Why Xiaomi’s microphone only works on speakerphone: 7 reasons and ways to eliminate

Why the microphone is silent in normal mode

Have you noticed that the person you are talking to doesn't hear you during a regular Xiaomi call, but when you turn on the hands-free, everything works? This problem is found on models from the Redmi Note 10 Pro to the Xiaomi 13 Ultra, and its causes can be due to software failures, as well as physical malfunctions, most often due to a clogged headphone jack, a damaged main microphone or a conflict of applications that block access to audio.

In this article, we will discuss 7 key reasons why the microphone stops working in standard mode but functions on speakerphone, you will learn how to self-diagnose the problem (including hidden MIUI tests), which settings to check first, and when exactly to carry the phone to the service. And for owners of models with a 3.5 mm connector, a separate checklist for cleaning contacts.

Spoiler: 60 percent of the time, the problem is solved in 5 minutes without disassembling the phone. Start with the section "Mic Diagnostics" - there are the fastest ways to check.

1.Diagnostics: How to check which microphone is not working

Xiaomi smartphones usually have 2-3 microphones: the main (bottom, for conversations), noise suppression (top, next to the speaker) and additional (for video shooting). If the sound disappears only in the normal call mode, but is stored on the speakerphone - the problem is in the main microphone or its circuit.

To determine the culprit, follow these steps:

• 📱 Test call: Call another phone and check if the person you are talking to hears you in three modes: regular call, speakerphone, headphone call (if any).
• 🎤 Voice recording: Open the Dictator app (Recording the sound in MIUI) And record 5 to 10 seconds. Play the record -- if you have a voice, but it's quiet or it's noisy, the microphone is the problem.
• 🔍 Hidden Test: Enter the code ##6484## (or #4636) in the Phone app## → «Phone information» → «Audio test. This is where all the microphones are checked individually.

Call hands-free | Record voice in voice recorder | Check headphones (if any) | Enter code ##6484## for test-->

If the microphone on the test is 0 dB or it's a hardware malfunction, if there's a sound that's distorted, it's the software or the contacts that are clogged.

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi models 12T And the newer code ##6484## may not work «CIT» (built-in MIUI), where in the Audio section all microphones are checked.

2.Program causes: from application conflicts to MIUI failures

In 30 percent of cases, the microphone is silent because of software problems.

• 🤖 Access rights conflict: Apps like WhatsApp, Telegram or Truecaller can block the microphone for system calls. → Annexes → Permit management → Microphone.
• 🔄 Failure after update: Updates MIUI 13/14 Sometimes reset audio settings. Try rolling back the update or resetting the audio settings (Settings) → Sound. → Resetting settings).
• 🎛️ Incorrect call settings: In MIUI There's a separate volume control for the conversational microphone. → Sound. → Loudness → A challenge.
• 🦠 Viruses or Optimizers: Applications like Clean Master or DU Battery Saver can turn off the microphone to save power.Remove them and restart the phone.

If the problem occurs after installing a new app, try booting in Safe Mode (press the power button → Safe Mode). If the microphone is working, it is the fault of third-party software.

MIUI 12|MIUI 13|MIUI 14|Another version |I don't know-->

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If the microphone stopped working after upgrading to MIUI 14, try turning off the Smart Volume feature in the audio settings – it sometimes conflicts with audio drivers.

Hardware malfunctions: from dust to plume cliff

If the software methods didn't work, the problem is the hardware.

• 🧹 Clogging headphone jack: On models with a 3.5 mm connector (Redmi) 9A, Poco X3) The phone thinks the headphones are connected and turns off the main microphone.
• 🔌 Microphone plume damage: Often occurs after falling or disassembling the phone.The plume may move away from the motherboard or rubbish.
• 💧 Moisture intrusion: Even if the phone hasn't sunk, condensation or high humidity can corrode the microphone contacts. check the moisture indicator (red dot under the tray) SIM).
• 🔊 Misfunction of the microphone itself: Over time, the microphone membrane wears out, especially if the phone is often dropped or used in dusty conditions.

Critical: On Xiaomi 11T and 12 Pro models, the microphone is integrated into the bottom speaker. If the speaker is working but the microphone is not, it almost always means a circuit break inside the module.

For self-checking:

1. Turn off your phone and inspect the headphone jack (if any) for contaminants. Clean it gently with a toothpick if necessary.
2. Blow into the microphone hole (usually next to the charging connector). If you hear a crunch or the sound doesn't pass, the microphone is jammed.
3. Check if the bottom of the body is wobbling, which could indicate a disconnected plume.

