Cleaning the speaker grid on Xiaomi Redmi Note 5: a complete guide with photos and tips

Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 is one of the most popular smartphones of the brand, but over time even it has typical problems. One of them is the clogging of the speaker mesh, which causes the sound to become muffled, wheezing or even disappears the bass range. Many users mistakenly think that the speaker broke, but in 90% of cases it is enough just to clean the protective mesh from dust, pile and debris.

In this article, you will find detailed instructions for cleaning the speaker mesh on the Redmi Note 5, from tool preparation to final assembly. We will examine three methods (no disassembly, partial disassembly and deep cleaning), tell you what errors cause the speaker to break, and give tips for prevention. If you notice that the sound has become quieter or there are extraneous noises, do not rush to carry the phone to the service, first try to clean the mesh yourself.

Why does the speaker mesh clog up and how it manifests itself

A speaker mesh (or protective grille) is a thin layer of metal or plastic with microholes that prevents dust and debris from entering the speaker membrane directly, and over time these holes get clogged:

• 🌫️ Dust – especially if the phone is often lying on soft surfaces (sofa, bed) or worn in a pocket without a cover.
• 🧵 Worth - from clothes, bags or covers made of fabric.
• 🍟 Crumbs and fat – if you eat next to your phone or hold it with dirty hands.
• 💦 Moisture and dirt – after being caught in the rain or used in wet conditions (bath, kitchen).

The contamination is different depending on the degree of contamination:

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 is particularly clogged with the bottom speaker (multimedia), as its mesh is located close to the charging connector - garbage from your pocket or bag easily gets there. If you notice any of these symptoms, do not delay cleaning: over time, dirt particles can penetrate deeper and damage the speaker membrane, and this will already require expensive repairs.

Preparation for cleaning: tools and safety measures

Before you start cleaning, prepare everything you need, and don't use any tools at your disposal like toothpicks or needles, which can scratch the mesh or damage the speaker membrane.

• 🔧 Plastic spatula (for careful slapping of the net, if you need removal).
• 🧴 Isopropyl alcohol (70% and higher) - for degreasing and removing sticky dirt.
• 🖌️ Soft brush (for example, to draw or clean camera lenses).
• 💨 Compressed air cylinder (or rubber pear for purging).
• 🧷 Tweezers with thin tips (if the net is attached to the latches).
• 📱 Cover or napkin - so as not to scratch the body of the phone.

⚠️ Warning: Never use water, wet wipes or aggressive solvents (acetone, gasoline) – these can damage the adhesive base of the mesh or corrode the metal parts of the speaker. Avoid vacuum cleaners, which create static electricity that can disable the phone’s electronic components.

If you are planning a deep cleaning with disassembly, additionally prepare:

• 🔥 Hair dryer (for softening glue if the mesh is glued).
• 📦 Container for small parts (screws, latches).
• 🔍 Loop or magnifying glass (to avoid losing small elements).

Turn off the phone before you start and remove it. SIM-Memory card – this will prevent accidental closure of contacts, and we also recommend working on a soft surface (for example, on a towel) so as not to scratch the screen or body.

💡

If you do not have isopropyl alcohol, it can be replaced with vodka without additives (strength is not lower than the previous one). 40%). The main thing is to let the parts dry completely before assembly (at least) 10-15 minute).

Method 1: Cleaning the net without disassembling the phone

This is a good way to do this if the clogging is mild and the debris is only on the surface of the mesh, and the main advantage is that you don't have to take the phone apart, so you don't have to take the risk of damage to anything, minus: if the dirt is deep inside, it might not work.

Sequence of action:

1. Pull in compressed air. Take a compressed air balloon (or a rubber pear). Hold the balloon upright to avoid liquid ejection. Direct the jet at an angle. 30-45° The dynamics to the grid (not perpendicular!) with short presses (on the grid). 1-2 - Seconds. - Blow the holes. 3-4 once.
2. Brush. Take a soft brush (for example, for makeup or cleaning the camera). Carefully, without pressing, run the net along the holes (not across!). For better effect, you can slightly moisten the brush in isopropyl alcohol.
3. Sound check. Turn on your phone and check the speaker to play music or video. If the sound improves but not completely, repeat the procedure.

⚠️ Attention: Don't blow into the speaker with your mouth! You have moisture droplets in your breath that can oxidize the speaker's contacts. Also, don't use cotton swabs, they leave fibers that will then clog the mesh even more.

If the sound is not restored after purging and brushing, then the garbage is under the mesh or on the speaker membrane, in which case you will need to partially disassemble the phone.

Turn off the phone and remove it. SIM-map|

Prepare compressed air and a soft brush|

Blow the net with short presses (no longer than 2 seconds)|

Check the sound after cleaning| -->

Method 2: Partially disassembled cleaning (removal of the mesh)

If surface cleaning doesn't work, you'll have to remove the speaker mesh, and on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 5, it's either on double-sided tape or on plastic latches, depending on the batch of the device, and let's look at both.

Step 1. Remove the back cover.

On the Redmi Note 5, the back is removable, but it sits tightly.

1. Turn off the phone and remove the tray for SIM-map.
2. Put the lid on the side of the plastic shoulder blade (near the volume buttons).
3. Carefully drive the shoulder blade around the perimeter until the lid is broken.
4. Do not apply force - if the lid does not lend itself, warm it with a hair dryer (temperature). 50-60°C) 1-2 minutes to soften the glue.

