How to turn on the answering machine on Xiaomi: from MIUI settings to operator codes

The modern rhythm of life dictates its rules, and often we are physically unable to answer an incoming call right when it arrives. At such moments on Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphones, the automatic response function comes to the rescue. However, users often face confusion: the built-in classic “autoresponder” in the standard sense (like on old button phones) in the shell of MIUI or HyperOS may not be explicitly.

Instead, it offers more advanced alternatives, like automatic text response or voice assistant, and understanding the difference between these features and knowing where to look for them will save you a lot of time and nerves, and it's important to decide right away whether you want to reset a call sending an SMS or have a full voice interaction.

In this article, we will take a closer look at all the ways to implement automatic response on the Chinese giant’s devices, look at the standard features of the system, the capabilities of the Google Phone application, which often replaces a standard call, and also remember about the services of mobile operators, which are sometimes the only correct solution for certain use cases.

Differences between Autoresponder and Autoresponder

The first thing to understand is that you don't have to go through the settings in vain, and that's the terminology. In Xiaomi's smartphone context, "answering machine" often means two fundamentally different functions: the classic answering machine takes a call, records a caller's voice message and saves it, a feature that is mostly implemented through Voice Mail services on mobile networks, not by the phone itself.

The second option, which is built directly into the MIUI and HyperOS shell, is to automatically send a text message (SMS) when a call is missed or received. The smartphone itself resets or answers the call (if a loud answer is enabled) and sends a pre-prepared text template, a critical difference, since the settings for these features are in different places.

Users often search for a call recording or voice greeting feature in the call menu without finding them because they are looking for the wrong place. Android on Xiaomi devices focuses on instant communication via instant messengers and messages, pushing classic voice answering autos to the background. So if you need a voice menu ("Push 1 to..."), you will need an operator service.

⚠️ Attention: The built-in Auto-Responder feature in Xiaomi phone settings does not replace Voicemail from your mobile carrier. If you want a subscriber to leave a voice message after the beep, activate the service from the provider.

For most scenarios, when you are in a meeting or driving, automatic functionality is sufficient. SMS-This allows the caller to know that you are busy without having to hang up and wonder why you are silent.

Set up an automatic response in the Google Phone app

On most modern Xiaomi smartphones, especially in global versions and models released after 2021, the standard caller is the Google Phone app. The interface here is different from the classic MIUI Dialer, and the auto-response settings are hidden in the special features menu.

To find the options you want, open the phone app and click on the three dots in the top right corner. In the drop-down menu, select Settings. Next, scroll down to the Specials section (or Quick Answer) and that's where the functionality that allows the phone to respond to incoming calls without you is hidden.

Inside this menu, you'll find a Quick Response switch, which activates and allows the phone to automatically receive calls at a certain time or send messages, but the functionality varies depending on the application version and regional settings, and in some cases, only the "Reply Message" function, which works when a call is dropped, is available.

If you want your phone to pick up, look for the "Auto-Apps" option, which is often tied to the headset or car connection on Google Phone, and if you want just a text response, select "Fast Response" and edit the message templates, which will allow you to send phrases like "I'm driving" or "I'll be back later" with a single touch or automatically.

Use of Autoresponse in MIUI and HyperOS

Owners of devices with classic MIUI shells (often found in Chinese versions or older models) have access to more native call settings. Here the logic is slightly different, and the interface is sharpened for maximum process automation. You can find these settings through the main system settings menu.

Go to Settings → Applications → System Apps → Phone. This menu should look for Auto Answer. Unlike Google Dialer, there may be a timer that allows you to adjust the delay before automatically raising the handset, which is useful if you want to see who is calling first and then let the phone answer.

Also available in this section is the "Auto-Appeal in hands-free mode" feature, which, if enabled, will enable the phone to turn on speaker when the call arrives and take the call, which is convenient for drivers using a suction cup mount, but may not be appropriate in quiet rooms. Remember to check this setting to avoid embarrassing situations.

It is important to note that in the new versions of HyperOS, Xiaomi is gradually unifying the interface, transferring functions to the menu of special features or integrating them with smart scenarios. If you do not find the above items, try searching by settings by typing the query "autoresponse".

Automatic response via Google Assistant

One of the most modern and intelligent ways to handle incoming calls on Xiaomi is by using Google Assistant, a feature known as Call Screen (in some regions and in some languages), which allows AI to answer calls instead of you. The assistant greets the caller, and you see a real-time text transcription of what the caller says.

To activate this feature, you need to open the Google Assistant settings, which you can do by holding down the power button for a long time or saying "Ok Google," and then going to the assistant settings through your profile. Find the Phone or Call Screen section, and you can configure scripts here: answer calls from unfamiliar numbers, from spam, or from all contacts.

The advantage of this method is that you don't just drop a call, you get a full dialogue, and the assistant can ask "Who's calling?" or "What's the question?" and you'll immediately know if you should interrupt, but it's worth remembering that this feature requires a stable Internet connection and may not be available for all languages or regions.

Using an Assistant is the most effective way to filter unwanted calls and telemarketing.You will no longer waste time talking to robots or intrusive salespeople, as the Assistant will take the first hit by providing you with already structured information about the purpose of the call.

Mobile Operators as an Alternative

If the built-in capabilities of the smartphone do not suit you, or you need a classic voice-recording autoresponder, the only reliable solution is the services of a mobile operator. Large providers (MTS, Beeline, MegaFon, Tele2 and others) provide services "Voicemail" or "Autoresponder".

These services are usually paid or shareware (first days/weeks), but they work at the network level, which means that the answering machine will work even if the phone is off, out of range or in the battery. USSD-team or in the personal office of the operator.

To set up a welcome message, you usually need to call a special number that will come to the SMS after the service is activated, or do it through the operator's application, where you can record your voice or choose a standard greeting, which gives maximum flexibility and reliability, independent of your smartphone model.

⚠️ Attention: Make sure there are enough funds in your account to connect paid answering machine services.Fares may change, so always check the current cost in your carrier's official application.

Problem Solving and Frequently Asked Questions

Despite the ease of settings, users may encounter a number of difficulties, such as autoresponse may fail due to the limitations of the MIUI energy saving system. If the phone or Google app is killed by the system to save charge, the autoresponse will not turn on. To avoid this, go to the battery settings, find the phone app and set the "No Limits" mode.

Another common problem is application conflict: If you have multiple calls installed (such as from Samsung, Xiaomi, and Google), the system may not use the one you set up, and make sure that the application you set up auto-response is the one you set up in the system settings (Default Apps).

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If the autorespond stops working after the Android update, check the phone app's permissions. It may need to re-allow contacts, microphone and phone access in the privacy settings menu.

Also, note that in Do Not Disturb (DND) mode, autoresponse rules can be ignored or otherwise operated, and check the settings of this mode if you want important calls to still be processed automatically even when the phone is asleep.

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The main reason for the malfunctioning answering machine on Xiaomi is an aggressive energy saving system that closes the background processes of calls. Be sure to remove restrictions on the Phone application.

In conclusion, setting up an automatic response to Xiaomi is a process that depends on your specific needs. SMS-For business, for operator services, for technologists, for Google Assistant, you'll always be connected when you're busy.