The situation when a user begins to hear his own speech clearly during a phone conversation is one of the most annoying problems in the operation of modern smartphones, especially when owners of Xiaomi devices, where the software shell of MIUI or HyperOS can specifically process audio streams, this effect, often called an “echo” or “sidetone”, can occur suddenly, even if the device previously worked properly.
The causes can be many, from a simple software failure in the communication module to physical damage to the microphone or speaker. It is important to understand that you should not ignore the problem, since the constant background noise of your own voice prevents you from focusing on the words of the interlocutor and quickly tires the hearing aid.
In this article, we will discuss in detail all possible causes of echoes in the Xiaomi handset. We will look at both software settings that can be changed in a few minutes, and complex hardware malfunctions that require expert intervention. 80% of the time, the problem is solved by resetting network settings or turning off the function “Improving sound quality”.
The technical nature of the echo effect in smartphones
To effectively combat a problem, you need to understand the physical and software basis of a problem. In telephony, there is a concept called sidetone, which is a specially created feedback that allows the speaker to hear himself in the dynamics, this is necessary to control the volume of his speech, but in today's digital networks, this effect must be minimal and barely noticeable.
When you hear your voice in a Xiaomi phone too loud or with a delay, it means a failure in the audio processing circuit. The signal from the microphone hits the speaker either directly due to a software error, or bounces off the interlocutor’s network and returns to you. In Xiaomi devices, the audio chip and drivers are responsible for this, which can conflict with system updates.
Digital Signal Processing (DSP) in Snapdragon processors, which are often used in Xiaomi, sometimes works poorly with noise reduction algorithms. If the system tries to remove street noise but makes mistakes in calculations, it can ring your voice, and this is especially true for mid- and low-end models where CPU resources are limited.
How does echo work in VoIP and conventional networks?
Software settings and noise reduction functions
The first thing to check for Xiaomi smartphone owners is their audio settings and special features, and users often accidentally activate modes that amplify the microphone or turn on aggressive noise cancellation, which eventually leads to an echo.
There's a hidden engineering menu and standard accessibility settings in the MIUI shell. Check the "Special Opportunities" section in the system settings, and it can activate the "Hearing aid" or "Mono-audio" function, which changes the channel balance and can create an echo effect when you talk.
- 📱 Open the Settings. → Sound and vibration → Sound quality and try switching equalizer profiles.
- 🔇 In the Phone app, click on three dots in the corner and select Settings, then find Noise Crushing and turn it off to check.
- 📶 Check the VoLTE function: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Use VoLTE.
You also need to look at third-party applications for recording calls or managing calls, which can intercept audio streams and create a virtual feedback channel, and if a problem occurs after you install new software, try removing it.
Influence of protective accessories and covers
A common but common reason is the physical overlap of microphones: Xiaomi smartphones have a system of several microphones: the main (bottom), the additional (top), and the noise suppressor (back, next to the camera).
When the main microphone is closed, the phone automatically switches to the top, but the software may not have time to rearrange the frequencies, creating a resonance.In addition, the rigid plastic or silicone case can reflect sound from the speaker directly into the microphone hole, creating an acoustic loop.
Be sure to remove the case and check if the echo has disappeared. Also check the grids of speakers and microphones for contamination. Dust, pile from your pocket or glue from a protective film can act as a membrane, distorting sound. Use a soft brush to clean, but do not pick holes with sharp objects.
⚠️ Attention: The use of non-original glasses or films that cover the area of the upper speaker (auditory speaker) is guaranteed to lead to the appearance of an echo and deterioration of the audibility of the interlocutor.
Problems with the operator’s network and VoLTE
Sometimes the reason is not the device itself, but the voice technology. VoLTE (Voice over LTE) transmits voice as a data stream over 4G. If network coverage is unstable or the operator uses incompatible codecs, a digital echo can occur.
Try to force the phone to switch to mode. 3G or 2G. To do this, go to the Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Network type and select "Only" 3G» or "Preferred" 2G». If the regime 3G The echo is gone, so the problem is in the settings. 4G/5G your operator or in the compatibility of the Xiaomi modem
It’s also worth checking if the carrier has a “Communication Improvement” or similar service that may conflict with your smartphone settings, and call the support team to see if there are any problems at the towers in your area.
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If the echo is only heard when talking to one particular person, the problem is most likely on their side (a bad connection, a faulty phone, or a speakerphone on).
Hardware malfunctions of the microphone and dynamics
If software methods do not help, there is a high probability of physical failure. In Xiaomi smartphones, it is often found that the microphone contacts oxidize after moisture (even condensation or high humidity in the bathroom), in which case the signal begins to “fon” and create echoes.
Another common problem is unplugging the sealing gum of the main microphone, and inside the case, the microphone must fit tightly to the hole in the body, and if the seal is knocked down or lost, the sound from the speaker enters the body and directly onto the microphone membrane, creating powerful acoustic feedback.
You can do the diagnostics with an engineering test. Type ##6484## in the dialer (for most Xiaomi models), select Main Mic or Top Mic and check the recording. If the indicator jumps without sound or the recording is cracking and echoing, you need to replace the component.
| Symptoms. | Probable cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Echoes on speaker only | Acoustic loop, dirty speaker | Cleaning nets, reducing volume |
| Echo on any call | Software failure, microphone oxidation | Resetting, changing the microphone |
| Voice of the interlocutor with an echo | Problem with the interlocutor or on the network | Checking the connection with another subscriber |
| Constant whistling and echoing | Train damage, contact broke | Repairs at the service centre |
Resetting settings and flashing the device
When the software conflict is deep and affects the system files of audio drivers, a complete reset helps. Be sure to back up the data before doing so, as all files will be deleted. Go to Settings → About Phone → Settings Reset → Erase all data.
If that didn't work, there may be a bug in the current version of MIUI/HyperOS firmware. Check for system updates. Sometimes Xiaomi releases patches that fix exactly the sound problems. If you use custom firmware, it's recommended to go back to the stock version.
☑️ Checklist before going to the service
In some cases, flashing through a computer using the Xiaomi Flash Tool helps, which is a more complex method that requires unlocking the bootloader, and allows you to install the operating system completely, eliminating any software errors.
⚠️ Warning: Flashing the device with the unlocked bootloader can lead to loss of warranty. If the phone is warranty, it is better to immediately contact an authorized service center.
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If the echo appears only in one app (like Telegram), the problem is not with the phone, but with the settings of the app itself or its cache.
When repairs are needed in the service center
There are a number of signs that you can't solve the problem on your own, if after all the manipulations, including resetting and changing. SIM-cards, the echo remains likely to have failed the audio codec on the motherboard or the microphone module itself.
Also worth contacting the masters if the phone fell, the plume that connects the lower board (where the main microphone is often located) to the motherboard could move away when hit, and in Xiaomi Redmi Note and Poco models this happens quite often because of the design of the case.
Don't try to disassemble your phone yourself if you don't have experience. In modern smartphones, the battery is glued and the plumes are very thin. An inept opening can damage the screen or close, which will turn microphone repair into a replacement for the entire device.
How much does it cost to replace a microphone in Xiaomi?
Prevention and useful recommendations
To keep the echo problem from coming back, try to protect your smartphone from moisture and dust. Clean the microphone holes regularly with a soft brush. Don't glue the top of the screen with thick protective glass that isn't designed for your model.
Keep an eye out for system updates. Xiaomi often releases security patches and connectivity improvements. If you notice that an echo appeared immediately after the update, look for information on forums — this may be a known bug of the new version, and it is worth waiting for the next patch.
Use high-quality headsets. Cheap Bluetooth headphones or headsets with a 3.5 mm connector are often the source of echoes themselves due to poor screening and poor microphone quality. Checking with a good headset will help to completely eliminate the malfunction of the smartphone itself.