How to turn on the microphone on the phone Xiaomi: 5 proven ways

The microphone on Xiaomi smartphones is a key element for calling, voice messaging and working with voice assistants. However, many users face a situation when the interlocutor does not hear them during a conversation, and applications (such as WhatsApp or Viber) do not recognize voice, most often the problem lies not in hardware failure, but in the wrong settings or software failures.

In this article, we’ll look at all the possible ways to turn on the microphone on Redmi, POCO and Mi phones, from basic checks to hidden MIUI features.

• 🔍 Check the physical performance of the microphone
• ⚙️ Configure permissions for applications in MIUI
• 📱 Enable the microphone through the engineering menu (for advanced ones)
• 🔄 Reset the sound settings to factory
• 🛠️ Diagnose hardware malfunctions

The instructions are valid for all modern Xiaomi models based on MIUI 12-14 and HyperOS, including Redmi Note 12/13, POCO X5/F5, Xiaomi 13/14 and earlier devices. If your phone is released before 2018, some menu items may differ - we will warn you about this separately.

1. Checking the physical performance of the microphone

Before digging into the settings, make sure the problem isn't with the hardware. Xiaomi phones usually have 2-3 microphones:

• 🎤 Main microphone - located at the bottom of the body (near the connector) USB-C). Responsible for voice during calls.
• 📱 The second microphone is at the top (near the speaker) and is used for noise reduction and video recording.
• 🔊 Third microphone (on some models, for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra) – for improved sound capture.

To check if the microphone is working physically:

1. Open the Dictaphone app (standard or third-party, such as Easy Voice Recorder).
2. Start recording and say a few phrases in a normal timbre.
3. Play the recording. If you hear the voice clearly, the microphone is working, and if the recording is silent, disturbed or absent, move on to the next steps.

⚠️ Attention: If the microphone doesn't work even in the recorder, it could be a result of contamination of the grille (dust, moisture) or mechanical damage. Try to clean the microphone hole gently with a soft brush or compressed air. Don't use sharp objects!

On some models (such as the POCO F4 GT or Redmi K50 Gaming), the microphone may be turned off due to activation of the Game Turbo mode.

2. Setup permissions for applications in MIUI

A common reason for a silent microphone is that applications don't have permissions, and MIUI and HyperOS set up microphone permissions separately for each application, and here's how to check them:

Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.

Select an app that doesn’t have a microphone (e.g. WhatsApp, Telegram, Zoom).

Go to the Permissions section → Microphone and set the switch to the position "Allow".

If the "Ask Every Time" option is active, the app will request access every time you use the microphone.

If you can’t find the app you want in the list, try resetting permissions for all apps: go to Settings → Apps → Permissions → Reset application permissions.

