Xiaomi’s microphone doesn’t work: reasons and fix in 10 minutes

Have you noticed that the person who is questioning you during the call, and voice messages are recorded quietly or not at all? Michone problems on Xiaomi smartphones are a common situation that can occur due to software failures and physical damage, and 80% of the time the malfunction can be fixed on their own without resorting to the services of a service center.

In this article, we’ll break down all the possible reasons why Xiaomi’s microphone doesn’t work (including the Redmi Note 12 models, POCO X5, Mi 11 and others, and we'll provide step-by-step diagnostic and repair instructions, from simple setup checks to complex hardware tests, you'll find a solution for even the non-obvious cases.

1. Quick diagnosis: how to check if the microphone is working

Before you start repairing, make sure the microphone is the problem.Use Xiaomi's built-in tools or third-party testing apps.

Methods of verification:

• 📞 Test call: call another phone and ask the person to rate the sound quality. If the voice is interrupted or missing, the problem is confirmed.
• 🎤 Recorder: Open the standard Dictaphone app and record 5-10 seconds of speech. Play the record: if the sound is missing or distorted, the microphone is faulty.
• 🤖 Service code: type in ##6484## (for some Xiaomi models) or #4636## → Phone information → Microphone. If the test shows an error, it needs repair.

If the microphone doesn’t work in just one app (like WhatsApp or Zoom), the problem is probably with the software settings, not the hardware, so go to the app settings section.

2. Program causes: software failures and their elimination

In 60 percent of cases, the microphone is stopped by software errors, and let's look at the most common scenarios and how to fix them.

Resetting of sound settings

Sometimes the microphone settings are lost after updating or installing new applications, and you can return them to factory values through the settings menu:

1. Go to Settings → Sound and vibration → Additional settings.
2. Click Reset audio settings (on some models, the item may be called Reset default settings).
3. Confirm the action and restart the device.

Clearing the cache and application data

If the microphone doesn’t work in a particular app (like Telegram or Google Meet), try clearing its cache:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
• 🔍 Find a problem app (like WhatsApp) and select Warehouse.
• 🧹 Click Clear Cache and Clear Data (Warning: This Will Remove All App Settings!).

Check the microphone in the recorder

Make sure the problem isn’t with the headset.

Backup of important data

Record the current sound settings (screen photo)-->

If the microphone is running after cleaning the cache, but the problem has returned after a while, it is most likely the application itself that is to blame. Try updating it to the latest version or installing an alternative.

Update of firmware

The manufacturer regularly releases patches that fix microphone errors to update the software:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. Click Check Updates and wait for the search to be completed.
3. If a new version is available, download it and install it.

⚠️ Note: If the microphone stopped working after the update, try to roll back to the previous version of the software via Fastboot or contact the service center, MIUI 14.0.3 for Redmi Note 11 had critical audio bugs.

Hardware problems: what to do if the microphone is physically damaged

If the software didn't work, it might be the physical malfunction of the microphone, so let's look at the typical cases and the ways in which they're diagnosed.

Check for mechanical damage

The microphone may fail after falling, getting moisture or getting heavily polluted.

• 🔍 External damage: cracks near the lower speaker (where the microphone is usually located), dents on the body.
• 💧 Moisture traces: corrosion on the charging connector or under the microphone grid (visible in bright light).
• 🧹 Pollution: dust or dirt in the microphone holes (can be cleaned gently with a soft brush).

If the phone fell or came into contact with water, there is a high probability that the microphone detached from the motherboard or the contacts oxidized, in which case it will require disassembly of the device.

Second microphone test

Most Xiaomi smartphones have two microphones:

• Main (bottom): Used for calls and voice recording.
• Additional (top): responsible for noise reduction and video.

To check them separately:

1. Open the camera and record the video – if there is a sound but is quiet, the problem is in the main microphone.
2. Call hands-free: if the person hears you better, the bottom microphone is faulty.

