How to run a speaker cleanup on Xiaomi: all ways for smartphones and speakers

Clogged speakers on Xiaomi devices are a problem that one in three users face after 1-2 years of active use: Dust, moisture and microparticles gradually reduce the volume of sound, distort bass frequencies and can even cause membrane failure. Fortunately, MIUI engineers have built-in cleaning function that helps remove contaminants without disassembling the device.

In this article, we’ll look at all the official and hidden ways to activate speaker cleansing on Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO and Mi Smart Speaker smart speakers. You’ll learn how to run the process through the settings menu, the engineering menu, and even the voice assistant. And we’ll also explain why some models (such as the Redmi Note 10 Pro) can turn the function off by default and how to unlock it.

Why Xiaomi speakers need cleaning up

Xiaomi’s smartphone and smart device speakers have a vulnerable design: their protective grid lets in not only sound, but also microscopic particles.

• 🔊 Turning down the volume on 30-50% (Especially when listening to music at maximum volume)
• 🎵 Sound distortion: wheezing, crackling, lack of low frequencies
• 💧 Accumulation of moisture after water is ingested (even if the device has protection) IP53)
• 🚨 Overheating of the speaker due to increased load on the membrane

The manufacturer recommends cleaning every 3-6 months, but in practice, the frequency depends on the operating conditions. For example, users who often take the phone to the bathroom or use it in dusty construction sites may notice a deterioration in sound after 1-2 months.

⚠️ Warning: If the sound has not recovered after cleaning, it may indicate mechanical damage to the membrane or detachment of the contacts.

Official method: cleaning through MIUI settings

The easiest method is to use the built-in feature in MIUI, which is available on most models released after 2020 (starting with MIUI 12).

1. Open the Settings app (cog icon).
2. Go to the section Sound and vibration.
3. Scroll down and select Speaker Cleanup (on some models, the item may be called Speaker Test or Sound Diagnostics).
4. Click Start Cleanup and wait until the process is complete (usually 10-30 seconds).

During cleaning, the device will play special sound frequencies that vibrate the membrane and push pollution through the protective grid. It is important that there are no obstacles near the speaker (for example, a case or fingers).

Take off the phone case

Make sure the speaker is not covered with your fingers

Charge your phone at least 20%

Stay in a quiet room to control the sound-->

If the item Clean speaker in the menu is not, it can mean:

• 📱 You have an outdated model (until 2019 release)
• 🔄 The feature is disabled in regional firmware (often found on global versions of Redmi)
• 🛠️ Update required MIUI last-minute

Yes, the function is in the settings.

No, no speaker cleaning point.

I don't know, I haven't.

I'll use another way.-->

Hidden Method: Engineering Menu (CIT)

For models where official cleaning is not available, you can use the CIT (Customer Engineer Test), which works on 90% of Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO devices, but requires caution.

Instructions:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Enter the combination: ##36446337## (or alternative code ##4636## for older versions).
3. In the menu, select Hardware Testing → Audio.
4. Press Speaker Test or Loud Speaker.
5. At the bottom of the screen will appear the button Clean Speaker (on some firmware it is hidden – you need to press and hold Play 3 seconds).

The advantage of this method is advanced diagnostics, and in addition to cleaning, you can test both speakers (upper and lower) for damage, and also check the microphone.

⚠️ Warning: Unknown items in the engineering menu can reset network settings or calibrate sensors. Do not change settings unless you are sure of their purpose.

Cleaning speakers on Xiaomi smart speakers

The Mi Smart Speaker, Mi AI Speaker and Redmi Sonics smart speakers also support the cleanup function, but the startup algorithm is different.

1. Open the Mi Home app (or Xiaomi Home for newer versions).
2. Select your column from the list of devices.
3. Go to Settings (cog in the upper right corner).
4. Select Sound → Clean the speakers.
5. Confirm the launch and wait until the end (the column will issue a series of beeps).

For speakers with voice assistant (Xiao AI), you can use the command:

Hey Xiao AI, clear the speakers

Or in English:

Hey Xiao AI, clean the speakers

Important: After cleaning, the speaker can automatically calibrate the sound, so the first 1-2 minutes of sound may seem unusual.

Alternative cleaning methods without built-in functions

If your device doesn't support official cleaning, you can use manual methods, which are less effective, but help remove surface contaminants:

• 🎵 Sound cleaning: Replay a special test tone at maximum volume (20-20000 Hz, within 1-2 Vibration will help push the dust out.
• 💨 Airflow: Gently blow the speaker with compressed air (such as a keyboard cleaner spray). 5-10 cm not to damage the membrane.
• 🧲 Magnetic cleaning: Hold a weak magnet (e.g. from headphones) to the speaker on the headset. 2-3 Seconds – this will help to “shake” metal particles.
• 🧼 Wet cleaning: Wet the cotton swab in alcohol (no more than 70%) and gently wipe the safety net!

⚠️ Warning: Never use sharp objects (needles, toothpicks) to clean the speaker - it's almost guaranteed to damage the membrane. Also avoid direct water contact, even if the device has protection IP68.

💡

If the sound gets worse after cleaning, try resetting the sound settings in the Settings menu → Sound and vibration → Resetting the sound settings. This will help eliminate software distortion.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Many users make mistakes when cleaning the speakers, which leads to a deterioration of the sound or even a breakage.

• 🔋 Low battery: If the phone runs out during cleaning, the process will stop and the speaker may remain unstable. >20%.
• 🔊 Interrupt process: Do not leave the cleaning menu or lock the screen until you see the message "Done".
• 📵 Use of case: Covers with closed speaker holes block the release of contaminants.Always remove the case before cleaning.
• 🛠️ Frequent cleaning: Starting the procedure more than 1 time a month is not recommended - it can wear the membrane.

If you notice after cleaning that:

• 🔇 The sound is gone completely. → Check the volume settings or restart the device.
• 🎶 There was a constant noise. → It's possible that the speaker has got moisture.
• 🔊 The volume hasn't recovered. → Try to repeat the cleaning through 1-2 day-day.

💡

If the speaker is squeezing metal after cleaning, it's a sign that the solids are coming in, and then the only thing that helps is to disassemble the device in the service center.

Xiaomi models with limited cleaning support

Some Xiaomi devices have stripped down or no cleaning features, and here are some problem models and workarounds:

For devices without official cleaning support, we recommend:

1. Update MIUI to the latest version (sometimes the feature appears after the update).
2. Install custom firmware (e.g. Xiaomi.EU) where cleaning can be unlocked.
3. Use a side app like Speaker Clean (available on Google Play but require permission to access the microphone).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions