Speakerphone Echo Issues on Custom ROMs: A Comprehensive Guide for Poco M4 Pro 4G Users

We understand the frustration of dealing with speakerphone echo issues, especially after flashing a custom ROM on your Poco M4 Pro 4G. It’s a common problem, and we’re here to provide you with a detailed, step-by-step guide to diagnose and resolve this annoying issue. At Magisk Modules, we are committed to helping users optimize their custom ROM experience, and this comprehensive troubleshooting guide is designed to do just that. We’ve compiled solutions drawing from user experiences, technical insights, and our own expertise with custom ROMs and Magisk modules available on our Magisk Module Repository.

Understanding the Root Causes of Speakerphone Echo

Before diving into solutions, it’s crucial to understand why speakerphone echo occurs after installing a custom ROM. The problem often stems from one or more of the following:

• Incorrect Audio Configuration: Custom ROMs, while offering customization options, may not always perfectly configure the audio settings for a specific device. This can lead to mismatched gain levels, improper noise cancellation, or conflicting audio codecs.
• Driver Incompatibility: The audio drivers included in the custom ROM might not be fully compatible with the Poco M4 Pro 4G’s hardware. This can result in distorted audio output, including the dreaded echo.
• Kernel Issues: The kernel, which is the core of the operating system, plays a vital role in managing hardware resources, including audio. A poorly optimized or incompatible kernel can contribute to audio problems.
• Software Conflicts: Certain apps or system services might interfere with the audio processing, causing an echo during speakerphone calls.
• Hardware Defect: While less likely if the issue only surfaced after flashing the ROM, a pre-existing hardware problem with the microphone or speaker can also manifest as an echo.
• Custom ROM Bugs: Custom ROMs are often developed by independent developers and they may contain bugs. These bugs can cause many issues, including the speakerphone echo.

Initial Troubleshooting Steps: A Systematic Approach

Let’s start with the basic troubleshooting steps that can often resolve the speakerphone echo issue.

1. Reboot Your Device

Yes, it’s the oldest trick in the book, but it often works. A simple reboot can clear temporary glitches and reset audio processes, potentially eliminating the echo. After reboot, try using speakerphone.

2. Check Your Microphone and Speaker

Ensure that the microphone and speaker grilles are clean and unobstructed. Dust, debris, or even a screen protector can interfere with the audio path. Use a soft brush or compressed air to gently clean the grilles.

3. Verify Volume Levels and Microphone Sensitivity

• Volume Levels: Ensure that the speaker volume is set to a reasonable level. Excessively high volume can sometimes cause feedback and echo.
• Microphone Sensitivity: Some custom ROMs allow you to adjust microphone sensitivity. Try reducing the sensitivity slightly to see if it minimizes the echo. You can usually find this setting in the sound settings or through a custom ROM control panel.

4. Test with Different Apps

The echo might be specific to a particular app. Try making speakerphone calls using different apps (e.g., WhatsApp, Telegram, the default phone app) to see if the issue persists across all of them. If it’s limited to one app, the problem likely lies with that app’s audio configuration.

5. Disable Any Audio Enhancement Features

Many custom ROMs include built-in audio enhancement features, such as equalizers, bass boosters, or virtual surround sound. These features can sometimes introduce unwanted artifacts, including echo. Disable them temporarily to see if it resolves the issue. Look for options like “Dirac Sound,” “Mi Sound Enhancer,” or similar settings.

6. Clear App Cache and Data

If the echo seems to be linked to a specific app, try clearing its cache and data. This will reset the app to its default settings and may resolve any audio-related conflicts. Go to Settings > Apps > [Problematic App] > Storage > Clear Cache and Clear Data.

7. Check Permissions of Calling Apps

Ensure the calling application has the necessary permissions to access the microphone. Navigate to Settings > Apps > [Calling App] > Permissions and make sure the microphone permission is enabled.

Advanced Troubleshooting: Delving Deeper into Custom ROM Settings

If the basic steps don’t work, it’s time to explore more advanced troubleshooting techniques specific to custom ROMs.

1. Examine the Audio Configuration Files

Custom ROMs often use configuration files to define audio parameters. Incorrect settings in these files can lead to echo issues.

• Locating the Files: The specific location of these files can vary depending on the ROM. Common locations include /system/etc/audio_policy.conf, /system/vendor/etc/audio_policy.conf, /vendor/etc/mixer_paths.xml, and /system/build.prop.
• Editing the Files (with Caution): Editing these files requires root access and a text editor. Back up the original files before making any changes! The key parameters to look for are related to gain levels, microphone amplification, and noise suppression. For example, you might find settings like mic_gain, speaker_gain, noise_reduction, or echo_cancellation. Experiment with slightly adjusting these values, but be careful not to set them too high or too low, as this can worsen the problem or introduce new issues.
• Searching for Device-Specific Configurations: Search online forums or communities for device-specific audio configuration files for your Poco M4 Pro 4G and the particular custom ROM you’re using. Someone may have already identified and corrected the echo issue.

2. Investigate Kernel Tweaks

The kernel plays a crucial role in audio processing. Experiment with different kernels specifically designed for your custom ROM and device. Some kernels may offer better audio optimization and compatibility.