Self-cleaning of the microphone

If the microphone is dirty, it can be cleaned without disassembling the phone:

1. Take a soft toothbrush or makeup brush.
2. Swipe the microphone carefully (without pressing!).
3. To remove moisture, use silica gel bags (put your phone in a sealed bag with them for 12-24 hours).

⚠️ Warning: Do not use compressed air (canisters) - this can damage the microphone membrane. Also avoid alcohol or cleaning liquids: they can get inside the case.

4. Problems with the headset and Bluetooth devices

Sometimes the phone's microphone shuts down because the system automatically switches to an external device (earphones, Bluetooth headset). Even if you haven't physically connected them, a failure can occur due to:

• 🎧 Sticky connector 3.5 mm (on models with audiojack).
• 🔌 Oxidized contacts in port USB-C (If you use an adapter for headphones).
• 📶 Connected Bluetooth device in the background (e.g. smartwatches).

How to fix it:

1. Disable all Bluetooth devices in Settings → Connected devices → Bluetooth.
2. If the phone thinks the headphones are connected: Insert and remove the headphones several times. Use a toothpick to clean the connector gently (turning off the phone!). Reboot the device.

USB-C

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If the phone still "sees" the headphones, try inserting them and turning on the music. Then gently pull the plug on yourself, while pressing it in different directions - this can return the contacts to their original position.

5. App settings: why the microphone doesn't work in instant messengers

Even if the microphone is functional, some applications may block access to it, and let's look at the typical cases of popular services.

Permissions for microphones

Android requires explicit permission to use the microphone to check and turn it on:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select a problem application (such as Viber).
3. Press Permissions and make sure that the Microphone is enabled.

If the resolution is already active, but the microphone is not working:

• Turn it off and turn on the permission again.
• Reinstall the app.
• Check if the antivirus or battery optimizer is blocking access.

5.2. Set-up of specific applications

Some messengers have their own microphone settings:

If the app has a microphone test option (such as in Zoom or Discord), use it to make sure the program sees the device.

Conflict with other annexes

Some programs (such as Voice Recorder or Google Assistant) can block the microphone for other applications.

1. Close all background applications through Recent Apps (swipe up).
2. Turn off Google Assistant in Settings → Google → Settings for Google apps → Search, Assistant and Voice.
3. Check if Do Not Disturb or Sound Effects is active in the sound settings.

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If the microphone doesn't work in just one application, the problem is almost always with settings or conflict with other programs. Start by checking permissions and reinstalling the software.

6. Resetting the phone to factory settings

If none of these methods work, the last step before you go to the service center is to reset your settings completely, and this will delete all the data from your phone, so first you have to:

• 📱 Make a backup copy through Settings → The phone. → Backup.
• 🔐 Take a picture or write down important passwords (they will be deleted!).
• 📎 Save files to your computer or cloud (Google Drive, Mi Cloud).

Resetting instructions:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Select Erase all data (on some models – Restore factory settings).
3. Enter. PIN-code or pattern lock for confirmation.
4. Wait until the process is completed (the phone will restart).

After reset, check the microphone through the recorder. If the problem persists, it is 100% hardware fault and the phone needs repair.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi models with a locked bootloader (Redmi Note 10, POCO M4 Pro, etc.) Reset may result in a requirement to enter a Mi Account account. Make sure to remember the username and password!

7. When to contact the service center

If you have tried all the methods, but the microphone on Xiaomi still does not work, it is time to contact the specialists.

• 🔊 The microphone does not work in any application, including the voice recorder.
• 🛠️ The phone fell or came into contact with water.
• 🔧 Physical damage (cracks, corrosion) is visible).
• 📉 After resetting the settings, the problem remained.

What the service does:

Tips for choosing a service:

• 🔍 Give preference to authorized Xiaomi service centers (list on the official website).
• 💰 Check the cost before repairs – some workshops charge for diagnostics.
• 📄 Require a guarantee for work (minimum 3 months).
• 📦 If the phone is warranty, do not open it yourself - this will cancel the warranty obligations.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the microphone on Xiaomi