Today’s Xiaomi Redmi smartphone users are increasingly faced with the need to completely isolate themselves from voice calls while maintaining access to the global network. This can be caused by intrusive calls from banks, spam, the desire to focus on work or the need to provide a child with a device solely for access to educational resources. Standard phone settings allow you to flexibly manage the modes of operation of communication modules, but the interface of the MIUI or HyperOS shell has its own features that require careful attention.
The main difficulty is that when you turn on the "In the plane" mode (Air mode), all wireless interfaces, including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, are turned off, which is not always suitable for the user (3G/4G/5G), But to ban incoming and outgoing calls through a cellular operator, standard "Air mode" is not the solution. You need to fine-tune the parameters of a particular one. SIM-In this article, we will discuss all the available ways to achieve this goal, from basic system settings to the use of specialized codes and third-party applications.
It is important to understand that disabling voice does not mean completely blocking communication: you will still be able to receive calls via messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber), since they use an Internet channel, not the GSM voice protocol. This allows you to maintain control over who can contact you and when. Let’s take a step-by-step look at how to implement this scenario on Redmi and Poco devices.
Configure the preferred network type through the menu SIM-map
The first and most reliable way to limit the functionality of a SIM card to data transfer only is to change the preferred type of network. In the Android operating system, which is the basis of MIUI, it is possible to force the communication module to a mode that supports only data packets, this is not always explicitly indicated in the menu, but is technically feasible through a selection of specific communication standards, if they are supported by your operator and tariff plan.
To start, you need to go to the settings of the mobile device. Find the Settings section in the main menu or notification curtain. Next, follow the path: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks. Here you'll see a list of installed maps. SIM-The card you want to turn off voice calls for, and in the menu that opens, look for "Preferred Network Type" and the standard value is usually "Preferred". 4G» or «5G/4G/3G/2G (motor-car)».
Unfortunately, modern firmware versions of Xiaomi have hidden the option of selecting LTE Only or 3G Only modes through the standard menu, since these standards theoretically support voice calls (via VoLTE or CSFB). However, if your carrier and phone support VoLTE (Voice over LTE) technology, you can try to disable voice calls software, leaving the data active. If this option is not available, then move on to the more radical but effective methods described below.
⚠️ Warning: Forced switching to “Only” mode 3G» or "Only" 2G» (If this option is available in the engineering menu or hidden settings, it can cause the Internet to become very slow or stop working altogether, as modern networks gradually abandon the old standards of data transmission.
It is also worth noting that some carriers have a service called “Prohibit Voice Calls”, which is activated on the server side, in which case the phone will register on the network, the Internet will work, but when you try to make or receive a call you will hear beeps or an error message.
Use of forwarding and blocking of all incoming
If changing the network type is not working or is not available, the most effective method is to set up unconditional forwarding of all incoming calls.This method allows you to keep the communication module active for the Internet, but redirect all voice calls to a number that does not exist, or to voice mail. Thus, your Xiaomi phone will receive an incoming call signal, but immediately reset it or redirect it without disturbing you with an audible signal.
You don't need root rights or complex applications to implement this method. USSD-Open the phone app (green handset) and go to the call settings. They're usually hidden in a three-dot menu in the corner of the screen. Find the "Calling Accounts" or "Additional Settings" section».
Here you have to select the option "Always" or "Unconditional forwarding." In the number input field, specify any non-existent code or voicemail number if you want the caller to leave messages. Often a code is used that immediately gives a signal "occupied" or "not available." Alternatively, you can simply activate the “Block Incoming Calls” function in the same menu if your operator and your operator are not able to access the same menu. SIM-The card supports this service (often required input) PIN-The default lock code is 0000 or 1234).
- 📞 USSD-Redirect code: dial **21*# to redirect all calls.
- 🚫 Blocking: Use the code **33*0000# to enable outbound blocking (depends on operator).
- 🔓 Unlocking: ##002# Cancels All Redirects.
- 📱 Xiaomi settings: Phone menu → Settings → Call accounts → Redirection.
It is important to understand the difference between a contact lock and a system redirect: a contact book lock only works for specific numbers, whereas a “Always” redirect covers all subscribers except for emergency services (unless they are blocked by the operator). It is the perfect solution to create digital silence without losing access to the Internet. LTE-navigation and streaming networks.
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Before activating a full redirect, check if it is blocking important calls from delivery or work services, and use Do Not Disturb mode with exceptions if complete isolation is not required.
Do Not Disturb as an Alternative to Disconnecting Communications
Often, users are looking for a way to shut down communications so that no one bothers them, but they forget about the most powerful tool of Android, Do Not Disturb. On Redmi smartphones, this mode is configured very flexibly, allowing you to disable sound and vibration notifications from calls, leaving the Internet connection fully functional. This does not technically turn off the voice module, but solves the user's silence problem.
