How to turn on automatic cleaning speaker on Xiaomi: instructions for all models

Clogging speakers on Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO smartphones is a problem that every second user faces. Dust, moisture and small debris gradually accumulate in the grille, worsening the sound quality: the bass becomes deaf, the volume drops, and in some cases, unpleasant wheezing occurs. Fortunately, the manufacturer has provided a built-in automatic cleaning of the speakers, which helps to solve this problem without disassembling the device.

In this article, you will find unique instructions for different versions of MIUI, including hidden settings that are not documented in official manuals. We will discuss how to enable cleaning on models from Xiaomi 11T to Redmi Note 12, what to do if the feature does not work, and how to manually speed up the cleaning process.

What is a speaker cleaning on Xiaomi and how it works

Speaker Cleaning is a hardware-software solution integrated into MIUI firmware, which relies on generating low-frequency vibrations (usually in the range of 50–100 Hz) that physically push dust particles out of the speaker membrane, a process that takes 10 to 30 seconds and requires no user intervention.

It's important to understand that this is not a magic button, but a preventive measure, and it's effective against fine dust and condensation, but it can't do anything about:

• 🧹 Large particles of garbage (sand, hairs, crumbs)
• 💧 Liquid trapped inside the body (disassembly will be required)
• 🔊 Mechanical damage to the membrane (cracks, ruptures)

On newer models (Xiaomi 13, Redmi Note 13 Pro+), the function is automatic – the system itself detects the clogging by changing acoustic characteristics. On older devices (before MIUI 12), cleaning must be started manually.

What Xiaomi models support the function of cleaning speakers

Speaker Cleaning is available on most Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices released after 2019, but its implementation depends on the MIUI version and hardware platform.

If your model isn't listed, check the MIUI version in Settings → About Phone. The feature may have appeared after a firmware update. For example, on the Redmi Note 9 Pro, speaker cleaning was only available with MIUI 12.5.

⚠️ Note: On custom firmware devices (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience), the feature may not be available or not work correctly.

Step-by-step: how to turn on the cleaning speaker

The activation process depends on the version of MIUI. Below are universal methods for different scenarios.

Method 1: Through standard settings (MIUI 13 and later)

On modern devices, the function is available directly:

1. Open the Settings. → Sound and vibration.
2. Scroll down to the block additionally.
3. Select Speaker Cleaning (or Speaker Cleaning in English firmware).
4. Click Start and wait until it is completed (usually 15-20 seconds).

Close all applications that use sound (music, video)

Connect your phone to charge (recommended)

Make sure the speakers are not blocked by the cover

Check the battery level (minimum 20%)-->

Method 2: Engineering menu (for older models)

If the settings do not include Clean the speaker, try activating the function through the hidden menu:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Enter the combination: ##4636###.
3. In the engineering menu, select Hardware Testing → Audio.
4. Press Speaker Test → Clean Speaker.

On some devices (e.g. Xiaomi Mi A2), the path may be different: Engineer Mode → Hardware → Speaker → Clean.

⚠️ Warning: Do not change other parameters in the engineering menu without knowing their purpose.

Method 3: Using the Security App (MIUI 12)

On MIUI firmware 12 and below, the function is sometimes hidden in the Security app:

1. Open Security. → Optimization.
2. Slap the icon. ⚙️ (Settings) in the upper corner.
3. Select Clean speaker.

If you don’t have one, update the Security app via Google Play or the App Store (for global versions of MIUI).

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If the sound does not improve after cleaning, try repeating the procedure 2-3 times with an interval of 5 minutes.

What to do if the speaker cleaning function does not work

If you follow the instructions but the Clean Up speaker button is inactive or absent, the reasons may be as follows:

• 🔄 Outdated firmware. MIUI Up to the latest version in Settings → Updating the system.
• 🔇 Sound is turned off. Function doesn't work if the phone is in No Sound or Vibration.
• 🛠️ If the membrane is torn, cleaning won't help, it needs a replacement.
• 📱 Castom firmware. In informal assemblies, the function can be removed.

If the problem is firmware, try resetting the sound settings:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find Settings (app) and select Storage → Clear data.
3. Restart the phone and check for the function again.

Manual cleaning of speakers: when you need and how to do it safely

Automated cleaning doesn't always deal with heavy pollution, and if the sound hasn't improved after a few attempts, you can try mechanical cleaning, but it's important to be careful not to damage the membrane.

What you need:

• 🧻 Soft brush (for example, for makeup) or toothpick
• 💨 Compressed air container (optional)
• 🔦 Lighting lamp
• 🧴 Alcohol wipes (for disinfection)

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off your phone to avoid short circuits.
2. Carefully tuck the speaker grille with a plastic card (not metal!) on most Xiaomi models, it is mounted on the latches.
3. Remove visible dust with a brush or compressed air (hold the balloon vertically so as not to freeze the membrane!).
4. Wipe the lattice and the area around it with an alcohol napkin.
5. Set the grille in place, making sure the latches are firmly established.

⚠️ Warning: Never use sharp objects (needles, knives) to clean the speaker. Even a light touch can tear the membrane, and then you will need to replace the entire module (cost from 1500 to 5000 rubles depending on the model).

If you manually brushed it, you probably moved the membrane by accident.

• Don’t try to “fix” it yourself.
• Do not play loud music – this can aggravate the damage.
• Contact the Xiaomi Service Center (addresses can be found on the website) mi.com/ru/service).

How to prevent clogging of speakers: 7 practical tips

It's best not to make the speakers clean, but to make them live longer.

• 📱 Use cases with notches for speakers. Closed covers (such as books) impair air circulation and contribute to the accumulation of dust.
• 🚿 Avoid wet conditions. After showering or raining, dry your phone for 10-15 minutes off (you can put it in a silica gel bag).
• 🔊 Don't put the speaker down. It's the main cause of dust and debris.
• 🎵 Play low-frequency tracks regularly. Bass music (e.g. electronic) helps to shake off the dust from the membrane.
• 🧹 Clean pockets and bags.Sand and crumbs from your pockets often get into speakers when carrying your phone.
• 🔄 Update. MIUI. New firmware versions improve automatic cleaning algorithms.
• 🛡️ Install a safety net. AliExpress sells thin metal mesh that is glued over the standard grille to prevent debris from getting in.

If you use your phone frequently on the street or in dusty conditions (like construction), consider buying an IP68-certified waterproof case that will not only protect speakers, but also extend the life of the USB-C connector.

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Auto-cleaning speakers on Xiaomi is prevention, not cure. If the sound is already severely distorted, it will likely require mechanical cleaning or repair.

Frequent errors of users when cleaning speakers

Many Xiaomi owners are exacerbating speaker issues due to wrong actions.Here's the top-5 Mistakes that should be avoided:

1. Using a vacuum cleaner, a powerful flow of air can tear the membrane or pull it out of the body.
2. Cleaning with wet wipes, and the water that gets under the bar oxidizes the contacts and leads to corrosion.
3. Use of alcohol or solvents.
4. Frequent automatic cleaning starts.
5. Ignoring wheezing. If the speaker starts wheezing, you need to clean it right away -- the longer you drag, the harder it will be to fix the blockage.

Another common mistake is using tape to remove dust, and then the sticky residues are even harder to remove, and they can get inside the speaker, making the sound worse.

If you are not sure of your abilities, it is better to contact the service. The average cost of professional cleaning of speakers in Xiaomi centers is 500-1200 rubles, which is cheaper than repairing after unsuccessful manipulations.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions About Cleaning Xiaomi Speakers