How to clean the microphone in the phone Xiaomi Redmi Note: from dust, dirt and moisture

The microphone in the Xiaomi Redmi Note is one of the most vulnerable elements, which over time loses sensitivity due to the accumulation of dust, fat deposits or moisture. Problems manifest as noise in calls, a quiet voice or a complete lack of sound when recording. In 80% of cases, it is not hardware failure, but banal contamination of the microphone grille or contacts.

In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to clean the microphone for Redmi Note 8/9/10/11/12 models (including Pro versions), which can be used at home without special tools. You will learn how to safely remove dirt from external and internal microphones, which materials to use and what to do categorically.

Where is the microphone in Xiaomi Redmi Note and how to find it?

Redmi Note series smartphones typically have 2-3 microphones (depending on the model): the main (lower), the additional (upper) for noise reduction and sometimes the third for video recording.

• 📍 Lower microphone – next to the Type-C connector (used for calls and voice commands).
• 📍 Upper microphone – near the front camera or speaker (responsible for noise reduction).
• 📍 Additional microphone on the back (not available in all models, for example, in the Redmi Note 10 Pro).

To accurately identify the microphone, flash a flashlight into the intended location — small holes should be visible under the grid. In IP53 (splash protection) models, microphones are often closed with a denser membrane, which makes them difficult to clean.

⚠️ Warning: Don't confuse the microphone with the speaker! The speaker is located on the bottom end and has a large perforated grille, and the microphone is a small hole (sometimes with a barely noticeable grid).

Signs of a dirty microphone: when it's time to clean

Microphone problems rarely occur suddenly, usually preceded by noticeable symptoms, and if you see at least 2-3 signs from the list below, it’s time to clean up:

• 🔊 The interviewer complains that he does not hear your voice well (and the problem does not depend on the network).
• 🎤 When recording voice messages or video, the sound is muffled, with hissing or crackling.
• 📱 Google Assistant (Alice) has stopped recognizing commands the first time.
• 💧 After getting moisture, the microphone completely stopped working (even after drying).
• 🔍 Visible contamination under the microphone grid (dust, tissue fibers, skin particles).

It is important to distinguish between software failures and hardware problems. If the microphone stopped working after the MIUI update, try first:

1. Reboot the phone.
2. Clear the cache of the phone application in the settings.
3. Check the permissions for the microphone in Settings → Privacy → Permissions.

⚠️ Warning: If the microphone is still not working after cleaning, and the Equipment Test (type ##4636##) defines it as "faulty" - the problem may be damage to the plume or contacts.

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Before cleaning the microphone, do a voice recording test in the Dictaphone app to help you objectively assess the sound quality before and after the procedure.

Preparation for cleaning: what will be needed

To clean the microphone safely in Xiaomi Redmi Note you do not need professional tools - enough tools at hand. The main rule is: do not use sharp objects (needles, toothpicks, knives) that can damage the membrane of the microphone.

Here is the complete list of the required:

• 🧴 Isopropyl alcohol (70% and above) - for disinfection and removal of fatty deposits.
• 🧻 Cotton swabs (preferably with a plastic rod, not a wooden one).
• 💨 Compressed air canister (or rubber pear for cameras).
• 🧲 Scotch or sticky tape (to remove large dust particles).
• 🔦 Lights to better see pollution.
• 🧴 Toothbrush with soft bristles (only for external cleaning!).

If the microphone is contaminated with moisture (for example, after water enters), additionally prepare:

• 🌊 Silicagel bags (from boxes with shoes or electronics).
• 📦 (phone-drill).

Turn off the phone and remove it. SIM-map|Check the availability of all tools|Light the workspace with a flashlight|Take a photo of the microphone before cleaning (for comparison)|Prepare a drying area (if there was moisture)-->

If you have an IP53 model (like the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G), be careful: spray protection does not mean you can pour alcohol into the microphone!

Method 1: Dry cleaning (for dust and fine debris)

This method is suitable if the microphone is clogged with dust, tissue fibers or skin particles, but has no traces of moisture or sticky deposits, and its advantage is complete safety for internal components.

