You use Xiaomi headphones for calls or online games, but the microphone catches extraneous noises or is not necessary at all? You can turn it off in a few seconds, both through the system settings of MIUI and using quick keys. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods for wired and wireless models (Redmi AirDots, Mi True Wireless, Hybrid Pro and others), including hidden functions and solutions for cases when the microphone is βhangβ in active state.
Xiaomi has a feature that doesn't have a universal microphone switch on the headphones themselves (except for some flagship models). So it's done via a smartphone. We tested all the methods on MIUI 12-14 and highlighted the ones that work consistently. If your microphone continues to transmit sound even after it's turned off, there's a section at the end of this article that addresses this problem.
Why Xiaomiβs headphone microphone can stay on
Before we get to the instructions, it is important to understand the reasons for the microphone's disobedience, most often due to:
- π Automatically switching profiles: MIUI can activate the microphone when calling or running certain applications (e.g., Discord or Zoom).
- π§ Hardware features: Some headphones (e.g. Redmi Buds 3 Lite) do not support software to turn off the microphone via the phone.
- π± App-specific settings: Messengers like WhatsApp or Telegram can ignore system limitations.
- π§ Bluetooth connection failures: If headphones are not connected correctly, the phone may not see their microphone as a separate device.
In 80% of cases, the problem is solved through audio settings or reconnecting the headphones, but if the microphone is βhangingβ in transmission mode, you will need to reset your Bluetooth settings (we will talk about this in the section βWhat to do if the microphone does not turn offβ).
Method 1: Disconnect the microphone through the notification panel (fastest)
This is a versatile method for all Xiaomi models on MIUI 12-14.Suitable if you want to temporarily turn off the microphone while calling or using the app (for example, in Among Us or PUBG Mobile).
- Deploy the notification panel (swipe your finger from top to bottom across the screen).
- Find the Sound tile (the speaker icon) and hold it for 2-3 seconds.
- In the menu that opens, select Additional (or Sound Settings).
- Go to the Microphone tab and move the slider to the off position..
β οΈ Attention: some firmwares may not have sound sound. In this case, use the method through settings.
βοΈ Checking the microphone shutdown
Method 2: Through sound settings (for permanent shutdown)
If you need to turn off the microphone on Xiaomi headphones globally (for example, so that it does not activate when calling), use this method:
- Open the Settings. β Sound and vibration.
- Scroll down and select Additional settings.
- Slip on the microphone settings (or input devices on some firmware).
- In the list of devices, find your headphones (like Redmi Buds 4) and turn off the slider next to them.
After that, the microphone will not activate automatically, so to get it back to work, repeat the steps and turn the slider back on.
| Model headphones | Does disabling the microphone support through settings | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi AirDots (1-3 generation) | β Yes. | Requires MIUI 12 or newer |
| Mi True Wireless 2 | β Yes. | In some firmware, the option is hidden in Bluetooth Settings |
| Hybrid Pro HD | β No. | Disconnect only through the physical button on the headphones |
| Redmi Buds 4 Active | β Yes. | Supports separate microphone management for calls and applications |
π‘
If you don't have a "Microphone" setting, try connecting your headphones to another device (like a laptop) and turning off the microphone there. Then return them to your phone - sometimes it resets the settings.
Method 3: Turning off the microphone for a particular application
Some programs (such as Zoom, Discord, or VK) ignore the system settings and turn on the microphone themselves, to prevent them from doing this:
- Open Settings β Applications β Permissions β Microphone.
- Find the desired application (for example, Telegram) in the list and turn off the permission.
- Confirm the action in the dialog window.
Now the app won't be able to use the headphone microphone, and note that in some instant messengers (like WhatsApp), it will also block voice messages.
β οΈ Warning: Once the app is updated, permissions may reset. Check them periodically, especially if the microphone is back on without your knowledge.
Method 4: Using gestures or buttons on headphones
Some Xiaomi models support turning off the microphone via physical buttons or touchpads. Here's how it works:
- π΅ Redmi AirDots 3 Pro: Triple touch on the touchpad of any headphone turns off the microphone for 5 seconds (re-touch includes back).
- π Mi True Wireless 2: Holding the button on the right earphone for 3 seconds puts the microphone in βsound onlyβ modeΒ».
- π§ Hybrid Pro HD: double-press + Multi-button retention.
If your model does not support this feature, check the section about third-party apps.
How do you know if your model supports switching off the microphone through buttons?
Method 5: Third-party applications for microphone management
If the system methods didnβt work, you can use specialized utilities. We tested 3 applications that work consistently with Xiaomi headphones:
- SoundAssistant (from Samsung, but compatible with MIUI): Download from Google Play. Open β Input devices β select your headphones. Activate the option to Disable the microphone.
- Microphone Blocker: Requires permission Special features. Adds a widget to the home screen for quick shutdown.
- Mi Control Center (only for the MIUI): Adds additional tiles to the notification panel, including microphone management.
β οΈ Note: Check reviews before installing third-party apps β some utilities may contain ads or request unnecessary permissions (e.g. access to a website). SMS).
What to do if the microphone is not switched off
If none of these methods worked and the microphone continues to transmit sound, follow these steps:
- Reset Bluetooth Settings: Settings β Connections and sharing β Bluetooth β βοΈ (gear) β Reset the settings After that, reconnect the headphones.
- Clear the cache of the Phone app: Settings β Applications β App management β Phone β Storage β Clear the cache
- Check the headphones on another device: Connect them to a laptop or other smartphone. If the microphone is running there, the problem is with your Xiaomi settings.
- Update the firmware: Go to Settings β About Phone β System Update and install the latest patches.
If after resetting Bluetooth headphones stopped connecting β remove them from the list of associated devices and reconnect in search mode (usually by pressing the button on the case for 5-10 seconds).
π‘
In 90% of cases, the βhangβ microphone is solved by resetting Bluetooth or cleaning the cache of the phone application. If the problem remains, check the headphones for physical damage (for example, moisture entering the microphone).
Additional tips for working with the microphone on Xiaomi
To avoid problems in the future, follow these guidelines:
- π Regularly update the firmware: in new versions MIUI Frequently fix microphone control bugs.
- ποΈ Use the "Game Mode": in Settings β Special facilities β Game turbo mode can be adjusted to the priority of sound and turn off background noises.
- π Check settings after updates: sometimes system updates reset the permissions for the microphone.
- π οΈ Clean headphone jacks: dust or dirt can cause false microphone positives (relevant for wired models).
If you use headphones frequently for calls, consider buying a model with a physical microphone switch (such as the Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro).