How to turn on and configure the microphone on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones: the full guide

The microphone on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones is a key element for calls, voice messages and video recording. However, many users face a situation where the device suddenly stops recognizing voice or does not respond to commands at all. The reasons can vary from accidentally disabled permissions to hardware malfunctions. In this article, we will discuss all the ways to turn on the microphone on the Redmi Note 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10/13C and other models, as well as how to diagnose the problem and return to work without going to the service center.

It's important to understand that Xiaomi's microphone is managed on three levels: hardware (physical connectivity), system (Android and MIUI settings) and software (app resolutions), and we'll go through each of them consistently, starting with the simplest solutions, and if you're not sure what the problem is, start with the first partition and move on until the microphone is up and running.

We'll focus on common user errors, like people confusing the microphone's privacy settings with a physical breakdown, or not knowing that some apps (like WhatsApp or Telegram) require separate permissions to record audio, and we'll take these nuances and give you clear instructions.

1. Checking the physical connection of the microphone

Before digging into the settings, make sure the problem isn't with the hardware. Xiaomi Redmi smartphones usually have two or three microphones installed:

• 🎤 Main microphone - located at the bottom of the body (near the connector) USB-C). Responsible for voice during calls and recordings.
• 🎤 Additional microphone - often placed at the top (near the speaker) and used for noise reduction.
• 🎤 Third microphone (on some models, for example, Redmi Note 11 Pro)+) — Improve the sound quality in video.

To check the performance:

1. Take a flashlight and inspect the microphone holes for dust, dirt, or mechanical damage.
2. Blow the holes carefully (do not use sharp objects!).
3. Try recording voice in the standard Dictaphone app – if the sound is recorded but not transmitted in calls, the problem is in the settings, not in the hardware.

⚠️ Warning: If the microphone stopped working after falling or getting moisture, don't try to disassemble the phone yourself.In Xiaomi Redmi, microphones are often soldered to the motherboard, and their replacement requires special equipment.

2. Enabling the microphone in Android and MIUI settings

A common cause of a broken microphone is that the system permissions are disabled. MIUI (Xiaomi firmware) has separate settings for applications to access the microphone.

Open Settings → Applications → Permissions Management → Microphone. Here you will see a list of all the programs that have ever requested access.

• 🔹 For the phone (call app) is the status "Allowed".
• 🔹 Permission is also included for the Camera and Recorder.
• 🔹 No apps with the status of "Forbidden" (if they have to use a microphone).

If the resolution is disabled, tap the app and select Allow. On some models (Redmi Note 12 and later) you may need to restart the phone for the changes to take effect.

Also check the global privacy settings:

1. Go to Settings → Privacy → Special Access → Access to the microphone.
2. Make sure the slider at the top of the screen is turned on (should be blue).

3. Customization of the microphone for calls

If the microphone doesn't work just when you're calling, the problem may be in the settings of your phone app or your network profile.

Step 1. Check the call mode

• 📞 Open the phone application (pipe icon).
• 📞 Click on three dots in the upper right corner → Settings → Calls.
• 📞 Make sure that the “Normal” mode is enabled (not “Loud” or “Bluetooth” mode").

Step 2: Reset network settings (if the problem is mobile):

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [Yours. SIM] → Access point settings (APN).
2. Press three points. → Reset the settings.
3. Reboot the phone.

Step 3: Test in safe mode

If the microphone doesn't work only in certain applications (like Viber or Zoom), the problem may be a software conflict.

1. Press the power button → hold Off → select Safe Mode.
2. This mode only runs system applications. Try making a call.
3. If the microphone is running, it's third-party software. Remove the newly installed programs.

4. Check the microphone in applications (WhatsApp, Telegram, TikTok)

Social networks and instant messengers often have their own microphone settings, independent of the system.

If the microphone still doesn’t work in the app, try:

• 🔄 Clear the app cache: Settings → Annexes → [Annex] → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
• 🔄 Update the app to the latest version in Google Play.
• 🔄 Reinstall the program (remove and download again).

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In some applications, like Zoom or Discord, the microphone can be turned off right when you call, so look for the microphone icon in the conference interface and make sure it's not crossed out.

5. Diagnostics of software failures

If the microphone is not working in any application, you may have a system failure, and here's how to detect and fix it:

Method 1. Test through the Engineering Menu

Xiaomi Redmi has a hidden menu to check hardware components.

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Enter the code: ##4636###.
3. Select Phone Information → scroll down to the Microphone block.
4. Talk to the microphone – if the sound level band reacts, the microphone is in good shape.

Method 2: Resetting application settings

This procedure will return all permissions to factory settings, but will not delete personal data:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on three points → Reset application settings.
3. Confirm the action and restart the phone.

Method 3: Update MIUI

Sometimes, microphone bugs are fixed in newer versions of firmware.

1. Open Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click Check for Updates and install the available packages.
3. After the update, reset the settings (see method 2).

⚠️ Note: If after the update MIUI The microphone stopped working, there may have been a conflict with custom recovery or root rights, and in this case, only a rollback to the previous version of the firmware through Fastboot will help.

6. Resetting the phone to factory settings

If no method has worked, the last chance before you go to the service is a complete reset, which will delete all data from the phone, so first:

• 📱 Make a backup copy through Settings → The phone. → Backup.
• 📱 Save important files to your computer or cloud (Google Drive, Mi Cloud).
• 📱 Remember your Mi Account information (you will need it after the reset).

Resetting instructions:

1. Open Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Select to erase all data (reset to factory).
3. Enter a password (if requested) and confirm the action.
4. After restarting, set your phone as new and check the microphone.

If the microphone does not work after reset, the problem with a probability of 95% hardware - you need to replace the microphone or diagnose the motherboard in the service center.

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Resetting to factory settings is a last resort. Before you do, be sure to try all the other ways from the article, since after resetting, it will be impossible to restore data without a backup.

7. Hardware malfunctions: when to contact the service

If you've reached this section and the microphone is still down, it's probably a physical breakdown.

• 🔧 The microphone does not work in all applications, including system.
• 🔧 No voice response on the engineering menu (#4636.
• 🔧 The phone fell, was exposed to moisture or overheating.
• 🔧 When talking, the interlocutor hears severe interference or the sound is interrupted.

In these cases, self-repair is not possible. Contact the authorized service center Xiaomi (the list can be found on the official website mi.com).The cost of replacing the microphone in Redmi varies from 800 to 2500 rubles depending on the model.

What to do before visiting the service:

• 📋 Write it down. IMEI *#06# - This will help you check the originality of the device.
• 📋 Check whether the warranty is maintained (if the phone is warranty, repairs can be free of charge).
• 📋 Make a reset to factory settings - this will speed up the diagnosis.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the microphone on Xiaomi Redmi