Why the interlocutor hears an echo in the Xiaomi phone: technical reasons and solutions

You're on the phone on Xiaomi, and the other person complains about an annoying echo that interferes with communication? This problem is more common than you think — according to service centers, up to 15% of calls for sound malfunctions are due to the echo effect, and both the smartphone itself and external factors can be to blame, from incorrect settings to hardware defects in the microphone or speaker.

In this article, we’ll look at all possible causes of echoes, from the common (like a loudspeaker turned on) to the complex (damage to a sound chip), how to diagnose a problem yourself, which settings to check first, and when to bring your phone to service. For owners of specific models (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13T) We have prepared specific recommendations that take into account the features of their hardware platform.

Spoiler: 60 percent of the time, the echoes are eliminated software-wise, but there are pitfalls that the manufacturer doesn't mention, for example, some Xiaomi models 2022-2023 may echo because of a conflict between the firmware and Qualcomm's noise-cancellation algorithms.

1.What is an echo in the phone and how does it manifest itself

An echo during a telephone conversation is a delayed and repetitive sound that your interlocutor hears, and it occurs when the beep returns to the microphone with a delay, creating a double-voice or humming room effect. Technically, this is called acoustic feedback (AFB — Acoustic Feedback).

How do you know if the problem is in the echo, not the bad connection?

• 🔊 The interviewee complains that he hears his own voice with a delay of 0.3-1 seconds.
• 📞 The sound becomes metallic or robotic (a sign of digital signal processing).
• 🔇 The echo is amplified when you turn on the speakerphone or use a headset.
• 📱 The problem only manifests itself on a particular device (e.g., Xiaomi, but not on another phone).

It is important to distinguish echoes from other sound artifacts:

If you are observing an echo, move on to the next section – there we will analyze the hardware causes that are most often to blame for this problem.

2. Hardware causes of echo: when the "iron" is to blame

If the echo occurs regardless of the settings and firmware, the problem is likely to be the physical components of the phone.

Mikrophone damage or speaker

The microphone and speaker at Xiaomi are often affected by:

• 💧 Moisture (even after a slight ingress of water, contacts are oxidized).
• 🪨 Strikes (the microphone is attached to the board with thin wires that are easily detached).
• 🧹 Pollution (dust and pile block sound holes).

How to check:

1. Call another phone and turn on speakerphone.
2. Turn to cover the upper microphone (near the 3.5 mm connector) and the lower microphone (near the charging port).
3. If the echo disappears when one of the microphones is closed, it is defective.

Problems with the sound chip

In Xiaomi smartphones on Qualcomm Snapdragon chips (for example, Redmi Note 11 or Snapdragon chips). POCO X4 Pro) echoes may occur because of:

• 🔥 Chip overheating (sound controller “gluts” at high temperatures).
• ⚡ Voltage surges (for example, after a failed firmware).
• 🛠️ Poor-quality rations (marriage at the factory or after repair).

Signs of malfunction of the sound chip:

⚠️ Attention: If the echo is accompanied by extraneous noises (for example, hissing or squeaking), and in the settings of the sound appear “artifacts” (for example, the volume slider moves jerks) – this is almost guaranteed hardware problem. Demands DC-power diagnostics or chip replacement.

3.5 mm connector failure or USB-C

If you use a wired headset, the echo may appear because of:

• 🎧 Oxidized contacts in the connector (especially relevant for Xiaomi with a leaky port).
• 🔌 Poor contact between the plug and the nest.
• 🔄 Impedance conflict (if headphone resistance does not match the supported range of the phone).

How to test:

1. Put the headset on, and you can move the plug a little bit, and if you get an echo, it goes away, and it's a problem with the contacts.
2. Try the other headphones. If the echo persists, it's the phone connector.

3. Program reasons: settings, firmware, applications

In 40 percent of cases, the echoes are caused by software -- firmware errors, application conflicts, or incorrect settings -- and let's look at the underlying "software" causes.

The enabled voice enhancement or noise cancellation function

V MIUI There are hidden algorithms for processing sound that sometimes amplify the echo:

• 🎤 «Improved voice” (Settings) → Sound. → Improved voice – attempts to suppress noise but creates delay.
• 🔇 «Noise suppression during conversation (Settings) → Special opportunities → Call settings).
• 📞 «HD-Voice (only automatically on the network) 4G/VoLTE).

How to turn it off:

1. Go to Settings. → Sound and vibration → Sound quality in calls.
2. Turn off the voice enhancement and noise suppression options.
3. If the echo only appears on WhatsApp or Telegram, check the settings of those apps (like WhatsApp: ⚙️ → Storage → Quality of calls).

3.2. conflict with firmware or update

After updating MIUI The echo may be due to:

• 🐛 Bugs in the sound driver (especially relevant for Xiaomi) 12/13 Android 13/14).
• 🔄 Core incompatibility (for example, after manual downgrade firmware).
• 📦 Packet errors audio_hw (responsible for sound processing).

Decisions:

⚠️ Note: If the echo appears immediately after the update MIUI, Try to revert to the previous version via Fastboot. system.img fastboot flash boot boot.img But keep in mind: rollbacks can lead to a bootloader lock on new models (Xiaomi) 13 Ultra, POCO F5).

