Dusty or clogged speakers in Xiaomi smartphones and smart devices are a common problem that worsens sound quality, such as wheezing, muting or distortion. The manufacturer has built-in audio-frequency cleaners that help remove small dust particles and debris without disassembling the device. However, finding this option is not always easy: its location depends on the MIUI version, the gadget model and regional firmware.
In this article, weβll look at where the audio cleaning feature is hidden in different Xiaomi devices (including Redmi, POCO and Mi), how to activate it, and what to do if the option is not on the menu, and what sound frequencies are used for cleaning, and why this method works more effectively than mechanical cleaning with cotton swabs.
What is cleaning speakers with sound and how it works
The sound cleaning function is a built-in tool in MIUI firmware that generates high-frequency sound waves (usually in the 200-500 Hz range). These vibrations cause the speaker membrane to resonate, pushing dust, villi and fine debris out of the grille.
- π± Smartphones (Xiaomi 11/12/13, Redmi Note 10/11/12, POCO F/X)
- π Xiaomi Smart Speaker, Mi AI Speaker
- π§ Headphones (Xiaomi Buds, Redmi AirDots)
- πΊ Televisions (Mi) TV, Redmi Smart TV)
Advantages of the method:
- β Safety: does not require disassembly of the device or the use of sharp objects.
- β Speed: The procedure takes 10β30 seconds.
- β Efficiency: Removes up to 80% of dust from hard-to-reach areas.
However, it is important to understand the limitations: sound cleaning will not help if the speaker is physically damaged (a membrane is torn) or clogged with large particles (sand, hair), in such cases, mechanical cleaning or replacement of the module will be required.
Where to find the speaker cleaning function in MIUI (step-by-step instruction)
The location of the option depends on the version of MIUI and the model of the device, and the following are the current paths for different firmware:
| MIUI version | The path to function | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| MIUI 14 (2023β2026) | Settings β Sound and vibration β Cleaning the speakers | Available on most flagships (Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi K60) |
| MIUI 12β13 (2020β2022) | Settings β About the phone β All parameters β Cleaning the speakers | It may not be available on budget models (Redmi 9A, POCO M3) |
| MIUI for POCO | Settings β Additional β Clean speakers or through the βSecurityβ App | Some models (POCO F4) require the developer mode to be enabled. |
| Mi TV / Redmi TV | Settings β Sound β Additional β Cleaning of speakers | Available only on PatchWall models with version 3.0 or less |
If the option is not on the menu, try the following:
- Update your firmware to the latest version of MIUI (path: Settings β About Phone β System Update).
- Install EEA or Global regional firmware β these feature is often available by default.
- Use hidden code to call the test menu: ##36446337## From the menu that opens, select Speaker Test β Clean Speaker.
Make sure the volume is set to maximum.
Connect the device to charging (for stability)
Close all applications that use sound
Check that the speaker is not covered with a case or hand-->
β οΈ Warning: Do not use the cleaning function if the speaker is wet or shows signs of corrosion. Vibrations can aggravate membrane damage.
How to start cleaning speakers with sound on different Xiaomi devices
The process of activating the function is similar for most devices, but there are nuances. Let's take a detailed look at each type of gadget:
π± Smartphones and tablets (Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO)
1. Go to Settings β Sound and Vibration (or additionally to POCO).
2.Look for βSpeakers Cleaningβ** (could be called Speaker Cleaning in English firmware).
3.Push Start - the device will emit a series of audio signals (from low to high frequencies).
4. Repeat the procedure 2-3 times for better effect.
What to do if the option is grey?
π Xiaomi Smart Speaker, Mi AI Speaker
1. Open the Mi Home app and select your column.
2. Go to Device Settings β Sound β Clean speakers.
3. Start the process, and the speaker will play the test sounds for 20 seconds.
4. For deep cleaning, repeat the procedure, first turning the speaker down (this will help shake out the dust under the action of vibrations).
π§ Wireless headphones (Xiaomi Buds, Redmi AirDots)
Cleaning headphones sound is possible only through the proprietary application Mi Earphones (for AirDots Pro) or Xiaomi Wear (for Buds 3/4):
1. Connect the headphones to the smartphone.
2. Open the application and select your model.
3. Go to Settings β Clean the speakers.
4. Press Start - the headphones will reproduce a high-frequency signal.
β οΈ Warning: Do not clean your headphones with sound more than 1 time per month. Excessive vibrations can damage the miniature speakers.
Alternative cleaning methods if the built-in function is not available
If your device does not support built-in speaker cleaning, use one of the proven methods:
π΅ Use of third-party applications
Applications like Speaker Cleaner or Sound Clean (available on Google Play) generate sound frequencies similar to the built-in MIUI function.
- Download and install the app.
- Select the Deep Clean mode (deep cleaning).
- Hold the speaker to your ear (at a safe distance!) and start the process.
- Repeat 2-3 times with an interval of 10 seconds.
π Manual cleaning with sound files
You can play the sound frequencies to clean:
1. Download a special audio file (frequency 300-500 Hz).
2. Set the volume to maximum.
3. Hold the speaker to a hard surface (for example, a table) β this will increase the vibrations.
4. Play the file within 30 seconds.
π‘
For better effect, before sound cleaning, gently tap the speaker grille with a soft brush (for example, for makeup), which will help remove large particles of dust.
π οΈ Mechanical cleaning (for power users)
If sound methods donβt help, try a mild mechanical cleaning:
- ποΈ Use a soft toothbrush with a short pile β walk gently through the speaker grille.
- π¨ Apply compressed air (a canister for cleaning equipment) from a distance of 10-15 cm.
- π§² To remove metal particles, hold a magnet (wrapped with a thin cloth) to the grille.
β οΈ Warning: Never use cotton swabs, toothpicks or needles - these can damage the speaker membrane or push debris deeper.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Incorrect use of the speaker cleaning function can lead to sound deterioration or even breakage.
| Mistake. | Effects of consequences | How to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Starting cleansing at low volume | Vibrations are too weak, dust is not removed. | Set the volume to maximum before starting |
| Interruption of the process | Incomplete cleaning, possible failures in the dynamics | Do not press buttons while playing sounds. |
| Frequent use (more often than 1 time per week) | Wearing of the membrane dynamics, distortion of sound | Use the function only when there is a noticeable deterioration in sound |
| Cleaning the wet speaker | Short circuit, corrosion of contacts | Dry the device for at least 24 hours before the procedure |
Critical error: using the cleaning function on devices with damaged speaker membranes. Vibrations can completely disable the speaker! If you hear a crunch or a crackle while playing sound, first check the speaker for physical damage.
π‘
If the sound has not improved after cleaning, the problem may be a software failure (for example, after the MIUI update) or a hardware breakdown, in which case a reset or diagnostics at the service center will help.
How to check if cleaning has helped
To evaluate the effectiveness of the procedure, follow the following steps:
- Sound test: Play audio files with clear low and high frequencies (e.g., test track).
- Microphone check: Use another device to record sound from the speaker. In normal condition, the sound should be clear, without extraneous noise.
- Visual inspection: Hold the speaker to the light source at an angle - if the dust is removed, the grille will be clean, with no visible particles.
If there is no improvement, repeat the cleaning after 1-2 days or try alternative methods (mechanical cleaning or specialized applications).