How to completely disable the microphone on Xiaomi headphones: instructions for all models

Do you use Xiaomi headphones to listen to music or calls, but the microphone automatically activates at the most inconvenient moments? Or do you just want to ensure privacy during conversations? Disabling the microphone on the Xiaomi headset is a task that many users face, but not everyone knows how to do it correctly. Depending on the headphone model (Redmi AirDots, Mi True Wireless Earphones, Buds 4 Pro, etc.) and the versions of MIUI firmware on the phone, the methods may vary.

In this article, we will discuss all the current methods, from software shutdown via Bluetooth settings to physical locking of the microphone on the headphones themselves. We will pay special attention to the nuances for different versions of MIUI (12-14) and popular smartphone models (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13), and you will learn why the microphone can spontaneously turn on and how to prevent it.

Why Xiaomi’s headphone microphone can work without you knowing

Many users complain that the microphone on Xiaomi AirDots or Buds activates itself during calls, recording voice messages or even when listening to music.

• 🔹 Automatic routing of sound in MIUI: The system can switch the audio stream to headphones if they are connected over Bluetooth, even if you didn’t plan to use them for a conversation.
• 🔹 Voice Assistant (e.g. Google Assistant or Xiao) AI), Who listens to commands through the headset microphone.
• 🔹 Errors of headphones or phone firmware (especially relevant for Redmi AirDots models) 2/3 Mi True Wireless Earphones 2).
• 🔹 Apps with microphone access (messengers, social networks) that can use the headset to record.

For example, MIUI 13/14 has Automatic Device Switching, which can force the microphone on the headphones when you call, even if you hold the phone to your ear. This is for convenience, but often works incorrectly.

⚠️ Note: If you use Xiaomi headphones with PC or other devices (not a smartphone), disabling the microphone may require additional action in the Bluetooth settings of the operating system.

Method 1: Disable the microphone via Bluetooth settings on Xiaomi

The most universal method is to block the use of the headphone microphone directly in the Bluetooth settings of the phone, which works on all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models with MIUI 12-14.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Bluetooth.
2. Find your headphones (such as Redmi Buds 4) in the list of connected devices and tap the gear. ⚙️ near-name.
3. From the device menu, select Sound Settings or Additional Settings (the name may vary depending on the MIUI version).
4. Turn off the Use Switch for calls or the Microphone.
5. Save the changes and reconnect the headphones.

After that, the headset microphone will not be used for calls, but the sound in the headphones will remain. Please note: in some versions of MIUI, this item may be called the Audio profile - in this case, select the audio only option (without a microphone).

Headphones connected to the phone|The "Use for Calls" switch is off.|Checked sound in headphones (must work)|Microphone checked (must be switched off)-->

⚠️ Note: On some models (Xiaomi Buds 3 Pro, Redmi AirDots 3 Pro) after switching off the microphone via Bluetooth, the sound may disappear in one of the headphones.

Method 2: Use of audio only mode in MIUI

The latest versions of MIUI 13/14 have introduced the audio mode feature, which allows you to flexibly configure the use of connected devices, this method is suitable for owners of Xiaomi 12/13, Redmi Note 11/12 and later.

How to activate:

1. Put the headphones on the phone.
2. While playing music or video, swipe down the notification panel and hold the Bluetooth icon.
3. In the menu that opens, find your headphones and tap them.
4. Select Audio Mode → Music (or Media).

In this mode, the headset microphone will automatically turn off for all applications except those that explicitly request access (such as Zoom or Discord). To return the microphone, you just need to select Call Mode or Voice Assistant again.

Redmi AirDots 2/3|Xiaomi Buds 3/4 Pro|Redmi Buds 3 Lite/4|Mi True Wireless Earphones|Another model-->

Method 3: Physically shutting down the microphone on headphones (for wired models)

If you use Xiaomi wired headphones (such as Mi In-Ear Headphones or Redmi Hi-Res Earphones), you can completely lock the microphone mechanically.

1. Find a small plastic remote with a microphone on the headphone cord (usually located 15-20 cm from the 3.5 mm connector).
2. Carefully cut the insulation around the wire leading to the microphone (usually red or green wire).
3. Snack the wire with cutters or isolate it with a shrink to exclude contact.

After that, the microphone will stop working, but the sound in the headphones will remain, and this method is irreversible - it will be impossible to restore the microphone after trimming the wire. Also, note that some models (Xiaomi Hybrid Pro) can have a complex connection circuit, and trimming one wire will lead to loss of sound.

⚠️ Note: Physical interference with the design of the headphones voids the warranty Xiaomi. If your headset is still warranty, use software (1, 2 or 4).

Method 4: Disable the microphone through the Xiaomi Earphones app (for the first time) TWS-model)

For Xiaomi wireless headphones (AirDots series, Buds), there is the official Xiaomi Earphones app (formerly Mi Earphones) that allows you to fine-tune the headset, including the microphone.

Step-by-step:

1. Install the Xiaomi Earphones app and connect the headphones to your phone.
2. Open the app and select your headphone model.
3. Go to the Microphone Settings or Call Management section.
4. Turn off the option to use the headphone microphone for calls.
5. Save the settings and restart the headphones (press the button on the case for 10 seconds).

Some versions of the app also have microphone noise reduction, which can help if the microphone is activated spontaneously. Please note that after updating the headphone firmware, the settings may reset.

1. Remove the device from the Bluetooth list and connect again.

2. Update the firmware of the headphones through the application (if available).

3. Use another smartphone for initial setup.

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Method 5: Globally shutting down the microphone for all applications (radical mode)

If you need to completely block access to the headphone microphone for all applications (including calls and voice assistants), you can use the MIUI system settings:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Permissions → Microphone.
2. Find apps that have access to the microphone (e.g. WhatsApp, Telegram, Zoom).
3. Turn off the microphone permission for each of them.
4. Return to Settings → Privacy → Special Permits → Access the microphone and turn it off for Bluetooth.

This method is radical: once it is used, the headphone microphone will not work in any application, including calls, to return functionality, you will have to manually turn on permissions for each application, and note that some system functions (for example, Google Assistant) may stop working correctly.

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Turning off the microphone at the MIUI resolution level does not affect the sound quality of the headphones, but can disrupt voice commands and some messengers.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after the microphone is turned off, Xiaomi users face a number of problems, and here are the most common ways to fix them:

• 🔸 Microphone activates again after reconnecting: This is due to automatic resetting of Bluetooth settings.Solution: After each headphone connection, check the settings in Settings → Bluetooth → [Your headphones] → Sound settings.
• 🔸 The sound disappeared in one earphone after the microphone was turned off: Reset the headphone settings (press the button on the case for 15 seconds) and reconnect them. If the problem persists, use Method 3 or 4.
• 🔸 Xiaomi Earphones app doesn't see headphones: Update the headphone firmware via Mi Home (if supported) or reinstall the app.Redmi AirDots 3 may require manual firmware.
• 🔸 Microphone works in some applications but not others: Check individual permissions for each application in Settings → Annexes → Permits → Microphone.

If neither of these methods worked, it might be the firmware of the headphones or the phone, in which case you might want to upgrade your MIUI to the latest version or reset your headphones to the factory.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions