How to remove the headphone icon on the screen Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus: the full guide

The headphone icon, which doesn’t disappear from the Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus screen even after the headset is removed, is a common problem among smartphone owners. The status bar symbol is not only annoying visually, but also signals possible problems, from software failures to physical damage to the 3.5 mm connector. In most cases, you can fix it yourself without resorting to the services of a service center.

In this article, we will analyze all possible causes of the appearance of a “ghost” icon, and also offer 5 proven ways to remove it – from the simplest (reboot, clean the connector) to complex (editing system files or repairing the nest). We will pay special attention to the nuances specific to the Redmi 5 Plus model, including the specifics of its hardware platform and version. MIUI. If you encounter this problem, follow the instructions in order, starting with the safest methods.

Why the headphone icon does not disappear: the main reasons

The headset icon on the Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus screen is controlled by two components: software (audiochip driver) and hardware (3.5 mm connector and motherboard contacts). Any failure in either of these can lead to the icon sticking. Let's consider the key reasons:

• 🔄 Software Glitches: Temporary Failure MIUI Audio Driver (often after system updates).
• 🧹 Connector pollution: dust, moisture or oxidation of contacts in the 3.5mm socket simulate the connection of headphones.
• 🔌 Mechanical damage: wear or deformation of the connector, break of contacts on the board.
• 📱 Application conflict: Some programs (e.g., players or instant messengers) may block the correct definition of connected devices.
• 🔧 Incorrect settings: “No sound” mode enabled or activated functions for people with hearing impairment.

On the Redmi 5 Plus, the most common problem is physical wear and tear on the connector — this series of smartphones is known for its weak 3.5 mm mount to the motherboard — but software solutions are worth testing before carrying the phone for repair.

Method 1: Basic actions - reboot and check the connector

Start with the simplest steps. In 30 percent of cases, the earphone icon disappears after you force it to restart or clean the connector.

Turn off your phone and remove the battery (if possible).

Check the 3.5mm connector for debris or moisture

Restart the device in safe mode

Check if the icon disappeared after connecting / disabling the headphones-->

If the reboot didn't work, try moving the headphone plug in the connector -- sometimes the contacts stick because of oxidation. Use a toothpick (carefully!) or compressed air to clean the socket. Don't use alcohol or liquids, which can damage the board.

⚠️ Attention: On the Redmi 5 Plus, a 3.5mm socket is soldered directly to the motherboard!

If after these manipulations the icon remained, proceed to the software methods.

Method 2: Reset audio and cache settings

The audio driver is the second most common cause of the ghost icon, and MIUI for Redmi 5 Plus allows you to reset your audio settings without losing data:

1. Go to Settings. → Sound and vibration.
2. Click additionally → Reset the sound settings.
3. Confirm the action and restart the phone.

If that doesn’t work, clear the cache of system applications related to sound:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find and select Music, MIUI Sound Recorder, Bluetooth.
3. In each application, click Clear the cache and Stop.

For deep cleaning, you can use the recovery mode:

1. Turn off the phone.


2.Put Volume up + Power before the Mi logo appears.




3. Select Wipe & Reset → Wipe Cache.




4. Reset the device.

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After you reset the cache, check the headphones in safe mode. If the icon is gone, there is a problem in one of the installed applications.

Method 3: Manually disabling headphone mode through the engineering menu

On the Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus, you can manually deactivate the headset mode through the Engineering Mode, a method that requires caution, as incorrect settings can disrupt the audio system.

Instructions:

1. Open the Phone app and enter the combination: ##36446337###
2. Select Hardware Testing → Audio → Headset Mode.
3. Make sure that Headset Inserted status is set to No. If not, change the value and save.

If the engineering menu is not available (it is blocked on some firmware), use an alternative method:

1. Install the MTK Engineering Mode app from Google Play.
2. Go to Hardware → Audio → Normal Mode.
3. Check the Headset and Headphone settings – they should be turned off.

⚠️ Warning: Changing the settings in the engineering menu may cause sound loss or microphone failure.Write down the initial values before editing!

Method 4: Check and repair of the 3.5 mm connector

If the software methods didn't work, the problem is probably hardware. On the Redmi 5 Plus, the 3.5mm connector often fails because of:

• 🔧 Breaking contacts on the motherboard (typical after falls).
• 💧 Corrosion from moisture.
• 🔌 Unlocking the nest (headphone plug "luftite" when connecting).

For diagnosis:

1. Put your headphones on and gently move the plug in different directions, and if the icon appears, it disappears, and the problem is mechanical contact.
2. Light a flashlight into the connector: if bent or oxidized contacts are visible, repair is required.

Options for a solution:

The Redmi 5 Plus is less expensive to replace than the newer models, as the part is widely available, but if the audio circuits (such as PMIC or Audio Codec) are a problem, repairs may not be cost-effective.

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Before repair, check the phone for performance without headphones: if the sound through the speakers works normally, the problem is localized in the connector or its chains.

Method 5: Alternative solutions (if nothing worked)

If all of the above methods fail, consider radical or temporary measures:

• 🔄 Firmware rollback: if the icon appeared after the update MIUI, Return to the previous version via Fastboot.
• 📱 Using Bluetooth headphones: Turn off the 3.5mm connector physically (for example, by taped it) and go to a wireless headset.
• 🛠️ Disabling the icons through ADB: for power users – you can hide the icon by editing system files (requires root).
• 🔧 Replacement of the motherboard: the last option if the audio chips are damaged.

For the rollback of firmware on Redmi 5 Plus:

1. Download the desired version of MIUI from the official Xiaomi website.
2. Unpack the archive and use the Mi Flash Tool to run your phone in Fastboot mode.
3. Reset the settings after the firmware.

If you are not ready for radical measures, temporarily hide the icon with the help of themes (in Settings → Themes, select a dark theme – the icon will be less noticeable).

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When trying to remove the headphone icon, users often make mistakes that make the problem worse.

• 🚫 Use sharp objects to clean the connector (needles, knives) - this scratches the contacts.
• 🚫 Pour alcohol or water into the socket - the liquid can close the board.
• 🚫 Install unofficial firmware without backup – this can “brick” the phone.
• 🚫 Ignore mechanical damage - the loose connector will come off completely over time.

Also not worth it:

• 🔋 Remove the battery on the phone on (risk of short circuit).
• 📵 Reset settings without backing up data.
• 🛠️ Independently solder the connector without experience - this is fraught with damage to the board.

If you are not sure of your actions, it is better to contact the service center. On the Redmi 5 Plus, repairing the 3.5 mm connector is inexpensive (from 800 rubles), but it is guaranteed to solve the problem.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions