The hearing aid on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T is one of the most vulnerable elements of the smartphone, and over time, dust gets trapped in its grille, moisture or sebum particles, leading to distortion of sound, wheezing, or complete "muffling" of the speaker, and if you notice that the interlocutor has become hard to hear and the sound in the calls is distorted, the problem is most likely a contaminated microphone or speaker.
In this article, we will discuss safe cleaning methods that can be used at home without the risk of damaging the device. You will learn what tools are suitable for delicate cleaning, how to avoid common mistakes (for example, the use of alcohol or sharp objects), and when to contact the service center. 8T, which affect the choice of cleaning method.
Important: if the speaker stopped working completely (there is no sound even after cleaning), the problem may lie in a cliff of contacts or a malfunction of the plume, in which case a diagnosis will be required in the service. Our recommendations are only relevant to eliminate contamination!
Why the speaker clogs on the Redmi Note 8T: 3 main reasons
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T design involves two speakers: a conversational speaker at the top of the screen and a multimedia speaker at the bottom end, the former more likely to suffer from proximity to the ear during calls.
- π«οΈ Dust and fine debris, which is found through microscopic grate holes, especially if the phone is often on the screen down or stored in a bag without a cover.
- π¦ Moisture and sweat. When you talk, the speaker contacts the skin, and the moisture from the exhaled air settles on the membrane, attracting dust.
- π§΄ Cosmetics and creams: Particles of tonal cream, powder or lotion, when applied to the face, can penetrate the grate, forming a sticky plaque.
On the Redmi Note 8T, the auditory speaker is protected by a metal mesh with small cells (hole size ~0.1 mm), which makes it difficult to clean. Attempts to blow out dust with your mouth or use a vacuum cleaner often push debris deeper into the speaker, adding the problem. In addition, in this model, the speaker is integrated into an earpiece module that is attached to the motherboard - any mechanical impact can damage the plume.
Preparation for cleaning: what will be needed
Before you start cleaning, prepare tools. For the Redmi Note 8T, it is strictly forbidden to use metal objects (needles, pins, knives) - they can damage the safety net or speaker membrane.
| Tool. | Appointment | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|
| Toothpick (wooden) | Removal of large debris particles from the grid | Any hardware store |
| Soft brush (for example, for drawing) | Destroying dust from the speaker surface | Stationery or shops for artists |
| Scotch (paint or stationery) | Removal of sticky contaminants (spots, cream traces) | Any supermarket |
| Compressed air cylinder (for electronics) | Blowing dust from hard-to-reach places | Computer shops |
| Vata + isopropyl alcohol (70%) | Cleaning the case around the speaker (not for the grille itself!) | Pharmacy or radio shop |
If you plan to use compressed air, choose a freon-free cylinder (indicated on the package); cheap ones can leave oily traces; and prepare a bright flashlight to assess the degree of contamination before and after cleaning.
β οΈ Warning: Do not use wet wipes or liquids to clean the speaker grille itself! Moisture entering the mesh can cause contact corrosion or short circuit. Only dry cleaning is allowed.
Method 1: Dry cleaning with toothpick and scotch
This is a technique that's good for removing visible contaminants on the surface of the lattice, whether it's fibers, skin particles, or dried sweat droplets, and be careful not to push debris inside the speaker.
Inspect the speaker at an angle with a flashlight|Carefully swipe the toothpick around the edges of the grille (Do not press!)|Apply a piece of tape to the net and sharply tear off|Repeat with a fresh piece of scotch 2-3 once-->
If the sound hasn't improved after cleaning, the problem may be deeper, inside the speaker, in which case move on to the next method. Don't try to pick a toothpick in the grate holes, it will deform the safety net.
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For better adhesion of scotch with contaminants, slightly heat it with a hair dryer (temperature not higher than 40 Β° C) before gluing.
Method 2: Purging with compressed air
The compressed air cylinder is effective at removing dust from the depths of the speaker, but requires caution. On the Redmi Note 8T, the jet of air must be directed at an angle of 45Β°, rather than perpendicular to the grille, so as not to damage the membrane.