Step 2. Dismantling the speaker grid.

The lower speaker grid on the Redmi Note 5 is next to the USB-Type C connector.

• 🧲 On magnets or latches, tuck it from the side with a plastic spatula and pull it up.
• 📎 On bilateral tape - gently tuck and slowly peel off so as not to break.

Step 3: Clean the grid and move.

When you take the grid off, you'll see the speaker itself, which is a round or oval element with a metal lattice.

1. Blow the speaker with compressed air (keep the balloon at a distance) 3-5 centimeter).
2. Wet the brush in isopropyl alcohol and gently clean the speaker membrane (don't press!).
3. If there is glue left on the mesh, remove it with alcohol or acetone-containing liquid (only for plastic mesh!).
4. Let the parts dry. 10-15 minutes before assembly.

Step 4, reverse assembly.

Place the net in place, making sure it fits tightly. If the mount is on tape, use a new piece of double-sided tape (for example, 3M VHB). Click the back cover, starting from the place next to the buttons.

💡

If the sound gets worse after cleaning or you have a squeak, you have damaged the speaker membrane. ~500-800 rub).

Method 3: Deep cleaning (for power users)

This method is suitable if:

• 🔊 The speaker makes wheezing or squeaking even after cleaning the net.
• 💧 The phone got liquid, and the sound disappears periodically.
• 🛠️ You've already taken the grid off, but the garbage is left under the speaker membrane.

Deep cleaning requires a complete disassembly of the phone to the motherboard, which is a risky method — if you don't have experience, you should contact the service.

Step 1. Turn off the plumes.

After the back cover is removed:

1. Unscrew all screws on the metal plate (use a screwdriver). PH00).
2. Carefully disconnect the battery plume (use a plastic shoulder blade).
3. Turn off the speaker plume (it is usually marked in red or black).

Step 2. Dismantling speaker.

Speaker on Redmi Note 5 anchor 2-3 screw and glue base to remove it:

1. Untwist the screws.
2. Put the speaker in a plastic spatula (start at the corner).
3. Disconnect him from the hull, don't pull the wires!

Step 3. Clean the membrane.

The speaker membrane is a thin film that vibrates to produce sound. It's very fragile, so:

• 🚫 Do not touch it with your fingers or metal objects.
• 🧼 Use only a soft brush and compressed air.
• 💧 If there is a liquid on the membrane, soak it with a lilaless napkin soaked in alcohol.

Step 4, contact check.

Oxidized contacts can cause distortions of sound.

• 🔌 Soldered contacts on the speaker (should be brilliant, without green plaque).
• 🔌 The connector on the motherboard (clean with alcohol if there is contamination).

⚠️ Warning: If the phone doesn't turn on after assembly or the speaker doesn't work, check if the battery plume is connected and if you damaged the flexible cables during disassembly. A common mistake is the inflection of the display plume, which leads to loss of image.

What you can not clean the speaker mesh: common mistakes

Many users, in an attempt to clean the speaker, use inappropriate tools that only exacerbate the problem.

• 🧲 Use magnets – they can magnetize the speaker membrane, which will lead to distortion of the sound.
• 🔪 Picking the net with a needle or toothpick - this deforms the holes and scratches the coating.
• 💦 Wash the speaker with water – even if the phone is waterproof, moisture can remain inside and cause corrosion.
• 🧴 Apply oil or WD-40 — These substances destroy glue and rubber seals.
• 🔥 Heat the speaker with a hair dryer above 60°C – This can melt plastic parts or damage the membrane.

Also not worth it:

• 📱 Blow dust with your mouth – saliva contains salts that oxidize contacts.
• 🧹 Using a vacuum cleaner – it creates static electricity, dangerous for electronics.
• 🧼 Rub the mesh with abrasive materials (for example, a swallow or sandpaper) - this erases the protective coating.

If you have already made one of these errors and the speaker stopped working, do not try to fix it yourself, in which case it is better to contact the service center, where you can diagnose damage and replace the speaker if necessary.

Clogging prevention: how to protect your phone speakers

To keep the speaker grid on Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 cleaner for longer, follow these tips:

• 📱 Use a speaker-protected case. Roll-up covers (like the Spigen Neo Hybrid) prevent dust from entering the mesh.
• 🧴 Clean your phone regularly. Clean the case and speakers once a week with a dry microfiber wipe.
• 🚫 Avoid soft surfaces. Don't put the phone screen down on the sofa, bed or blanket - the pile easily gets into the holes.
• 💧 Keep it out of the moisture. If the phone is wet, turn it off immediately and dry it in rice or silica gel. 24-48 hours.
• 🔊 Don't play music to the maximum. The membrane's strong vibration draws dust from the air.

💡

If you listen to music through speakers often, blow the grid with compressed air once a month, which will take 2 minutes, but will extend the life of the speaker for years.

You can also use a safety sticker on the speaker (sold on AliExpress or in accessories stores), which is a thin film with microholes that sticks on top of the mesh and traps dust. Minus - slightly lower the volume of the sound (on the surface). 5-10%).

FAQ: Frequent questions about cleaning the speaker on Xiaomi Redmi Note 5