To set this mode as efficiently as possible, go to Settings → Sound and Vibration → Don’t Disturb. Here you can set a schedule (e.g. 9:00 to 18:00) or turn on the mode manually through the notification curtain. The key is to set exceptions. In the Calls and Messages section, select the “Nobody” or “Favourite Only” option. In this case, even if someone calls you through the cellular network, the phone will not emit a sound or vibrate, and the call will simply pass (or reset, depending on the operator’s settings), while the Internet is running in the background.
The advantage of this method before completely shutting down the voice module is that you do not disrupt network protocols. Some applications (such as taxis, banks, delivery services) can block services or require confirmation by call if they see that the number is unavailable. When Do Not Disturb mode is enabled, the network sees your phone as available, you get SMS-Notices of missed, but you do not jerk your voice.
In addition, MIUI has a Pocket Mode feature, or special profiles that can be activated on a schedule. You can create a Job profile that automatically turns on silence mode and restricts notifications only from important contacts, leaving all other noise, including advertising calls, behind.
⚠️ In the mode "Do not disturb" alarms by default continue to work, but it is better to always check their performance after changing the system settings of the sound, so as not to sleep an important event.
☑️ Checking the settings of the mode "Do not disturb»
Blocking through apps and built-in antivirus
Xiaomi’s ecosystem offers built-in spam and unwanted call protection tools that can serve as partial total shutdowns. The Security app, preinstalled on all Redmi and Poco, has a powerful locking module. While it doesn’t shut down the voice channel completely, it can automatically drop all calls from unknown numbers, creating a disconnected connection effect for spammers.
To set up, go to Security → Antispam → Settings (cogs). You can turn on Block Everything, but that's too radical. A smarter approach is to activate Hidden Numbers Lock and Not From the Phone Book Lock. Combined with a whitelist (let contacts only) this creates a dense filter. Your phone will log in, the Internet will fly, but only those you have saved will be able to call.
There are also third-party apps from Google Play, such as Calls Blacklist or Truecaller, that have an Incognito Mode or Quiet Mode feature that can automatically reset calls without notifying the user, but be careful: these apps require deep resolutions and can consume additional battery power by constantly analyzing the incoming data stream.
| Method | Impact on the Internet | Difficulty setting up | Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Call forwarding | It doesn't. | Low. | High (calls are leaving) |
| Do Not Disturb mode | It doesn't. | Low. | Medium (the call is coming, but without sound) |
| Antispam (White List) | It doesn't. | Medium | High (for unknowns) |
| Engineering Menu (RIL) | Risk of network loss | Tall. | Maximum (technical shutdown) |
Using built-in antivirus is preferable to third-party solutions, as it is more deeply integrated into the MIUI system and consumes less processor resources. In addition, the spam databases in the Xiaomi Security app are updated regularly and take into account the regional specifics of fraud.
Engineering menu and hidden settings (For advanced)
For tech-savvy users, there is a way to disable the voice domain through the Android engineering menu. This method allows you to directly interact with the phone's radio module. On Xiaomi smartphones, you log into the engineering menu through a set of code in the phone app. However, beware: improper changes can lead to a complete loss of communication that is difficult to restore without resetting.
To get to the menu, dial ##4636##. If the code doesn't work (newer versions of MIUI often block it), you may need to use the Activity Launcher app or enter a command via ADB. In the menu that opens, select Phone Information.
Here you can try to choose a mode that does not support voice, for example, LTE Only (if your carrier does not support VoLTE, voice will not work, only the Internet). If you choose GSM only, then the Internet may disappear, and calls will remain. Critically, after choosing LTE Only mode without VoLTE, the phone will stop accepting calls at all, but 4G Internet will continue to work. This is exactly what you need, but remember that in areas of poor 4G coverage, the phone will not be able to switch to 3G for voice calls.
⚠️ Warning: Changes to the engineering menu are valid until the first reboot or signal loss. After the reboot, the settings may return to the standard «LTE Only" may be restricted by law or technically by the operator.
What if the 4636 code doesn’t work?
Frequent Questions and Problem Solving (FAQ)
Users often experience nuances that are not described in the standard manuals during the setup process, and here are answers to the most popular questions regarding voice and internet sharing on Redmi devices.
Why did the internet disappear after the voice shutdown?
Will SMS be available if voice calls are turned off?
Can I turn off voice communication for only one person? SIM-double-phone?
How quickly can you return all the settings back?
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The safest and most stable way to leave the Internet, but to remove calls is to activate unconditional redirects to a non-existent number or use the “Do not disturb” mode with the “Nobody” filter.
To sum up, modern Xiaomi Redmi smartphones provide many tools to customize the network, and the choice of the specific method depends on your goals: whether you need complete technical isolation of the voice channel or just stop hearing calls. In most cases, the combination of forwarding and smart notification modes turns out to be the most convenient and safe solution.