Stubborn mic problem (tried hardware fix & ROM reinstall already) - Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hey XDAers,
Device details:
Model: Samsung Galaxy S2 (i9100)
ROM: Cyanogenmod 9 (at first), Cyanogenmod 11-20141115-SNAPSHOT-M12-i9100 (now) with gapps-kk-20140105-signed installed
Kernel Version: CWM, 3.0.64-CM-g4ca83ff [email protected] #1
Baseband: I9100XXLQ6
I'm really at a loss of ideas here. A couple of weeks ago people started to complain that my voice is quiet / distant when I speak with them. My first thought was to clean out the mic hole which I did, and it seemed to help a little but the problem remained. A week or so later there was no sound from the mic anymore. Luckily I have a friend's old S2 for spare parts, so it was time to get a-fixin'. So far I've tried:
Cleaning out the microphone hole with a needle
Switching the whole screen assembly, complete with the USB-board and thus also microphone from the spare part S2 (as the screen on mine was cracked anyway)
Switching the antenna cable connecting the USB-board and the "motherboard" from the spare part S2
Switching the back plastic (the one with the mic hole, camera "glass" & screwholes) from the spare part S2
Wiping the phone completely clean (factory reset, wipe data, format system partition) and installing a new recovery and a new version of Cyanogenmod
After switching the screen I found that while a call is active, the screen stays dark no matter what. Pressing the power button doesn't open the screen, whereas pressing the Home-button will bring me to "desktop". As soon as I navigate back to the call however, the screen goes black. Thus I have been unable to confirm whether I get sound into a call if I enable the speaker mode during a call. In an effort to fix this, I swapped in the front camera/light sensor part from the spare part S2, but it did nothing to change the situation.
I might be missing something, but to me it is a mystery at this point. I have switched the actual microphone, eliminating hardware fault at the mic. I have switched the cable I see connecting the board with the mic on it to the main board, eliminating fault there (if it is even related, as I don't know whether it is, just switched it to be sure). I have completely reinstalled the software side except for the modem (with which the mic worked with earlier anyway), eliminating software fault.
What am I to do?

