the gel does not conduct electricity and does not leave a divorce, but it is rarely used for smartphones because of the risk of getting into connectors (for example, USB-C or 3.5 mm).
| Cleaning method | Suitable for | Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soft brush | Smartphones, speakers, headphones | Safe, no need to be disassembled | Does not remove deep dirt |
| Scotch | Smartphones with external speakers | Quick, cheap. | Risk of damaging the net |
| Cleaning gel | Columns, Bluetooth headphones | Removes dust from the cracks | Not for all devices. |
| Compressed air | Smart watches, mini speakers | Effective for small particles | Risk of damage to the membrane |
Method 4: Compressed air cleaning (with caution!)
A compressed air canister (such as cleaning computer hardware) can help blow dust out Xiaomi smartwatch speakers or Mi Pocket Speaker mini speakers, but this method requires extreme care.
How right is it?
- π¨ Hold the canister vertically at a distance of 10-15 cm from the speaker.
- π¨ Use short pulses (no more than 1 second) to avoid deforming the membrane.
- π¨ Direct the jet at an angle of 45.Β°, Not straight into the holes.
β οΈ Warning: Never turn the can over, it will cause the release of liquid refrigerant, which will damage the electronics. Also, do not use the compressor, because the pressure is too high for the speakers.
For Xiaomi smartphones, this method is rarely used, since the jet of air can drive dust deeper into the body, except for models with open speakers (for example, Black Shark 5 for gamers).
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Before cleaning compressed air, cover the microphone (if it is near the speaker) with a piece of paint tape so that dust does not get there.
Method 5: Professional cleaning (ultrasound and disassembly)
If Xiaomiβs speaker is heavily polluted (for example, after falling into the sand or prolonged use in a dusty room), surface methods will not help.
- Disassembly of the device (for smartphones - removal of the back cover, for speakers - dismantling of the grille).
- Ultrasound cleaning β The speaker is immersed in a special bathtub where high-frequency waves remove dirt.
- Purging with compressed air after drying.
- Replacement of the membrane (if it is torn or deformed).
Ultrasonic cleaning in Xiaomi service centers costs from 800 to 2000 rubles, depending on the model. It can not be carried out independently - special equipment and skills are required.
For waterproof devices (for example, Xiaomi 13T Pro) after disassembly will require replacement of sealing gaskets, otherwise waterproof will be impaired.
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If the sound has not recovered after cleaning, the problem may be a software failure (for example, in the settings of Dolby Atmos) or a physical breakdown of the speaker, in which case the reset or diagnostics in the service will help.