3.3 Viruses or malicious applications

Some applications (especially from third-party sources) may:

• 🕵️ Replace the sound driver (e.g., “game accelerators” or “modified firmware»).
• 🎧 Intercept the microphone (spyware, advertising) SDK).
• 🔊 Modify the sound stream (applications to change voice).

How to check:

1. Launch your phone in Safe Mode (press the power button → “Safe Mode”).
2. If the echo is gone, the third-party app is to blame, and remove suspicious programs (especially those with microphone access rights).

💡

To find the “gluttonous” app, go to Settings → Annexes → Permits → Microphone and sort by last use date. Remove the ones you didn't install.

4.Echoes in the headset: Bluetooth and wired headphones

If the echo only occurs when you use the headset, the problem is compatibility or connectivity settings, and we'll look at both.

4.1 Problems with Bluetooth headset

In Xiaomi, echoes over Bluetooth often occur because of:

• 🔗 Incompatibility of codecs (e.g., aptX or LDAC They may conflict with the audio processor).
• 📶 Bad signal (with a weak connection, the sound packets are duplicated).
• 🔋 Low charge headphones (some models begin to "glutch" at a discharge below 20%).

How to fix it:

1. Go to Settings. → Connected devices → Bluetooth settings → Sound quality.
2. Select the codec. SBC (The most stable, though with less quality).
3. Turn off the "Absolute Volume" option (may cause delays).

Wired headset: problems with impedance and contacts

With wired headphones, echoes can occur due to:

• 🎛️ Impedance inconsistencies (for example, headphones for 32 ohms) + phone-amp).
• 🔌 Poor contact in the connector (especially if you use an adapter) USB-C → 3.5 mm).
• 🔊 Hardware limitations (some Xiaomi models without a 3.5mm port emulate analog sound through a scalp-like sound interface) USB-C, add to the delay).

Decisions:

⚠️ Note: If you are using an adapter USB-C → 3.5mm, echoes are almost guaranteed due to digital-to-analog conversion: 🔄 Connect headphones directly (if the phone has a 3.5 mm connector). 🔇 Reduce volume by 30-40% (this will reduce the load on the body) DAC). 🛠️ Buy an adapter with an external amplifier (for example, Xiaomi) USB-C to 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter with a chip CS43131).

💡

On models without 3.5 mm connector (for example, Xiaomi) 11T or POCO F4) Echoing through wired headphones is normal because of hardware constraints.Solution: Use a Bluetooth headset with a codec SBC.

5. Echoes in specific Xiaomi models: features and solutions

Some Xiaomi models have unique echo issues related to their hardware platform. We've collected data on the most popular devices.

5.1. Xiaomi Redmi Note 10/11/12 series

Problem: The echo is caused by a conflict between two microphones (top and bottom) that are simultaneously operating. WCD9385.

Decision:

1. Turn off the top microphone via the engineering menu: ##36446337## → Hardware Testing → Audio → Mic Test → Turn off Top Mic
2. Update the firmware to MIUI 14.0.4+ (In earlier versions, the bug has not been fixed).

5.2. POCO X3/X4/X5

Problem: Echoes are amplified when used VoLTE/VoWiFi due to an error in the Snapdragon modem 732G/860.

Decision:

• 📵 Turn off VoLTE in Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Additionally. → Volte calls.
• 🔄 Switch to the switch. 3G (This will remove the echo, but will impair the quality of the communication).

5.3. Xiaomi 12/13 series including Pro/Ultra)

Problem: The echo is caused by Qualcomm’s Clear Voice Capture noise-cancellation algorithm, which is activated in noisy conditions.

Decision:

1. Turn off “Voice Improvement” in call settings.
2. Reset network settings: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings

6. How to eliminate echoes: step-by-step instructions

If you don’t want to dig into the settings, follow this universal algorithm (from simple to complex):

1. Check the basic settings: 🔇 Turn off speakerphone. 🎧 Try a different microphone/headset. 📞 Reboot the phone.

Reset the sound settings:

Settings → System → Resetting settings → Resetting application settings

Update the firmware:

Settings → About the phone → System update

Check the hardware:

• 🔍 Check the microphones for damage.
• 🔥 Check the temperature of the phone (overheating?).
• 💧 Eliminate moisture.
• Reset your phone to factory settings: ⚠️ Warning: Save data before resetting! Use Settings → Memory. → Backup.
• If nothing helped – the problem in the sound chip or antenna module (relevant for Xiaomi with Snapdragon) 8 Gen 1/2).

7. When is it time to bring the phone to the service?

There are 5 signs that the problem is hardware and requires professional repair:

• 🔧 Echoes appear even after resetting settings.
• 🔊 In the dynamics, extraneous noises are heard (squeaking, crackling).
• 📱 The phone gets overheated during the conversation.
• 💧 There was moisture or impact.
• 🔄 The problem is only manifested in a specific SIM-map (possibly damaged antenna module).

The cost of repairs in Xiaomi service centers:

If your Xiaomi is guaranteed, do not think to disassemble it yourself - this will void the warranty.

💡

Before visiting the service, back up your data via Mi Cloud or locally on your PC. After repairing the sound chip or motherboard, a complete reset may be required.

8. Frequent Questions (FAQ)