Related

[Q] Mic Volume Too Low & Muffled

Hi There,
Fairly new to SGS2 after coming from HTC DHD and have had the phone only about a week rooting & installing ROM Cognition 1.31 with kernel Ninphetamine 2.0.5 & matching KG3 modem almost from the start. I don’t actually remember making any phone calls prior to rooting etc or even until yesterday where the recipient said their volume was very very low & muffled (their volume at max).
• All system sounds are max. (but I think that really affects speaker, not mic)
• I have tried calling to other networks (mobile & landline) with all calls feint & muffled.
• Tried with alternative SIM (different network)
• Tried various radio/modem KG6, KG2 and restoring my stock ROM - (KG2) with Chainfire’s rooted KG2 kernel & matching KG2 modem.
• Mic hole is clean and no plastic
• Edit: UMTS signal is 2-4 bars
Still mic volume too low and no audible change.
With speakerphone ON, all recipients hear me fine (good volume and clarity)!
So far I’ve found the ‘secret code’ *#197328640# and selected;
5. Audio
1. NB (Voice Call)
1. Handset
1. Volume
1. DST I2S1 TX Volume
My current values are:
0. 66
1. 70
2. 74
3. 78
4. 82
5. 86
I have been searching in vain for a solution, so hopefully someone could please help me out. I’m not sure if I’m on the right track above or what values to change (if indeed I'm in the right menu). Is there another solution as well? Thanks.
Edit: Have tried setting the above values to increments up to 100 & also back to full stock KF4 Firmware (no root etc) and tried with higher increments. Factory reset and still very low mic volume to recipient. Still OK when using speakerphone.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1127103&highlight=Low+mic
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1069015&highlight=Volume+boost
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1146825&highlight=Low+mic
Regards.
Thanks for that. Had a good read through, and tried a few things incl adjusting gain. But so far still no good. Just updating through Kies to KG2 (all stock) for another go. Otherwise waiting for my counter micro USB Jig to turn up and send back to the store.............
Any further suggestions welcome
Could any moderators please move this to the relevant forum section or thread, apologies. Did search google and Q&A here, but never thought to look in General,....considering it's a question.
Frankly those threads I mentioned are good but didn't do my purpose too. That Volume + apk is meaningless and the mod through keypad gets reset on reboot. But frankly I don't have any Low voice issue other than the headphone volume in a call, it is terribly low and I just stopped using it. I think only Samsung could fix it with a firmware upgrade.
Regards.
Hi there,
I had a similar problem, in fact, I rooted mine as soon as I could lay my hands on it...it was quite unfortunate that I was not able to fully test the 'mic' problem before rooting so I had no idea whether was it before rooting or after rooting...in any case..I am based in Singapore...Samsung Service Centre SUCKS big time here...
While I do love the Sensation ROM and Litening ROM on the SGS2, I eventually restored to the official ROM to have the handset replaced...
So with my new SGS2 that I had, I basically tested the 'mic' thoroughly, speaker phone, held to both my left and right ear as well as holding it in different angles to make sure the person on the other end could hear me perfectly..after that, I proceeded to ROOT the official firmware and did the 'mic' test again...when it was all good, I flashed it to my custom ROM of choice..everything works perfect now
Did I solve the problem...probably not but this post is for the people out there who are experiencing the same problem and hopefully in a position to have their handset replaced. While the SGS2 is great, I suspect quality control may be a problem...
Cheers
No luck, now fully stock, download counter reset and returned to Samsung. Just waiting for a replacement.
In the meantime, bought another, making sure to at least make a few test calls in the shop before walking away! All is good so far.....
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium
so far no fix, sgs2 users tend to ignore this problem on the forums. You won't find a working solution, I've searched for days. Trail's gone cold and we're left with this problem. Samsung doesn't care to fix it either, and the userbase seems complacent.
After days of internet research, I found a solution that at least fixes my muffled mic problem. As you can see in the attached picture, Galaxy S 2 microphones are sealed in plactic casings. Suprisingly, my SGS2's main mic was not sealed (contrary to the attached pic), but the secondary mic was placed under, not in the sealing (which shows a clear fault in production). I tried to seal it back in plastic casing, which didn't solve the muffling issue. Then I completely removed the plastic casing and the mic sound is now much better, though it is still not as good as my other phone, I9003. Hope this helps other people.
BTW, I am not responsible for any damage to your phone; this procedure may render your warranty void, you can easily damage your phone, etc. Search youtube for "samsung galaxy S2 disassembly".
Prior to this solution, I tried various stock roms, custom roms, lots of modems, which didn't cure the problem. It is really shocking that Samsung's flagship product has such a major problem.
@ umitoz
Thank you for sharing your experience which may turn out to be a simple fix for some. I ended up returning the phone for warranty through the seller and came back all microphone functions repaired. Seems Samsung had increased the speaker volume as well.
