Bad hearing in a Xiaomi phone when talking: what to do if the interlocutor can not hear you

Have you noticed that when people call, they constantly ask you questions, complain about noise, or even stop hearing you? Sound problems in Xiaomi are one of the most common user complaints, and the causes can be found in software failures and hardware malfunctions. In this article, we will analyze all possible scenarios why your phone’s hearing loss has worsened, and give step-by-step instructions for diagnosing and fixing the problem, from basic checks to complex technical manipulations.

It's important to understand that if the problem suddenly appeared, it's likely that the software or the clogged microphone was to blame. If the hearing worsened gradually, it can signal wear on the speaker or microphone module, especially in older models. 3 years (e.g. Redmi Note) 8/9 or Mi 9T). Do not rush to bring your phone to the service. 80% In some cases, the problem can be solved independently. 10–30 minute.

Before you start repairing, answer two questions: 1. Is the problem only during calls or also when recording voice/video? 2. Does the interviewer hear you quietly, with interference or is the sound interrupted completely?

The answers will help narrow down the range of possible causes.

1. Checking basic sound settings

Start with the obvious, phone settings, and often users accidentally change the audio settings or activate modes that impair voice quality, and here's what you need to check first:

• 🔊 The volume of the microphone during the call. Xiaomi has a separate microphone regulator (not to be confused with the volume of the speaker!).When calling, press the volume button and make sure that the microphone slider does not move to the left.
• 📵 On the plane or don't disturb. These features can block the microphone. Check the notification panel or go to Settings. → Connections and sharing → Flight mode.
• 🎧 Connected accessories. If you have headphones connected to your phone (even wireless ones), the system can automatically switch the sound to them. → Bluetooth.
• 🔄 Network switching: In some regions, Xiaomi automatically switches to 2G If you have a weak signal, which impairs the quality of the communication. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Preferred network type and select 4G (preferably)/3G/2G.

If you have a problem after checking these items, move on to the next step. Note: in the POCO X3, Redmi Note 10 and later models, there is a separate setting for Voice Improvement in the Call Menu. Try turning it on / off (path: Phone → Three dots → Settings → Voice Improvement).

Diagnostics of the microphone: how to check its performance

If the person is listening quietly or with interference, the problem may be in the microphone. Xiaomi usually has 2-3 microphones:

- The main (lower, for conversations),

The top one (for noise reduction),

- Additional (in some models, for example, Mi 11 Ultra).

You can check them without special tools.

Method 1: Recording voice

1. Open the Dictaphone app (or install a third-party one, such as Voice Recorder).
2. Start recording and say a few phrases at different distances from the phone (5 cm, 30 cm, 1 m).
3. Listen to the tape. If the sound is quiet or distorted, the microphone is malfunctioning or clogged.

Method 2: Test call to another number

Call another phone (such as your home phone) and check how your voice is heard. Ask the person to rate the sound quality on a scale of 1 to 5. If the score is below 3, the problem is confirmed.

Method 3: Diagnostics through an engineering menu

Xiaomi has a hidden menu for testing equipment.

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Enter the code ##4636##.
3. Select Phone Information → Testing Menu → Microphone.
4. Speak to the microphone, the screen should show the signal level (green stripes), if the stripes do not respond or show a low level, the microphone is defective.

3. Cleaning the microphone: how to remove dust and dirt

One of the most common causes of poor hearing is clogging of the microphone hole. In Xiaomi, the microphone is usually located at the bottom of the case (near the USB-C connector) and often clogged with dust, villi or fat, you can clean it yourself, but it is important to do this carefully so as not to damage the membrane.

What you need:

– Toothpicking (wooden or plastic),

Soft brush (for example, for makeup),

- Microfiber napkin,

- A container with compressed air (optional),

Alcohol wipes (no more than 70% alcohol!).

Step-by-step:

1. Turn off your phone to avoid accidental tapping.
2. Light the microphone hole with a flashlight – you should see a small grille with holes (usually 2-4).
3. Carefully walk with a soft brush over the holes to remove surface dust.
4. If the dirt is deep, use a toothpick, but don't insert it deeper than 1-2mm! Move parallel to the body, not deep.
5. For final cleaning, you can use compressed air (hold the balloon vertically, at a distance of 10 cm).
6. Wipe the area around the microphone with an alcohol tampon (do not pour alcohol inside!).

⚠️ Note: Never use it for cleaning:

Cotton swabs (villi may remain inside),

Metal objects (needles, pins),

Water or liquids (except alcohol in a minimum amount).

If the problem persists after cleaning, it is possible that the microphone is physically damaged (for example, after the phone falls).

4. Software failures: resetting settings and software updates

If the microphone is clean but the problem persists, the software may be to blame. Xiaomi often has bugs after updates or because of app conflict.

Step 1: Reboot your phone

It's banal, but it works 20 percent of the time. → Reboot. After reboot, check your audibility.

Step 2: Clearing the cache of the Phone application

Go to Settings → Applications → App Management → Phone → Storage → Clear cache. This will delete temporary files that may interfere with normal call operation.

Step 3: Resetting network settings

Sometimes communication problems arise from incorrect mobile network settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings.

⚠️ Note: After that, you will have to re-enter passwords from Wi-Fi!

Step 4: Update the firmware

The manufacturer regularly releases patches that fix sound bugs. Check for updates: Settings → About the phone → System Update.

If an update is available, install it and restart the phone.

Step 5: Reset to factory settings

If nothing works, the last option is hard reset. Pre-backup data (photos, contacts, messages), as everything will be deleted. Way: Settings → About phone → Reset → Erase all data.

5. Problems with SIM-map and network operator

Sometimes the hearing loss is not related to the phone, but to the phone. SIM-It's a card or a mobile phone operator:

Signs of a problem on the part of the operator:

Poor hearing only in certain places (for example, on the subway or at work)

The person who hears you hears you (the sound of a tear)

The problem only occurs when calling the numbers of another operator.

What to do:

• 📶 Check the signal level. If you have a 1-2 network division, the communication will be bad. Try moving to another place or switching on. 4G instead 3G.
• 🔄 Switch to another carrier. Call from another phone (same phone) SIM-If the problem persists, the fault of the operator.
• 🆔 Replace. SIM-Older cards (especially Mini-SIM) may not communicate well with the slot. Ask the operator to replace it with Nano-SIM for free.
• 📡 Turn on VoLTE. Voice over technology. LTE Improves voice quality. Activates in Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [Yours. SIM] → VoLTE.

If the problem only occurs with a particular person, they may have a faulty phone or poor network coverage. Ask them to check their device according to the instructions in this article.

💡

To quickly check the quality of the connection, type USSD-code #0011# (for Samsung or ##4636##* → «Phone information» → «Network information. This is the type of network (LTE, UMTS) signal strength (dBm must be higher than the -100).

6. Hardware malfunctions: when to carry in the service

If all software methods have been tried, but the audibility has not improved, the problem is likely hardware.

⚠️ Note: If your Xiaomi fell into the water or was subjected to a strong vibration (for example, in a car without a mount), do not try to repair it yourself! moisture could get on the board, and any manipulation without special equipment will aggravate the problem.

How to choose a service center:

• 🔧 Xiaomi official service: Warranty for repairs, original parts, but more expensive and longer (3-7 days).
• 🛠️ Unofficial workshops, cheaper and faster (1-2 days), but the risk of running into fakes!

The average cost of replacing a microphone in Xiaomi is 1,000–2,000 ₽ (The official services are higher, but you get a 6-12 month warranty.

💡

If the phone is warranty (up to 12 months from the date of purchase), do not disassemble it yourself! contact an authorized service center - repairs can be free.

7.Alternative solutions: how to call if the microphone is broken

While the phone is being repaired or you are waiting for parts, you can use workarounds to call:

• 🎧 Wireless headphones with a microphone. Connect AirDots or any other. TWS-Headphones – sound will be transmitted through them.

If you make frequent calls at work, you can use a second phone temporarily or buy a low-cost Redmi as a “caller” (e.g. Redmi). 9A worth ~5 000 ₽).

FAQ: Frequent questions about poor hearing in Xiaomi