How to clean the microphone on the smartphone Xiaomi: from dust, moisture and plaque

The microphone in Xiaomi is a small but critical element that affects the quality of voice calls, recordings and voice assistants, and over time it gets clogged with dust, skin particles, and sometimes moisture, leading to wheezing in the dynamics, downsizing or completely disappearing sound. Many users mistakenly think that cleaning requires disassembling the phone, but in fact, 90% of the time, the problem can be solved without opening the case.

In this article, we’ll break down 5 proven ways to clean the microphone on Xiaomi phones (including Redmi models, POCO We'll talk about the tools you need and the prevention recommendations, and it's important that the techniques are suitable for microphones that are located in the bottom of the body (main), next to the front camera (for noise reduction), and on the back (in some models). If the problem is hardware damage, a service center will be required.

Signs of a dirty microphone: how to know if it’s time to clean

Before you start cleaning, make sure the microphone is the problem, not a software failure or a plume damage.

• 🔊 The interviewer has difficulty hearing you while calling, although you speak on the phone as usual.
• 🎤 When recording voice (for example, in a voice recorder or Voice notes) you can hear interference, hissing or wheezing.
• 📱 Google Assistant (XiaoAI) can no longer recognize commands the first time.
• 💧 After getting moisture (rain, condensate, spilled liquid), the microphone completely stopped working.
• 🔍 Visible contamination in microphone holes (dust, fabric fibers, dirt particles).

If one of the items matches, it's time to start cleaning, but first check if the audio deterioration is due to software settings. MIUI You may be losing the sensitivity of the microphone. → Sound. → Call quality and make sure the microphone volume slider is at its maximum.

⚠️ Warning: If the microphone stopped working after a phone drop or a heavy impact, cleaning won't help, most likely the plume has moved away or the module itself has been damaged.

Where are the microphones on Xiaomi phones: layout scheme

Depending on the Xiaomi model, the microphones can be located in different locations, usually two or three.

1. Main microphone - in the lower part of the body, next to the connector USB-C 3.5 mm (if any) responsible for voice transmission during calls.
2. An additional microphone is next to the front camera (at the top of the screen) and is used to reduce noise and improve sound quality.
3. Third microphone (found in flagships, for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro or POCO F5 Pro, on the back, next to the main camera, and you need to record spatial audio video.

To pinpoint the location, flash a flashlight onto the body, and the microphone holes will be visible as small circular or oval slots, and on some models, they are covered with a protective net that can be gently tampered with.

If you are not sure where exactly the microphone is in your model, use the official documentation or find a disassembly on YouTube (see “teardown phone model”).

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Before cleaning, take a photo of the microphones on your phone – this will help you not miss any holes and avoid accidental damage to other parts (for example, the speaker or proximity sensor).

Method 1: Cleaning the microphone with compressed air (the safest method)

This is the easiest and least risky way to remove dust and small debris: you will need a can of compressed air (sold in computer stores or electronics departments). Do not use a home hairdryer or vacuum cleaner - they can damage the microphone due to too much air flow.

Step-by-step:

Turn off the phone and get it out. SIM-card (just in case)

Hold the spray vertically, at a distance of 10-15 cm from the microphone

With short presses (1-2 seconds) blow each hole of the microphone.

Do not tilt the can - this can lead to the release of liquid

Wait 5-10 minutes before turning on your phone-->

• 🛠️ Step 1. Turn off the phone and remove the tray for SIM-Cards (to avoid static electricity).
• 💨 Step 2: Hold the sprayer vertically 10 to 15 cm from the microphone, and if you tilt it, it can spray liquid from the nozzle, which will corrosion the contacts.
• 🎯 Step 3: With short presses (1-2 seconds), blow each hole of the microphone. Don't hold the jet too long, it can damage the membrane.
• ⏳ Step 4: Wait 5-10 minutes before turning on your phone so that the condensate (if it appears) evaporates.

This method is effective at removing dust, fabric fibers and fine debris, but it won't deal with dried dirt or moisture. If the problem persists after blowing, move on to the next method.

⚠️ Warning: Never use a household vacuum cleaner to clean the microphone! It creates too much traction that can damage the membrane or tear off the safety net. Also avoid cans with aggressive chemical additives (for example, to clean keyboards) - they can eat plastic.

Method 2: Cleaning the microphone with a soft brush or toothbrush

If you have sticky dirt or plaque in the microphone holes, compressed air may not help, and in this case, use a soft brush — for example, an art brush with a natural pile or a soft bristles toothbrush (new!). The main rule is: do not press the microphone and do not try to penetrate the toothbrush deep inside — this can damage the membrane.

What you need:

• 🖌️ Soft brush (for example, for watercolor) or a new toothbrush.
• 🔦 Bright flashlight (you can use the phone flashlight).
• 🧴 Alcohol wipes (for degreasing the body).

How to clean:

1. Turn off the phone and wipe the case around the microphone with an alcohol napkin to remove the fat.
2. Hold the flashlight at an angle - this will help you to see the pollution better.
3. Take a gentle circular motion and brush the microphone holes. Don't press hard!
4. After cleaning, blow the microphone with compressed air (as in Method 1) to remove any remaining debris.

