How to increase the volume of the microphone on Xiaomi Redmi Note 7: from system settings to engineering menu

Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 is still popular due to its balanced performance and reliable hardware. However, many users experience a quiet microphone during calls, recording voice messages or streams. The problem may lie in both the software limitations of MIUI and the physical features of the model. In this article, we will discuss all working ways to increase the volume of the microphone, from basic settings to hidden functions of the engineering menu.

It's important to understand that microphone sensitivity and recording volume are different things: the first is responsible for the ability of the device to pick up quiet sounds, the second is for the output level. On the Redmi Note 7, you can influence both parameters, but some methods require caution: improper settings of the engineering menu can lead to distortion of the sound or even damage to the speakers. We noted all the risky steps with special warnings.

If you use your phone for professional tasks, such as podcasts or streams on YouTube/Twitch, we recommend that you first test the microphone through applications like Voice Recorder or Audio Tool, which will help you understand whether you need a global setup or just adjusting to a specific software.

1. Check basic sound settings in MIUI

Before digging deeper, make sure the problem isn't in the standard settings. The Redmi Note 7 has several menus that affect how the microphone works:

• 🔊 The volume level of the microphone during calls: go to Settings → Sound and vibration → Volume. It's just the volume of the speaker that's regulated, but sometimes resetting to standard settings helps fix software failures.
• 🎤 Noise suppression: c Settings → Special facilities → Improve sound, disable the "Cancel Calling Noise" option, which can artificially reduce microphone sensitivity.
• 📱 Energy saving mode: in Settings → Check if Super Power Saving is activated, and it limits performance, including audio chip performance.

If the microphone is still quiet after this manipulation, move on to the next section. Note that some MIUI firmware (especially custom ones) may have different or no menu items, in which case resetting the audio settings to factory ones will help, but more on that later.

⚠️ Attention: Turning off noise reduction can impair sound quality in noisy areas. If you make frequent calls on the street or in traffic, it is best to leave this feature on and try other ways to amplify the sound.

2. adjust the sensitivity of the microphone through the engineering menu

The engineering menu on the Redmi Note 7 allows you to manually adjust the microphone gain, but the wrong values can lead to audio distortion or overloading of the audio chip. This method is only suitable for advanced users. If you are not sure about your actions, skip this section.

To get into the engineering menu:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Enter the combination: ##4636###.
3. Select the Information item (or Information on Russian firmware).
4. Scroll down to the Audio block and press the Microphone.

In the menu you will see several sliders responsible for different microphones:

• Mic 0 is the main microphone (for calls).
• Mic 1 is an additional microphone (for noise reduction).
• Mic 2 – microphone for video recording (on some firmware).

Recommended values for the Redmi Note 7:

• 🎙️ For calls: Mic 0 = 200–220 (standard — 180).
• 📹 For video: Mic 2 = 190–210 (standard — 170).

Do not raise the values above 230

⚠️ Warning: After changes to the engineering menu, restart your phone. If the sound gets worse (wheezing, echoing), return the sliders to their original position.

Back up your audio settings (screenshot of current values)

Record the test sound before the changes for comparison

Use headphones to accurately assess quality

Do not exceed the recommended values (maximum + 20% of the standard)

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3.Using third-party applications to amplify the microphone

If the system settings don't work, you can use specialized utilities that work at the software level and do not require root rights. Here are the proven options for the Redmi Note 7:

Streamers and content creators are suitable for Streamlabs or OBS Studio (via) USB-C → PC). These programs allow you to fine-tune the input signal, apply compression and noise cancellation at the PC level. OTG-cable and additional software on the computer.

Important: When using third-party applications, turn off the built-in noise cancellation in MIUI to avoid algorithm conflict, and watch for battery discharge - constant audio processing increases power consumption by 10-15%.

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If you use an external microphone through a 3.5mm connector, check the settings in the SoundAssistant app (available in MIUI by default).

4. Cleaning the microphone hole and checking for hardware malfunctions

Often the problem with a quiet microphone is not the software, but the physical contamination. On the Redmi Note 7, the main microphone is located at the bottom of the case (near the USB-C connector), and the additional microphone is located next to the main camera, their holes can get clogged with dust, pile or moisture.

