How to set up a quick dial on Xiaomi: all the ways to MIUI 14/15

Xiaomi smartphones based on MIUI There are several ways to speed up the dialup of frequently used numbers, from standard quick access features to hidden firmware capabilities, but many users still manually search for contacts in a phone book or type digits from memory, wasting precious seconds. Meanwhile, setting up fast dialing correctly can reduce dial time to a single touch β€” especially for emergency calls or work contacts.

In this article, we will discuss all available methods, from basic (widgets and shortcuts) to advanced (voice commands and gestures). MIUI β€” "Favorite contacts in the notification curtain, which works even on a locked screen. 8, Mi 9) We'll give you workarounds to get around firmware constraints. MIUI 14/15 and tested on models 2020–2026 year-end.

1. Standard fast dialing through the "Phone" application

The most obvious but often ignored way is the built-in Quick Dial feature in the standard Phone app, which allows you to assign frequently used contacts digital combinations (2 to 9) before you can reach them without searching the list.

To activate this function:

  • πŸ“± Open the Phone app (the tube icon on the home screen).
  • βš™οΈ Click on three dots in the upper right corner β†’ Select Settings.
  • πŸ”’ Go to the Quick Dial section (in some versions) MIUI It's called Quick Access Keys).
  • βž• Click Add Contact and select the desired number from the list.
  • πŸ”„ Assign a number from 2 to 9 (number 1 is usually reserved for voice mail).

Now, to dial, you just have to open the Phone app, press the # key, and then type in the assigned number. For example, to contact the number 3, the sequence will be: # β†’ 3 β†’ challenge.

πŸ’‘

If you POCO F5 or Redmi Note 12, hold the fast dial figure for 2 seconds – this will cause a video call through Google Duo (if the app is installed).

⚠️ Note: Some models (Mi 11 Lite, Redmi) 10C) Quick dial is disabled by default. To activate it, go to Settings. β†’ Additionally. β†’ Laboratory β†’ Enable quick dial.

2. The "Favorite Contacts" widget on the home screen

If you frequently call 3-5 contacts, the best option is to add a Favorite Contacts widget to the home screen, allowing you to dial in one touch without opening the phone book.

Instructions for setting:

  1. πŸ–±οΈ Press and hold the empty space on the main screen.
  2. πŸ“„ Select Widgets from the bottom menu.
  3. πŸ” Scroll through the list to Contacts or Phone section.
  4. πŸ“ž Drag the widget Favorite Contacts (usually) 4Γ—1 or 4Γ—2) screen.
  5. ✏️ Click on the widget to edit the contact list (added via icon) +).

Advantages of this method:

  • ⚑ Instant access without unlocking (if the widget is placed on a locked screen).
  • 🎨 The ability to select the size of the widget (from 1Γ—1 before 4Γ—4).
  • πŸ”„ Automatic synchronization with Google Contacts.
How do you resize the widget?
Press and hold the widget. β†’ Release your finger when the frame appears. β†’ Pull the corner markers to change the size. MIUI 15 sizeable 2Γ—1, 4Γ—1, 4Γ—2 and 4Γ—4 (last 8 contact).

Xiaomi modelMax. Contacts in the widgetSupport for locked screen
Redmi Note 12 Pro+8Yes.
POCO X5 Pro6Yes, only. MIUI 15)
Mi 11 Ultra4No.
Redmi 10A4Yes (only 2 contacts)

3. Quick access through the notification curtain

One of the most convenient solutions from Xiaomi is the ability to add contact shortcuts directly to the notification panel, which allows you to call or send a message without unlocking your phone.

How to set up:

  1. πŸ“± Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the curtain.
  2. βš™οΈ Click on the pencil icon (Edit).
  3. πŸ”„ Scroll down to the section of shortcuts.
  4. πŸ“ž Find Contacts or Favorite Contacts widget and drag it to the active area.
  5. ✏️ Click on the widget in the curtain to select contacts (up to 4 pieces).

Now, when you swipe down, you'll see the favorite contacts icons. Click on any one to:

  • πŸ“ž Call (one touch).
  • πŸ’¬ Send. SMS (finger-hold).
  • πŸ“Ή Start a video call (if supported).
πŸ“Š What is the quick dialing method you are using?
Standard fast set (# + figure)
Widget on the main screen
Notification curtain
Voice assistant
I don't use it.

⚠️ Attention: POCO M4 Pro and Redmi Note 11 with MIUI 14 shortcuts in the curtain may disappear after rebooting.To fix this, update the firmware to MIUI 15 or use an alternative method (see Section 5).

4. Voice dialing through Google Assistant

If you're more comfortable with your phone using voice, set up voice dialing via Google Assistant, which works even when the phone is locked (when the OK Google option is enabled).

Step-by-step:

  1. 🎀 Hold the Home button or say β€œOK Google” to activate the assistant.
  2. πŸ”Š Tell the command: Call [contact name] or Dial [numbers]
  3. πŸ“ž Confirm the call with your voice or click on the screen.

To improve recognition:

  • πŸ”„ Go to Settings. β†’ Google β†’ Google services β†’ Voice settings β†’ Voice Match.
  • πŸŽ™οΈ Record voice samples (3-5 times) for accurate recognition.
  • πŸ“š Add alternative pronunciations of contact names (such as "Mom" and "Mom").

πŸ’‘

Voice dialing via Google Assistant works without the Internet, if the contacts are stored in the memory of the phone (not only in Google account).

