Xiaomi microphone doesnโ€™t work: all the reasons and 10 ways to fix it

Have you noticed that the person you are talking to has stopped hearing you while you are calling, and voice messages are recorded without sound, POCO Mi and Mi are one of the most common malfunctions that can occur due to software failure and hardware components. In this article, we will look at all the possible reasons why the microphone stopped working, and give step-by-step instructions for diagnosing and troubleshooting โ€“ from basic settings to deep iron testing.

It is important to understand: if the microphone suddenly stopped functioning after a drop in the phone, getting moisture or updating MIUI โ€” The algorithm will be fundamentally different, and we're not going to just stick with the formulaic tips like "reset the phone," but we're going to come up with specific solutions for each situation, including the hidden developer settings and diagnostic codes. You will also learn how to distinguish a software malfunction from a physical malfunction so as not to waste time on useless manipulations.

This article is relevant for all Xiaomi models based on the MIUI 12โ€“14 HyperOS, including flagships (Xiaomi) 13/14), Budget series (Redmi Note) 12/13, POCO X5/F5) and old devices (Mi) 9/10). If your model is not mentioned, donโ€™t worry: 90% solutions are universal for the entire line.

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

Before you start repairing, make sure the microphone is the problem, and in many cases, users confuse a microphone malfunction with a sound that is turned off during a call, an app crash, or privacy settings.

  • ๐Ÿ“ž Call another phone: ask the person to confirm if they can hear you. Try using a headset โ€” if a sound appears, the problem is in the main microphone.
  • ๐ŸŽค Recorder: Open the standard Dictaphone app and record 5-10 seconds of speech. Play the recording.
  • ๐Ÿค– Voice assistant: activate Google Assistant or Alice with your voice. If the assistant doesn't respond, the microphone won't transmit the signal.
  • ๐ŸŽฎ Games/applications: run a game with voice chat (e.g, PUBG Mobile or Discord and see if other players can hear you.

If the microphone doesn't work in all tests, it's hardware or system, and if it doesn't work only in certain applications (like WhatsApp, but it works in a voice recorder), it's the program's settings or cache that's to blame.

|Moisture intrusion|Installation of the annex|On his own.-->

2. Programmatic reasons: settings and failures MIUI

In 60 percent of cases, the microphone on Xiaomi stops working due to incorrect settings, application conflicts or firmware errors.

Verification of microphone permits

With Android 10 and up, apps require separate permission to access the microphone, and if it is disabled, programs will not be able to record the sound:

  1. Open Settings โ†’ Applications โ†’ Application Management.
  2. Select an app that doesnโ€™t have a microphone (like WhatsApp or Zoom).
  3. Go to Permits. โ†’ Microphone and access switch on.

If the resolution is already on, try resetting it: turn it off, restart the phone and turn it back on.

Resetting of sound settings

Sometimes the system settings of sound, including the microphone settings, get confused, and you can bring them back to the factory values like this:

  1. Go to Settings โ†’ Sound and vibration โ†’ Additional settings.
  2. Click Reset sound settings (in some firmware, the item is called Reset default settings).
  3. Confirm the action and restart the device.

๐Ÿ’ก

If the "Reset Sound Settings" item is not on the menu, try entering the code ##36446337## (Engineering Mode) in the Phone app and select Audio โ†’ Normal Mode โ†’ Restore Default.

Clearing the cache and application data

Clogged cache or corrupted application data can block access to the microphone, and clear it for problematic programs:

  1. Go to Settings โ†’ Applications โ†’ Application Management.
  2. Select an app (such as Telegram) โ†’ Storage.
  3. Click Clear Cache and Clear Data (Warning: This will delete all program settings!).

After cleaning, restart your phone and check the microphone.

Check the microphone's permissions|Clear the app cache|Reboot the phone

|Check the microphone in the recorder|Reset the sound settings-->

3. Hidden settings: developer mode and engineering menu

If standard methods don't work, it's time to dig deeper. Xiaomi hides a number of diagnostic tools that allow you to test the microphone at a low level.

Initiation of the developer mode

Developer mode gives access to advanced sound settings, including forced microphone activation:

  1. Go to Settings. โ†’ The phone.
  2. Click 7 times in a row on the MIUI version (the notification โ€œYou became a developerโ€ will appear).
  3. Go back to the basic settings and open a new section for developers.
  4. Find the debugging option by USB and turn it on (this unlocks additional points).

Testing of microphone through engineering menu

The Engineering Mode allows you to check the hardware serviceability of the microphone.

  1. Open the Phone app and enter the code: ##36446337##
  2. Choose Audio. โ†’ Normal Mode.
  3. In the Mic section, check the signal levels (if the values are 0 or N/A โ€” microphone malfunction).

Attention! Do not change the other options in the engineering menu - this can cause a firmware failure.

What to do if the engineering menu is not opened?
If nothing happens after you enter the code, try: 1. Use alternative code: ##4636## โ†’ "Phone information" โ†’ "Perform a ping test.โ€ 2. Install the application MTK Engineering Mode (for MediaTek processors) or Qualcomm EngineerMode (for Snapdragon) from Google Play. 3. Update firmware - in new versions MIUI Some codes are blocked.

Forced activation of the microphone through ADB

If the microphone is disabled at the system level, it can be unlocked through the ADB (Android Debug Bridge:

  1. Connect your phone to a PC with drivers installed ADB.
  2. Open the command line and type: adb shell settings put global microphone_mute 0
  3. Reset the device.

This command drops the flag of the forced microphone shutdown, which is sometimes set after failures.

4. Hardware problems: what breaks physically

If the software methods didn't help, it's probably hardware, and here are the most vulnerable components of the microphone path in Xiaomi smartphones:

ComponentSigns of malfunctionReason.Decision
Main microphone (bottom)It doesnโ€™t work in all apps except the headset.Fall, moisture, wear and tearMicrophone replacement (1000โ€“2500) โ‚ฝ)
Second microphone (noise suppression)The interviewee hears you, but with a loud noise.Dust pollution, contact oxidationCleaning or replacement
Audio codecs (sound processing chip)The microphone is not working, the speakers are not working.Overheating, short circuit.Diagnostics in the service (repair / replacement of the motherboard)
Headset connectorThe microphone only works with headphones.Oxidation of contacts, mechanical damageCleaning with alcohol or replacing the connector
Antenna cable (in models with NFC)Periodic loss of soundRubbing the cable with frequent opening of the coverCable replacement (500โ€“1,500) โ‚ฝ)

Critical information: In 90% of cases of physical microphone failure, two factors are to blame on Xiaomi - getting moisture into the bottom microphone (located next to the Type-C connector) or falling on a hard surface, which displaces the microphone module from the mounts. If the phone fell or came into contact with water, do not waste time on software methods - immediately take to the service.

๐Ÿ’ก

If the microphone stopped working after moisture hit, don't turn the phone on or plug into charging! SIM-card, dry the device in rice or silica gel 24-48 hours, and then contact the service. Turning on a wet phone leads to corrosion of the microphone contacts and increases the cost of repair 2-3 times.

5. Recovery after update MIUI

Updates MIUI And HyperOS often breaks the microphone because of driver conflicts or firmware errors. If the problem comes after the update, try these methods:

5.1. rollback to the previous version of MIUI

If the microphone was working before the update, return the old firmware:

  1. Download the archive with the previous version MIUI For your model from the official Xiaomi website.
  2. Rename the file to update.zip and place it in the root of the phoneโ€™s memory.
  3. Go to Settings โ†’ About the phone โ†’ System update.
  4. Click on three dots in the upper right corner โ†’ Select the firmware file and specify update.zip.

โš ๏ธ Attention, rollback will reset all data if you don't use it. TWRP. Pre-return backup through Settings โ†’ Additionally. โ†’ Backup and reset.

5.2 Reset to factory settings

If a rollback is not possible, complete a full reset (this will delete all data, but often solves the problem):

  1. Go to Settings โ†’ Additional โ†’ Backup and Reset.
  2. Select Resetting โ†’ Erase all data.
  3. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.

After the reset, don't restore the data from the backup right away -- check the microphone first. If it worked, the problem was the settings conflict.

Manual update of sound drivers

For power users: If the microphone doesnโ€™t work because of a driver failure, you can reinstall them via Fastboot:

  1. Download Fastboot firmware for your model from the Xiaomi website.
  2. Unpack the archive and find files with the.img extension that contain audio or modem in the title.
  3. Connect your phone to your PC in Fastboot mode (clip Power + Volume down when turned on).
  4. In the command line, type: fastboot flash modem [name file.img] fastboot flash audio [name file.img]
  5. Reboot the phone: fastboot reboot

This method is risky, because if you make a mistake, your phone may stop turning on, and only use it if other methods have not worked.

Special cases: specific problems and solutions

Some Xiaomi models have unique microphone bugs, and here are the most common:

6.1. Redmi Note 10/11 Pro: The microphone only works on speakerphone

These models often get lost in the audio routing settings, and you can fix this:

  1. Enter the phone code in the app: # #83786633##
  2. Choose Audio. โ†’ Handset Mic.
  3. Set the value of 0 for Mic Mute.

6.2. POCO F3/4: clutter

The problem is with Qualcomm's drivers.Solution:

  1. Install the SoundAbout app from Google Play.
  2. Open it and select Media Audio. โ†’ Wired headset (even if the headphones are not connected).
  3. Reboot the phone.

6.3. Xiaomi 12/13: The microphone is turned off after the screen is locked.

This is a power saving bug. Turn off optimization for applications that use a microphone.

