Xiaomi does not switch to speakers after removing headphones: how to fix

Xiaomi MIUI-based smartphones sometimes face a common problem: once the wired or wireless headphones are removed, the device continues to “think” that the headset is connected, resulting in sound not going through the speakers, but a headphone icon is displayed in the status bar, and the reasons can be different, from a contaminated 3.5 mm connector to software failures in the system.

In most cases, the problem is solved without visiting the service center, but it is important to understand that an incorrect turn off of the headset can be a symptom of hardware malfunctions (for example, a damaged connector) and MIUI errors. In this article, we will analyze all the working methods, from simple reboots to hidden engineering settings that will help return the sound to the speakers.

If your Redmi, POCO or Mi stubbornly ignores the removal of headphones, do not rush to carry the phone for repair. 80% of the time it is the software, not the hardware, the main thing is to act in order and not miss steps.

Why Xiaomi doesn’t automatically turn off the headset

MIUI detects headphones connected via contacts in the 3.5mm connector (for wired) or Bluetooth signal (for wireless). If the headset is removed, the sound continues to go into the headphones, this can mean:

• 🔌 Pollution or oxidation of contacts in the connector – dust, moisture or mechanical damage interfere with the correct determination of the condition.
• 🤖 Service failure media.audio_flinger — responsible for routing sound in Android.
• 🔄 Jammed switch in the connector (relevant for older Xiaomi models until 2019).
• 📱 Firmware error – especially after the update MIUI or reset.

Wireless headphones (AirDots, Buds, etc.) can “hang” in the system if they are not turned off through the Bluetooth menu, but simply turned off or carried out of range, in which case Xiaomi continues to send sound to a non-existent device.

Before you start correcting, check the obvious:

1. Reconnect the headphones and carefully remove them – sometimes reconnecting physically helps.
2. Try another set of headphones (if you have a problem with wired ones).
3. Make sure that in the settings → Connected devices do not have "ghost" headsets.

Method 1: Forced reboot of the smartphone

The simplest and often most effective method is hard rebooting, which resets the system's temporary data, including the status of the audio router.

How to do this:

1. Press the Power + Volume button up for 10-15 seconds until the screen goes out.
2. Wait 30 seconds (don’t turn on your phone right away!)
3. Turn on the device with the power button.

If after the reboot the sound returned to the speakers, the problem was a temporary failure of the service. audio_flinger. If not, move on to the next method.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi models with AMOLED-screens (e.g. Mi 11, Redmi) K50) Long-term button retention can trigger a Fastboot menu. in this case, just select Reboot.

Method 2: Cleaning of the 3.5 mm connector (for wired headphones)

If the problem is only with wired headphones, it's probably the 3.5mm connector that gets dust, fibers from clothes, or even metal particles from the plug, and that causes the connection sensor to falsely fire.

How to clean the connector:

1. Take a toothpick or plastic card (not metal objects!).
2. Carefully, without pressure, walk through the internal contacts of the connector.
3. Use compressed air (canister) to blow out dust.
4. Wipe the connector with a cotton swab dipped in an alcohol solution (no more than 70%).

For models with a sealed connector (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro), it is better to trust the cleaning center.

⚠️ Note: Never use it for cleaning. WD-40 They leave a film that attracts dust and makes contact worse.

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If after cleaning the connector began to be determined unstable (it works, then not), try to connect headphones with a magnetic ring on the plug - it better fixes the contact.

Method 3: Resetting the sound settings in MIUI

If hardware methods didn't work, the problem lies in the software part. MIUI has a hidden audio reset menu that often solves problems with routing sound.

Instructions:

1. Open the phone app and dial the combination: ##36446337###
2. You will be taken to the Engineering Mode menu.
3. Go to the Hardware Testing → Audio section.
4. Select Headset Mode and press Disable.
5. Reboot the phone.

After this, the system will force the headset mode to be turned off, and if the combination doesn't work, try the alternative code:

##4636##

→ Usage statistics → Audio → reset.

On some firmware MIUI 14+ The engineering menu can be blocked. ADB-command (computer required):

adb shell settings put global headset_state 0

Method 4: Turning off Bluetooth headset manually

If a wireless headphone problem (Xiaomi AirDots, Buds, SoundPEATS, etc.) is encountered, the system may forget to turn it off, in which case the sound continues to be directed to the Bluetooth device even if it is turned off.

How to fix it:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Bluetooth.
• 🔍 Find your headset in the list of connected devices.
• ❌ Click on the icon. ⚙️ Next to the name and select Forget the device.
• 🔄 Reboot the phone.

If the headphones are not displayed in the list, but the headset icon is lit in the notification bar:

1. Activate flight mode for 10 seconds, then turn it off.
2. Open the Quick Settings Panel and manually turn off Bluetooth.
3. Connect the headphones again and correctly disable via the Bluetooth menu.

On Xiaomi models with Qualcomm chip (for example, POCO F4, Redmi K60) After forgetting the device, you may need to reset the network: → SIM-maps and networks → Resetting Wi-Fi, Mobile Network and Bluetooth.

Method 5: Testing for viruses and conflicting applications

Rarely, sound control applications (equilibriums, bass modifiers) or viruses block the audio system from working properly, such as popular utilities like ViPER4Android or Dolby Atmos MOD, which can conflict with native MIUI services.

How to check:

1. Run Safe Mode: Press the Power button → Hold your finger on Turn off → select Safe Mode.

Check if the problem has gone away. If so, it's third-party software.

Remove newly installed applications related to sound.

Google Play Protect

Dr.Web

Pay special attention to applications with rights android.permission.MODIFY_AUDIO_SETTINGS. You can see them in the settings. → Annexes → Permits → Changes in audio settings.

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If the problem occurs after installing custom firmware (e.g. xiaomi.eu or PixelExperience), the cause may be an incorrectly assembled audio driver, in which case only the firmware will help.

Method 6: Hardware diagnostics and service center

If none of these things worked, it's probably hardware, and here are the signs that it's time to get your phone repaired:

• 🔊 The sound in the headphones works, but on the speakers – not (even after resetting).
• 🔌 3.5mm connector wobbles or has visible damage.
• 💧 The phone fell into the water or was subjected to a strong vibration.
• 📉 The problem arose after replacing the connector / display.

In the service center, diagnosis usually includes:

1. Audio chip circuit checker (Qualcomm WCD93xx or MediaTek MT63xx)
2. Test of contacts of the connector 3.5 mm multimeter.
3. Diagnostics of the plume connecting the motherboard with the audio module.

Cost of repair:

• Replacement of the 3.5 mm connector: ~1 500–3 000 ₽.
• Repair of the audio track: ~3 000–8 000 ₽ (model).
• Replacement of the plume: ~2 000–5 000 ₽.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi models with USB-C And digitally, the Mi 10, Mi 11, for example, may be in the Type-C controller, not the audio chip, and repairing these devices on their own can cause the charging port to fail.

FAQ: Frequent questions about turning off the headset on Xiaomi