Cleaning the speaker on Xiaomi: how to properly enable and use the function

Xiaomi’s smartphone speakers lose their sound clarity over time due to dust, moisture or small debris in the grille. The manufacturer has built-in self-cleaning feature that helps restore sound quality without mechanical intervention. However, many users do not know how to activate this mode or are afraid of damaging the device with the wrong actions.

In this article, we will discuss in detail how to turn on speaker cleansing on different Xiaomi models, what precautions to follow, and what to do if the standard method does not work. We will also explain why it is important to regularly perform this procedure - especially for devices with IP53/IP68 protection, where the risk of moisture is higher.

Note that the cleaning function is not available on all smartphones of the brand. For example, on budget models (Redmi 9A, Poco M3) it may not be, and on flagships (Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Mix Fold 3) – implemented with additional settings. Let’s see how to determine the support of the function and avoid typical errors.

What Xiaomi models support cleaning speakers

The speaker hardware cleaning feature has been introduced in MIUI firmware since version 12.5, but it depends on the device model. Below is a list of the series where the mode works exactly:

• 📱 Flagship series: Xiaomi 11/12/13, Mix 4/Fold 2/3, Black Shark 4/5
• 📱 Mid-segment: Redmi Note 10/11/12 Pro, Poco F3/4/5, Xiaomi Civi 1S/2/3
• 📱 Budget models (selective): Redmi 10 2022, Poco M4 Pro (requires an update to the MIUI 13+)

To check for support on your device, go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI. If the firmware version is below 12.5, the feature may not be available. Also, on some models, the mode is hidden and requires activation through the engineering menu codes (we will discuss this in a separate section).

Important: on devices with stereo speakers (such as Xiaomi 12 Pro or Redmi K50 Gaming), cleaning is run separately for the top and bottom speakers. On models with a single speaker (Redmi 9C), the function may be simplified or absent.

How to turn on the speaker cleaning: the standard method

If your device supports a function, the easiest way to activate it is through the audio settings.

1. Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to the section Sound and vibration.
3. Scroll down and find the Speaker Cleanup item (on some models – Speaker Care or Speaker Protection).
4. Click on the Start Cleanup button and wait for the process to complete (usually takes 10–30 seconds).

During cleaning, the device will emit a series of different frequency sound pulses, which is normal. Don't interrupt the process even if the sound seems too loud.

Make sure the battery charge is > 20%|

Close all applications that use sound (music, video) |

Turn off your headphones or Bluetooth headset |

Check that the speaker is not covered with a cover or film-->

If the speaker cleanup item is not on the menu, try alternative methods in the next section. Also note that on some firmware (for example, Global ROM for the European market), the function may be disabled by the manufacturer.

Alternative methods of activating cleaning

If the standard method didn't work, use one of these methods, which is suitable for devices where the function is hidden or requires manual activation.

Method 1: Through the engineering menu (code ##3644633##)

This method works on most Xiaomi models with Qualcomm processors (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro, Poco X3 Pro).

1. Open the Phone app and type the combination: ##3644633## (or ##36446337## for new models).
2. Select Hardware Testing → Audio → Speaker Test from the engineering menu.
3. Find Speaker Cleaning or Dust Removal and run the test.

⚠️ Warning: Do not change other options in the engineering menu unless you are sure of their purpose.

Method 2: Security application (MIUI 14+)

On MIUI firmware 14 and later, the cleaning function is sometimes moved to the Security app to find it:

1. Open the Security app (shield icon).
2. Go to Optimize or Care for the device.
3. Find the Hardware tab and select Clean speaker.

If this method didn’t work, try updating your firmware to the latest version or using manual cleaning (described in the next section).

Manual cleaning speaker without built-in function

If your Xiaomi model doesn't support hardware cleaning, you can use mechanical or software methods, which are less efficient, but help remove surface contaminants.

Method 1: Using a toothpick or soft brush

This will require:

• 🪥 Toothpicking (plastic or wooden)
• 🖌️ Soft brush (for example, for makeup)
• 💡 Lantern (for illumination)

Carefully, without pressing, swipe a toothpick along the speaker grille to remove visible dust lumps. Then walk with a brush to remove small particles. Don't use metal objects - they can damage the speaker's membrane.

Method 2: Software cleaning with sound frequencies

There are applications that reproduce special sound waves to push out dust, such as:

• 📱 Speaker Cleaner (available on Google Play)
• 📱 Sound Frequency Generator (set the frequency to 50–100 Hz)

Run the app, select cleaning mode, and hold the device down with a speaker above a flat surface (like a table).

⚠️ Warning: Do not use this method if liquid is injected into the speaker. Vibration can drive moisture deeper, which will lead to corrosion of the contacts.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Many users make mistakes when cleaning speakers, which leads to sound deterioration or device breakdown.

Critical error: trying to disassemble the speaker cleaner from the inside. On most Xiaomi models, the speaker is soldered to the motherboard, and dismantling it without special equipment will lead to loss of warranty and risk of damage to the plumes.

If the sound has not recovered after cleaning, check the device for hardware damage (for example, after falling or getting moisture), in which case you will need to diagnose in the service center.

💡

If the speaker is wheezing or the sound is intermittent, try restarting the device before cleaning. Sometimes the failure of the sound driver simulates clogging of the speaker.

What to do if cleaning doesn’t help

If after all the manipulations the sound remains distorted, the reasons may be as follows:

• 🔊 Damage to speaker membrane (for example, after falling or impacting).
• 💧 Corrosion of contacts due to moisture (even if the device has protection) IP68).
• 🔧 Firmware failure affecting the sound chip.
• 🎛️ Failure of the audio codec (e.g. Qualcomm) WCD9385 flagship).

In these cases, we recommend:

1. Perform a reset (in Settings → About Phone → Reset) This will help if the problem is software.
2. Check your device at Xiaomi Service Center with diagnostic equipment (e.g. Mi Service Tool).
3. If the warranty has expired, contact the workshop to replace the speaker (cost - from 800 to 2500 rubles, depending on the model).

On some models (such as the Xiaomi 12T Pro or Redmi K60), the speakers are integrated into the module with a vibro engine, in which case it is more expensive to replace, but the sound quality is restored after repair.

💡

If the speaker stops working after water hits, DO NOT turn on the cleaning! first dry the device in rice or silica gel for 24-48 hours, and then check the sound.

Prevention of speaker clogging

To avoid repeated sound problems, follow these guidelines:

• 📵 Avoid using your phone in dusty spaces (such as a construction site or workshop).
• 🚿 Do not place the device near sources of moisture (sink, bath, pools).
• 🎧 Regularly clean the headphone jack (dust from there can get into the speaker).
• 🔄 Run the built-in cleaning 1 time every 2-3 months (more often - if you live in a dusty climate).

For additional protection, you can use:

• 🛡️ Films with cutouts for speakers (for example, from the Spigen or Ringke brand).
• 🧴 Hydrofobic coatings (applied in service centers, repel moisture).

If you often listen to music at maximum volume, the speakers wear out faster, and try not to exceed 70-80% of the volume, which will prolong the life of the membrane.

FAQ: Frequent questions about cleaning up Xiaomi speakers