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

Have you noticed that when you call or record voice messages, your interlocutor hears echoes, noise or your voice is distorted? The reason most often lies in the automatically activated microphone of Xiaomi headphones — even if you use them only for listening to music. This problem is especially relevant for owners of wireless headphones in the series Redmi Buds, Mi True Wireless or POCO Pop Buds, where the microphone can be activated arbitrarily when you connect to the phone.

In this article, we will discuss 5 working ways to turn off the microphone in headphones on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones – from standard MIUI settings to hidden Android features. The instructions are relevant for all firmware versions (including MIUI 14 based on Android 13/14) and are suitable for both wired and wireless models, and you will learn why the microphone can turn on spontaneously and how to avoid this.

Why is the microphone in Xiaomi headphones automatically turned on?

The manufacturer puts in the headphones Xiaomi function "automatic switching of the audio route" - the system itself determines which microphone to use: built-in or external (in headphones).

• 🎧 Wireless headphones (such as Redmi Buds 4 Pro or Xiaomi Buds) 3T) Automatically activate the microphone when you connect to your phone, even if you’re just listening to music.
• 🔌 Wired models with 3.5 mm connector (for example, Mi Basic Earphones) can transmit sound from the microphone due to incorrect settings. MIUI.
• 📱 Firmware errors: in some versions MIUI 12-13 There was a bug when the microphone on the headphones turned on at any audio input (even for recording video on TikTok or Instagram).

In addition, in Xiaomi headphones with support for “Transparent Mode” (for example, in Xiaomi Buds 4), the microphone is always active to capture ambient sounds. This can create the illusion that the microphone “does not turn off” – in fact, it works in the background for processing noise cancellation.

⚠️ Note: If you use Xiaomi headphones with game mode (such as Black Shark Earbuds), the microphone may turn on when you start games to improve voice chat. In this case, turn off the feature in the settings of the Black Shark launcher app.

Method 1: Turn off the microphone through the MIUI sound settings

The easiest method is to use standard MIUI settings. It works for most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models on MIUI 12 firmware and later:

1. Open the Settings app on your phone.
2. Go to the section Sound and vibration.
3. Select Sound Quality and Effects (in some versions – Additional Sound Settings).
4. Find the option of headphone microphone or audio route and turn it off.

If there is no such item, try an alternative path:

Settings → Connected devices → Headphones [model name] → Settings (cogs) → Turn off the microphone

On some models (such as the POCO F4 or Redmi Note 12 Pro+), the option is hidden deeper.

Check the section "Special features" → "Sound settings"

Look at the "For Developers" (how to enable - see Method 4)

Update your firmware to the latest version of MIUI

Reset network settings (Settings) → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Reset)

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⚠️ Note: On Android 12 and newer smartphones (e.g. Xiaomi 13 or Redmi) K60) The path to settings may differ due to changes in the interface MIUI 14.If you don't find an option, try using voice search in the settings (button with microphone at the top of the screen) and say: "Disable the microphone headphones".

Method 2: Manually switching the audio route during a call

If the headphone microphone is activated only during calls, it can be turned off directly in the call interface. This method works on all Xiaomi smartphones regardless of the version of MIUI:

1. Make or take the call.
2. On the call screen, tap the icon "Dynamic / Headphones" (usually in the upper right corner).
3. In the menu that appears, select Phone (built-in microphone) instead of Headphones.

On some models (e.g. POCO X5 Pro), the interface may look different:

This is a temporary way, so the next time you call, the headphone microphone can be activated again. To fix the setting, use Method 3 (Developer Settings).

Method 3: Turning off the microphone through Developer Mode

If standard settings don't work, you'll have to use hidden options for developers, which is suitable for power users and requires caution:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version (you will be notified "You're a developer!").

Settings

For developers

Turn off the absolute volume level

Turn it on.

Network

Audio station on call

Built-in microphone

High-profile communication

On some firmware (for example, MIUI 13 for Redmi Note 11), the option may be called differently:

⚠️ Warning: Do not change other settings in the Developer Menu unless you are sure of their purpose. For example, the option to disable audio checker may cause the headphones to lose sound altogether.

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If after changes in the developer mode, the headphone microphone still turns on, try resetting the network settings (Settings) → SIM-maps and mobile networks → This often helps in audio route conflicts.

Method 4: Use of third-party applications (for advanced users)

If the built-in MIUI tools don't work, you can use third-party utilities. We tested 3 reliable applications that work on Xiaomi without root rights:

• 📱 SoundAssistant (from Samsung, but compatible with the MIUI): It allows you to manually select a microphone for each application. There is an option to "Disable the headphone microphone" in the call settings.
• 🔊 Audio Routing (requires Android 10)+): Creates virtual audio profiles for different devices, and you can set up an automatic turn off of the headphone microphone when you connect.
• 🛠️ MacroDroid (for automation): Create a macro: When connecting headphones → Turn off the microphone. You will need permission to access the settings.

Before installing, check compatibility with your Xiaomi model:

For SoundAssistant: runs MIUI 12-14, but may conflict with MIUI Security.




For Audio Routing: Requires the developer mode enabled (see Method 3).




For MacroDroid: Some phones (such as the Xiaomi 13 Ultra) need to disable battery optimization for the app.

⚠️ Attention: Apps like ViPER4Android Dolby Atmos may conflict with the microphone settings. If the problem worsens after installation, delete them and reset the audio settings (Settings) → Annexes → Application management → Sound. → Reset).

Method 5: Physically shutting down the microphone (for wired headphones)

If the software methods don't work, and the headphones are wired (with a 3.5 mm connector), you can mechanically turn off the microphone without damaging the sound, which is suitable for models like Mi Basic Earphones, Redmi Earphones or POCO Earbuds with wires.

You'll need:

• 🔧 Flat screwdriver or knife.
• 🧲 Strain or shrink tube.
• 🔍 Lupa (optional, for accuracy).

Step-by-step:

1. Find a microphone module on the headphone wire (usually a small plastic block with a call response button).
2. Carefully cut the insulation of the wire after this module (from the plug side 3.5 mm).
3. Inside, you'll see 3-4 wires: Red to right channel; green/blue to left channel; copper (no insulation) to general (ground); white/gold to microphone (that's what you need to turn off!).

gold-wire

Wrap the incision area with tape or use a heat shrink tube.

After that, the microphone will stop working, and the sound in the headphones will remain. If you are afraid of damaging the wire, contact the service center - they will do it professionally in 10-15 minutes.

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Physically turning off the microphone is the only 100% reliable way for wired headphones, but it's irreversible. If you ever need a microphone (like a Hands-Free in a car), this method won't work.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When trying to turn off the microphone in Xiaomi headphones, users often face typical problems. We have collected TOP-5 errors and ways to solve them:

If none of these methods worked, try resetting your phone to factory settings (be sure to back it up!) and 90% of the time, this solves the problem with a stubborn microphone.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions