How to Clean the Speaker on Xiaomi Mi9: from dust, water and distortion of sound

Xiaomi Mi9 — The flagship smartphone of 2019, which is still popular due to its powerful filling and high-quality sound, but over time, the device’s speakers can get clogged with dust, moisture or small debris, leading to wheezing, mutedness or complete absence of sound. In this article, we will discuss how to clean the speaker yourself. Mi9 without risk of damage to the device, using improvised tools and professional tools.

Problems with sound on Mi9 They're often associated with pollution on the speakers -- especially the lower one, which is responsible for playing back the low frequencies. If you notice that the sound is quieter, there's extraneous noise or distortion, don't rush to bring the phone to the service. 80 percent of the time, cleaning solves the problem. The main thing is to act carefully and not use aggressive methods that can damage the speaker membrane or protective mesh.

We'll look at both softer methods (with tape, brush or vacuum cleaner) and deeper partial disassembly cleaning, and what to do if water gets into the speaker, and how to prevent recontamination. Mi9 No special skills required – just follow the instructions.

Signs of a contaminated speaker on Xiaomi Mi9

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

• 🔊 The sound is quieter than before (especially when listening to music or when making calls).
• 🌀 There were wheezing, crackling or gurgling sounds when playing audio.
• 🎵 Low frequencies (bass) are almost inaudible, and high sounds normal.
• 📵 The speaker during a conversation makes a hiss or intermittent sound.
• 🌫️ Visible dust or dirt particles under a protective speaker grid.

If any of these signs are showing up, it's likely that the speaker needs cleaning. But before you start the procedure, check the phone's audio settings. Sometimes the problem is with the audio amplification turned off or the Do Not Disturb mode activated. Go to Settings. → Sound and vibration and make sure that:

• The volume of media and calls is set to maximum.
• Do not disturb or quiet mode is disabled.
• The call settings do not activate the Noise Reduction function, which can suppress sound.

If the settings are fine, but the sound is still distorted, start cleaning.

Preparation for cleaning: what will be needed

For safe cleaning of Xiaomi speakers Mi9 You don't need expensive tools. Most of the money will be at home or at the nearest electronics store:

What NOT to use:

• 🚫 Water or liquid cleaning products – can damage the membrane.
• 🚫 Metal objects (needles, knives) – the risk of scratching a mesh or membrane.
• 🚫 Compressed air (cylinders) – a strong flow can tear the membrane.
• 🚫 Acetone or solvents – destroy the protective coating.

⚠️ Warning: If you get water in the speaker, don't dry it with a hair dryer or on a battery.Sharp heating deforms the membrane. Use only natural drying (see section on moisture).

Method 1: Scotch cleaning (the safest way)

This method is suitable for removing surface dust and fine debris from the speaker's safety net, it does not require disassembling the phone and is safe even for beginners.

Step-by-step:

1. Take a piece of tape width of 1-1.5 cm will suit both paint and regular stationery.
2. Cut the strip 5-7 cm long and fold it with a sticky side outside, a loop (loop).
3. Carefully press the sticky side against the speaker grid (don't press hard!).
4. Smoothly pull the scotch up - dust and small debris will remain on the tape.
5. Repeat the procedure 3-4 times, each time using a new piece of tape.

This method is effective in removing:

• 🌫️ Dust and fiber fabric (e.g. from pocket).
• 🍃 Small particles of dirt or sand.
• 🧹 Animal fluff or fur.

If the sound has improved after cleaning but has not fully recovered, proceed to the next method.

Cut off a strip of scotch 5-7 cm|

Put the sticky side out.|

Press the speaker to the grid without pressing|

Smoothly remove scotch vertically up|

Repeat 3-4 times with new pieces-->

Method 2: Deep brushing and toothpicking

If the tape didn't work, it means the trash got deeper under the net, and then you'd need a more thorough brush and toothpick cleaning, and this method requires care not to damage the speaker's membrane.

Instructions:

1. Take a soft brush (for example, for watercolor or makeup) and gently run it along the speaker grid (not across) to sweep away the dust.
2. If debris particles are visible under the net, take a plastic toothpick or spatula to remove. SIM-Never use metal objects - they can scratch the membrane!
3. Carefully tuck the trash with a toothpick, trying not to press on the net. Movements should be light and sliding.
4. After removing visible debris, brush again to remove the remaining particles.

For better effect, you can use a vacuum cleaner with a narrow nozzle at minimum power. Keep the nozzle at a distance of 0.5-1 cm from the speaker and do not touch the mesh. Turn on the vacuum cleaner for 2-3 seconds - this is enough to pull out the dust.

