How to add a quick set to Xiaomi: all ways and life hacks

Xiaomiโ€™s MIUI-powered smartphones offer several ways to speed up the set of frequently used contacts, from built-in features to third-party solutions. Quick dialing saves time, especially when you need to urgently call or send a message without a long search in the phone book. In this article, we will examine all the current methods, from standard MIUI tools to hidden chips and apps from Google Play.

Itโ€™s important to understand that the ability to quickly dial depends on the firmware version. For example, in MIUI 14 the call interface has changed dramatically compared to MIUI 12, and some features (like gestures on the desktop) may not be available on budget models like the Redmi 10A. We took these nuances into account and collected universal instructions that work on most devices, from POCO X3 to flagship Xiaomi 13 Ultra.

Method 1: Quick dialing through the phone application

The most obvious method is to use the built-in Phone app (tube icon). In MIUI, it supports fast dialing via a digital keyboard, but many users don't know how to set it up. Here's a step-by-step instruction:

Open the Phone app and go to the Keyboard tab (usually at the bottom of the screen), where you can manually enter numbers or use saved contacts to add contact to the quick dial:

  • ๐Ÿ“ž Press the button. โ‹ฎ (three dots) in the upper right corner and select Dial Speed.
  • โž• Slip on an empty cell (such as 2 or 5) and select the contact from the list.
  • ๐Ÿ”„ For convenience, assign numbers to frequently used contacts. 1-9 โ€” They're easier to remember.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ To call, just dial a number and hold it. 1-2 seconds.

Note: In some versions of MIUI (e.g. Redmi Note 11), dial speed is hidden. If it is not on the menu, update the Phone app via Google Play or use alternative methods from this article.

Open the "Phone" appendix"|Go to the tab "Keyboard"|Push. โ‹ฎ โ†’ "Rate of recruitment"|Assign contacts to numbers 1-9|Save the changes-->

Method 2: Quick Contact Widget on the Desktop

If you call the same people often, put their contacts directly on the home screen.

  1. Click the empty space on the desktop and select Widgets.
  2. Find the Contacts widget (usually called Quick Contacts or Favorite Contacts).
  3. Drag it to the screen and select a size (e.g. 4ร—2 for 4 pins).
  4. Click on the empty cells of the widget and add the necessary contacts.

The advantage of this method is instant access to a call or messages without opening applications. Cons: an additional element appears on the screen that takes up space. On models with a small display (for example, the POCO M4 Pro), it is better to use a 2ร—1 widget.

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Widgets can be scaled: after adding, press the edges of the frame and resize to fit more contacts.

Some devices (such as the Xiaomi 12T) may not have Contacts widgets.

  • ๐Ÿ” Check the folder. MIUI widget-list.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฒ Install a third-party widget from Google Play (e.g. Contacts Widget).
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Reboot your smartphone โ€“ sometimes widgets appear after a reboot.

Method 3: Voice dialing through Google Assistant

If you're more comfortable with voice control, set up Google Assistant for quick dialing, which works even when the screen is locked (when the OK Google option is enabled).

For activation:

  1. Open Settings โ†’ Google โ†’ Settings for Google apps โ†’ Search, Assistant and Voice.
  2. Select Voice Assistant โ†’ Voice Control and turn on OK Google.
  3. Take voice training (record 3-5 phrases for recognition).
  4. Say, โ€œOK Google, call your mom,โ€ or โ€œCall Ivan at work.โ€

An important nuance: to work properly, contacts must be saved in Googleโ€™s account, not just in your phoneโ€™s memory, and make sure that Google Assistantโ€™s settings allow access to contacts and microphones.

Keyboard in the annex "Telephone"|A widget on the desktop|Voice dialing (OK Google)|Party of annex|I don't use it.-->

Method 4: Quick typing through gestures (only for MIUI 13+)

MIUI 13 and MIUI 14 have now added fast-access gestures, such as swiping across the screen to call a specific contact.

  1. Go to Settings โ†’ Additional settings โ†’ Gestures and movements โ†’ Quick gestures.
  2. Turn on the option of Double Touch to wake up (if disabled).
  3. Select Signature Customization and add a new gesture (e.g. Swipe up with two fingers).
  4. As an action, specify a call and select a contact.

This method is convenient for emergency calls (such as loved ones or emergency services).However, keep in mind that random gestures can lead to false calls. On models with curved screens (such as the Xiaomi 13 Pro), it is better to turn off the sensitivity at the edges.

How to cancel a casual call with a gesture?
If the smartphone starts dialing after a random gesture, quickly swipe the screen in the opposite direction (for example, swipe down if the gesture was up). You can also configure the delay in Settings โ†’ Gestures โ†’ Delay execution (not available on all models).