  1. Go to Settings โ†’ Battery โ†’ Battery Optimization.
  2. Find a problem app (like WhatsApp) and select Unlimited.

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

If you've tried all the techniques, but the microphone still doesn't work, you're probably going to need hardware repairs. Here are the signs that you can't do without the service:

  • ๐Ÿ”Š The microphone does not work in all modes (calls, voice recorder, applications), including the headset.
  • ๐Ÿ’ง The phone fell into water or came into contact with liquids (even if it was days later).
  • ๐Ÿ”ง On the engineering menu (##36446337##) The microphone signal levels show 0 or N/A.
  • ๐Ÿ”จ The body shows cracks or dents in the lower microphone area (near the Type-C connector).
  • ๐Ÿ”„ The problem appeared after unofficial firmware or unlocking the bootloader.

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

  • ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Microphone replacement: 1,000โ€“2,500 โ‚ฝ (job).
  • ๐Ÿ”Œ Cleaning/replacement of Type-C connector: 1,500โ€“3,000 โ‚ฝ (If the microphone is integrated into the connector).
  • ๐Ÿ–ฅ๏ธ Repair of audio track on board: 3000-8000 โ‚ฝ (bruise).

โš ๏ธ If you're offered a 500-dollar phone reflash service. โ‚ฝ" The software is not going to repair a physically damaged microphone. Demand a diagnostic that disassembles the device.

8.Prevention: How to Avoid Mikrone Problems

To make your Xiaomi microphone last longer, follow these guidelines:

  • ๐Ÿšซ Avoid moisture: even a brief ingress of water into a Type-C connector can oxidize the microphone contacts. Use sealed case for models without protection IP68.
  • ๐Ÿ“ต Do not drop your phone: hitting a hard surface often displaces the microphone module from the mounts.
  • ๐Ÿ”‡ Clean the Type-C connector: A buildup of dust and dirt can block the microphone contacts. Use a wooden toothpick (not metal objects!).
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Update the firmware: in new versions MIUI Often fix bugs with sound drivers.
  • ๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ Use protective cases: models with protruding camera (such as Xiaomi 13 Ultra) are especially vulnerable to falling on the back.

Also avoid installing unofficial firmware (such as LineageOS or custom builds). MIUI), If you're not sure if they're stable, incorrect sound drivers are a common cause of microphone failure after firmware is installed.

๐Ÿ’ก

If you use voice messages or calls frequently, check the microphone every 3-6 months through the engineering menu (#36446337##).

FAQ: Frequent questions about the microphone on Xiaomi

โ“ Why the microphone works in the recorder, but does not work during calls?
This is a typical sign of a software conflict or crash in the Phone app.Try: Clear the Phone app cache (Settings) โ†’ Annexes โ†’ Phone. โ†’ Warehouse โ†’ Clear cache. Install an alternative call app (e.g. Google Phone) Reset network settings (Settings) โ†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks โ†’ Network resetting. If it doesn't work, the problem is audio routing (sound is redirected to the wrong microphone), and then only resetting to factory settings will help.
โ“ Can I repair the microphone myself?
Self-repair is possible if you have: ๐Ÿ”ง Set of screwdrivers for Xiaomi (stars) T3, T4). ๐Ÿ” Loupa and tweezers for working with small details. ๐Ÿ›’ Spare microphone (you can buy on AliExpress or in service centers). ๐Ÿ“น Video instructions for disassembling your specific model (see YouTube for "Xiaomi [model] disassembly"). โš ๏ธ Risks: Damage to plumes during disassembly (especially in models with a frameless screen); loss of water resistance (if any); failure of other components (for example, a speaker or a vibration motor) if you do not handle it carefully; if you do not have experience, you should contact the service. The cost of self-repair (including the purchase of tools) often exceeds the price of a work in the workshop.
โ“ The microphone is quieter after the update?
After updating MIUI 13โ†’14 or HyperOS, many users complain about the reduced sensitivity of the microphone, which is due to new noise reduction algorithms, and you can turn back the previous volume like this: Turn on the developer mode (see section 3.1). โ†’ For developers, find the option to turn off absolute volume. Turn it on. Install SoundAbout and select Phone Call in Media audio. โ†’ If that doesn't work, try to revert to the previous version. MIUI (see section 5.1).
โ“ Why do you hear a double voice or echo when you talk?
Echoes and duplication of voices are caused by: ๐Ÿ”„ Microphone Conflict: On Some Models (Redmi Note 11, POCO X4) Main and secondary microphones are activated simultaneously. ๐Ÿ“ž Phone app failures: especially after updates. ๐ŸŽง Headset malfunctions: if you use Bluetooth headphones Solutions: Turn off Bluetooth headphones and check the sound through the phone speaker. In the engineering menu (#36446337##) turn off the second microphone (Audio) โ†’ Mic โ†’ Mic2 Switch โ†’ Install an alternative calling app (e.g. True Phone).
โ“ How to check if the microphone is switched off at the system level?
Sometimes the microphone is locked at the Android level due to privacy policy or a failure. Check this out: Connect the phone to the PC and type in the command line: adb shell dumpsys media.audio_flinger Find the line in the output mic_mute=. If true is true, the microphone is disabled by the system. Enable it with the command: adb shell settings put global. microphone_mute 0 Also check if the Airplane Mode mode is activated (the microphone can be blocked on some firmware).