For cleaning:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Take a soft toothbrush (new!) or a wooden toothpick.
3. Carefully, without pressure, walk through the microphone holes.
4. To remove moisture, use silica gel (shoe box bags) - put the phone in a sealed bag with balls for 12 hours.

If the problem persists after cleaning, check the microphone for hardware damage:

• 🔧 Microphone test: call another phone and see if you can hear it.
• 🎥 Video recording: Turn on the camera and record a test video. Compare the volume of your voice to background noise.
• 🔊 Testing speaker: sometimes a quiet sound on the other side is not associated with the microphone, but with the speaker of the interlocutor.

⚠️ Warning: Do not use metal objects, compressed air or liquids (including alcohol) to clean! This can damage the microphone membrane. If the sound becomes worse after cleaning (wheezing), the membrane is probably deformed - you will need to replace the microphone.

5. Resetting the sound settings to factory

If you've been experimenting with settings and the microphone is now performing worse than it used to, resetting audio parameters will help, and this method will bring all values back to standard, including those that were changed through the engineering menu.

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings → System and device → Additional → Resetting.
2. Select Network Settings Reset (this will also reset the sound settings).
3. Confirm the action and restart the phone.

After discharge:

• 🔄 Check the microphone through the standard Dictaphone app.
• 📞 Make a test call (preferably via WhatsApp or Telegram, where the sound quality does not depend on the operator).
• 🎧 Connect headphones to a microphone and compare recording quality.

If the reset didn’t help, there may be a problem with the firmware.Redmi Note 7 is known for bugs with audio drivers in versions of MIUI 12.0.3-12.0.6.In this case, it will help to upgrade to the latest stable firmware or roll back to an earlier version.

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Resetting your audio settings is the safest way to get your microphone back to working condition if you’re unsure of your handling of the engineering menu.

Alternative solutions: external microphones and USB-adapter

If the built-in Redmi Note 7 microphone doesn’t work, consider external devices that connect via USB-C or 3.5mm and deliver much better sound quality.

Popular solutions:

• 🎤 Lavalier microphones (e.g., Boya) BY-M1 Fifine K031) — Connect via 3.5mm, ideal for video and streaming.
• 🎧 Headsets with microphone (for example, Xiaomi Hybrid Pro or Sony) WH-CH710N) — callable.
• 🖥️ USB-C Adapters (e.g. Shure) MV88+ Rode VideoMic – Professional quality for podcasts.

To connect external microphones to the Redmi Note 7, you may need to:

• OTG-Adapter (if microphone with USB-type C).
• Splitter (if you need to charge the phone and use the microphone at the same time).
• An audio management application (e.g. USB Audio Player PRO for fine tuning).

Note that not all external microphones are compatible with MIUI. Check Xiaomi reviews before buying or test the device in the store. Also note that when using an external microphone, the built-in one automatically turns off.

7. Update firmware and core to fix bugs with microphone

Some versions of MIUI for the Redmi Note 7 have known bugs with the Qualcomm WCD9340 audio chip.

• A quiet sound when recording a video in 4K.
• Distortion of voice during calls via VoLTE.
• Spontaneous decrease in microphone volume after updating.

To fix this:

1. Check the current firmware version in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version.
2. If version is older than 12.5.4, upgrade via Settings → System Update.
3. If the problem has occurred after the update, try to roll back to a stable version (e.g. 12.0.2) via Fastboot.

For power users, there is a custom kernel firmware option (e.g. Perseus or FrancoKernel) that optimizes audio performance. However, this requires unlocking the bootloader and root rights, which voids the warranty. For detailed instructions on kernel firmware, look for XDA Developers or 4PDA forums (section Redmi Note 7).

⚠️ Warning: Firmware of unofficial cores can cause the phone to malfunction, overheat or even "brick" (completely inoperable). TWRP Make sure the kernel you select is compatible with your model (Redmi Note 7 is lavender encoding).

FAQ: Frequent questions about the microphone on the Redmi Note 7