As I did not receive any repair report, not too sure what was replaced or repaired, but all is working better than ever. Cheers
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium
UpInTheAir said:
@ umitoz
Thank you for sharing your experience which may turn out to be a simple fix for some. I ended up returning the phone for warranty through the seller and came back all microphone functions repaired. Seems Samsung had increased the speaker volume as well.
As I did not receive any repair report, not too sure what was replaced or repaired, but all is working better than ever. Cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could you please have a look in the audio service menu and post what values you have set now?
jbergler said:
Could you please have a look in the audio service menu and post what values you have set now?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you screw some settings up?
On both phones repaired wifes & my new, the identical Tx values as before waranty:
DST I2S1 TX Volume (94):
0. 66
1. 70
2. 74
3. 78
4. 82
5. 86
Gain (Repaired & New):
I2S1 Rx Gain : 0x0
I2S1 Tx Gain : 0x0
Think this is how I left the gain when returned it for waranty, too long ago since played there, but beware, can make it worse also!
Since it's a very expensive piece of equipment, this problem usually a hardware fault, and I adivise anyone with similar problem after trying a few "tricks", to don't bother waste your time and return it for repair or replacement. If you're rooted, flash offiical firmware with Odin (Intratech thread) and reset Download Mode binary counter / remove warning triangle with USB jig.
UpInTheAir said:
Did you screw some settings up?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not quite, my mic is not usable at all on custom roms, and barely usable on the stock rom. I'm simply trying to get a baseline of what works for other people.
I'm picking the parts up and making a jig when I get home today and will take the phone back tomorrow.
Thanks
No problem. Hopefully you'll have it back quickly.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium
SGS2 - mic volume too low -- The Solution
Hi,
I had the same problem where mic volume was very low although calls with speaker or BT worked fine.
After trying several ROMs I realize this is HW issue.
I tried to replace the whole mic module with my wife's phone, but the problem stayed the same.
Then I've download service guide and followed the flow chart.
see enclosed files.
I found out that C621 capacitor was not connected well. I've resolder it and the problem was fixed.
I guess that this is a weak solder and the phone fails once it is disconnected.
umitoz said:
After days of internet research, I found a solution that at least fixes my muffled mic problem. As you can see in the attached picture, Galaxy S 2 microphones are sealed in plactic casings. Suprisingly, my SGS2's main mic was not sealed (contrary to the attached pic), but the secondary mic was placed under, not in the sealing (which shows a clear fault in production). I tried to seal it back in plastic casing, which didn't solve the muffling issue. Then I completely removed the plastic casing and the mic sound is now much better, though it is still not as good as my other phone, I9003. Hope this helps other people.
BTW, I am not responsible for any damage to your phone; this procedure may render your warranty void, you can easily damage your phone, etc. Search youtube for "samsung galaxy S2 disassembly".
Prior to this solution, I tried various stock roms, custom roms, lots of modems, which didn't cure the problem. It is really shocking that Samsung's flagship product has such a major problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i can confirm the small rubber/plastic piece is the culprit.
i replaced my screen recently, had no mic issues before this.
after, however the lower mic was totally useless, i had to use the speakers while in a call, so the top mic was used.
today i removed the small piece of rubber that covers the mic, it does indeed look as tho the mic should sit inside this, but it was not.
i used a small pair of scissors and removed the bottom flap of this, i then replaced it over the mic.
tested by ringing my slightly deaf father, who had no problems at all hearing and understanding me.
sorted
Hi,
Tried the code..upon pressing '5' I get a notification saying 'Caution: MENU Blocked'..plz help..
P.S. Don wanna remove the casing and expose the hardware to try the other solution..
Would you be so kind either to circle the capacitors or post a bigger picture as I am unable to located them.
Thank you
you can try korean modems M250K ub23 or M250S i have flashed them and i feel i have different phone now loud volume during calls so no more frustrations.
nisimp said:
Hi,
I had the same problem where mic volume was very low although calls with speaker or BT worked fine.
After trying several ROMs I realize this is HW issue.
I tried to replace the whole mic module with my wife's phone, but the problem stayed the same.
Then I've download service guide and followed the flow chart.
see enclosed files.
I found out that C621 capacitor was not connected well. I've resolder it and the problem was fixed.
I guess that this is a weak solder and the phone fails once it is disconnected.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks!! yours is the only valid solution! I replaced the two capacitors and now this S2 works :good::good::good::good:

[Q] GPS not working (icon doesn't even show up) and headphone jack not working

So I flashed to Carbon a while ago, everything was working perfectly, but I decided I wanted to flash back, so I used TWRP to restore my phone to its previous state. Now even with GPS on, and an application like Maps trying to use it to get a location, the GPS icon doesn't show up in the notification bar and nothing is able to get location. Furthermore, if I attempt to use headphones with my S3, I'll get a series of popping, glitchy noises, followed by audio only working out of one side. I thought this might be due to a bad solder connection in the jack itself, so I replaced the entire audio jack assembly, but the problem persists, telling me it isn't a hardware problem (with the audio jack, anyhow). Does anyone have an idea on how I could go about fixing this, or at least finding out what the issue is? I flashed back to a completely stock ROM (though I'm not sure I formatted everything entirely, I'm a little bit new to this) and I still have those two problems. Everything else works perfectly on it. I've taken good care of it, never really dropped it, nothing. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you
I should also note that I'm not 100% sure it stopped working after I flashed for the first time. It might have been having this problem before I ever flashed it.
Follow the guide in sticky thread, general forum on how to return to factory state. If still the same then you've damaged the motherboard.

[Q] No sound at all.

Hello everyone. I recently changed the broken digitalizer of my Atrix, after a couple of months of no use. Before the phone went useless, my sister was using it, and she told me that the sound was failing (like she didn't hear the other person in calls, no music or any sound trhu speaker or headphones). I couldn't see what was the problem since the digitalizer was too damaged to test anything. Now that I found an original touchscreen need to solve this issue.
I was on Neutrino 3.02 when this happened, since then I've tried factory reset trhu cwm, reinstalling the rom and now i'm on Epinter's CM10.1 and still doesn't work. Could this be hardware problems? For what I know the speaker is connected to the motherboard directly and I assume that is not attached to the earphone or headphones jack in any way, so how could this be hardware related?
NOTES:
-The volume buttons does not work, the flex is broken. Not sure if it is relevant but just in case.
-I've searched in Google and the forums, and could not find any info nor anybody with the same problem.
-Before switching to CM 10.1 I formated the /system partition.
-Still remains to test bluetooth sound, but i'm having problems with wifi and bluetooth since I dissasembled the phone, so after I fix this I will test it an update the post.
-I've been learning and taking roms from xda for a long time, but I just made an account and this is my first post here so Hi! :highfive:
-If you didn't notice I'm a non-native english speaker so.. yeah I suck at this lol.
UPDATE: I fixed the wireless thing and tested the bluetooth sound. Works great...

Can you swap guts of phone?

My S3 got wet this morning, after sitting in rice through the day it will power on... however as soon as I put the battery in you can hear the speaker giving off this little static sounding gurgling noise. Once the phone powers up the speaker does not work regardless if on the phone or speaker. Also when I call someone, they cannot hear me. It is not recognizing my SD but is recognizing my SIM. The back and edit / settings button on the bottom of the phone work ~75% of the time.
My question is... if I buy another S3 (I see them often going at a discount with cracked screens) can I take the guts out of the new phone and just use my current LCD / glass / case?
Falken231 said:
My S3 got wet this morning, after sitting in rice through the day it will power on... however as soon as I put the battery in you can hear the speaker giving off this little static sounding gurgling noise. Once the phone powers up the speaker does not work regardless if on the phone or speaker. Also when I call someone, they cannot hear me. It is not recognizing my SD but is recognizing my SIM. The back and edit / settings button on the bottom of the phone work ~75% of the time.
My question is... if I buy another S3 (I see them often going at a discount with cracked screens) can I take the guts out of the new phone and just use my current LCD / glass / case?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, you can, well, mostly i think, the parts that don't contain data, but if you will only replace the screen you are good to go.
But please, if you don't know how to do that, go pass that to someone experienced so nothing is messed up.
Cheers.
Yes you can just use screen setup, you can use the motherboard, speaker, mic etc from the good phone and put it in the old screen chassis. this will not fix any screen, touch, light up key etc issues though.

Resale prep (Can't connect to camera)

I'm preparing my Nexus 9 16GB WiFi for resale. Its front and rear camera don't work, and neither does the flash LED.
I first noticed the issue a while ago. I can't remember when. I tried some suggestions offered on XDA but:
- different apps don't solve the issue;
- flushing the device caches doesn't solve the issue and
- flushing the app cache doesn't solve the issue.
I think it was suggested I do a complete factory reset, wipe everything and reflash but I didn't feel like the hassle of setting everything back up, so I just let it be.
I'm not sure whether the front and the back camera and the flash LED all stopped working at the same time or one by one over time.
In preparation for resale I've returned the Nexus 9 from LineageOS 14.1 (regularly updated) to stock Android Nougat (N9F27M) and Marshmallow (MOB30W) and back to Nougat (N9F27M). The cameras and flash do not function on any of those operating systems, either.
I've looked inside and both cameras seem to be seated correctly.
Is this a known issue? Is there a software solution?
In the end it turned out to be a problem with the motherboard. I had replaced the USB mini-board when it began to charge slowly, presumably due to a worn out connector. It seems that when I pushed the replacement board into the plastic brackets which are meant to keep the board in its place, a small corner of the USB board broke and bent.
It required a good look to spot the defect. Bending it back into place restored camera and flash function, confirming the break is the cause.

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