5.Gesturals and hotkeys for quick dialing

For advanced users, Xiaomi offers gesture and hotkey settings that can be tied to calls, such as double-tapping on the back or clamping volume buttons.

Methods of setting:

Method 1: Double-touch gesture

It works on models with AMOLED-screens (Xiaomi 13, POCO F4 GT):

  1. πŸ“± Go to Settings. β†’ Additionally. β†’ Gestures.
  2. πŸ‘† Choose Double Touch.
  3. πŸ“ž Attach the action Open contact and select the desired number.

Method 2: Hot keys

Suitable for all models:

  1. πŸ”§ Install the Button Mapper app from Google Play.
  2. πŸ”‘ Set the combination (for example, Volume up). + Loudness down).
  3. πŸ“ž Attach the contact call action and select a number.

Benefits of gestures:

  • ⚑ It works even with the screen off (on supported models).
  • πŸ”’ Doesn't require unlocking.
  • 🎯 More specifically, voice control in noisy places.

Enable the option in Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ Gestures

Select the "Open Contact" action

Link frequently used number

Testing the gesture on a locked screen-->

6.Problems and Solutions in Configuring Quick Dial

Even after you set it up properly, users are faced with typical problems, and here are the most common ways to solve them:

Problem.Reason.Decision
Contact widget not updatedContact cacheClear the cache in Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Contacts β†’ Memory
Quick set (# + number not workingThe function in the "Laboratory" is disabledEnable in Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ Laboratory
Voice dial doesn't recognize a name.Incorrect pronunciation in Google ContactsEdit the contact by adding phonetic pronunciation
Labels in the curtain disappear after rebootbug MIUI 14Update to MIUI 15 or use the widget on the home screen

If none of the methods work, check:

  • πŸ”„ Version MIUI: On versions below 12.5, some features may not be available.
  • πŸ“± Phone model: on budget models (Redmi) A1, POCO C40) part-function off.
  • πŸ”’ Security settings: Some gestures are blocked if Incognito Mode is enabled.
How do I check the MIUI version?
Go to Settings. β†’ The phone. β†’ Version. MIUI. If version is below 12.5, update the firmware through Settings β†’ Updating the system.

7. Alternative applications for rapid dialing

If Xiaomi’s standard features don’t suit you, consider third-party apps that offer advanced features: group calls, one-click call history, and instant messaging integration.

Top.-3 quick-dial:

  1. Truecaller πŸ” Autodetection of spam calls. πŸ“ž Quick access to the latest contacts. 🌍 Works at 200.+ country.
  2. Drupe 🎨 Customizable widgets. πŸ“Ή One-tape video calls. πŸ”’ Encrypting call history.
  3. Contacts+ πŸ“Š Call statistics (duration, frequency). πŸ”„ Sync with Google, Outlook, iCloud. πŸ“Œ Maintaining important contacts.

To install any of these applications:

  1. πŸ“₯ Download from Google Play.
  2. πŸ”§ Provide access to contacts and phone calls.
  3. πŸ“± Configure the widget on the home screen (similar to the standard method).

⚠️ Note: Apps like Truecaller require access to your phone book and call history. Check your privacy policy before installing it - some services share data with third parties.

FAQ: Frequent questions about fast dialing on Xiaomi

❓ Can I set up a quick dial on a locked screen?
Yes, but with limitations: πŸ“± The "Favorite Contacts" widget works on a locked screen if the option Show notifications in the lock settings is enabled. πŸ”’ Quick dial through # + number requires unlocking. 🎀 Voice dialing via OK Google works without unlocking if you have a Trusted Voice on. MIUI 15 also appeared the function "Emergency contacts" - they are displayed on the lock screen after swipe up.
❓ Why After Updating MIUI The contact labels are missing in the curtain?
This is a well-known bug when switching from MIUI 13 on 14/15. Decisions: πŸ”„ Reboot your phone – sometimes it helps. βš™οΈ Remove and add the widget again (Edit) β†’ Delete β†’ Add). πŸ“₯ If it doesn't help, reset the curtain settings: Settings β†’ Notifications β†’ Additionally. β†’ Reset the panel settings. POCO X3 Pro and Redmi Note 10 This bug was fixed in the May update. 2023.
❓ How to assign a fast dial to the number 1?
The number 1 is reserved for voice mail by default, but it can be reassigned: πŸ“ž Open the phone application. βš™οΈ Go to Settings. β†’ Quick set. πŸ”’ Click on the number 1 and select Change. ✏️ Assign it to any contact (voicemail will move to #1). On some carriers (e.g. MTS), this may disable access to the voice menu. To get it back, reset the fast dial settings.
❓ Does a quick set work on two SIM-card?
Yeah, but with nuances: πŸ“Ά When setting up a quick dial (# + number) can be selected from which SIM-The cards will be challenged. πŸ”„ In widgets and curtains, by default, used SIM1. To change: Settings β†’ SIM-map β†’ Default call ⚠️ On the Redmi. 9A and POCO M3 shift SIM Quick dial settings are manually reset.
❓ Can I export the settings of fast dial when changing the phone?
There are no direct exports, but there are workarounds: πŸ“± Sync your contacts with your Google account – this will save the assigned quick dial numbers (but not gestures or widgets). πŸ“‹ Take screenshots of settings (Settings) β†’ Quick dial) and manually restore them to a new device. πŸ”§ Use the widgets to transfer MIUI Backup: Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ Backup β†’ Local backups to the MIUI 15 There is an Experimental feature Transfer data through Xiaomi Cloud, but it works unstable.