How to turn on noise cancellation on Xiaomi: a guide to setting up

Modern Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones are equipped with advanced sound processing algorithms that often remain hidden from the eyes of the average user. The problem of background noise during a conversation or recording video is relevant for many owners, especially when using the device in crowded places or on the street. Many people do not even realize that their device has powerful tools for filtering extraneous sounds that can be activated manually.

In this article, we will take a look at all the available ways to improve sound quality. We will look at system settings, hidden capabilities of the call interface and specific features for headsets. Understanding how to enable noise cancellation on Xiaomi will allow you to significantly improve the comfort of communication and the quality of the created media content without installing third-party applications.

It’s worth noting that the methods may vary depending on the version of the MIUI shell or HyperOS. Some features are only available on flagship models, while the basic algorithms are present in almost all current devices. Let’s consistently study every aspect of the audio subsystem setup of your gadget.

System settings of microphone and sound

The first thing to look at is basic system settings, and in recent firmware versions, Xiaomi engineers have introduced more flexible audio input management, and the standard algorithm often works automatically to suppress moderate-intensity noise, but it is not enough in difficult environments.

To access the advanced settings, you need to go to Settings → Sound and Vibration → Sound Quality and Effects. You can have switches that adapt the sound to the environment. Activation of Adaptive Sound in some models automatically enhances the filtering of wind noise during conversation.

If you're interested in the quality of the recording or video, look for "Record Mode" or "Mic settings." In some use cases, the system will suggest that you prioritize recording the speaker's voice or recording the surrounding space.

• 🎙️ Dictaphone mode: choose the "Voice" for maximum cleaning from the background.
• 🎥 Video: Use the Interview or Concert mode depending on the situation.
• 🔊 Volume: Make sure the recording level is not twisted to the maximum, causing distortions.

⚠️ Note: Some global firmware versions may have extended audio effects hidden or removed, and changing the region in the “Additional” settings to “India” or “Singapore” will help.

Noise reduction functions during calls

The most critical aspect for communication quality is voice calls, and the noise-cancellation algorithms in the phone are the most aggressive in the phone and the instant messenger apps, but the user can influence this process.

During an active conversation, an additional icon that resembles a crossed-out microphone or speaker often appears on the call screen, and clicking on it can switch modes. In a standard Google app or Xiaomi’s own dialer, this feature can be called Noise Reduction or Clear Voice.

If you're using speakerphones, the system automatically switches to another set of microphones that are located on the ends of the case. In this mode, noise cancellation works differently, trying to cut off sounds that are not coming from the side of your mouth. Sometimes it's useful to slightly change the angle of the phone so that the bottom microphone better picks up the voice.

There's also a hidden engineering test that allows you to test all the microphones, and if you dialer code ##6484##, you'll be taken to the CIT menu, you'll select the Main Mic or Sub Mic test and you'll say a sound, and if you hear a strong hiss or a hum in a quiet room, it's probably not the settings that's the problem, it's the hardware.

Setup of active headphones and headsets

Owners of Xiaomi's wireless headphones, such as the Mi True Wireless series or Redmi Buds, have access to even more powerful tools.Active noise cancellation (ANC) works at the hardware level, but requires the correct software configuration via the Xiaomi Earbuds or Mi Wear app.

To turn on the mode, you need to connect your headphones to your smartphone and open the corresponding application. In the interface, you will find a slider or a Noise Reduction switch. The system will offer several modes: Transport, Office or Street. Each mode adjusts the frequency filter differently, removing specific hums.

It’s important to distinguish between noise suppression for the listener (when you can’t hear the street) and noise suppression for the microphone (when the person can’t hear your wind). Headphone settings often have a separate “Call Noise Reduction” or “Wind noise reduction” switch. Make sure it’s activated if you talk on the go often.

Some headphone models allow you to adjust the level of transparency. If you set the Transparency mode to maximum, external noise will penetrate, which can interfere with the intelligibility of the interlocutor's speech. For important conversations, it is better to switch to full isolation mode.

Comparison of models and support of technologies

Not all Xiaomi smartphones are equally good at filtering sounds, and flagship devices are getting better AI algorithms that learn to recognize a user’s voice and sift out a background hum in real time.

As you can see from the table, owners of budget devices may face limitations, in which case the hardware does not allow for complex cleaning algorithms without delay, but even on simple models, you can achieve improvements by choosing the right accessories.

If your smartphone belongs to older models, such as the Redmi Note 8 or Mi 9 series, you should not expect miracles from software updates. Algorithms require processing power of the processor, and on older chips they may not work correctly or at all.

Use of third-party applications

When built-in tools are scarce, Google Play apps come to the rescue, and they can intercept and process audio before sending it to a person or saving it to a file, especially when recording video or voice messages.

One popular solution is to use applications for recording calls with the function of improving sound, or specialized voice recorders such as Dolby On or RecForge II. They allow you to apply noise reduction filters after the fact or in real time.

There are also apps that work as system equalizers with Voice Enhancer. They can be useful when listening to media, but their impact on outgoing sound during calls is limited by Android access rights. To maximize effect, such programs require root rights, which is not recommended for ordinary users.

⚠️ Warning: Third-party applications may conflict with system audio settings. If after installing a new program, the sound is lost or wheezing appears, delete the application and restart the device.

Cleaning and maintenance of microphones

Often the problem is not the settings, but the physical contamination. The microphone holes on Xiaomi cases are located in the bottom (main) and on top or back (secondary for noise reduction). Dust, pile from pockets and skin fat can clog these holes.

Use a soft brush or a special Velcro to clean, and it is strictly forbidden to use sharp objects such as needles or toothpicks, as you can damage the protective net or the membrane of the microphone itself, and it is also not recommended to blow into the holes so as not to drive moisture deeper.

Check the case. Some of the safety cases cover the microphone holes or create a resonating chamber that amplifies the extraneous noise. Take off the case and see if the sound quality changes. If so, pick up a more appropriate accessory with the right cutouts.

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Periodically wipe the area around the microphones with an alcohol napkin (slightly moist) to remove fatty plaque that can silence high voice frequencies.

Addressing common problems

If you've done all the settings, but the noise cancellation isn't working or isn't working well, there may have been a software failure. First of all, try rebooting your smartphone. This resets the temporary audio driver buffers.

The second step is to reset your audio settings. Go to Settings → Advanced Settings → Reset and select Reset your Wi-Fi, mobile and Bluetooth settings. This won't delete your data, but will return the network and audio modules to factory settings.

In rare cases, updating the system to the latest available version helps. Xiaomi engineers regularly release patches that fix bugs in the work of audio codecs. Check for updates in the About Phone → MIUI version.

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If software methods and cleaning do not help, and the recording noise remains critical even in silence, it is likely that a replacement of the microphone module in the service center is required.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)