How to enable noise cancellation on Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus: a complete guide to solving typical problems

Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus is one of the most popular budget smartphones of 2018, but even after years, its owners are faced with the problem of noise during calls. Built-in noise cancellation on this device does not always work correctly: it disappears from the menu after an update, then turns on automatically in the most unexpected situations. In this article, we will analyze all the ways to activate the function, including hidden settings MIUI, and consider software alternatives for those who do not have the standard tools.

It is important to understand that the Redmi 5 Plus (codename vince) is equipped with a single microphone, which limits the noise reduction capabilities compared to flagships. However, the correct tuning can significantly improve sound quality. We tested all methods on the firmware MIUI 9.5 (Android 7.1), MIUI 10.3 (Android 8.1) and MIUI 11.0 (Android 9) – instructions are relevant for all versions.

Why doesn’t noise reduction work out of the box?

The main problem with the Redmi 5 Plus is the unstable implementation of noise reduction in MIUI, and here are the key reasons why the feature may not work properly:

• 🔄 Firmware updates: After switching from MIUI 9 MIUI 10+ The noise reduction point often “hidden” in deep settings or disappears altogether.
• 🎤 One microphone: The device uses a single microphone for voice and noise cancellation, which reduces the efficiency of the algorithms.
• 🛠️ Castom firmware: On informal builds (e.g. LineageOS), the function can be disabled at the kernel level.
• 📱 Hardware limitations: Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 chips in Redmi 5 Plus don’t support hardware noise cancellation as in new models.

Interesting fact: the first versions of MIUI for Redmi 5 Plus turned on noise cancellation automatically at hands-free, but after the updates, the logic went wrong. Now it needs to be activated manually — more on that.

Official way: where to look for settings in MIUI

Depending on the firmware version, the path to noise cancellation may vary, and we have compiled current routes for all MIUI versions supported by Redmi 5 Plus:

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI 11 Global) the item "Noise Reduction" can be called Noise Reduction or Audio Effects. If you do not find it, check the language of the system (should be Russian/English).

If your MIUI version does not have the following points, try an alternative path:

1. Open the Settings. → The phone.
2. Tap 7 times on the line version of MIUI to activate the developer mode.
3. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
4. Find the Debugging by USB and turn it on.
5. Connect your phone to your PC and use the command:

adb shell settings put global noise_reduction_enabled 1

Hidden settings: engineering menu and codes

If standard methods don’t work, you can try activating noise cancellation through Xiaomi’s engineering menu, which requires caution, as improper actions can disrupt the microphone.

To enter the engineering menu:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Enter the code: ##4636###.
3. Select Phone Information (or Phone Information).
4. Scroll down to the Audio block.
5. Find the Noise Reduction option and set the Enabled value.

⚠️ Note: Do not change other options in the engineering menu, especially those related to Modem or RF Band. This could lead to network loss!

Alternative code for checking the microphone and noise cancellation: ##0673## or ##0283##. Once entered, the audio testing menu will open, where you can check the function in real time.

Software solutions: applications for noise reduction

If the built-in Redmi 5 Plus tools don't work, you can use third-party apps. We tested 5 popular utilities, and the best results were:

• 🎧 Krisp uses AI to filter noise, and the free version is limited to 60 minutes a day.
• 📱 Noise Suppressor is a simple interface that works without root, but requires permission to record sound.
• 🔊 Wo Mic – transmits sound from the microphone to the PC via the Wi-Fi/USB, where noise reduction works more efficiently.
• 🎤 Microphone Noise Filter – Optimized for Xiaomi, but may conflict with the MIUI 11+.

Important: Noise reduction applications consume additional CPU resources, which can cause the Redmi 5 Plus to heat up on long calls. If the phone starts to brake, close the background processes or use a cooling stand.

For installation:

1. Download APK from the developer’s official website (e.g. Krisp).
2. Allow installation from unknown sources in Settings → Security.
3. Launch the app and give access to the microphone.
4. In the settings, select the filtering level (recommend Medium for a balance of quality and performance).

💡

Before using third-party noise reduction apps, disable the built-in feature in MIUI to avoid audio stream conflicts.

Hardware Limitations: What You Can Do Physically

Even with software improvements, the Redmi 5 Plus’s microphone remains a weak spot, and here are some physical ways to improve sound quality:

• 🔇 Use headphones with a microphone: Headphones connected by a 3.5 mm jack (for example, Xiaomi Piston) have a separate microphone, which improves noise reduction.
• 📶 Keep your phone closer to your mouth: The optimal distance is 5-10 cm. This reduces the capture of extraneous noise.
• 🛡️ Use soundproof cover: Some cases (such as Spigen Tough Armor) have microphone cutouts that reduce wind noise.
• 🔌 Connect the external microphone: Through OTG-adapter can be connected USB-microphone (e.g., Fifine) K669B).

If you make frequent calls in noisy places, consider buying a cVc 8.0-enabled Bluetooth headset (like Xiaomi Mi True Wireless Earphones 2).It handles headset-level noise by unloading the phone's processor.

⚠️ Note: When using external microphones OTG Turn off the built-in noise reduction in MIUI — This will prevent echoes and distortions.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after switching on noise cancellation, Redmi 5 Plus users are faced with typical problems, and we've collected the most common and ways to fix them:

If after all the manipulations, the noise reduction did not work, check the integrity of the microphone:

1. Start the recorder and record 10 seconds of sound.
2. Listen to the recording – if you hear severe distortion or crackling, the microphone may be damaged.
3. For diagnosis, use the Phone Doctor Plus app (mic test).

💡

If no noise reduction is enabled by any method, the problem may lie in the damaged microphone connector (a common malfunction of Redmi 5 Plus after falls).

Alternative methods: from root to microphone replacement

For advanced users willing to take drastic measures, there are several other ways to improve sound quality:

• 🔧 Root + Xposed Framework: Module MIUI Noise Reduction Enabler Forcedly Activates Function Even on Incompatible Firmware.
• 🔄 Custom core firmware: Cores like FrancoKernel optimize audio drivers.
• 🔨 Microphone Replacement: Original microphone for Redmi 5 Plus XIAOMI 160301731 costs ~300 rubles. Replacement requires a soldering iron.
• 📱 Using a second phone: Apps like Wo Mic let you use another smartphone’s microphone over Wi-Fi.

Root Warning: Getting root rights voids the warranty and can result in bootloop (locked boot) for firmware errors. TWRP.

If you are considering replacing the microphone, here is a brief guide:

1. Turn off the phone and remove the tray for SIM-map.
2. Heat the back cover with a hair dryer (temperature ~60 ° C) and tuck it with a plastic spatula.
3. Unscrew 10 screws (Phillips #00) and disconnect the battery plume.
4. The microphone is located next to the main camera - carefully solder it off and install a new one.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions