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

Why Xiaomi’s microphone can be turned off and how to fix it

The microphone on Xiaomi smartphones is a key element for calls, voice messages and working with voice assistants. However, users often face a situation when the interlocutor does not hear them during a conversation, and applications (such as WhatsApp or Zoom) do not recognize voice, the reasons can be both software (deleted permissions, failures in settings) and hardware (contamination of the connector, damage to the microphone).

In this article, we will discuss the 5 main ways to turn on the microphone on Xiaomi phones (including the Redmi, POCO models and the flagship Mi/Xiaomi 13/14) series, as well as diagnose possible malfunctions. It is important to note that the algorithm of actions depends on the version of MIUI (Android shell from Xiaomi) - the article provides current screenshots and paths for MIUI 14 and HyperOS (2026).

If you encounter a problem suddenly, such as after you upgrade or install a new app, first check the microphone’s permissions in your privacy settings. 80% of the time, this is what causes the microphone to become silent.

Method 1: Verification of microphone permissions for applications

The most common reason for a broken microphone is that specific application permissions (messengers, social networks, voice assistants) are disabled, and in MIUI and HyperOS, privacy settings are strictly controlled, and can be reset once the system is updated.

To check the permits:

1. Open Settings → Privacy → Application permissions.
2. Select the Microphone.
3. In the list of applications, include switches for those who need access (for example, Telegram, Google Assistant, Camera).

• 🔍 Check system applications: Sometimes the microphone doesn’t work in the standard Phone app – turn on the permission manually for it.
• 📱 Exceptions for HyperOS: in the new shell, the path may differ - Settings → Annexes → Permit management → Microphone.
• ⚙️ Reset permissions: If the list of applications is empty, click Reset permissions in the top menu.

⚠️ Note: Some apps (such as TikTok or Instagram) may request access to the microphone even in the background.

Method 2: Enabling the microphone in call settings

If the person you are talking to can’t hear you only when you’re calling, the problem may lie in the settings of the Phone app. Xiaomi has a separate microphone switch during conversations, which sometimes gets lost after updates or resets.

How to turn on:

1. Open the phone application (pipe icon).
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner → Settings.
3. Select Call Settings → Sound Devices.
4. Make sure that the main microphone is selected in the Microphone section (usually the Built-in microphone or the Lower microphone).

On the two-way model SIM-cards (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro)+) The microphone can automatically switch between slots – check if the main one is active SIM-call-card.

Check the permissions for the Phone app |

Make sure that "In the plane" mode is not activated |

Turn off Bluetooth headphones |

Try calling through another app (such as WhatsApp)|-->

Method 3: Hardware Microphone Checking

If the software settings didn't work, it's worth checking the physical condition of the microphone, and often the problem is that the connector is contaminated, moisture is injected, or there's mechanical damage, and we'll start with the simplest steps.

• 🧹 Dust cleansing: Use a soft brush or compressed air to clean the microphone hole (usually near the connector) USB-C).
• 💧 Wetness test: If the phone fell into the water, the microphone could oxidize.
• 🔊 Second microphone test: some models (POCO F4, Xiaomi 12T) Have a backup microphone at the top of the case - try talking closer to it.
• 🎧 Headphone Connection: If the microphone is running through wired headphones, the problem is precisely in the phone's main microphone.

For a deep diagnosis, use the test mode:

1. In the phone application, type the combination ##4636##.
2. Select Phone Information → Microphone.
3. Speak to the microphone – if the sound level band does not respond, the microphone is faulty.

⚠️ Warning: If the phone was repaired (e.g., changing the display or battery), the microphone could be damaged during disassembly, in which case a re-diagnosis in the service is required.

Method 4: Resetting the sound and network settings

If the microphone stopped working after updating MIUI or installing new applications, resetting the audio settings will help, a method that does not affect personal data, but returns all audio settings to factory settings.

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Select Network and Sound Reset (in HyperOS – Wi-Fi, Mobile Network and Sound Reset).
3. Confirm the action and restart the phone.

After the reboot:

• 🔄 Check the microphone permissions again (they will reset).
• 📞 Make a test call.
• 🎤 Record a voice message on WhatsApp or Telegram.

If the reset didn’t help, try updating the firmware:

1. Open Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Download and install the latest version of MIUI/HyperOS.

💡

Before resetting the settings, write down the current sound parameters (volume of the call, notifications, media) - after the procedure, they will have to be adjusted again.

Method 5: Diagnostics through the Engineering Menu (for advanced)

If standard methods don't work, you can use an engineering menu to test the microphone in depth, which is suitable for advanced users, as incorrect actions can disrupt the phone.

How to open the engineering menu:

1. Open the phone app.


2 Enter the code ##36446337## (for MTK- processors) or #4636## (for Qualcomm).




3. Go to the Hardware Testing → Audio section.




4. Select a Microphone and check the sound levels.

In the engineering menu, pay attention to:

• 📊 Level: If the band does not rise higher during the conversation 10-20%, microphone malfunction.
• 🔧 Noise Suppression: Turn off this option if the microphone is working but the sound is intermittent.
• 🎛️ Loopback Test: Turn on this mode to hear your voice through the speaker (helps diagnose hardware problems).

⚠️ Warning: Do not change other options in the engineering menu without understanding their purpose. RF Bands can lead to network loss.

💡

The engineering menu is a powerful tool, but dangerous. If you're not sure what you're doing, you better contact Xiaomi's service center.

What to do if the microphone is not working

If none of these things worked, the problem could be hardware.

1. Contact the service center: official Xiaomi centers diagnose the microphone for free within 1-2 days. The average cost of replacing the microphone is from 1,500 to 3,000 rubles (depending on the model).
2. Check the warranty: if the phone is warranty, the repair will be free (provided that the breakdown is not the fault of the user).
3. Use an external microphone: While the phone is in repair, connect a Bluetooth headset or wired headphones with a microphone.

Typical hardware reasons:

• 🔌 Oxidation of contacts after moisture.
• 🛠️ Damage to microphone plume when replacing the display.
• 🔋 Problems with the motherboard (occurs after falls).

If you bought your phone with your hands, make sure that the microphone is not software-enabled (for example, through ADB or custom firmware), in which case only flashing the device will help.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the microphone on Xiaomi