Cleaning the speaker Xiaomi Mi8: step-by-step guide with photos and videos

Xiaomi Mi8 is the flagship of 2018, which is still popular among users due to its powerful hardware and high-quality sound. However, over time, even in this smartphone, the loudspeaker can deteriorate: the sound becomes muffled, wheezing or distortion appear, the reason is often the same – clogging with dust, villi or too fat deposits.

Unlike the newer IP53 models, the Mi8 does not have certified dust moisture protection, so its speakers are particularly vulnerable. But don't rush to take your phone to the service center: 90% of the time, you can solve the problem yourself without disassembling the device. In this article, 5 proven cleaning methods, including mechanical and software methods, and tips on how to avoid re-clogging.

Causes of clogging dynamics: why it happens

Xiaomi Mi8 speaker is located at the bottom of the case next to the USB-C connector. It is protected only by a thin metal mesh with microscopic holes - the perfect "trap" for garbage.

• 🌫️ Dust and grains of sand – get into the speaker from the air, especially if you often carry your phone in your pocket or bag without a cover.
• 🧵 Villi from clothing - stick to the net when in contact with fabric (jeans, sweaters, sofa covers).
• 💦 Sweat and skin fat – settle on the grid when talking on the phone or during games, forming a sticky layer that attracts dirt.
• 🍪 Crumbs and food particles – if you use your smartphone at a desk or in bed.

The first sign of clogging is the sound deterioration at maximum volume.

• 🔊 Volume reduction (sound as "from a barrel»).
• 🎵 The appearance of wheezing or crackling when playing low frequencies.
• 📵 The complete "disappearance" of bass.

If you ignore the problem, the debris can penetrate deeper into the speaker, which will lead to irreversible damage to the membrane or contacts, in the worst case, you will need to replace the module, which will cost 1,500-3,000 rubles (depending on the service).

Method 1: Software cleaning (without disassembly)

Before you start mechanical cleaning, try blowing the speaker with sound frequencies, which works if the clogging is mild (dust, small villi).

For this:

1. Download the application “Frequency Sound Generator” or “Speaker Clean” from Google Play.
2. Set the frequency in the range of 50-100 Hz (low frequencies better “knock out” garbage).
3. Bring the phone down to the table (at a distance of 1-2 cm) and turn on the sound for 1-2 minutes.
4. Repeat the procedure at 200-300 Hz to remove smaller particles.

💡

If you don’t have access to Google Play, use an online frequency generator, such as the Online Tone Generator. Select 80Hz, turn on playback, and hold your phone to the speaker of another device (like a laptop) for 30 seconds.

It's safe, but it's only effective for minor pollution, so if the sound hasn't improved, you can go to mechanical methods.

Method 2: Brushing with a toothpick or needle

To remove dense contaminants (villi, dust lumps), a wooden toothpick or plastic needle is suitable (metal use is not recommended - you can damage the net).

Make sure the phone is off |Use bright light (e.g. desk lamp)|Do not press hard on speaker grid |Hold the tool parallel to the surface of the phone-->

Step-by-step:

1. Turn on the flashlight on the other phone and point the lights at the Mi8 speaker to better see the contamination.
2. Carefully run the speaker along (not across!) the holes with your toothpick. Don't push -- a light touch is enough.
3. To remove sticky deposits, moisten the toothpick in isopropyl alcohol (70% or higher) or vodka. Do not use water!
4. After cleaning, dry the speaker with a dryer in cold mode for 2-3 minutes.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use cotton swabs - the pile may remain inside the speaker. Also avoid sharp metal objects (needles, pins) that puncture the protective net.

If after cleaning the sound became cleaner, but the wheezing remained, try blowing the speaker with compressed air (about this in the next way).

Method 3: Purging with compressed air

For deep cleaning without risking damage to the speaker membrane, use a compressed air canister (sold in electronics stores or household goods), which removes dust from hard-to-reach areas.

How to blow properly:

• 📱 Keep your phone down speaker so that debris flies away under gravity.
• 💨 Direct the jet at an angle of 45.°, Not perpendicular to the grid.
• 🔄 Use short pulses (1-2 seconds) to avoid damaging the membrane.
• 🛑 Keep the balloon at a distance of 5-7 cm from the phone.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use a home vacuum cleaner or hair dryer in blowing mode - too much airflow can damage the speaker membrane.The compressed air canister has optimal pressure (~4 bar).

After blowing, check the sound by playing a track with deep bass (e.g. "Boom Boom Pow" - The Black Eyed Peas). If the wheezing is left, proceed to the next method.

Method 4: Cleaning with sticky tape (scotch)

This method is suitable for removing villi, hair and small particles that are not blown out by air. You will need a narrow paint tape (1-1.5 cm wide) or tape.

Instructions:

1. Cut a strip of scotch ~3 cm long.
2. Apply it with the sticky side down to the speaker grid.
3. Press it tightly and take it off sharply. Repeat it 2-3 times.
4. For the best effect, use Scotch after brushing with a toothpick.

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ Safe for the membrane dynamics.
• ✅ It even removes microscopic villi.
• ✅ No need for special tools.

Method 5: Ultrasonic cleaning (for advanced users)

If these methods have failed, and you don't want to disassemble the phone, you can try an ultrasound bath, which is suitable for removing old potassium fat deposits and deep dust.

You'll need:

• 🛁 Ultrasonic bath (you can buy an inexpensive model for 1,500-2000 rubles).
• 💧 Distilled water or isopropyl alcohol (90% and higher).
• 📱 A sealed bag with a zip fastener.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone and remove it. SIM-map.
2. Place the Mi8 in the bag, pour 50 ml of alcohol (so that the speaker was immersed).
3. Close the package, leaving some air inside.
4. Immerse the bag in an ultrasonic bath for 1-2 minutes at a temperature of 30-40 ° C.
5. Take out the phone, dry it for 24 hours in a dry place (such as rice or silica gel).

⚠️ Warning: This method is risky for phones without official waterproofing! Mi8 not included, immediately take it to the service - possibly oxidized contacts.

Ultrasonic cleaning removes up to 95% of contaminants, but it requires caution. If you are not sure about your skills, you should contact a service center.

Prevention: how to protect the speaker from clogging

To avoid having to clean the Xiaomi Mi8 speaker every 2-3 months, follow the simple rules:

• 📱 Use a case with speaker protection (for example, models with “bortices” or mesh inserts).
• 🧼 Once a week, wipe the speaker mesh with a dry soft brush (for example, for camera lenses).
• 🚫 Do not put the phone down on soft surfaces (sofa, bed, blanket).
• 💧 Avoid moisture – even the steam from a cup of tea can settle on the net and attract dust.
• 🎧 To listen to music, use headphones - this will reduce the load on the speaker.

If you are often in dusty areas (construction facilities, workshops), consider installing an additional safety net (sold on AliExpress or in service centers), which reduces volume by 5-10%, but reliably protects against debris.

💡

Regular cleaning of the speaker prolongs its life by 30-50%. Even if the sound seems normal, carry out prevention every 3-4 months - it is cheaper than repair.

FAQ: Frequent questions about cleaning the Mi8 speaker