⚠️ Note: On HyperOS phones (e.g. Xiaomi 14 or Redmi) K70) The path to permissions may be different: Settings → Confidentiality → Manager's permissions → Microphone. Open Settings. → Annexes → App management Select a problem app (such as WhatsApp) Go to Permissions → Microphone Install the switch to the position "Allow" Restart the application--> 3. Enable microphone through the engineering menu (for advanced) If standard methods did not help, you can try to activate the microphone through the engineering menu (Hidden Menu), this method is suitable for advanced users, as incorrect changes can lead to failures. Instructions for Xiaomi on Qualcomm Snapdragon processors: Open the Phone app and enter the code: ##4636##. From the menu that opens, select Information → Audio. Scroll down to the Microphone section and check statuses: 🔊 Mic1 Status - The main microphone 🔊 Mic2 Status - Second microphone (if any) If there is a Disabled next to the microphone, try turning it on via Enable (if an option is available). For phones running MediaTek processors (such as the Redmi Note 12 or the Redmi Note 12 or the other. POCO M5) Use the code #36446337# (Engineering Mode) MTK). In the menu, select Hardware Testing. → Audio → Mic Test. ⚠️ Warning: Don't change other options on the engineering menu unless you're sure they're intended! This can cause sound loss, camera failures, or even "bricking" the device. If the microphone on the engineering menu shows up as Normal but still doesn't work, the problem may be the firmware. Try to update. MIUI To the latest version or reset (this is discussed in the next section) What to do if the engineering menu does not open? On some Xiaomi models (especially HyperOS) the standard engineering menu codes may be blocked.In this case: 1. MTK Engineering Mode (for MediaTek) or Qualcomm Hidden Menu (for Snapdragon) from Google Play. 2. Give the app root rights (if the phone is rooted) or use ADB-3. The alternative is to use a PC and a program. QPST maui META for the diagnosis of the microphone through USB-4 Resets the sound and network settings if the microphone stopped working after the update MIUI Or you can install a new app, and you can reset it, and it doesn't affect your personal data (photos, contacts), but it'll go back to factory settings: 🔊 Sound settings (loudness, equalizer) 📶 Network settings (mobile Internet, Wi-Fi) 🎤 Microphone permissions for applications How to perform reset: Go to Settings → The phone. → Resetting settings. Select Network Reset (for network settings) or Reset (for full reset). Confirm the action and wait for the reset: 🔄 Reconnect to Wi-Fi and mobile network. 📱 Go to the permissions settings and again provide access to the microphone to the desired applications. 🎧 Check the microphone on the recorder and during the call. If the reset didn't work, try updating. MIUI To do this, go to Settings. → The phone. → System Update: HyperOS phones may get more updates — watch out for notifications. 💡Before resetting settings, record or photograph the mobile network settings (APN), if you use non-standard operator settings (for example, for MTS 5. Diagnostics of hardware malfunctions If software methods have not yielded results, the problem may be in the hardware. Here are the signs that the microphone is out of order: 🚫 The microphone does not work in any application, including the voice recorder. 🔊 During the call, the interlocutor hears strong interference or silence. 💧 The phone fell into the water or was subjected to a strong vibration. 🔧 After repair (e.g., replacement of the charging connector), the microphone stopped working. Self-diagnostic: Check the microphone plume: On some models (e.g. Redmi 9 or POCO X3) The microphone is connected through a flexible plume that can go away over time. If you've been disassembling the phone, make sure the plume is tightly connected to the motherboard. Headphone test: Connect the wired headphones to the microphone. If they're sounding normally, the problem is the main microphone on the phone. SIM-card to another phone and check the quality of the connection, which will help to eliminate problems on the part of the operator. Typical hardware malfunctions and their causes: Problem Possible cause Microphone solution works quietly, with noise Pollution of microphone grille Cleaning compressed air or soft brush Microphone does not work after falling Disconnection of the plume or damage to contacts Disassembly and check connections (experience required) Microphone only works in Headphones Damage to the main microphone Replacement of the microphone in the service center Interference during the call Oxidation of contacts after moisture Drying the phone and cleaning with alcohol (when disassembling) If you do not have experience in electronics repair, it is better to contact the Xiaomi service center. The cost of replacing the microphone in official SCs starts from 800-1500 rubles (depending on the model. 💡If the phone is warranty, do not disassemble it yourself! Warranty is canceled if the seals are broken or the case is damaged. 6. Additional tips and frequent errors Sometimes the microphone on Xiaomi does not work due to non-obvious reasons. Here is what else you can check: Disable noise reduction: In some firmware MIUI Noise reduction can suppress voice. To turn it off: When you call, press three dots (⋮) in the call interface. Select the call settings. → Noise reduction. Turn off the option or set Low. Application conflict: Some applications (e.g. Greenify, Battery Saver or App Ops) may block access to the microphone to save charge. Check their settings or temporarily delete. Do not disturb mode: In MIUI There's a Do Not Disturb feature that may limit microphone performance for some applications. → Sound. → Don’t disturb and check for exceptions. Errors after the update: If the microphone stopped working after the update MIUI, Try to roll back to the previous firmware version through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system → Three points (⋮) → Choose a service pack. Finally, remember to have covers and safety windows. Tight covers can cover the microphone hole, and poor security glasses can create a resonance that makes the voice sound muffled. FAQ: Frequent questions about the microphone on Xiaomi 🔊 Why can't the person hear me while calling, but the voice recorder is working? Probably the problem is with the mobile network settings or the firmware. SIM-Is the mode only activated? 2G (In this case, VoLTE is not working. Update the firmware to the latest version. MIUI/HyperOS. If nothing helps, try inserting. SIM-Card to another slot (if the phone supports Dual) SIM). 🎤 How to check which microphone is used during a call? From the engineering menu (#4636##) go to Audio → Mic Test: This shows which microphone is active: Mic1 — primary (lower). Mic2 — The top one (for noise reduction) is usually used during the call. Mic1. If it doesn’t work, the phone can automatically switch to the phone. Mic2, But the quality of the connection will deteriorate. 📱 Can I use an external microphone with Xiaomi? Yes, but with reservations: 🎧 Wired headphones with a microphone (3.5 mm or) USB-C) They work on all models. 🎤 Bluetooth headsets (e.g. Xiaomi AirDots) are supported, but there may be delays when transmitting voice. 🎥 External microphones (e.g., Boya) BY-M1) require an adapter USB-C → 3.5 mm or a special annex (e.g, USB On phones without a 3.5 mm connector (for example, Xiaomi 13), you will need an adapter to connect an external microphone. ⚡ The microphone has been quiet since the upgrade. What do we do? It's a known problem with some versions. MIUI. Try: Reset the sound settings (Settings) → Sound. → Reset settings. Clear the cache of the phone application (Settings) → Annexes → Phone. → Warehouse → Clear the cache. Reverse to the previous firmware version (if available). If the problem persists, report the bug via Settings. → The phone. → Revocation. 🔧 Where is the microphone on my Xiaomi model? microphone location depends on the model: Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4: Main microphone - lower right of USB-C, The second one is up next to the speaker. 12/13/14: main microphone - at the bottom, the second - at the top, the third - at the back (for recording video). POCO F4/F5 GT: microphones are positioned symmetrically at the bottom and top for better noise reduction. To pinpoint the location, shine a flashlight on the case – microphone holes usually have a fine metal mesh.