How to set up a microphone on a Xiaomi phone: a complete guide to problem solving

The microphone in Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphones is not just a tool for calling, but a key element for voice commands, video recording, streaming and even working with AI assistants. However, many users face a situation when the interlocutor does not hear well, the voice is recorded with noise, or the microphone does not work at all after the MIUI update. In this article, we will examine all the ways to set up the microphone on Xiaomi Android devices, from basic parameters to hidden functions of the engineering menu.

It is important to understand that microphone problems can be caused by software failures (for example, after upgrading to MIUI 14/15), and hardware malfunctions (connector contamination, plume damage). We will focus on software solutions that you can apply yourself without going to the service center. If after all the manipulations, the microphone still does not work, this is an excuse to check the physical condition of the device.

1. Check the basic microphone settings in MIUI

Before you go into the complex settings, make sure the microphone is not disabled at the system level. There are several places in Xiaomi where you can accidentally block applications from accessing the microphone:

• 🔊 App Permissions: Go to Settings → Annexes → App management, select the desired app (such as WhatsApp or Camera) and check if permission to access the microphone is enabled.
• 📵 Do Not Disturb: In some versions MIUI This mode can block the microphone for all applications. → Sound and vibration → Don't disturb and turn it off.
• 🎤 Call settings: For communication problems, check Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Call settings → Improve voice (turn on this option for better audibility).

If you use Xiaomi with a dual microphone (like the Redmi Note 12 Pro)+ or Xiaomi 13 Ultra, make sure that the camera settings select the correct sound source. ⚙️ → Video settings → Microphone and select the Primary Microphone or Stereo option (if available).

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If after updating MIUI microphone stopped working in a particular application (for example, in Telegram or Discord), try to clear the cache of this application in Settings → Apps → Storage and cache → Clear cache.

Diagnostics of the microphone: how to check its performance

Before you set up the microphone, you need to make sure it works at all, and you can use built-in MIUI tools or third-party applications to do this:

1. Built-in hardware test: Go to Settings → About Phone → All settings (tap 5 times on the MIUI version if the option is hidden). Then select Diagnostic → Equipment Test → Microphone. Speak to the microphone - if the sound strip is moving, the device is working.
2. Third-party apps: Install tools like Microphone Test or Voice Recorder from Google Play, which will show the signal strength and help you identify problems with noise or quiet sound.

If the built-in test shows a microphone error not detected, it may mean:

• 🔌 Problems connecting the microphone to the motherboard (often after the phone falls).
• 🔄 Firmware failure (especially if the error occurred after the update) MIUI).
• 🛠️ Contamination of the headphone jack (if an external microphone is used).

3. adjust the sensitivity of the microphone through the engineering menu

If the microphone is working but recording too quietly or with noise, you can calibrate its sensitivity through an engineering menu (hidden mode for diagnosis), which is suitable for advanced users, since incorrect changes can worsen the sound quality.

Instructions for entering the engineering menu:

1. Open the Phone app and enter the code: ##36446337## (for some Xiaomi models, code ##4636## → Phone information → Select an item to test → Microphone may work).
2. From the Hardware Testing menu, select Audio → Mic Test.
3. Here you'll see Mic Volume and Noise Suppression. By default, the values are usually 0 or 100 - try changing them to 80-120 for better audibility.

Note: Changes to the engineering menu are not saved after rebooting on some Xiaomi models (e.g., the Redmi Note 11 with MIUI 13).To capture the settings, immediately record a voice note or make a test call after changing the settings.

4. Solving microphone problems in specific scenarios

Mik problems on Xiaomi are often selective — for example, the person you're talking to can't hear you on WhatsApp, but on normal calls, it works.

5. Resetting sound settings and flashing the microphone

If standard methods don't work, you can try resetting the audio to factory settings or reflashing the microphone driver, which are more radical, but often solve problems after MIUI updates.

Resetting of sound settings:

1. Go to Settings → System and device → Additional → Resetting.
2. Select Reset Network, Sound and Display settings (not to be confused with a full reset!).
3. Confirm the action. After the reboot, check the microphone.

Reflashing the microphone driver (for advanced users):

If the problem occurs after the MIUI update, you can roll back the sound module firmware via Fastboot or TWRP.

1. Download the stock firmware for your model from the official Xiaomi website (Download → ROM section).
2. Unblock the file and find the folder with the audio drivers (usually vendor/etc or system/etc).
3. Through ADB or TWRP replace files audio_effects.conf and mixer_paths.xml original.

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Flashing the audio drivers can result in a loss of warranty if the phone is not officially unlocked. Before the procedure, back up the vendor partition via TWRP.

6. Hardware problems: when to carry the phone to the service

If all software methods have been tried, but the microphone still doesn't work, it's probably a hardware problem.

• 🔧 Microphone not defined in the engineering menu (Mic Test shows) N/A).
• 💧 The phone fell into the water or was subjected to severe vibration (for example, after repairing the speaker).
• 🔌 When connecting headphones, the microphone begins to work - this indicates damage to the main microphone.

The cost of repairing the microphone in Xiaomi depends on the model:

• For budget models (Redmi 10A, POCO M5) replacement microphone will cost 800-1500 rubles.
• In flagships (Xiaomi 13T, Redmi K60 Pro) the price can reach 2500-3500 rubles due to the complexity of disassembly.

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Before visiting the service center, try recording the sound through another recorder (such as ASR Recorder), sometimes the problem lies in the system application Dictaphone, not in the microphone itself.

7.Mic Optimization for Streaming and Podcast Recording

If you use Xiaomi to record podcasts, streams on YouTube or Twitch, standard microphone settings may not be enough.

• 🎙️ Use an external microphone: Connect through USB-C 3.5 mm external microphone (e.g. Boya) BY-M1 In the camera settings, select it as the primary sound source.
• 🔊 Set up the equalizer: In Settings → Sound and vibration → Choose Preset Voice or create your profile with enhanced frequencies of 100-300 Hz for better legibility.
• 🛡️ Real-time noise suppression: Install the Krisp app or NVIDIA RTX Voice (for PC) if streaming from your phone via OBS Studio.

For professional voice recording on Xiaomi, you can use the Dolby On app, which automatically suppresses background noise and normalizes volume. However, note that it consumes a lot of resources and can cause overheating on weak models (for example, the Redmi 9A).

FAQ: Frequent questions about the microphone on Xiaomi