How to turn off headphones on Xiaomi Mi 9: step-by-step instructions

Xiaomi Mi 9 is the flagship of 2019, which is still popular among users thanks to the powerful hardware and flexible firmware MIUI. But even such proven devices have strange things: for example, the phone “hangs” in headphone mode, although you have long disabled them. The sound goes only to the headset, the speakers are silent, and in the status bar and the icon of the headphones burns. What is the reason and how to fix it?

The problem is typical for all Xiaomi smartphones based on MIUI 10-14, but the Mi 9 suffers more often due to the features of the Qualcomm WCD9340 audio chip.

• 🔌 Mechanical contamination of the connector 3.5 mm (dust, contact oxidation).
• 🤖 Software failure after updating or installing third-party applications.
• 🎧 Headphone malfunction (short circuit in plug).
• 🔄 Bluetooth conflict (if wireless headphones were used).

In this article, 5 proven ways to turn off headphones on the Xiaomi Mi 9, from basic to advanced, including hidden MIUI features and hardware solutions. If standard methods don’t work, you’ll learn how to reset audio settings without losing data.

Basic methods: reboot and physical check

Start with the simplest one. In 60 percent of cases, the problem is solved by rebooting or cleaning the connector — it takes less than a minute and requires no technical skills.

Step 1. Reboot your phone.

• 🔄 Press the Power button for 3-5 seconds.
• 📱 Select Reboot from the menu (not “Switch Off!”).
• 🎵 Once turned on, check the sound through the speakers (e.g., run a video on YouTube).

Step 2. Check the 3.5mm connector.

If the reboot didn't help, check the connector:

• 🔍 Light up with a flashlight - there should be no debris, bent contacts or traces of corrosion inside.
• 🧴 Clean the connector carefully with a toothpick (not metal objects!).
• 🎧 Connect and turn off the headphones 2-3 times, slightly swaying the plug.

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If the connector is oxidized, wipe it with a cotton swab soaked in an alcohol solution (at least 70%).

Step 3. Check the headphones on another device

Connect the headset to another smartphone or PC, and if the sound is jammed or interrupted, the problem is with the headphones, not the Xiaomi Mi 9.

• 🛒 Buy new headphones (we recommend models with an L-shaped plug - they break less).
• 🔧 If the headset is expensive, take it to a plug repair service.

2. Software Methods: MIUI settings and audio reset

If the physical check fails, the problem lies in the software part. MIUI has hidden audio settings that can be reset without full flashing.

Method 1. Disconnect the headphones through the notification panel

1. 📲 Swipe your finger down to open the notification bar.
2. 🔊 Find the headphone icon (usually next to the volume control).
3. 🚫 Slip on it, there should be a cross or the inscription "Stop".

Method 2: Resetting the sound settings

This method will return the audio parameters to the factory, but will not affect personal data:

1. ⚙️ Go to Settings → Sound and vibration.
2. ➡️ Scroll down and select Additional settings.
3. 🔄 Press Reset audio settings and confirm the action.

Check the current volume (remember or take a picture)

Turn off Bluetooth devices

Close all audio applications (music, video)

Connect your phone to charge (in case of a long procedure)

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Method 3: Cleaning the cache of the Phone application

Sometimes the crash happens because of the system application com.android.phone, which is responsible for managing the audio routes.

1. ⚙️ Open the Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
2. 🔍 In search, type in the Phone (or com.android.phone).
3. 🧹 Select Warehouse. → Clear the cache.
4. 🔄 Reboot the phone.

3. Advanced Methods: Engineering Menu and ADB

If the standard methods don’t work, you’ll need to use the hidden features of the Xiaomi Mi 9, which require caution, but are effective in 90% of the “severe” cases.

Method 1: Engineering Menu (MTK Engineer Mode)

Through the engineering menu, you can forcibly reset audio settings:

1. 📞 Open the Phone app and enter the code: ##36446337##
2. ⚙️ Go to Hardware Testing → Audio.
3. 🔊 Select Headset Mode and set the Off value.
4. 🔄 Save the changes and restart the phone.

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The engineering menu allows you to manually switch audio routes, and if after reset, the sound still goes to the headphones, the problem is hardware (the connector or audio chip is defective).

Method 2: ADB commands (for power users)

If you have a PC, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge) to force the headphones to turn off:

1. 🖥️ Install. ADB Tools on the computer.
2. 📱 Turn on Debugging on USB (Settings → About Phone → Version MIUI – tap 7 times, then go back to Additional Settings → For Developers).
3. 🔌 Connect Mi 9 to the PC and execute the commands: adb shell settings put global headset_state 0 settings put global wired_headset_state 0
4. 🔄 Reboot the phone.

⚠️ Warning: Misuse of ADB can cause a system failure. If you're not sure what you're doing, skip this method.

4 Hardware Solutions: What to Do When Nothing Helps

If the software methods didn't work, the problem is probably the hardware.

Problem 1: 3.5mm connector damaged

• 🔧 Symptoms: The phone doesn't recognize the headphones, the sound is interrupted, the headphone icon flashes.
• 🛠️ Solution: Replace the connector in the service center (cost ~1 500–2 500 ₽).

Problem 2: The audio chip is faulty.

• 🎛️ Symptoms: No sound in the headphones or speakers, microphone not working.
• 🔨 Solution: Suppliering Qualcomm WCD9340 chip (expensive, ~5,000–8,000 ₽).

Problem 3: Short circuit on board

• ⚡ Symptoms: The phone overheats, discharges quickly, the headphones "connect" on their own.
• 🔍 Solution: Diagnostics in the service (possible replacement of the fee).

⚠️ Warning: If the Xiaomi Mi 9 is warranty, don't disassemble it yourself! contact the official Xiaomi service - warranty repairs can be free.

5. Alternative solutions: Bluetooth and USB-audio

If you turn off the headphones is not possible, but urgently need a sound - use the workarounds.

Option 1. Connect the Bluetooth headset

• 🎧 Couple your phone with wireless headphones or a speaker.
• 📲 In Settings → Connected devices, prioritize Bluetooth.

Option 2. Use a USB-C audio adapter

If the 3.5mm connector doesn't work, buy a USB-C → 3.5mm adapter (cost ~ 300-800 ₽). Connect it and the headphones, and the sound goes through the USB- port.

Option 3: Turn on monopods in conversations

If the main speaker is not working, but calls are needed:

1. ⚙️ Go to Settings → Sound and vibration → Call and notification sound.
2. 🔊 Activate the Monopod option on conversations.

Prevention: How to avoid problems in the future

To avoid the problem recurring, follow simple rules:

• 🧼 Clean the 3.5mm connector regularly (every 2-3 months).
• 🔌 Avoid sudden movements when connecting/unplugging headphones.
• 📱 Do not use your phone in wet conditions (e.g., in the bathroom).
• 🔄 Update MIUI to the latest version (new firmware fixes sound bugs).
• 🛡️ Install dust protection (e.g., cover with plug for connector).

Tips for Mi 9 owners: if you often connect headphones, turn off automatic recognition of the headset:

1. ⚙️ Go to Settings → Additional settings → Special features.
2. 🎧 Find the Auto Switch to Headphones option and turn it off.

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The more you plug in/disable your headphones, the higher the risk of failure. Use a Bluetooth headset to extend the life of the 3.5mm connector.

FAQ: Frequent questions about headphones on Xiaomi Mi 9