Michone problems on Xiaomi headphones are one of the most common complaints of users. Regardless of the model (Redmi AirDots, Mi True Wireless, Hybrid Pro or wired Mi Basic), owners face a situation when the interlocutor does not hear them, the voice is transmitted with interference or the microphone completely turns off. In 80% of cases, the malfunction is of a software nature, but sometimes hardware defects or design features are to blame.
In this article, we will examine all possible causes of poor microphone performance on Xiaomi headphones, from the banal settings of the smartphone to the hidden defects of the microphone module. You will learn how to check the microphone for performance, what Bluetooth parameters affect the quality of voice transmission, and when to contact the service center. And for owners of Redmi AirDots 3 Pro and Mi True Wireless 2, we have prepared exclusive data on typical factory defects of these models, which the manufacturer does not advertise.
1. Checking basic settings: why the microphone can be turned off software
Before you disassemble or repair your headphones, make sure that the problem is not with your smartphone or PC settings, and often the microphone stops working due to randomly changed settings or conflicts between applications.
To start with the obvious, check if the microphone is allowed for the app you're calling (like WhatsApp, Telegram, or a standard phone).
- 📱 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management
- 🔍 Find the right app (such as Zoom) and open its settings.
- 🎤 Check the permissions section – next to the microphone should be a green switch
- 🔄 If permission is disabled, turn it on and restart the application
On the iPhone, the path is different: Settings → Privacy → Microphone. Here you will see a list of all apps with microphone access — turn on the slider for the right one.
⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI (for example, MIUI 13 and MIUI 14) there is a bug that causes permissions to be reset after the update. If the microphone stopped working after the system update, try manually reinstalling permissions for all messengers.
Another common cause is Bluetooth conflict, where if you have multiple devices connected to your smartphone (e.g., headphones + fitness bracelet + smartwatch), the system may not properly route the audio stream, to rule out this factor:
- Turn off all Bluetooth devices except headphones
- Reboot your smartphone
- Reconnect the headphones and check the microphone.
2. Hardware problems: when the headphones themselves are to blame
If the settings are fine, but the microphone is still not working, it's time to check the physical condition of the headphones, and let's start with the most vulnerable place, the microphone module, which in wireless models is usually located on the leg or inside the case.
Xiaomi Redmi AirDots 3 Pro and Mi True Wireless 2 have a design defect: the microphone holes are too small and quickly clogged with dust, which causes the voice to become deaf or disappear altogether.
- 🔦 Take a flashlight and inspect the microphone holes (usually located next to the control button)
- 🧹 If dirt is visible, clean them gently with a soft toothpick or compressed air (do not use metal objects!)
- 💧 If the headphones have been exposed to moisture, dry them in rice or silica gel for at least 12 hours.
Wired models (Mi Basic, Mi Hybrid) most often suffer from a plug 3.5 mm or cable.
- 🔌 Connect your headphones to another device – if the microphone is working, the problem is in your smartphone
- 🔍 Inspect the cable for insulation overburden or damage
- 🔊 See if there is any extraneous noise when the wire moves (this is a sign of a break)
| Model headphones | Typical hardware problem | How to check | Decision-making |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redmi AirDots (all models) | Clogging of microphone holes | Lantern + visual inspection | Cleaning with compressed air or a soft brush |
| Mi True Wireless 2 | Detachment of microphone contacts after falling | To shake the headphone - is there a knock? | Disassembly and soldering (only in the service!) |
| Mi Hybrid Pro | Wire break at the plug. | Listen to the sound when the cable is bending | Replacement of the plug or the entire cable |
| Mi Basic | Oxidation of contacts in a plug 3.5 mm | Inspection of the plug for the presence of a green plaque | Cleaning with alcohol or replacing the plug |
⚠️ Note: If you notice that the microphone only works when the headphone is in a certain position (for example, when you press it with your finger), this is a sign of a break in internal contacts. Self-repair in this case can be fraught with complete failure of the device - it is better to contact the service.
Bluetooth Problems: Codec and Communication Protocol 3
In Xiaomi wireless headphones, voice quality is directly dependent on the Bluetooth codec used. By default, most models run on SBC, the most basic and unreliable codec, which often leads to sound delays and poor voice transmission.
To check and change the codec on Android:
- Connect the headphones to the smartphone
- Open Settings → Bluetooth
- Find your headphones in the list and click on the gear next to the name.
- Select Sound Quality or Codec (the name may vary)
- Try switching to AAC or aptX (if available)
Redmi AirDots 3 Pro and Mi True Wireless 2 models are supported AAC, which is better at voice transmission, but sometimes the smartphone automatically selects SBC. To forcefully include AAC:
adb shell settings put global bluetooth_a2dp_offload_capability 255
adb shell settings put global bluetooth_a2dp_offload_enabled 1These commands must be typed in through ADB (the ADB setup instructions you will find at the end of the article) and then restart your smartphone and check the microphone.
Another common problem is Bluetooth profile conflict, where headphones can connect in A2DP mode (for music), but not switch to HFP/HSP (for calls), to fix this:
- 📱 Turn off headphones from all devices
- 🔄 Reboot both the headphones and the smartphone
- 🔗 Reconnect the headphones and make a test call immediately.
Make sure your headphones are charged more than 30 times%|
Turn off other Bluetooth devices |
Restart your smartphone and headphones |
Check the selected Bluetooth codec (AAC preferably SBC)|
Make a test call immediately after connecting-->
4. Software bugs: firmware headphones and smartphone
About 30 percent of the microphone problems on Xiaomi headphones are due to outdated firmware on either the headphones or the smartphone.The manufacturer regularly releases updates that fix voice bugs, but many users ignore them.
To update the headphone firmware:
- 📱 Install the official Mi Home or Xiaomi Wear app (depending on the model)
- 🔍 Connect your headphones to the app
- 🔄 If an update is available, a notification will appear – follow the instructions on the screen.
Redmi AirDots 3 Pro and Mi True Wireless 2 will have the latest firmware versions for 2026:
- Redmi AirDots 3 Pro: V12.7.6.0 or later
- Mi True Wireless 2: V11.5.4.0 or later
If the headphone firmware is relevant, but the microphone still doesn't work, check the smartphone updates. On MIUI, it's done like this:
- Go to Settings → About the phone → System update
- Click Check for Updates
- If a new version is available, install it.
Pay special attention to updates if you have:
- 📱 Xiaomi or Redmi on the MIUI 12.5 and below (Bluetooth bugs have been fixed in the MIUI 13)
- 📱 POCO F3 or POCO X3 Pro (problems with microphone in VoLTE calls)
⚠️ Warning: After updating the headphone firmware, reset the headphones to factory settings. To do this, hold the button on the case for 10-15 seconds until the indicator flashes red and white. This will help avoid conflicts between the old and new settings.