Limiting Talk Time on Xiaomi: A Complete 2026 Guide

Why it’s important to control conversation times – and how to do it on Xiaomi smartphones

Xiaomi’s current smartphones, including the Redmi and POCO lineups, offer dozens of features to optimize usage times. But one of the most popular is limiting the length of phone conversations, which often goes unnoticed, and the reasons for setting it up can range from wanting to cut communication costs to having to monitor children’s communication or keep schedules.

Unlike the iPhone, where similar features are integrated into screen time, Xiaomi requires a combination of system tools and third-party solutions. In this article, we will discuss all available methods – from built-in timers to specialized applications – and explain why some methods do not work on all models (for example, on the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ and POCO F5 algorithms are different).

Important: If you’re looking for a way to block calls at a certain time (like at night), you’ll need a different approach, as we’ve covered in the FAQ at the end of the article.

Method 1: Built-in call timer in MIUI

Starting with MIUI 12 (and above), Xiaomi’s firmware has a feature to limit the duration of outgoing calls, which works at the system application level Phone and does not require superuser rights. However, there is a caveat: the option is not available in all regional versions of the firmware (for example, in the global MIUI Global it may not be, whereas in MIUI China or MIUI EU it is).

To activate the timer:

1. Open the Phone app (the tube icon on the home screen).
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner → select Settings.
3. Go to Calls → Call Timer (on some models, the path may look like Settings → Additional → Time Limitation).
4. Set the desired time (from 1 to 60 minutes) and save the settings.

Once activated, the conversation will automatically end, and a notification will appear on the screen saying, "Call time has expired." Note: this method does not work for incoming calls, only outgoing ones.

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If the call timer option is not in the menu, try updating the Phone app via Google Play or installing it. APK-version from APKCombo (select the version for your model).

Method 2: Parental Control through Digital Wellbeing

For users who need to limit conversation time for children or teens, the best solution is the built-in Digital Wellbeing app, which allows you to set daily limits on all phone features, including calls, but requires pre-setting.

Instructions for activation:

• 📱 Open the Settings. → Digital Well-Being and Parental Control.
• 👤 Select a child profile (if not, create a new one by Add User).
• ⏱️ Go to the App Timer section and find the Phone in the list.
• 🔄 Set a limit (for example, 30 minutes a day) and save the changes.

The advantage of this method is flexibility: you can set different limits for weekdays and weekends, and add exceptions for important contacts (for example, school or relatives), but there is a disadvantage: a child can circumvent the restriction if he knows the password from the main account or uses a second one. SIM-map.

Method 3: Third-Party Applications to Limit Calls

If Xiaomi's built-in tools don't fit, third-party tools will come to the rescue, and we tested 5 popular apps and selected the two most reliable ones:

Before installing, check the permissions of the application: it must request access to the Call Log and Phone. If permissions are not available, it is a fake utility.

🔍 Check the number of downloads (should be) >100K)

⭐ Rating no lower than 4.0

📋 Last update is no older than 6 months

🛡️ Permits correspond to the declared functions-->

Important: Call restriction apps can conflict with MIUI system services, especially on HyperOS models (e.g. Xiaomi 14 or Redmi K70). Back up your data via Settings → About Phone → Backup before installing.

Method 4: Limitation through a communications operator

If you need to limit your SIM-level conversations (for example, for corporate phones or children), contact the services of a mobile operator. Most Russian providers offer tariffs with call limits:

• 📞 MTS: Service "Control of expenses" (limit for minutes and SMS).
• 📱 Beeline: option "Parental control" in the personal account.
• 🌐 Tele2: package "Unlimited to your own" with flexible settings.
• 🏢 MegaFon: service "Limit on services" (available for corporate clients).

To activate the restriction:

1. Go to the personal account on the operator's website.
2. Go to the Service Management section → Limits and Blocks.
3. Set a daily/weekly limit on outgoing calls.

The advantage of this method is 100% reliability: even if the user resets the phone to the factory settings, the restrictions will remain active, but there are disadvantages: the operator can charge a service fee (from 30 to 100 rubles per month), and the setup takes up to 24 hours.

Built-in MIUI settings

Parental control

Third-party annexes

Operator services

Another option-->

Method 5: Automation with MacroDroid (for advanced)

For users who want to fully automate the process of limiting calls (for example, blocking them at night or on a schedule), MacroDroid is a good application. It allows you to create complex scenarios based on triggers.

Example of macros for limiting calls after 22:00:

1. Install MacroDroid from Google Play.
2. Create a new macro with the Time → Time Trigger Range (22:00–07:00).
3. Add the action Phone → Complete the current call.
4. Save the macro and activate it.

This method requires permission to access special features (Settings → Special Features → MacroDroid). Also note that on some models (for example, the POCO X5 Pro), MacroDroid may not work stable due to battery optimization.

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Automation via MacroDroid is the most flexible way, but it takes time to set up, suitable for users who need complex scenarios (for example, different limits for weekdays and weekends).

Frequent problems and their solutions

When setting up restrictions on Xiaomi, users often encounter common mistakes, and we have collected the most common ways to eliminate them:

⚠️ Warning: If calls are interrupted after 1-2 seconds after activation of the call timer, check if the mode is not turned on in the Settings. → Connections and sharing → Traffic savings: This mode can conflict with system timers.

• 🔄 No restrictions apply: Make sure your phone does not activate the For Developers Mode with Security Checks disabled (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times to tap → Debugging by USB → Disable permit checks).
• 📵 Call Restriction App Not Working: Check if it’s added to the list of Optimized Apps (Settings) → Battery → Battery optimization. If so, remove it from the list.
• 🔒 You can’t change your parental control settings: Maybe the phone has activated the binding to the phone. MI-To reset the restrictions, you will need to enter a login and password from the Xiaomi account that set up control.

If none of these methods worked, try resetting the network settings (Settings). → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Network resetting: This often helps in conflicts between system services and operator applications.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions