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

The microphone in Xiaomi smartphones is not just a tool for calling, but a key element for recording videos, streams, voice messages and working with voice assistants. However, many users face problems: the interlocutor does not hear well, recording is accompanied by noise, or the microphone does not work at all after the MIUI update. In this article, we will analyze all the ways to set up the microphone on Redmi, POCO and Mi phones, including hidden developer parameters, optimization for specific applications and diagnostics of hardware malfunctions.

Xiaomi devices feature multiple microphones (main, noise suppression and conversation), each of which may require a separate setup. We will look not only at the standard options in the Settings → Sound menu, but also at advanced tricks through the Engineering Menu (MTK/Qualcomm), and also give recommendations on choosing external microphones for professional recording. If you find that the microphone stopped working after a phone drop or install custom firmware, here you will find solutions for such cases.

1. Basic microphone setting in MIUI

Let's start with the simple actions that are available in the standard MIUI interface, which will be suitable for most tasks: calls, voice messages in messengers and recording video through the camera.

Open the Settings → Sound and Vibration menu, and here you are interested in two key sections:

• 🎤 Voice amplification – increases the volume of your voice to the other person (useful in noisy places.
• 🔇 Noise suppression – automatically filters background sounds (street noise, wind) and not perfectly, but improves communication quality.
• 📞 In-Ear Mode: Optimizes the microphone for conversations without a headset.

For recordings via camera or voice recorder, go to Settings → Apps → Permissions → Microphone and check that the right programs (like YouTube or TikTok) have access to the microphone. Please note: some apps (like Zoom) may request access separately for each call.

2. Advanced settings through the Engineering menu

If the basics don't work, it's time to check the Engineering Menu, a hidden section with detailed microphone settings, and the login method depends on your phone's processor:

• 📱 Qualcomm Snapdragon: Enter the Phone code ##4636##, then select Phone Information → Test menu.
• 📱 Mediatek (MTK): Use the code ##36446337## or install the app MTK Engineering Mode from Play Market.

In the engineering menu, look for the Audio section (or Hardware Testing → Audio).

• 🔊 Check the sensitivity level of the microphone (Mic Volume parameter — 200-250 (Too high will lead to distortions).
• 🎛️ Set up a balance between microphones (if there are several of them). For example, on the Xiaomi 13 Pro, the main microphone is responsible for voice, and the additional one is responsible for noise cancellation.
• 📊 Perform a Mic Test, which will show the signal strength in decibels, normal: -20 dB to -10 dB in normal speech.

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If there is no Audio section in the engineering menu, try using the Phone INFO app ★SAM★ (available from the Play Market) which shows detailed information about microphones, including their number and current settings.

⚠️ Warning: Do not change the Audio Gain and Noise Suppression Level settings unnecessarily. Incorrect values can cause the microphone to be completely inoperable before resetting settings.

3. Microphone setting for specific applications

Different programs use the microphone in different ways, like WhatsApp can be bad at voice because of audio compression, and Instagram can be bad at recording time limits.

For streamers and musicians: If you connect an external microphone via USB-C (like Boya BY-M1 or Shure MV7), make sure the camera or OBS Studio settings have the right sound source. On Xiaomi with Android 12+, you may need to enable the USB audio option in Settings → Connected Devices.

4.Diagnostics of microphone problems

If the microphone is not working at all, check the obvious first.

Check the physical connection (whether there is dirt in the 3.5mm or USB-C connector)

Make sure the microphone is not turned off in the settings of the specific application

Restart your phone (hold Power + Volume up 10 seconds)

Update. MIUI Up to the latest version in Settings → The phone.-->

If the basic steps did not help, move on to a deep diagnosis:

1. Hardware test: Call another phone and see if someone else can hear you, and if they can't, there's a problem with the microphone or the motherboard.
2. Damage check: Inspect the bottom of the phone (where the microphones are located) for moisture, corrosion or dents. Even a slight drop can displace the microphone module.
3. Reset: Go to Settings → Additional → Reset → Reset network settings. This will return the microphone settings to factory settings.

⚠️ Note: If the microphone stops working after the update MIUI, Try to retrace the previous version via Fastboot. 4PDA For example, the Redmi Note 12 Pro.+ flash-flip — MIUI 14.0.6 (stable branch).

5. Optimizing the microphone for recording videos and streams

It's not enough to create standard MIUI settings for content, and here's what you can do to improve the sound.

• 🎥 Use an external microphone: even a budget Lavalier for 500-1000 ₽ It'll improve the quality. USB-C Bluetooth 5.0 (for example, Rode Wireless Go) II).
• 🔧 Set the audio bitrate: In a camera app (like FilmoraGo or Open Camera) set the bitrate to at least 192 kbps.
• 🎛️ Turn off the sound processing in MIUI: Go to Settings. → Special facilities → Improve sound and deactivate all options.

For streams on Twitch or YouTube:

• Use OBS Studio with the Noise Suppression plugin (the MIUI filter is worse at dealing with background noise).
• If you stream from your phone, turn on Developer Mode (7 times click on the MIUI version in the settings) and activate the USB Debugging option to connect to your PC.

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For professional video recording on Xiaomi, it is better to use third-party applications (for example, ProCam X or FiLMiC Pro), as they allow you to manually adjust the microphone recording level and turn off automatic audio processing.

6. Solving specific problems

We will analyze the typical complaints of users and ways to eliminate them.

Problem 1: The interviewee hears an echo

The reason: the conflict between the microphone and the speaker.

1. Turn off speaker in the call settings.
2. In the engineering menu, reduce Speaker Gain to 50%.
3. Use a headset – the echo will disappear in 90% of cases.

Problem 2: The microphone only works on speakerphones

Reason: Lower microphone (responsible for normal calls) malfunctioned.

• Blow the headphone jack with compressed air (maybe there has accumulated dust).
• Check if the microphone is covered with a protective film or cover.
• If the problem persists, the microphone module must be replaced.

Problem 3: When recording video, the sound is interrupted

Reason: CPU limitations or conflict with other applications.

• Close all background programs (especially messengers).
• Reduce the video resolution to 1080p (4K creates a high load).
• Turn off Battery Optimization for the camera app in Settings → Battery.

7. Alternative ways to improve sound

If standard methods don’t work, try these solutions:

• 🔄 Reset to factory settings: sometimes helps with software failures. pre-backup in Settings → Google → Backup.
• 📱 Custom core installation: firmware like Pixel Experience or LineageOS is often better optimized for microphone use.
• 🎧 Using Bluetooth microphone: modern models (e.g. Sony) WF-1000XM4) have built-in noise reduction, which works better than the system in MIUI.

For owners of POCO F5 or Xiaomi 13T: these models support spatial sound when recording video. To activate it, go to Camera Settings → Additional → Audio format and select 3D Audio. However, note that this format takes up more space and may not play correctly on some devices.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the microphone on Xiaomi