Notifications on WhatsApp can be a source of constant irritation, especially if you are in active chats or group conversations. On Xiaomi smartphones with a MIUI shell, turning off the sound has its own nuances: standard settings of the messenger sometimes conflict with system parameters, and after updates, the menu interface may change. This article will help you understand how to guarantee to remove the sound for all messages, including exceptions for important contacts and solving typical problems.
We’ll look at two main ways: through WhatsApp’s settings and through MIUI system settings. You’ll also learn why sound can come back after a reboot, how to adjust vibration instead of sound, and what to do if notifications stop coming at all. Instructions are relevant for all modern Xiaomi models, including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13T and others based on MIUI 13/14.
Why WhatsApp notifications sound even after you turn off
Many users are faced with a situation where the notification sound is turned off in the messenger settings, but the signals continue to be heard, the reason lies in the multilayer architecture of MIUI:
- 🔊 Settings conflict: MIUI It has its own notification center that can ignore application settings.
- 🔄 Automatic Recovery: After Updating MIUI or WhatsApp settings can be reset.
- 📱 Duplicate channels: Some Xiaomi models have notifications duplicated via the WhatsApp Messages system channel.
- 🔧 Battery Optimization: Auto Start in MIUI It can block the correct operation of notifications.
Another common problem is that the sound comes back after the reboot, and that's because MIUI caches the notification settings, and when you start the system, they're restored from the backup, so you can turn off the sound in two places at once: WhatsApp itself and the system settings.
Method 1: Turn off sound through WhatsApp settings
Starting with the most obvious method, the messaging settings, which works on all smartphones, but Xiaomi is better off combining it with system changes (see next section).
- Open WhatsApp and tap on three dots in the upper right corner → Settings.
- Go to Notifications. → Notifications of communications.
- Turn off the Sound slider (on some versions – Notification Tone).
- To completely turn off, also deactivate Vibration and LED indicator.
Please note that if you want to leave sound for individual chats (such as from loved ones), go back to Notifications and select Notification Tones for individual chats.
Disabled sound in general settings|Exemptions for important chats are checked|Vibration is turned off (if not necessary)|Resetting the application cache (additional)-->
Method 2: Disconnection through MIUI system settings
This method is more reliable because it blocks sound at the operating system level, and the instructions are relevant for MIUI 12-14.
- Open Phone Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Find WhatsApp on the list and tap on it.
- Select Notifications → disable Allow Notifications slider (if you need to disable completely) or go to Notification Categories.
- In the Messages category (or WhatsApp Messages) turn off Sound and Vibration.
Some MIUI firmware may not have a category-specific audio switching option, in which case:
Settings → Sound and vibration → Sound Modes → Setup → Notifications → Select “No Sound”💡
If notifications stop coming after turning off the sound, check Settings → Apps → Permissions → Auto Run and include WhatsApp in the list of automatically running apps.
Exceptions: How to leave sound for important chats
If you want to turn off the audio for all notifications except for your favorite contacts, use the MIUI Priority Notifications feature:
- Open a chat with the right contact on WhatsApp.
- Slip on the name of the interlocutor at the top → Notifications.
- Turn on Use High Priority and customize your individual sound.
In MIUI, you can also configure exceptions for notifications:
- 🔕 Settings → Notifications and status bar → Priority notifications.
- 📌 Add WhatsApp to the list and select Only for Important.
- 🔔 Manually mark the chat rooms for which the sound should remain.
What to do if important notifications are not heard?
Table: Comparison of methods of turning off sound
| Method | Advantages | Deficiencies | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Through WhatsApp settings | Quickly, easily, does not require access to system settings. | Can be reset after updates, does not block system notifications | Users who need a temporary shutdown |
| Through MIUI settings | Reliably turns off sound at OS level, works even after restarting | Requires additional action, may conflict with battery optimization | Those who want a complete and permanent shutdown |
| Do not disturb mode. | Turns off all sounds, including calls | Blocks all notifications, requires manual control | Nighttime or important meetings |
| Priority notifications | Flexible setup for individual chats | It’s hard to set up, it might not work on older versions of MIUI. | Users with important contacts |
Frequent problems and their solutions
Even after the audio is turned off, Xiaomi users may encounter unexpected signals.
⚠️ Note: If notifications stopped coming after the sound was turned off in WhatsApp, check the Settings section. → Annexes → Permits → Autorun and add the messenger to the list of exceptions. Also make sure that in Settings → Battery and productivity → Power management for WhatsApp applications is set without restrictions.
Problem 1: Sound is back after MIUI update
This is because of the reset of the notification settings.
- Open Settings → Applications → WhatsApp → Notifications.
- Reset the settings to factory (Reset button in the upper right corner).
- Turn the sound off again.
Problem 2: Notifications are duplicated (sound goes twice)
The culprit is a MIUI notification system channel to eliminate:
Settings → Notifications and Status bar → Notification channels → Find “WhatsApp Messages” → Turn off the sound💡
If none of the methods worked, try clearing WhatsApp cache (Settings → Apps → WhatsApp → Memory → Clear cache).This will reset the temporary data, but will not delete messages.
Additional settings: vibration, LED, pop-up windows
Turning off the sound completely doesn’t mean you’ll miss important messages, but you can configure alternative ways to alert Xiaomi:
- 📳 Vibration: In WhatsApp settings (Notifications) → Vibration: Choose one of your preset rhythms or create your own.
- 💡 LED indicator: Activated in WhatsApp Settings → Notifications → LED indicator. On Xiaomi, also check Settings → Display. → Notification indicator.
- 📝 Pop-up notifications: Enable in Settings MIUI → Notifications and status bar → Pop-up notifications.
- 🔇 Do Not Disturb: Set the schedule in Settings → Sound and vibration → Don’t bother by adding WhatsApp to exceptions.
For models with Always-On Display (such as Xiaomi 13 Pro or POCO F5), you can configure the notification display on the locked screen:
Settings → Display → Always-On Display and Lock → Style setting → Enable “Show Notifications”