• Kernel Managers: Utilize kernel manager apps like Kernel Adiutor or EX Kernel Manager. These apps let you manage and tweak kernel parameters such as CPU frequency, voltage, and audio settings. However, proceed with caution, as improper kernel settings can cause system instability.
• Custom Kernels: Explore custom kernels available on XDA Developers or other Android forums. These kernels are often optimized for specific devices and ROMs and may resolve audio issues.
• Backup: Always create a backup before flashing a new kernel.

3. Check for Magisk Modules That Might Interfere

If you’re using Magisk, certain modules might be conflicting with the audio system. Disable any recently installed modules to see if the echo disappears. Particularly, modules that affect audio processing, such as Viper4Android or Dolby Atmos, should be suspected.

• Isolate the Problematic Module: Disable modules one by one to identify the culprit. After disabling a module, reboot and test speakerphone functionality.
• Module Compatibility: Ensure the modules are compatible with your device and ROM version. Outdated or incompatible modules can cause conflicts and audio problems.

4. Logcat Analysis for Error Messages

Logcat is a command-line tool that captures system logs. Analyzing these logs can provide clues about the source of the echo.

• Capturing Logs: Use the adb logcat command (via a computer connected to your phone via USB with ADB enabled) to capture logs while reproducing the echo issue.
• Filtering for Audio-Related Errors: Filter the logs for relevant keywords like “audio,” “codec,” “microphone,” “speaker,” “echo,” or “noise.” Look for error messages or warnings that might indicate the root cause of the problem.
• Interpreting the Logs: Interpreting logcat output can be challenging, but it can provide valuable insights into the system’s behavior. Share the logs with experienced custom ROM users or developers for assistance.

5. Re-Flash the Custom ROM

A clean re-flash of the custom ROM can sometimes resolve underlying system issues that are causing the echo.

• Wipe Data and Cache: Before re-flashing, perform a full wipe of data, cache, and Dalvik cache. This will ensure a clean installation.
• Download the Latest ROM Version: Use the latest stable version of the custom ROM. Avoid beta or nightly builds, as they may contain unresolved bugs.
• Verify the ROM’s Integrity: Ensure that the ROM file is not corrupted during the download process. Check the MD5 checksum or SHA hash of the file against the value provided by the ROM developer.

6. Experiment with Different Custom ROMs

The echo issue might be specific to the custom ROM you’re currently using. Try flashing a different custom ROM to see if the problem persists. This will help determine whether the issue is related to the ROM itself or to your device’s hardware.

• Research ROM Compatibility: Before flashing a new ROM, research its compatibility with your Poco M4 Pro 4G. Read user reviews and check for known issues, particularly related to audio.
• Stock ROM Test: Flash the original stock ROM from Poco to determine if it has this issue. This will help isolate the problem. If stock ROM has no echo issues, the issue lies within the flashed custom ROM.

Hardware Considerations

If all software-based solutions fail, it’s time to consider the possibility of a hardware problem.

1. Microphone Test

Use a microphone testing app to check the functionality of your device’s microphone. If the microphone is not working correctly, it might be causing the echo.

2. Speaker Test

Similarly, use a speaker testing app to check the speaker output. A damaged speaker can also contribute to echo issues.

3. Professional Repair

If you suspect a hardware problem, consider taking your device to a professional repair shop for diagnosis and repair.

Magisk Modules from Our Repository: Potential Solutions and Further Customization

At Magisk Module Repository, we are always looking for potential solutions, including Magisk Modules, to improve the overall quality of custom ROMs. We recommend exploring these modules that are related to fixing the speakerphone issue:

• Audio Modification Library (AML): AML provides a framework for modifying audio configurations on Android devices. It includes tools for adjusting gain levels, applying equalization, and enabling noise suppression.
• Ainur Sauron: This module is designed to improve the overall audio quality on Android devices. It includes various audio tweaks and configurations that may help reduce echo.
• Dolby Atmos/Viper4Android: Use extreme caution. While often marketed as audio enhancers, they can cause issues. Be sure to research specific compatibility with your ROM and device. If you are already using these, try removing them to see if it improves.
• Device-Specific Audio Fixes: Always be on the lookout for Magisk modules specifically designed for the Poco M4 Pro 4G addressing common issues, including audio glitches. These can be found on XDA forums or dedicated Telegram channels.

Community Support and Further Research

Don’t hesitate to seek help from online communities, such as XDA Developers, Reddit’s r/Android, or Telegram groups dedicated to your device and custom ROM. Other users may have encountered the same issue and found a solution.

• XDA Developers Forums: This is a great resource for finding custom ROMs, kernels, and other modifications for your device. It also has a forum dedicated to troubleshooting Android issues.
• Reddit’s r/Android: This subreddit is a general forum for Android-related discussions. You can post questions and seek help from other users.
• Telegram Groups: Many custom ROM developers have Telegram groups where users can discuss issues and get support.

Conclusion

Speakerphone echo issues on custom ROMs can be frustrating, but with a systematic approach and careful troubleshooting, you can often find a solution. We hope this comprehensive guide has provided you with the information and tools you need to resolve the problem on your Poco M4 Pro 4G. Remember to proceed with caution when modifying system settings or flashing custom components, and always back up your data before making any changes. At Magisk Modules, we are dedicated to providing high-quality resources and support for the Android community. We will continue to improve and expand our Magisk Module Repository with modules that address common issues like this. Good luck!