How to set up a microphone on Xiaomi: a complete guide for smartphones and smart devices

The microphone in Xiaomi devices is not just a tool for calling, but a key element that affects the quality of voice messages, streams, video calls and voice assistants. However, many users face problems: the interlocutor does not hear well, background noise drowns out the voice, or the microphone does not work at all after an update. In this article, we will discuss all the ways to set up the microphone on Redmi, POCO, Mi and other ecosystem devices, including headphones and smart speakers.

It’s important to understand that microphone settings can vary depending on the device model, MIUI version, and even the apps installed. We’ll look at the universal methods that work on most gadgets, and also give recommendations for specific cases – for example, for the Xiaomi 13 Pro with a HyperOS system or the budget Redmi Note 12. If you have never looked into the audio settings or encountered problems after an update, this guide will help to return the microphone to working condition.

1. Basic microphone settings in MIUI and HyperOS

So, to start with, where to look for microphone settings in Xiaomi firmware. In the latest versions of MIUI 14 and HyperOS, the way to setup has changed, so the old instructions may not work.

Open Settings → Sound and vibration → Sound quality. Here you will see a few key options:

• 🎤 Microphone amplification – Increases the volume of your voice to the other person (useful in noisy places).
• 🔇 Noise suppression – automatically reduces background sounds (not working on all models).
• 🔄 Echo compensation – removes the effect of “echo” when using hands-free.
• 🎧 Headphone settings are separate settings for wired and wireless headsets.

On HyperOS (e.g., Xiaomi 14 or POCO F6), these settings can be hidden deeper: Settings → Additional → Special features → Microphone settings. If you don’t have these items displayed, then your model doesn’t support software settings – you’ll have to use third-party apps or check for hardware problems.

2. Checking the performance of the microphone

Before you set anything up, make sure the microphone is working at all. Here are 3 ways to diagnose:

1. Testing through the built-in Dictaphone app. Record a few seconds of speech and listen to the recording. If the voice is clearly heard, the microphone is working. If the recording is silent or disturbed, the problem is with the settings or the hardware.
2. Call another phone and ask the person to rate the sound quality. If you can't hear you, try switching to the speaker (Speak Speak button during the call).
3. Using third-party apps like the Microphone Test (available on Google Play), which shows the signal level in real time and helps identify sensitivity issues.

If the microphone does not work at all (there is no response to the voice in the voice recorder, the interlocutor does not hear you in any application), the reasons may be as follows:

• 🚫 Pollution of the microphone hole (dust, moisture).
• 🔌 Problems with headphone jack (if the headset is connected).
• 📱 Firmware failure after update.
• 🔧 Mechanical damage (fall, fluid intrusion).

3. Optimization of microphone for calls and voice messages

If the microphone is working but the sound quality is poor, try these settings:

To improve voice legibility:

1. Turn on microphone amplification in the sound settings (level 2-3 of 5 to avoid distortion).
2. Activate Noise Suppression – this will reduce background sounds (works in MIUI 12+ and HyperOS).
3. Turn off Echo Compensation if you hear echoes – sometimes this feature malfunctions.

For voice messages (WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber):

• 📱 The messenger itself may have a separate microphone sensitivity regulator. For example, on Telegram, go to Settings → Data and Memory → Voice Message Quality.
• 🔊 If messages are recorded too quietly, try recording them in a quiet room or using an external microphone (earphones with a microphone).

On Xiaomi 13 Ultra and other flagships with multiple microphones, the system automatically selects the cleanest signal. If the quality deteriorates after the upgrade, try resetting the sound settings to factory: Settings → System → Settings Reset → Reset the sound settings.

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If you make frequent calls in noisy places (like outside), buy inexpensive noise-cancelling headphones – even the budget Redmi Buds 4 will greatly improve voice legibility.

4. Microphone setting for streaming and video calls

For streamers, gamers, or those who often host video conferencing on Zoom, Google Meet, or Discord, standard microphone settings may not be enough.