⚠️ Attention: If you've had a toothpick that makes the sound worse (a crack or wheezing) you accidentally damaged the membrane.

This method helps to remove:

• 🍂 Dried particles of dirt or leaves.
• 🧵 Fibers from clothing or thread.
• 🍪 Crumbs or fine sand.

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If you don't have a brush, you can use a clean dry toothbrush with soft bristles, and dip it in alcohol beforehand to defat.

Method 3: Removal of moisture from the speaker (if the phone is wet)

If Xiaomi Mi9 If you fell into the water or got into the rain, moisture could get into the speaker, causing the sound to be distorted or completely disappear, in which case, just cleaning won't help, you need to dry the device first.

What to do if the speaker got water:

1. Turn off the phone immediately and remove it. SIM-card and memory card (if any) will prevent short circuit.
2. Wet the phone with a dry cloth, removing visible drops of water from the case.
3. Put it down. Mi9 In a dry, warm place (for example, near the heating battery, but not on it!) Avoid direct heat sources (dryer, microwave).
4. To speed up drying, use silica gel bags (those that are put in shoe boxes) and put the phone and 3-4 bags in a sealed bag for 12-24 hours.
5. Don't turn on the phone until you make sure it's completely dry. You can use a test call to check if the sound is clear, the moisture has evaporated.

If the sound is still distorted after drying, then the moisture is still inside the speaker.

• 🔊 Try to play loud music (such as a low-frequency test signal) – the vibration will help push the remaining water out.
• 🌀 Carefully tap the phone body next to the speaker to shake off the drops.
• 🔄 Repeat drying with silica gel for another 12 hours.

⚠️ Warning: If the speaker makes gurgling sounds after drying, it means that the membrane has deformed, in which case only the replacement speaker at the service center will help.

Method 4: Partial disassembly for deep cleaning (for experienced)

If surface techniques didn't work, maybe the debris got deep inside the speaker, which would require a partial disassembly of the phone, which is only suitable for those who have already had experience with disassembling the equipment or are willing to act extremely carefully.

What you need:

• 🔧 A set of screwdrivers (cross and flat).
• 🧲 Plastic blade or mediator to open the housing.
• 🔍 Lupa (optional for a better view).
• 🧴 Alcohol napkins.

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off the phone and remove the tray for SIM-map.
2. Heat the back cover with a hair dryer (temperature not higher than 60°C) for 1-2 minutes to soften the glue.
3. Carefully apply the lid to the plastic blade starting at the bottom corner. Move slowly so as not to damage the plumes.
4. After removing the cover, you will see the speaker (usually located at the bottom next to the Type-C connector).
5. Clean the speaker with a brush or vacuum cleaner at minimum power. If necessary, moisten the cotton swab in alcohol and gently wipe the contacts.
6. Collect the phone in reverse order, making sure all the plumes are tightly connected.

If you're not sure about your abilities, you should contact the service.

• 🔋 Damage to battery plume.
• 📱 Touchscreen detachment.
• 🔊 Breakdown of the speaker with excessive pressing.

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Partial disassembly is an extreme method. If you've never taken a smartphone apart, you better leave it to the professionals.

Method 5: Software Diagnostics Before Cleaning

Before you start physical cleaning, make sure that the problem is not a software failure, and sometimes the sound is lost due to firmware errors or application conflicts.

How to check the speaker programmatically:

1. Run the built-in Equipment Test app (available via dial: type ##4636## and select Audio Test).
2. Check the sound playback through the top and bottom speakers, and if one of them doesn't work, it's hardware.
3. Remove the cache of applications related to sound: go to Settings → Annexes → Manage applications, find Music, YouTube, Phone and clear cache.
4. Update your firmware to the latest version: Settings → About Phone → System Update.

If the sound has not recovered after these actions, proceed to physical cleaning.

Prevention: How to Prevent Contamination of the Speakers

To make Xiaomi speakers Mi9 Stay clean longer, follow these tips:

• 📱 Use a cover with protection for speakers (for example, with protrusions around the holes).
• 🧹 Regularly (every 1-2 months) clean the mesh speaker with tape or brush.
• 🚿 Avoid using your phone in the rain or in the bathroom.
• 🎧 When listening to music in dusty places (for example, on a construction site), use headphones.
• 🔄 Check the sound periodically through a test app (e.g., Phone Check and Test from Google Play).

If you carry your phone in your pocket often, dust and pile from your clothes will accumulate faster, in which case, you should clean the speakers once a month.

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Store your phone in a magnetic plug case for the Type-C connector – this will reduce the ingress of dust inside the case.

FAQ: Frequent questions about cleaning Xiaomi speakers Mi9