⚠️ Attention: Do not use metal objects to clean the connector! This can close contacts. You should use a wooden toothpick or compressed air.

4. Features of models: why some Xiaomi it is a "disease"

Some Xiaomi models suffer from microphone problems more often than others, and here are the most “problematic” series and their features:

• 📱 Redmi Note 8/9/10: A common problem is that the microphone plume is broken off because of the weak attachment, and these models also often clog the headphone jack.

For owners of the Redmi Note 10 Pro and Xiaomi 11 Lite, there is good news: on these models, the microphone often “restores” after resetting to factory settings (don’t forget to make a backup!). MIUI Sometimes misallocating priorities between microphones.

If you have one of the “problem” models, try these specific solutions:

• For Redmi Note 8/9: Check the plume mount (often helps to put a piece of tape under the connector).
• For Mi A2/A3: Set up a root and reflash the audio driver through Magisk.
• For Poco F3/GT: Turn off NFC in the settings and check the microphone - sometimes it helps.

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On Xiaomi 12/13 models, turn off the Voice Improvement feature in call settings before resetting your settings – it can block the main microphone.

5 Step-by-step: what to do if the microphone is not working

Follow this algorithm to fix the problem:

1. Step 1. Reboot: Turn off the phone for 1 minute, then turn it on. This will reset the audio's temporary settings.
2. Step 2. Permissions Check: Open Settings → Applications → Permissions Management → Microphone and make sure the Phone app has access.
3. Step 3. Clean the connector: If you have a 3.5mm connector, brush it with a toothpick. For models without a connector (e.g. Xiaomi 13), skip this step.
4. Step 4: Reset the sound settings: Go to Settings → Sound → Reset settings (on some models this item is hidden – use the search by settings).
5. Step 5: Safe Mode Test: Load in Safe Mode and check the microphone. If it's working, delete the apps one by one until you find the culprit.
6. Step 6: Software Update: Check for updates in Settings → About Phone → System Update. Sometimes bugs with the microphone are fixed in new versions of MIUI.
7. Step 7. Reset to factory: If nothing worked, back up and reset your phone through Settings → Additional → Recovery and Reset.

If you've had a problem after the reset, it's a 100% hardware malfunction.

• For warranty phones, contact the Xiaomi service center.
• For phones over 2 years old – look for a workshop with good reviews (replacing the microphone is worth it) ~1 500–3 000 ₽).

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Before resetting to factory settings, write down the phone's IMEI (type *#06#) to help restore the network if the connection is lost after the reset.

6.When to contact the service: signs of a serious breakdown

Not all microphone problems can be solved by yourself, here are 5 signs that you need to carry your phone for repair:

• 📉 In the test (#6484##) the microphone shows 0 dB or error.
• 🔊 The speaker also works intermittently (on models where the microphone is integrated into the speaker).

The cost of repair depends on the model and type of breakdown:

If the phone is warranty, don't take it apart yourself! Xiaomi will cancel the warranty when you're in the middle of an autopsy. Contact the official service - repair warranty will cost you free.

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi models 12S The Ultra and 13 Pro microphone is soldered into the motherboard, and it requires soldering and costs a lot to replace. ~5 000–8 000 ₽. In some cases, it is cheaper to buy a new phone.

7.Prevention: How to avoid microphone problems in the future

To make the microphone on Xiaomi last longer, follow these guidelines:

• 🚫 Avoid mechanical damage: Do not drop your phone, especially on the bottom edge (where the microphone is located.
• 💧 Keep away from moisture: Even if the phone has protection IP53 (Like the Redmi Note 11, prolonged exposure to moisture will damage the microphone. After rain, dry your phone 1-2 hours.
• 🧹 Clean the connectors regularly: Every 3-6 months, gently clean the headphone jack (if any) and the microphone hole from dust.
• 🔄 Update: Install updates MIUI, But check the reviews on the forums before updating (sometimes new versions break the microphone).
• 📵 Don’t use “sound boosters”: Apps like Volume Booster can overload the microphone and knock it out of order.

For models with a 3.5 mm connector (Redmi 9A, Poco M3), it is useful to connect and turn off headphones once a month - this prevents the oxidation of contacts.

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If you make frequent calls in noisy places, turn on the Noise Cancel feature in your call settings, which will reduce the load on the microphone and prolong its life.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi's microphone