If the dirt doesn't work, you can moisten the brush slightly in isopropyl alcohol (no more than 70% concentration!) But remember: the liquid should not drip - only a slight moisturization of the pile. After this cleaning, let the phone dry for at least 30 minutes.

Method 3: Removing moisture from the microphone (if the phone is wet)

If the microphone stops working after water hits (rain, spilled drink, condensate), you need to act quickly and carefully. Moisture can cause contacts to corrosion or short circuit, so the first rule is not to turn on the phone if it is wet.

Emergency measures:

• 🚫 Turn off your phone immediately and pull it out. SIM-map.
• 🧻 Wet the case with a dry napkin or a paper towel!
• 💨 Blow the microphone with compressed air (as in Method 1) to displace moisture.
• 🌾 Put the phone in a silica gel container for 12 to 24 hours, and it doesn't help the rice, it absorbs moisture too slowly.

If the microphone still does not work after drying, try washing with alcohol:

1. Mix isopropyl alcohol (90%+) distilled water in a ratio of 1:1.
2. Apply 1-2 drops of solution to the microphone hole using a pipette or cotton swab.
3. Wait 5 minutes - the alcohol will dissolve the water and evaporate.
4. Blow the microphone with compressed air and leave the phone dry for 6-12 hours.

⚠️ Warning: If the phone doesn't turn on after getting moisture or the microphone makes extraneous sounds (cracking, squeaking), do not try to clean it yourself - this is a sign of a short circuit.

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Silica gel absorbs moisture 10 times more efficiently than rice. If you don't have silica gel bags on hand, use a silica-based cat filler (sold in pet stores).

Method 4: Deep cleaning with disassembly (only for power users)

If all previous methods have failed and the microphone is still wheezing or not working, it may be the contamination inside the module, which would require a partial disassembly of the phone, which is only suitable for those who have already had experience in electronics repair or are willing to risk the warranty.

What you need:

• 🔧 A set of screwdrivers for phones (Pentalobe, Phillips #00).
• 🧲 Plastic blade or mediator for smearing the body.
• 🔍 Loupe or magnifying glass.
• 🧴 Isopropyl alcohol (90%+) and cotton-stick.
• 🛠️ Thermocles (if you need to seal a protective net).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off your phone and remove the back cover (most Xiaomi models have it attached to latches and glue) and gently apply it to a plastic spatula starting at the corners.
2. Unplug the battery (usually glued, so pull the tongue or gently tuck it in) That's a must! It's dangerous to operate a connected battery.
3. Find a microphone, and it looks like a little black or metal module with a hole, usually soldered to the motherboard.
4. Soak the cotton swab in isopropyl alcohol and gently wipe the surface of the microphone. Don't press hard!
5. If the protective net has moved away, apply a drop of heat glue to fix it.
6. Put the phone back together. Before you turn on, make sure all the plumes are connected correctly.

If you've never taken your phones apart, you should contact the service, and any breakdown errors can cause plumes to break off, contacts to break off, or cracks in the body.

Method 5: Software diagnostics of the microphone

Sometimes the problem isn't the pollution, it's the software failure, like when you update. MIUI The sensitivity of the microphone may be lost, or an application (such as WhatsApp or Telegram) will get the wrong permissions:

• 📱 Update your firmware. Go to Settings. → The phone. → Update the system and install the latest patches.
• 🔊 Reset the sound settings. Go to Settings. → Sound. → Additionally. → Resetting the sound settings.
• 🛠️ Check the permissions for the microphone. → Annexes → Permits → Make sure that the right programs are allowed access.
• 🎤 Test the microphone. Install the Microphone Test app from Google Play and check the signal level.

If the microphone worked after this manipulation, the problem was the software. If not, go back to the physical cleanup.

Additional tip: Some Xiaomi models (like the Redmi Note 10 Pro) have a hidden hardware testing menu. To get into it, type the phone code in the app:

##6484##

In the menu, select Manual Test. → Microphone and check the signal level. If the band is not responding to voice, the microphone is defective or contaminated.

How to protect the microphone from contamination

To keep the microphone on Xiaomi cleaner for longer, follow these guidelines:

• 📱 Use a hole-protected cover. Some cases (like those from Spigen or Ringke) have special protrusions that lift the phone above the surface and protect the microphone from dust.
• 🚿 Avoid moisture, even if your Xiaomi has protection. IP53 (Like the Redmi Note 12, the microphone is a vulnerable place. Don't talk on the phone in the rain or put it next to liquids.
• 🧴 Clean the case regularly. Every 1-2 months, wipe the microphone holes with a soft brush (as described in Method 2).
• 🔇 Don't close the microphone with your finger. When talking, hold the phone so that the hole in the bottom doesn't overlap.
• 🎧 If you talk frequently in dusty environments (such as construction sites), connect wired or wireless headphones with a microphone.

Also avoid storing the phone in pockets with change, keys or sand – small particles can get into the microphone holes and clog them.

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Even if your Xiaomi has a certificate of protection against dust and moisture (for example, the company has a certificate of protection against dust and moisture, IP68 In Xiaomi 13 Ultra, the microphone still requires maintenance. Over time, the protective membranes wear out, and the risk of contamination increases.

Frequent questions about cleaning the microphone on Xiaomi