Method 5: Third-party applications for fast dialing

If you don't like standard MIUI features, install one of the specialized applications. We tested a few and selected the best ones:

AnnexFeaturesConsReference
TruecallerQuick contact search, spam blocking, T9-setRequires access to SMS and contactsGoogle Play
DrupeWidgets for quick access, integration with messengersPremium version for some functionsGoogle Play
Contacts+Grouping contacts, quick typing by first lettersAdvertising in the free versionGoogle Play

Before installing, check the permissions of the application. For example, Truecaller requests access to call history and SMS - this can be critical for privacy. Alternatively, use Drupe only to create widgets, disabling data synchronization.

โš ๏ธ Note: Some fast dial applications (e.g. Fast Dial) may conflict with system services MIUI. If after installation, standard calls stopped working, clean the cache of the Phone application in the settings.

Method 6: Quick dial via Xiaomiโ€™s Siri analogue (China only)

Xiaomi smartphones for the Chinese market (with China ROM firmware) have a built-in voice assistant Xiao AI. It supports fast dialing in Chinese and English.

  1. Hold the Power button for 2 seconds to call Xiao AI.
  2. Say, โ€œCall [contact name]โ€ (e.g., โ€œCall Momโ€).
  3. For Russian-speaking users, pre-change the language of the assistant in Settings โ†’ Xiao AI โ†’ Language.

Important: Global versions of MIUI (e.g. Global ROM or EEA) do not have Xiao AI Assistant, but instead use Google Assistant, which we discussed in Method 3.

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

The choice of method depends on your habits and the model of the smartphone.

  • ๐Ÿ”ข Keyboard in the "Phone" - the most reliable method, works without the Internet, but requires memorization of numbers.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Widgets โ€“ convenient for visuals, but takes up space on the screen.
  • ๐ŸŽค Voice dialing is ideal for drivers, but depends on the quality of the microphone and recognition.
  • โœ‹ Gestures are quick, but there is a risk of accidental positives.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฒ Third-party applications โ€“ maximum customization, but can slow down the system.

For most users, it is optimal to combine 2-3 methods.

  • ๐Ÿ“ž Use the speed of recruitment for loved ones (parents, spouse).
  • ๐ŸŽค Voice dial for on-the-go calls.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Widget for working contacts.

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On models with MIUI 14 (e.g. Xiaomi 13), system features are prioritized โ€“ third-party applications may not work smoothly.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When setting up a quick dial, users encounter typical errors. Here's how to fix them:

โš ๏ธ Note: If after the update MIUI lost saved numbers in Dial Speed, reset the settings of the Phone application (Settings) โ†’ Annexes โ†’ Phone. โ†’ Warehouse โ†’ Reset the contact data will not be affected.

Problem.Reason.Decision
No number retention for a call is workingDisabled function in settingsEnable the speed of the set in the menu โ‹ฎ applications Phone
Voice dialing doesn't recognize contactsContacts are saved only on SIMTransfer contacts to Google account or phone memory
The โ€œContactโ€ widget is not updatedThe widget's cache is outdated.Remove the widget and add it again.
Gestures don't work.Conflict with other gestures (e.g., double touch)Turn off unnecessary gestures in Settings โ†’ Gestures

If none of the methods work, check:

  • ๐Ÿ“ถ Internet connection stability (for voice assistants).
  • ๐Ÿ”„ Firmware updates (Settings) โ†’ The phone. โ†’ Updating the system).
  • ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Availability of root rights (if custom firmware was installed).
Can I assign a quick dial to hardware buttons (such as the power button)?
On most Xiaomi smartphones, the hardware buttons do not support contact assignment. However, on some models (such as Black Shark), you can use the Shark Key button for quick action. Alternatively, install the Button Mapper app from Google Play (root or ADB required).
How to make a quick dial on a locked screen?
MIUI has Lock Screen โ†’ Shortcuts. Add the Phone or Contacts widget. You can also use voice dialing via Google Assistant (set up Google OK in locked state). Some models (e.g. POCO F4) swipe down the camera icon on the locked screen for quick access to contacts.
Why did the numbers in the quick dial disappear after resetting the settings?
Dial Speed is linked to the phone app data, which is reset with settings. To restore numbers: Check backup in Settings โ†’ Google โ†’ Backup. If there is no backup, add contacts manually (see Method 1). Use apps like Swift Backup to automatically save settings.
Can I set up a quick dial for SMS, not just calls?
Yes, but not through standard MIUI. Install the Tasker app and create a task: Add the action to SMS. Specify the number and text of the message. Assign the task to a gesture or widget. Alternative: widgets from Contacts+ support fast SMS sending.
Does the fast set on the Xiaomi Mi Band or Watch smartwatch work?
Xiaomi smartwatches (such as Mi Band 7 or Watch S1) can be configured to quickly answer calls, but there is no full-fledged fast dial. However: You can add Favorite Contacts to the Mi Fitness app for quick access. On Xiaomi Watch (Wear OS), voice commands are supported through Google Assistant.