If you've ever looked at the audio settings on a Xiaomi smartphone, you might have noticed the mysterious Delete Sound option (or "Remove Sound" in Russian firmware), which at first glance doesn't seem to be clear about why it's needed or how it works. Unlike standard volume or even sound controls, this feature hides specific features that may not be useful to all users.
In this article, we will discuss in detail what Delete Sound is on Xiaomi, Redmi and other devices. POCO, In which scenarios it should be activated and when it should be left off, you will also learn how the feature interacts with other audio settings, which models support it, and what to do if the option suddenly disappears after the update. MIUI. Special attention will be paid to the hidden consequences of the inclusion of Delete Sound for the microphone and speakers β this information is difficult to find in official documentation.
What is Delete Sound on Xiaomi: a technical explanation
Delete Sound (some firmware versions include Sound Deletion or Sound Cleansing) is a software algorithm that analyzes and suppresses background noise while recording audio or voice calls. Unlike standard noise reduction, which simply reduces the level of extraneous sounds, Delete Sound works more aggressively: it cuts out individual audio snippets identified as βjunkβ (e.g. clicks, hiss, echoes).
The technology is based on machine learning and uses a database of typical noises that are typical of different scenarios: street transport, wind, keyboard, touch screen. Xiaomi's algorithm compares incoming sound stream to these patterns and "cleanses" matches. It's important to understand that the function only works at the microphone level - it does not affect music playback or system sounds.
- π The purpose of the function: to improve the quality of voice recordings and calls in noisy conditions.
- π± Where: Usually in Settings β Sound. β Additional settings β Delete Sound (the path may vary depending on the version) MIUI).
- βοΈ Type of processing: software post-processing of the audio stream in real time.
- β οΈ Side effect: can eat up useful sounds if the algorithm is mistaken in identification.
Interestingly, Xiaomi doesnβt advertise this feature in marketing materials β its addition went almost unnoticed even among brand enthusiasts, probably because Delete Sound was originally developed for corporate clients (for example, for conference calls in offices), and then was integrated into mass firmware.
Which Xiaomi models have Delete Sound?
Delete Sound feature appeared in firmware MIUI Since version 12.5, it depends not only on the software version, but also on the hardware platform of the device.
Below is a table of compatibility with popular models. Please note that even if your device is on the list, the option may not be available if you are using custom firmware or regional version. MIUI (for example, MIUI EU Global Stable often cuts off some features).
| Series of devices | Models with Delete Sound | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 13/14 | 13 Pro, 13 Ultra, 14, 14 Pro | Full support, including sensitivity adjustment |
| Redmi Note | Note 12 Pro+, Note 11T Pro | Only the basic version without fine-tuning |
| POCO F/X | F5 Pro, X5 Pro, X6 Pro | It may not be available on the Indian versions. |
| Xiaomi Civi | Civi 2, Civi 3 | The option is hidden in the engineering menu |
| Redmi K | K60 Pro, K50 Ultra | It only works when you connect headphones. |
If your model isn't in the table, it doesn't mean it's definitely not. For example, on some Redmi 10 devices or POCO M4 Pro option appears after manual update to MIUI 14.To check for Delete Sound, search by settings (the magnifier icon in the upper right corner of the Settings menu).
β οΈ Note: On devices with MediaTek processors (e.g. Redmi Note 11 or POCO M5) The function may not work smoothly due to the limitations of the audio drivers, and in some cases, activation of the function causes wheezing in the recordings.
How to turn on and configure Delete Sound: step-by-step instructions
It takes less than a minute to activate the function, but before you turn it on, make sure you have the latest firmware installed. OTA-Packages, therefore, older versions MIUI They're worse off.
Instructions for inclusion:
- Open the settings on your smartphone.
- Go to Sound and Vibration (or just Sound on new versions) MIUI).
- Scroll down and select Additional Settings (sometimes called Advanced Features).
- Find the Delete Sound option (or βClear Soundβ) and activate the switch.
- If sensitivity settings are available, select the level: Low β removes only obvious noises (such as clicks); Medium β recommended mode for most scenarios; High β aggressive cleaning, can distort voice.
Once activated, the function will work automatically in all applications using the microphone: WhatsApp, Telegram, Zoom, standard voice recorder, etc. To check the effectiveness, make a test record in a noisy room and compare the result with the Delete Sound turned off.
Record your voice without a function
Turn on Delete Sound and repeat the recording
Compare files in an audio player
Try calling a friend and assessing the quality of the connection.-->
β οΈ Note: On some devices (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T) function conflicts with AI-If you've had a problem with noise reduction in applications like Google Meet, and if you've had a problem with Delete Sound, try turning off noise reduction in the app itself.
When is Delete Sound useful and when is it better to turn it off?
Despite the obvious benefits, Delete Sound isn't suitable for all scenarios, so let's look at where it's worth using and when it might hurt.