Step-by-step:

1. Take a toothbrush with soft bristles and light circular movements, clean the grille. Don't press hard!

For dual-mic models (like the Redmi Note 9 Pro), repeat the steps for both holes. If the sound doesn't improve after cleaning, go to the wet method.

Method 2: Wet cleaning (for fatty deposits and moisture)

If the microphone is contaminated with potassium fat deposits (for example, after a long conversation), or if it gets a liquid, dry cleaning will not be enough.

Algorithm of action:

1. Soak the cotton swab in alcohol and squeeze off the excess (it should be wet, but not wet!).
2. Carefully swipe the outside of the microphone without pressing.
3. For hard-to-reach places, use a toothpick wrapped in a thin layer of cotton (not metal!).
4. Let the alcohol evaporate completely (10-15 minutes) Don't turn on your phone early!
5. If the microphone has been filled with water, after cleaning, place the phone in a silica gel container for 12-24 hours.

Critical error: Never use water, hydrogen peroxide or household detergents to clean the microphone! They leave a sludge that can close contacts.

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If the microphone doesn't work immediately after getting moisture, don't panic. Sometimes it takes up to 48 hours for the liquid to completely evaporate from the internal cavities.

Method 3: Ultrasonic cleaning (for persistent contaminants)

If the microphone is clogged with dense deposits (for example, after prolonged use in a dusty room or after getting sugary drinks), conventional methods may not help.

You'll need:

• 🛁 Ultrasonic bath (you can buy an inexpensive model for jewelry).
• 🧴 Distilled water or isopropyl alcohol.
• 🔧 Phone Disassembly Kit (if you take off the microphone).

Instructions:

1. If you are not sure about your disassembly skills, do not remove the microphone yourself - limit yourself to external cleaning. To do this, place the phone in a sealed bag, leaving only the microphone area open, and immerse in the bath for 1-2 minutes.
2. To clean the microphone completely, remove it (it requires disassembling the phone!) and place it in the isopropyl alcohol bath for 3-5 minutes at a temperature of 30-40°C.
3. After the procedure, dry the microphone with warm air (dryer at minimum power) or leave in silica gel for 12 hours.

⚠️ Note: Ultrasound can damage the adhesive base of the microphone or plume if the frequency is above 40 kHz. IP53 — protection may be violated!

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If you don't have an ultrasonic bath, the alternative is steam cleaning. Hold the phone over the steam (like a boiling kettle) 10 to 15 cm away for 30 seconds. The steam will soften the contaminants, after which they can be removed with a cotton swab.

Method 4: Software Diagnostics and Calibration

Sometimes the problem isn't physical contamination, but the software settings on the microphone are failing, and that's true after you update MIUI or reset your phone to factory settings. Before you disassemble the device, try these steps:

• 🔧 Resetting sound settings: Go to Settings → System and device → Settings reset. Select App Settings Reset (not a full reset!). After rebooting, check the microphone in the Recorder.

Microphone calibration

Please enter the phone app ##3644633##


Select Audio → Mic Test and follow the instructions.

Repeal of updates

If the problem has occurred after the MIUI update, try rolling back to the previous version via Settings → About Phone → System Update → Three Points → Select the service pack.

If the software methods didn't work, and the physical cleaning didn't work, the audio codec (the sound processing chip) might not work, and only repairs at the service center would help.

What not to do when cleaning the microphone

Even with the best of intentions, you can accidentally knock out the microphone.-5 The mistakes that users make most often:

• 🚫 Use needles or pins - they pierce the microphone membrane, after which it can only be replaced.
• 🚫 Blowing with the mouth - saliva will get inside and cause corrosion.
• 🚫 Wash with water – even distilled water leaves mineral deposits.
• 🚫 Dry dryer at maximum power - hot air deforms plastic parts.
• 🚫 Disassemble the phone without experience – in Redmi Note, the microphone plumes are very fragile.