Have you noticed that your headphones on Xiaomi or Redmi transmit extraneous noises during calls, recordings or streams? Or just want to ensure privacy by turning off the microphone in the headset? In this article, we will analyze all possible ways, from standard MIUI settings to hidden Android features that work on models from Xiaomi 11T to POCO X6 Pro.
The problem with the microphone in the headphones on Xiaomi is often associated with automatic switching of audio routes, when the system mistakenly identifies the headset as the main source of sound and voice. This can occur with wired Type-C/3.5 mm headphones, as well as with wireless Mi True Wireless, Redmi Buds or POCO Earbuds. Next you will learn how to completely turn off the microphone, temporarily lock it or reassign priority to the built-in microphone of the smartphone.
1.Switch off the microphone via MIUI sound settings
The easiest way is to use built-in MIUI options.This method is suitable for most models, including the Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi Note 12 and POCO F5, but may not be available on older firmware versions (below MIUI 12.5).
Instructions:
- 📱 Open the Settings. → Sound and vibration.
- 🔊 Scroll down to the Additional Settings section and select Microphone Settings.
- 🎧 In the list of devices, find your headphones (such as Mi Bluetooth Headset) and turn off the slider next to the Use the microphone option.
- 🔄 Reboot the headphones (for wireless: turn off/on or take out of the case).
If you don't have a microphone setting option, it means your MIUI version doesn't support manual control of the headset microphones, so move on to the following methods.
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On some models (such as the Xiaomi 12S Ultra), the option is hidden. Try connecting your headphones during a call - a microphone switch button may appear in the top notification bar.
2.Forced shutdown of microphone through developer (ADB)
For advanced users, there is a way to programmatically lock the earphone microphone with the help of ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which works even if MIUI does not have the appropriate settings, which requires connecting to a PC and enabling debugging over USB, but gives 100% result.
Step-by-step:
- 🖥️ Install. ADB Tools on the computer.
- 📲 On your phone, turn on Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI (Press 7 times to activate the developer mode).
- 🔧 Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and enable debugging by USB.
- 🔌 Connect your phone to your PC and type in the command line: adb shell settings put global bluetooth_headset_mic_disabled 1 For wired headphones, use: adb shell settings put global wired_headset_mic_disabled 1
- 🔄 Reboot the phone.
To get the microphone back, replace the 1-by-0 commands above. This method works on Android 10+ and doesn't require root rights.
USB | Installed Xiaomi drivers on PC| Phone connected in file transfer mode (MTP)|ADB recognizes the device (check with adb devices command)
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3.Use of third-party apps to lock microphone
If you need to temporarily turn off the microphone (for example, during online games or streams), you can use specialized utilities. They do not remove the microphone physically, but lock it at the OS level.
Top.-3 Proven applications for Xiaomi:
| Annex | Functions | Cons | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| SoundAbout | Reassignment of audio routes, locking the microphone of the headset | Requires manual customization, paid version for advanced features | Google Play |
| Microphone Blocker | One-step shutdown of all microphones (including headphones) | It does not work on all MIUI firmware, can be reset after restarting | Google Play |
| Disable Service | Disabling system services associated with the microphone | Requires root or ADB, risk of unstable work | XDA Developers |
When using SoundAbout, select Media audio → Wired headset (or Bluetooth) and install the Use phone microphone. This will cause the system to ignore the headphone microphone.
Wired (3.5 mm/Type-C)|Wireless (Mi/Redmi Buds)|Gamer's headset|Other brands|I don't use headphones.-->
4. Physical shutdown of the microphone (for wired headphones)
If the software didn't work, and the headphones are wired, you can use a mechanical solution, which is suitable for headsets with a 3.5 mm jack or Type-C, where the microphone is built into the cord.
Options:
- 🔪 Microphone wire trimming: Find a small thickening on the cord (usually closer to the connector) is a microphone. Carefully cut the wire after this thickening, leaving only the audio channels. Minus: you will lose control of the buttons (if they were).
- 🔌 Using a microphoneless adapter: Buy a Type-C adapter → 3.5 mm without microphone support (e.g, UGREEN 20539) Connect the headphones through it - the system will not detect the microphone.
- 🎧 Replacement of the plug: In the service center, you can double-sweeten the connector, eliminating the microphone contact: ~500–1000 ₽.
⚠️ Attention: Physical intervention is insecure and can damage headphones. Before trimming the wire, check the stitching for your model - in some headsets, the microphone channel is integrated into the common cord without visible thickening.
5. Reset Bluetooth settings and audio system
If the headphone microphone is activated spontaneously, the problem may lie in the failure of the Bluetooth stack or audio drivers, in which case the reset will help.
How to reset:
- 📱 Go to Settings. → Connected devices → Bluetooth.
- 🔄 Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Reset Bluetooth Settings.
- 🎵 Then open the Settings. → Annexes → App management, find Bluetooth and Media Storage, clear cache and data for both.
- 🔁 Reboot your phone and reconnect your headphones.
For a complete reset of audio settings, enter in ADB:
adb shell pm clear com.android.bluetooth
adb shell pm clear com.miui.playerThis will bring all sound parameters back to factory, including microphone routing.
What if the microphone still works after resetting?
6. Features for specific Xiaomi models
Some Xiaomi smartphones have unique nuances in working with headphone microphones.
| Model | Problem. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 13/14 Pro | The microphone of wireless headphones is activated even when connected to a PC | Disable in Settings → Special features → Hearing settings Option Improved sound for headphones |
| Redmi Note 11/12 | Wired headphones transmit noise when recordings in TikTok/Instagram | Use the SoundAssistant app (from Samsung, running on MIUI) to force microphone selection |
| POCO F4/F5 | After upgrading to MIUI 14, the headset microphone does not turn off | Reverse to MIUI 13.5 or install the Disable Bluetooth Mic module |
| Xiaomi Pad 6 | The headphone microphone is used by default in Zoom/Teams | In the application settings manually select the Built-in Microphone of the tablet |
For the POCO X3 Pro and Redmi K50, there is an undocumented feature: during the call, swipe down the notification bar and hold the microphone icon – the recording device selection menu will appear.
7.Alternative solutions: disabling at the application level
If the headphone microphone only interferes with specific applications (for example, in Discord, WhatsApp or games), you can block its access at the permission level:
Instructions:
- 📱 Open the Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
- 🔍 Select the desired application (for example, Telegram).
- 🎤 Go to Permits. → Microphone and set to Prohibit.
- 🔄 For games (e.g, PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty, further disable access to the microphone in the settings of the game.
For WhatsApp and Viber, there is a separate option: in chat, click on three points during a call → Settings → Audio and select Phone (built-in microphone).
⚠️ Note: Some apps (like Google Meet or Zoom) may ignore system permissions and automatically turn on the headset microphone. USB-Put on your headphones after the conference.
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The most reliable way is a combination of methods: turn off the microphone in the MIUI + settings, block access for specific applications, which ensures that the headset will not be used for recording.