When to include:
- π€ Voice calls in noisy places (streets, transport, cafes) will help the interlocutor to hear you better.
- π Dictating text (e.g. Google Docs or Xiaomi Notes) will remove extraneous sounds that interfere with speech recognition.
- π₯ Video footage with voice comment, useful for bloggers who shoot on the go.
- π’ Conference call (Zoom, Teams) Reduces echo and keyboard noise.
When to turn off:
- πΆ Recording music or singing. An algorithm can mistake musical notes for noise and distort the sound.
- π Using an external microphone.Delete Sound can conflict with its drivers.
- π Gaming chat (Discord, built-in voice chat in games) may cause a delay in sound.
- π©Ί Medical or technical records where all sound nuances are important (e.g. recording equipment operation).
Especially careful is to treat the function of owners of devices with Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1/2. On these chips, the algorithm sometimes mistakenly identifies high voices (such as female or child voices) as noise and suppresses them. If you notice that your voice in the recordings has become "deaf" or intermittent, immediately turn off Delete Sound.
π‘
If you switch Delete Sound frequently, add a shortcut for quick access. To do this, hold your finger on the empty seat of the main screen. β Widgets β Settings β Drag the Sound label on the screen.
Delete Sound Problems and How to Solve Them
Like any software feature, Delete Sound can crash, and here are some of the most common problems and ways to fix them.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Function is not available in the settings | Outdated firmware or regional restrictions | Update. MIUI Up to the latest version or install MIUI EU |
| After inclusion, wheezing appears in the records | Conflict with MediaTek audio drivers | Reset the sound settings or roll back to the previous version MIUI |
| Delete Sound is spontaneously shut down | Battery optimization kills the process | Add the Settings app to optimisation exceptions |
| Voice in recordings becomes robot-like | Too high level of sensitivity | Set Low Mode or turn off the function |
If none of these things worked, try resetting the sound to the factory.
- Go to Settings β System and device β Resetting.
- Select Resetting Sound Settings (not to be confused with a full reset!).
- Confirm the action and restart the device.
In rare cases, the problem may be due to damage to the audio chip. If after all the manipulations the sound quality has not recovered, contact the Xiaomi service center - you may need to diagnose the microphones.
What if Delete Sound is lost after the update?
Delete Sound vs Standard Noise Reduction: Which is Better?
Many users confuse Delete Sound with the conventional noise cancellation that is found in most smartphones, but these are actually two different technologies with fundamental differences:
- π Standard noise reduction: Works at the hardware level DSP (It reduces the overall noise level without removing it completely, it's less resource-intensive, it doesn't require a powerful processor. It's on by default on most devices.
- βοΈ Delete Sound: Software algorithm with AI elements, actively cutting out noise fragments from the audio stream, requires more computing resources (can heat the processor), additionally filters echo and reverb.
To understand which technology is right for you, do a simple test:
- Turn on standard noise cancellation only (turn off Delete Sound).
- Make a record in a noisy place (for example, near a working vacuum cleaner).
- Turn on Delete Sound at mid-level and repeat the recording.
- Compare files: in the first case, the noise will be muffled, but heard, in the second - it can completely disappear (along with some useful sound).
For most users, the best solution is a combination of both technologies: standard noise cancellation for everyday calls and Delete Sound for critical recordings (for example, interviews or lectures). Do not forget that both functions consume battery power β when using the microphone actively, the smartphone can discharge on the phone. 10-15% faster.
π‘
Delete Sound is more effective than standard noise reduction in conditions of a strong background (street, construction), but inferior to it in the naturalness of the sound of the voice.
Hidden capabilities of Delete Sound: engineering settings
Few people know, but Delete Sound has hidden settings that can be configured through an engineering menu. These options are not documented by Xiaomi, but they allow you to more accurately control the behavior of the algorithm. Be careful: incorrect settings can lead to malfunctioning microphones.
To get into the engineering menu:
- Open the Phone app.
- Enter the code ##3644633## (some models may require ##4636###).
- Go to the Audio section β Noise Suppression Settings.
Here you will find the following parameters (the names may differ):
- Aggressiveness Level: The degree of aggressiveness of the filter (values from 0 to 5).
- Frequency Cutoff is a threshold frequency for noise identification (in Hz).
- Echo Cancellation β additional echo suppression (on/off).
- Wind Noise Reduction is a specialised wind filter.
Recommended values for experiments:
- For voice calls: Aggressiveness Level = 3, Frequency Cutoff = 300 Hz.
- Music: Aggressiveness Level = 1, Echo Cancellation = Off.
- For the street recordings: Wind Noise Reduction = On, Frequency Cutoff = 200 Hz.
β οΈ Warning: Changing the settings in the engineering menu can cause the microphones to work unstable. Write down the current values before the experiments or take screenshots of the settings. If the microphone stops working after the changes, reset the sound settings (see previous section).