Badly audible interlocutor on the phone Xiaomi: reasons and solutions

You call for a big case, but instead of a clear voice, you hear a quiet whisper, interference, or nothing at all? The problem of “badly heard in the handset” on Xiaomi smartphones is one of the most common user complaints. The causes can be either hardware malfunctions (a contaminated speaker, a damaged headset cord) or software failures (incorrect audio settings, firmware errors). In this article, we will analyze all possible scenarios — from basic checks to deep diagnostics — so that you can return to the service center without a normal operation.

Xiaomi phones (including Redmi, POCO, Black Shark) feature the use of MIUI, which sometimes conflicts with the sound settings. For example, after a firmware update, the volume balance between the top and bottom speakers may be lost, or Quiet Sound mode will be activated to save battery life. We will not limit ourselves to standard tips like “check volume” – instead, we will offer a system approach, including hidden developer settings and hardware component tests.

Before you start repairing, answer two key questions: 1. Is the problem only manifested when talking on the phone, or also when listening to music / video? 2. Are you using a headset (wired or Bluetooth), or does the sound disappear through the built-in speaker?

The answers will help narrow down the range of reasons and save time.

Basic diagnosis: exclude the obvious

Start with the simplest checks — often the problem is solved in 1-2 minutes. Even if you think you have tried everything, go through this checklist again:

• 🔊 Call volume. Press the volume button on the sidebar when you call. A slider will appear on the screen -- make sure it's not at a minimum. MIUI The volume of the conversation and the media are regulated separately!
• 🎧 Headset or speaker, turn off all accessories (earphones, Bluetooth devices) If the sound comes up, the problem is in the headset, not the phone.
• 📱 Do not disturb mode. Swipe down from the top of the screen and make sure the bell icon is not crossed out. MIUI This mode can block the sound of calls.
• 🔄 Reboot. Hold the power button for 10 seconds until the phone reboots. This will reset the temporary disruptions of audio drivers.

If you don't recover the sound after that, move on to the next section, and pay particular attention to the headset item: 30 percent of the time, the problem is oxidized 3.5mm connector contacts or Bluetooth connection failure.

2. Checking the speaker and microphone: hardware malfunctions

If the basic diagnostics didn’t work, it’s time to check the hardware. On Xiaomi phones, three components are responsible for the sound: 1. Upper speaker (for conversations), 2. Lower speaker (multimedia), 3. Microphone (or microphones, if there are several).

The problem could be in any of them.

How to check the speaker:

1. Call another phone and put it to your ear, and if it's quiet or distorted, it's the top speaker.
2. Play the music through the built-in speakers. If the sound is only coming from the bottom speaker, the top speaker is faulty.
3. Use the test call: dial ##4636## → select Phone Information → Perform the speaker test.

How to check the microphone:

• 🎤 Record your voice memo and listen to the recording. If the voice is silent or not, the microphone is down.
• 📱 When you call, switch to speakerphone, and if you hear you better, the problem is the main microphone.

If the speaker or microphone is not working, the reason may be:

⚠️ Warning: If your phone falls or comes into contact with water, don’t try to disassemble it yourself! IP-Certification (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro)+ 5G) disassembly without a special tool can damage seals, which will lead to loss of moisture protection.

3. Sound settings in MIUI: hidden parameters

The MIUI shell offers advanced audio settings that can affect the volume of a conversation, and many users are unaware of their existence.

Sound amplification mode:

Go to Settings → Special Features → Sound Amplification. Turn on the option and adjust the Call Volume slider. In some firmware, this option is reset after the update.

Balance of sound between speakers:

If the sound comes from only one speaker, check the balance: Settings → Sound and vibration → Sound balance. The slider should be in the middle. Left/right bias may indicate a software failure.

Network settings:

V MIUI There is an option "VoLTE" (voice communication through the 4G), It's a little bit of a conflict with sound. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [Yours. SIM] → Use VoLTE → Turn off and restart the phone.

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If you lose the sound in the handset after the MIUI update, try resetting the network settings: Settings → System → Resetting → Network settings Reset. This will return the communication settings to factory without losing data.