In the video calling annexes:

• 🎙️ In Zoom: Settings → Audio → Additional → Enable noise suppression.
• 💬 In Discord: User Settings → Voice and Video → Noise Suppression (Krisp).
• 📹 In Google Meet: The browser version automatically optimizes sound, but you can enable Sound Improvement in the mobile app.

For streams (Twitch, YouTube, TikTok):

• 🎮 Use an external microphone (e.g., Xiaomi Mi Lavender) connected via USB-C or Bluetooth.
• 🔧 At OBS Studio (for PC), configure the filters: Noise Suppression, compressor and equalizer.
• 📱 On your smartphone, use apps like Streamlabs, which have separate microphone settings.

If you're streaming from your phone, turn off all background apps that the microphone can use (voice assistants, screen recording).

5. Solving microphone issues after update

One of the most common causes of microphone malfunction is a failure after a MIUI or HyperOS update. If the problem occurs immediately after the update, try these methods:

Resetting of sound settings:

1. Go to Settings → System → Reset settings → Reset sound settings.
2. Confirm the action. The phone will reboot, and the microphone will return to the factory settings.

Cleaning the cache of system applications:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find Phone, Contacts and Settings, then click Clear Cache.

Reverse update (if the problem is critical):

• 🔄 Back up your data through Settings → Additional → Backup.
• 📱 Reflash the device to the previous version MIUI via the Mi Flash Tool (instructions on the official website).

⚠️ Warning: If you use custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), microphone problems may be due to incorrect drivers, in which case try reinstalling the firmware with official patches for your model.

6.Mic settings in Xiaomi headphones and smart devices

Xiaomi devices often work in conjunction with wireless headphones (Redmi Buds, Mi True Wireless) or smart speakers (Mi Smart Speaker), the microphone settings for them are different from the smartphone.

For wireless headphones:

• 🎧 The Mi Earphones app (for Redmi Buds 4/5) has a separate microphone settings section where you can enable Noise Reduction and Voice Amplification.
• 🔊 If the microphone in the headphones doesn't work, try resetting them: press the button on the case for 10 seconds until the indicator blinks.

For smart speakers (Mi Smart Speaker, Xiaomi AI Speaker):

• 🔈 In the Mi Home app, select your column, then go to Settings → Voice Assistant → Microphone Sensitivity.
• 📱 If the speaker does not respond to voice commands, check to see if it is jammed by other devices (e.g., a TV running at the same 2.4 GHz frequency).

For smart watches (Mi Band, Xiaomi Watch):

• ⌚ The microphone in the watch is used only for voice assistant and calls (on models with Bluetooth-enabled calls).
• 🔊 If the microphone is not working, update the watch firmware via Mi Fitness or Zepp Life.

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For HyperOS devices (such as Xiaomi 14), the microphone settings in the headphones can sync with the smartphone automatically. If the sound quality deteriorates after connecting the headset, try turning off the option of Adaptive Sound in the Bluetooth settings.

Hardware problems: cleaning and repair of microphone

If the software methods didn't work, there might be a problem with the physical condition of the microphone.

Cleaning of the microphone hole:

• 🧹 Use a soft brush (for example, for makeup) or a toothpick with cotton wool soaked in alcohol.
• 🚫 Don't blow into the hole with your mouth - this can drive the dust deeper.
• 💧 If the microphone is wet, don't turn the device on for at least 24 hours. Put the phone in a silica gel bag (out of a shoe box).

Checking the connectors:

• 🔌 If the microphone does not work only on headphones, wipe the 3.5mm or USB-C connector with alcohol.
• 🎧 Try connecting your headphones to another device — if the problem persists, it’s the headset’s fault.

⚠️ Warning: If the microphone stopped working after the phone fell, don't disassemble the device yourself - Xiaomi microphones are often soldered to the motherboard. Contact the service center, where they will check the integrity of the plumes and contacts.

The cost of replacing the microphone in the service:

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi's microphone