Owning a modern smartphone implies constant availability, but there are situations when it is physically impossible to answer a call. Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco devices often look for the “autoresponder” feature, meaning an automatic reset of a call followed by sending an SMS or forwarding. It is important to immediately clarify: the standard “calling” MIUI does not have a built-in voice autoresponder function, as implemented in some other brands.
But that doesn't mean you're going to be out of touch. There are several proven ways to mimic answering machines using system redirect capabilities or third-party apps. The specific method depends on your goal: whether you want to just redirect the call or whether you need a full voicemail.
In this article, we will discuss all the options available for setting up automatic call response. SIM-maps, hidden codes of operators and the installation of specialized software that will turn your smartphone into a real secretary.
Understanding the limitations of MIUI and HyperOS
The MIUI interface, which is now being transformed into HyperOS, is based on Android, but has profound changes in security and telephony. Google is gradually abandoning system APIs for automatic voice response to protect users from spam and fraud.
Many users confuse the answering machine with the SMS auto-responder function, which allows you to send a text message when a missed call is missed, but does not respond to it with a voice. To work properly, you need to use the services of a telecom operator or install a third-party application that will receive the rights to manage calls.
⚠️ Note: Android 12 and higher system restrictions may block third-party answering machines, requiring additional permissions in the "Special Features" menu".
Differences between models also play a role. On the budget Redmi with a stripped-down version of the shell, the settings may look different than on the flagship Xiaomi 13 or Xiaomi 14. However, the basic principle of redirection remains the same for the entire brand ecosystem.
Configure call forwarding through the system
The most reliable way to organize a similar auto-response is to set up redirects, which do not require additional software installation and works even when the phone is turned off (if the redirect is configured to the operator's voice mail number).
Open the standard Phone app and click on the three dots in the top right corner. Select Settings, then go to Accounts for Calls or Settings. SIM-This is the key point for call forwarding.
The system will request time to connect to the operator's server, which is the standard network protocol interaction procedure, and once you download, you'll see four main forwarding options that can be activated individually.
- 📞 Always: All incoming calls are instantly redirected to another number.
- 📵 If busy: Redirect will work if you are talking to another subscriber.
- ⏳ If not answered: the call will go to the answering machine after a certain number of horns.
- 🚫 If not available: Active when the phone is turned off or the network is not available.
The answering machine most often uses the option "Unanswered": you can set a forward to your second number, to a friend's number or to your operator's voicemail service. After you set the number, remember to click "Enable" or "Activate".
☑️ Checking the redirection settings
Use of the USSD-operator code
A faster way to control an answering machine is to use USSD-These codes send a command directly to the cellular operator's server, bypassing the smartphone menu. MIUI slug or settings are not saved.
Codes may vary depending on the region and the specific operator (MTS, Beeline, MegaFon, Tele2 Basic commands are universal to GSM-networks, but to activate specific services (for example, "Autoresponder" as a paid service), it is better to use short numbers or the operator's application.
| Action. | Activation code. | Shutdown code | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redirection (all) | **21*number# | ##21# | Verification |
| Redirection (occupied) | **67*number# | ##67# | Verification |
| Redirection (not response) | **61*number# | ##61# | Verification |
| Resetting all redirections | - | ##002# | Reset |
Instead of the word "number" in commands, you need to substitute the phone to which the redirect will go, usually in an international format (for example, 79990 billion). SMS-notification.
⚠️ Warning: Make sure the number you specify for redirect has a voicemail service connected and paid for, otherwise the callers will just hear the beeps.
What is conditional forwarding?
Third-party applications for automatic response
If you need a voice response function (“Hello, I can’t talk now..”), you can’t do without third-party software. Google Play Store offers a lot of solutions, but due to Android security policy, they require careful setting of access rights to Xiaomi.
One of the popular solutions is Auto Answer & Call, or analogues, and once you install an application, MIUI will try to kill it to save battery, so that it doesn't happen, you have to add the program to the exceptions.
Go to Settings → Applications → All apps, find the answering machine installed, and go to Activity Control. Select No Limits. Also be sure to enable auto-start for this application.
- 🤖 Google Assistant: Built-in Assistant can filter spam calls and offer answers, but it is not a full-fledged answering machine.
- 📱 Specialized APK: Applications like Call Answering Machine require access to microphone and phone.
- 🔒 Security: download software only from trusted sources, as you give access to your calls.
In the app settings, you can write your voice pattern or select the text that will be synthesized into speech, and some apps allow you to set the auto-response schedule so that it only works at night or during meetings.
Voice mail from the operator
The most stable option that doesn’t drain your Xiaomi battery or depend on installed apps is Voicemail from your cellular carrier. It’s a classic answering machine located on a network server.
To activate the service, it is often enough to call a short number or send an SMS. Each operator has its own conditions: some provide basic functionality for free, others charge a subscription fee. You can check the status of the connection in your personal account or through the operator's application.
The advantage of a network answering machine is that it works always, even if the phone is turned off, discharged or out of range, and you can listen to recorded messages by calling the special number indicated in the welcome SMS.
⚠️ Warning: When listening to voicemail messages from your mobile phone, tariffs for outgoing minutes may be charged according to your tariff plan.
💡
Write down your voicemail greeting in a quiet environment, state your name clearly and ask for a message after the beep, which will increase the likelihood of a call back.
Solving Frequent Problems and Errors
When setting up an answering machine on Xiaomi, users often experience connection errors or resets. One common problem is the message "failed to connect to the network" when trying to change the redirect settings.
This can be due to an unstable signal or temporary problems on the operator side. Try switching to flight mode for 10 seconds, and then turning the network back on. If the error repeats, try manually entering the settings through the operator. USSD-codes described above.
Another problem is conflicts with number-defining applications (e.g. GetContact or Yandex) that can intercept a call before the system redirect works, in which case, check the settings of these applications and disable their call blocking for the time when you need an autoresponse.
Also worth mentioning is Quiet Mode or Do Not Disturb. If activated, the phone can drop calls without a beep, but the redirect should still work if it's configured correctly.
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If the system redirect settings are not saved, the only reliable option is to activate the service through the USSD-code-in.
Final recommendations for setting up
Setting up an answering machine on Xiaomi devices requires understanding the difference between Android system limitations and cellular network capabilities. For most users, activating forwarding to the operator’s voicemail remains the optimal solution.
This ensures that you don’t miss an important call, even if the phone is dead at the most inopportune moment.The use of third-party apps is only justified in specific scenarios where an automatic response with a specific voice message is required directly from the device.
Check your redirect status regularly, especially after a shift SIM-A properly configured answering machine is your personal secretary who works. 24/7.