Developer mode:

Activate Developer Mode (7 times click on Version) MIUI» In Settings → About the phone, then go to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and check out:

• 🔇 Turn off absolute volume (if the option is active, deactivate it).
• 🎛 Debugging by USB (Sometimes it affects the audio drivers).

4. Software failures: reset, firmware, applications

If the hardware checks fail, the problem lies in the software, and on Xiaomi phones, the sound is often lost after:

• 📱 Updates MIUI (especially beta).
• 🔄 Install third-party applications (e.g., modified customers for calls).
• 🗃 Reset to factory settings without backup.

How to fix it:

1. Cleaning the cache of the “Phone” application:

Go to Settings → Applications → App Management → Phone → Storage → Clear Cache. This will delete temporary files that may interfere with the sound.

Resetting the sound settings:

MIUI has a separate reset for audio parameters: Settings → System → Resetting → Resetting audio settings. This will return the volume, equalizer and other parameters to factory values.

Reinstall the firmware:

If the problem has occurred after the update, try to roll back to the previous version of MIUI or install the firmware again via Fastboot.Instructions for your model, look for the official Xiaomi forum (for example, new.c.mi.com).

⚠️ Note: If you have installed custom firmware (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience), the problem may be incompatibility of audio drivers. MIUI Or find a firmware with corrected sound for your model.

5. Problems with SIM-map-and-operator

Sometimes the hearing loss is not related to the phone, but to the phone. SIM-It's a map or a network operator:

1. Switch to 3G:

In some regions, communication in the standard 4G (VoLTE) is unstable. Try to force the switch to 3G: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [Yours. SIM] → Preferred type of network → 3G.

2. Check the other one. SIM-map:

Put it in. SIM If the sound is better, there's a problem with your tariff or network settings:

• 📡 Quality of coverage in your area.
• 🔄 VoLTE and ViLTE settings (video calls).
• 📞 Possible restrictions on voice calls (e.g. roaming).

Test with another phone:

Call your phone from another device to your number, and if the other person is also not hearing you well, the operator is the problem, unless you can hear it, your Xiaomi is to blame.

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If the problem is only one of SIM-If you have a card, it's the operator's fault, try re-issue the card or change the tariff with support. HD-voice.

External factors: covers, moisture, magnets

Sometimes the cause of hearing loss is external, and here's what can get in the way:

• 🧲 Magnetic cases: Strong magnets (such as smart lock cases) can affect the speaker. Take off the case and check the sound.
• 💧 Moisture in the dynamics. Even if the phone is not sinking, condensation after showering or rain can drown out the sound. Put the device in rice for 12 to 24 hours or use silica gel.
• 🧴 Cosmetics or creams. Fats and oils clog the speaker grid. Wipe it with a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol.
• ☀️ Overheating. At high temperatures (like when the phone was in the sun), the audio chip can be unstable.

If you have recently dropped your phone or it has been in water, even briefly, do not turn it on until it is completely dry (minimum 48 hours).

7. When to contact the service center

If you've tried all the ways, but the sound in the tube has not recovered, it's time to contact the professionals.

• 🔊 The speaker makes a crackle or squeak even at maximum volume.
• 📵 The sound disappears completely, regardless of the settings.
• 🔧 The phone fell from a height or was flooded.
• 🔄 The problem occurs after replacing the screen or battery (possibly damaged plume speaker).

Official Xiaomi service centers in Russia and CIS can be found on the website mi.com/ru/service/. Average cost of repair dynamics:

• Redmi Note Series: 1,500–2,500 ₽.
• Xiaomi 11/12/13 series: 2 500–4 000 ₽.
• Black Shark (Game Models): 3,000–5,000 ₽.

Before visiting the service: 1. Make a backup of the data (Settings → System → Backup). 2. Delete the pattern lock or fingerprint (in case of reset). 3. Take a check or warranty card (if the phone is warranty).

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If the phone is warranty-free, don't open it yourself! this will void Xiaomi's warranty obligations.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi's sound