Algorithm of action:
- Hold the balloon vertically (do not tilt to avoid the release of liquid).
- Place the tip at a distance of 2-3 cm from the speaker.
- With short presses (1-2 seconds) blow the grille, moving from the edges to the center.
- Repeat 3-4 times, pause to make the dust settle.
After purging, check the sound: if the wheezing is left, moisture may have accumulated inside, in which case, leave the phone in a dry place for 12-24 hours (for example, next to a bag of silica gel).
β οΈ Warning: Do not use a home vacuum cleaner to clean the speaker! even at minimal power, it creates too much traction that can tear the membrane from the body.
Method 3: Cleaning with a brush and cotton swab
Soft brush (for example, for watercolours) β2β3) will help remove dust from the surface of the grille without the risk of scratching it.
Instructions:
- Dip the brush in dry isopropyl alcohol (70%) and shake off the excess.
- With light movements, βsweep outβ the dust from the center of the grid to the edges.
- With a cotton swab dipped in the same alcohol, walk around the speaker body (without touching the mesh itself!).
- Let the phone dry for 10-15 minutes before testing the sound.
This method is especially effective if the speaker is contaminated with sticky substances (sweat, cream traces). Alcohol dissolves fat deposits, but does not leave stains. For the Redmi Note 8T, it is important to use isopropyl alcohol, not medical alcohol - the latter contains additives that can damage the coating of the body.
What is dangerous for medical alcohol for electronics?
Method 4: Ultrasonic cleaning (for power users)
If conventional methods don't work, and the speaker is still wheezing, you can try an ultrasonic bath, which is only suitable for confident users, since it requires partial disassembly of the phone.
What you need:
- π§ A set of plastic blades for disassembling smartphones.
- π§ Ultrasonic bath (you can buy an inexpensive model for jewelry).
- π§΄ Distilled water or special liquid for ultrasonic cleaning.
Algorithm:
- Carefully remove the top panel of the phone (requires disassembly experience!).
- Remove the earpiece module (audible speaker).
- Place it in an ultrasonic bath with distilled water for 10-15 seconds.
- Dry the module for 24 hours in a dry place (for example, with silica gel).
- Put the speaker back in, collect the phone.
This method removes even deep contaminants, but it has risks: if you build them wrong, you can damage the plume or contacts. If you've never taken apart your smartphones, you'd better contact the service.
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Ultrasonic cleaning is a last resort, and 80 percent of the time, dry cleaning with compressed air or brush is enough.
What not to do when cleaning the speaker Redmi Note 8T
Some folk methods can irrevocably damage the speaker, and this is strictly forbidden.
- π« Use needles, pins or knives β they deform the protective net and tear the membrane.
- π« Blow the speaker with your mouth β saliva contains enzymes that corrode metal elements.
- π« Apply acetone, gasoline or solvents - they destroy the glue that holds the speaker together.
- π« Clean the speaker on the phone β vibration from the sound can move the garbage inside.
- π« Using a vacuum cleaner β it creates static electricity, dangerous for electronics.
Also, avoid pressing the speaker grille too hard, which can move the membrane or pull it away from the magnet, and if the sound gets worse after cleaning, stop the manipulation immediately and contact the service.
When to contact the service: 4 signs of serious malfunction
If after all the cleaning attempts, the problem persists, the speaker may have failed.
- π Complete lack of sound (even after purging and drying).
- π Constant background noise (cracking, hissing) regardless of the purity of the grille.
- π The sound appears, then disappears when the phone changes position (speaks of poor contact of the plume).
- π§ Corrosion traces around the speaker (green or white plaque on the contacts).
The cost of replacing the hearing speaker with the Redmi Note 8T in service centers is 800-1500 rubles (depending on the region). If the phone is warranty, do not disassemble it yourself - this will void warranty obligations.
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Before visiting the service, back up the data. Sometimes, to replace the speaker requires a complete reset.