Xiaomi Microphone Not Working Properly on Calls Fix

Xiaomi Microphone Not Working Properly on Calls – UK Fix

If the person you're calling can't hear you during calls on your Xiaomi, Redmi, or POCO device, this guide covers the most common reasons and how to fix them.

Quick Answer:
If your microphone isn't working on calls, first check the Phone app has microphone permission. Then make a test recording using the Voice Recorder app – if that works, the primary microphone is likely functioning correctly. Clean the microphone hole at the bottom of the phone gently with a soft brush. Disconnect any Bluetooth audio devices and test again. If still not working, restart your phone and check for HyperOS updates.

Applies to Redmi, POCO and Xiaomi Phones

This guide applies to Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices running MIUI or HyperOS.

Which Microphone Is Used?

Most Xiaomi phones have multiple microphones for different purposes:

  • Bottom microphone (primary) – Used for normal speech during calls and voice recording.
  • Top microphone (secondary) – Used for noise reduction and background suppression.
  • Rear microphone (available on some models) – Used for video recording.

If one microphone is blocked or faulty, some functions may work while others don't.

🔍 Quick Diagnostic Table

What you seeWhat it usually means
No one can hear you on callsMic blocked, permission issue, or hardware fault
Mic works in Voice Recorder but not callsApp-specific permission or setting
Mic works sometimes, not othersNoise cancellation or physical blockage
Caller hears background noiseNoise cancellation issue
Mic stopped working after updateSoftware bug or settings change

🔍 Quick Start – Find Your Path

SymptomMost Likely CauseGo To
No one can hear you on callsPermission, blockage, or hardwareSection 1
Mic works in some apps but not othersApp permission issueSection 2
Caller hears background noiseNoise cancellationSection 3
Mic stopped working after updateSoftware bugSection 4
Mic works with earphones but not phoneBottom mic blockedSection 5

Section 1 – No One Can Hear You on Calls (Most Common)

If the person you're calling can't hear you at all, the issue is usually microphone permission, physical blockage, or hardware.

Try these in order:

  1. Disconnect Bluetooth audio devices – If you have Bluetooth earphones, headphones, or a headset connected, the call audio may be routed to their microphone. Disconnect Bluetooth devices and test again. This is a common cause, especially if you've recently used Bluetooth headphones or a hands-free device.
  2. Check microphone permission – Go to Settings → Privacy → Permission Manager → Microphone. Ensure the Phone app has permission set to "Allow".
  3. Check for physical blockage – The main microphone is at the bottom of the phone (near the USB-C port). Check if:
    • A thick phone case is covering the mic hole.
    • There's dust, lint, or debris in the mic grille.
    • When holding the phone, your finger is covering the mic hole – depending on how you hold the phone, this can happen.
  4. Check dual microphone obstruction – If the top or rear microphone is blocked (by a case or debris), noise cancellation may not work properly, affecting call quality even if the bottom mic is clear.
  5. Clean the microphone – Use a soft, dry brush to gently clean the mic opening. Avoid using liquids or sharp objects.
  6. Test with Voice Recorder – Open the Voice Recorder app (built into HyperOS) and make a test recording. If your voice is recorded clearly, the primary microphone is likely functioning correctly.
  7. Restart your phone – A full reboot can resolve temporary software issues.
  8. Check for system updates – Settings → About phone → System update.
  9. Run the microphone hardware test – On many Xiaomi devices, dial *#*#64663#*#* (or *#*#6484#*#* on some models) and select Mic in the hardware test menu. Availability varies by device and software version. This outputs a live mic recording so you can check hardware functionality.
  10. Boot into Safe Mode – Boot into Safe Mode using the method available for your device model (typically Power → long-press Restart → Safe Mode). If the mic works in Safe Mode, a third-party app is causing the issue – uninstall recently added apps.

Section 2 – Mic Works in Some Apps but Not Others

If the microphone works in Voice Recorder but not in calls, WhatsApp, or other apps, the issue is app-specific. Another app may be interfering with microphone access or audio processing.

Try these in order:

  1. Check app permissions – Settings → Privacy → Permission Manager → Microphone → ensure the specific app has permission.
  2. Clear app cache – Settings → Apps → Manage apps → select the app → Storage → Clear cache.
  3. Check for app updates – Update the app through the Play Store.
  4. Test in Safe Mode – Section 1. If it works in Safe Mode, the issue is a third-party app.

Section 3 – Caller Can Hear Background Noise (Noise Cancellation)

If the caller can hear you but also hears background noise, noise cancellation may not be working optimally. Most Xiaomi devices manage call noise reduction automatically through modem firmware, Qualcomm Fluence, or MediaTek BesLoudness, and do not provide a user-accessible switch. Some models may expose microphone enhancement or noise reduction settings, but many devices handle this automatically.

Try these in order:

  1. Check microphone position – The distance between the phone and your mouth, or how the phone is held during the call, can affect noise cancellation performance.
  2. Avoid windy conditions – Wind is one of the hardest types of noise for noise-canceling algorithms to filter out.
  3. Remove phone case – Some cases can affect microphone performance.
  4. Check dual microphone obstruction – If the top microphone is blocked, noise cancellation may not work properly.
  5. Background noise reduction may not perform as expected in some environments – This is normal behaviour and not necessarily a fault.

Section 4 – Mic Stopped Working After System Update

If the microphone stopped working after a HyperOS update, the update may have introduced a bug or changed settings.

Try these in order:

  1. Restart your phone – A second reboot after the update can sometimes resolve issues.
  2. Check for another update – Sometimes a follow-up patch fixes issues introduced by the previous update.
  3. Check microphone permission – Section 1.
  4. Test in Safe Mode – Section 1.
  5. Contact Xiaomi Support or an authorised repair centre – If the hardware test fails, this is the recommended next step.
  6. Factory reset (last resort) – If the hardware test passes but nothing else works, back up your data and perform a factory reset. This is rarely necessary for microphone issues.

Section 5 – Mic Works with Earphones but Not Phone

If the microphone works when you're using earphones but not during normal phone calls, the bottom microphone or its audio path is likely blocked or faulty.

Try these in order:

  1. Check for physical blockage – Section 1.
  2. Clean the microphone – Section 1.
  3. Test with Voice Recorder – Section 1.
  4. If the microphone hardware test fails – Contact Xiaomi Support or an authorised repair centre.

Why Isn't My Xiaomi Microphone Working?

  • Bluetooth audio device connected – The call may be using the Bluetooth device's microphone.
  • Permission denied – The app doesn't have microphone access.
  • Physical blockage – Dust, lint, or your finger blocking the mic hole.
  • Dual microphone obstruction – Top or rear mic blocked, affecting noise cancellation.
  • Noise cancellation – Background noise reduction may not perform as expected in some environments.
  • Software bug – After an update, settings may be reset or a bug introduced.
  • App conflict – Another app may be interfering with microphone access.
  • Hardware fault – The microphone component or its audio path may be faulty.

⚠️ What NOT to Do

  • Don't use liquids or sharp objects to clean the microphone – This can damage it.
  • Don't factory reset without backing up first – You'll lose your data.
  • Don't assume the hardware is faulty before testing with Voice Recorder – Software issues are much more common.

Quick Questions

Why can't the other person hear me on my Xiaomi?
Most commonly, a Bluetooth audio device is connected, the microphone permission is denied, the mic hole is blocked, or your finger is covering it. Check Section 1.

How do I test my Xiaomi microphone?
Open the Voice Recorder app and make a test recording. If your voice is recorded clearly, the primary microphone is likely functioning correctly. You can also dial *#*#64663#*#* (or *#*#6484#*#* on some models) and select Mic in the hardware test menu. Availability varies by device and software version.

Why does my mic work in Voice Recorder but not in calls?
This is usually an app permission issue or another app interfering. Check Section 2.

How do I clean the microphone on my Xiaomi?
Use a soft, dry brush to gently clean the mic opening at the bottom of the phone. Avoid using liquids or sharp objects.

Can a phone case block the microphone?
Yes. If a thick case covers the mic hole, the other person may not hear you. Remove the case and test.

Why is there background noise during calls?
Noise cancellation may not be working optimally, or a secondary microphone may be blocked. Check Section 3.

Can Bluetooth cause microphone issues?
Yes. If a Bluetooth audio device is connected, the call may use its microphone. Disconnect Bluetooth devices and test again.

Why does my Xiaomi microphone work on speakerphone but not normal calls?
This may indicate a microphone selection issue, obstruction, or hardware fault. Test using Voice Recorder and the built-in hardware test to identify which microphone is affected.

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