Do you use Xiaomi headphones to listen to music or watch videos, but the microphone is automatically activated during calls or in instant messengers? In this article, we’ll look at all the possible ways to turn off the microphone in headphones on Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi, POCO and Black Shark under management MIUI 12-14 and HyperOS.
The problem is especially relevant for wireless headphone owners (e.g. Xiaomi AirDots, Buds 4, FlipBuds Pro), where the microphone can turn on spontaneously due to firmware errors or Bluetooth settings. We will also look at the nuances for wired models with a 3.5 mm connector or USB-C, where the microphone is integrated into the plug. It is important to note that some methods only work for specific versions of MIUI - we will warn about this in advance.
If you tried to turn off the microphone through standard settings, but it didn’t work out, don’t be quick to blame the manufacturer. Often the problem lies in the conflict of applications (for example, Google Assistant or Mi AI), incorrect resolutions or even physical damage to the cable. Next, detailed instructions with step-by-step screenshots and alternative solutions.
1. Disconnect the microphone via Bluetooth settings (for wireless headphones)
The most obvious way is to manage settings directly in the Bluetooth menu.This method is suitable for all Xiaomi models with MIUI 12 and later, including HyperOS. Importantly, some budget headphones (for example, Redmi Buds 3 Lite) may not support a separate turn off of the microphone – in which case move on to the following sections.
Instructions:
- 📱 Open the Settings. → Bluetooth and find your headphones in the list of connected devices.
- ⚙️ Click on the gear icon next to the headphone name (e.g. Mi True Wireless Earphones 2).
- 🎤 In the menu that opens, find the Audio or Sound item (depending on the version). MIUI).
- 🔇 Switch the Microphone slider to the Off position or select the audio only option.
If the Microphone is not in the settings, it means that your headphone model does not support software shutdown, in which case, try resetting the headphones to factory settings (instructions in the next section) or using a separate connection - more about this below.
2. Resetting headphones to factory settings
If the microphone in Xiaomi headphones turns on spontaneously even after switching off in the settings, resetting to factory settings solves the problem in 80% of cases, this is especially true for AirDots Pro 2, Buds 3 Pro and others with support for ANC (active noise reduction), where firmware failures can lead to improper microphone operation.
How to drop headphones:
- Place both headphones in the case and close the lid.
- Press and hold the button on the case (usually located behind) for 10-15 seconds until the indicator flashes red and white.
- Open the case cover - the headphones will automatically go into pairing mode.
- Connect them again through Settings → Bluetooth.
After reset, check the microphone in a testing app (such as Voice Recorder). If the problem persists, proceed to the next method.
Turn off headphones from all devices |
Charge the case to 50% or higher |
Make sure the headphones are clean (no moisture in the speakers)|
Press the reset button strictly for 10-15 seconds-->
3. Use of the "Audio Only" mode (for models with support)
Some Xiaomi headphones (like FlipBuds Pro or Buds 4) support audio-only mode, which completely disables the microphone at the firmware level.This mode is useful if you use headphones solely for listening to music and do not want the microphone to activate during calls.
How to set the mode:
- 🎧 Connect the headphones to the smartphone.
- 📲 Open the Mi Earphones app (if not installed, download from Google Play).
- 🔧 Go to the headphone settings section → Working hours.
- 🔇 Select the option Audio Only or Game Mode without microphone.
Note that in this mode, the headphones won’t work for calls, but the sound quality can be improved by turning off voice processing. If the Mi Earphones app doesn’t see your model, try alternative programs like Headset Droid or SoundAssistant.
What to do if you don’t have Mi Earphones?
4. Disable the microphone through the settings for developers
If standard methods fail, you can use Android’s hidden settings, which are suitable for power users and require developer mode activation, and caution that improper changes can cause Bluetooth to crash.
Step-by-step:
- Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Click 7 times on MIUI Version until you become a developer!
Settings
Additional → For Developers
Network → Bluetooth Audio Codec
SBC
Reboot your smartphone and check the work of the headphones.
Additionally, you can turn off Absolute Volume in the same menu – this will prevent automatic volume control, which sometimes knocks down the microphone settings.
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If the headphones stop connecting after the developer settings change, reset them (as described in Section 2) and return all settings to their original state.
5. Physical shutdown of the microphone (for wired headphones)
If you use wired headphones with an integrated microphone (such as Mi In-Ear Headphones Pro or Redmi Hi-Res Audio) and software methods don’t work, you can resort to mechanical shutdown, which is only suitable for users willing to sacrifice the call function for the sake of silence.
Physical shutdown options:
| Method | Description | Risks. |
|---|---|---|
| Microphone wire cutting | Carefully cut the insulation on the cable and snack on the microphone wire (usually red or green). | Loss of call function, risk of damage to other wires. |
| Use of an adapter | Connect the headphones via a 3.5mm adapter → USB-C without microphone support. | Additional costs, compatibility issues are possible. |
| Tape on the microphone. | Seal the microphone hole with tape or tape. | A temporary solution can impair the sound quality. |
Before you resort to physical intervention, make sure that the problem is not solved software, for example, in some cases, it helps to disable the permissions for the microphone in the application settings (for this, see the next section).
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Physically shutting down the microphone is irreversible! If you plan to use headphones for future calls, you better use software methods.
6. Disable microphone access for individual applications
Often the microphone in the headphones is activated not because of the headset itself, but because of background applications that request access to audio. For example, Google Assistant, Mi AI or messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram) can include a microphone for voice input or noise cancellation.
How to restrict access:
- 🔒 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Permits → Microphone.
- 📋 View the list of apps with microphone access and turn off the resolution for unnecessary ones (e.g. Mi Video, Games).
- 🔄 For system applications (such as Phone) use Background Limitation in battery settings.
Pay special attention to Google Play Services and MiuiDaemon – these services often use a microphone for analytics. Disable them completely, but you can limit background activity through Settings → Battery → Background Limitation.
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If the microphone still works after you turn off permissions, check the settings of Google Assistant in the Settings section → Google → Devices and Access → Voice Match. Turn off the voice unlock option.
7. Alternative solutions: third-party applications and firmware
If none of these methods worked, there are two options: use third-party apps or custom firmware, one easier and safer, the other more radical, but requires unlocking the bootloader.
Popular applications for microphone management:
- 🎛️ Headset Droid – allows you to turn off the microphone for specific Bluetooth devices.
- 🔊 SoundAbout – Reassigns audio routes (requires root).
- 🛠️ MacroDroid – creates an automatic rule to turn off the microphone when connecting headphones.
For advanced users, there is a custom firmware option (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience) where audio management is more flexible. However, this voids the warranty and can lead to unstable device operation. Before you resort to this method, check if there are any updates for your version of MIUI - often bugs with a microphone are fixed in new builds.
Risks of custom firmware
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When trying to turn off the microphone in Xiaomi headphones, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to solve them:
⚠️ Attention! If your headphones stop connecting after you turn off the microphone in your Bluetooth settings, try removing them from your device list and re-cooking them. A2DP (audio HFP (microphone).
Other frequent mistakes:
- 🔄 The microphone is turned on by itself when calling. → Check the settings of the Phone app (turn off Voice Improvement).
- 🎵 Sound distortion after microphone shutdown → Reset Bluetooth Audio Codec settings in Developer Mode.
- 🔋 Headphones are discharged quickly → Turn it off. ANC Transparent mode in the Mi Earphones app.
If the problem persists, contact Xiaomi’s service center — the microphone itself or the Bluetooth controller in the headphones may be defective.