How to disable auto-answer on Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions

Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones often face the situation where a caller hears a voice message instead of a beep, even if you are near the phone.This feature, known as autoresponder or voicemail, can be activated by default by the carrier or accidentally enabled in the settings of the device itself. Understanding exactly how this system works is critical for comfortable communication.

There are two main types of response: network, which is provided by your carrier, and hardware, built into the shell MIUI or HyperOS. In the first case, the redirect occurs at the network level, and the phone may not even ring. In the second case, the device itself responds to the call after a certain time or when the line is busy. To turn off the auto-answer to Xiaomi, you need to consistently check both of these settings.

Ignoring this issue can cause you to miss important business calls, as callers will think you have already received their message. Below we will detail all possible scenarios for activating this feature and provide clear action algorithms for deactivating it.The key point is that disabling codes often depend on the specific operator, not just the phone model.

Difference Between Network and Hardware Auto Response

Before you start changing your settings, it's important to be clear about what type of voicemail you're dealing with. Network answering is an operator service that doesn't require a smartphone to be involved in the greeting recording process, even if you turn off your phone or take out the phone. SIM-The card that the caller will still get to the auto-answer is a basic service that is often activated when the SIM card is first turned on.

Hardware autoresponse, in turn, is a function of the Xiaomi device itself. It can only work when the phone is on and has a signal. Usually, such settings are in the call menu and allow, for example, to automatically drop calls from unknown numbers with sending a signal. SMS-Distinguishing between these two types will help avoid confusion when finding the right switch in the menu.

Often users try to turn off the function in the phone when the problem lies in the tariff plan, or vice versa. If after all the manipulations with the settings of the smartphone, the situation does not change, with a probability of 99% activated service from the provider. USSD-operator codes.

⚠️ Attention: Operators' voicemail service is often paid. Check the plan to avoid unexpected charges for listening to messages or activating the feature.

The MIUI shell provides flexible management tools, but they can overlap with standard Android settings, so the algorithm must be comprehensive, first check the phone's settings, then check the operator's codes.

Disable auto-response via Xiaomi phone settings

Let’s start by checking the internal settings of the smartphone, as this is the most common reason for the appearance of autoresponse on Redmi and Xiaomi devices. the interface may vary slightly depending on the version of Android and the shell, but the logic remains the same: you will need access to the phone book menu and call settings.

Open the standard Phone app and find the settings menu, usually hidden behind three dots in the corner of the screen or the gear icon, and we're interested in the section related to accounts or additional call settings. In older versions of MIUI, this item could be called Call Settings, in newer ones, it's integrated into the general system settings.

☑️ Checking call settings

Done: 0 / 1

Inside the menu, you need to find Voicemail or Voice mail, and if you click on it, you'll see the number that's being forwarded to, if it's a different number than the standard number, or if it's ticking "Use Voicemail," it needs to be removed, and sometimes the system suggests you choose an operator, in which case you'd better choose "Do not use" or "Disable."

It's also worth checking the Auto-Appeal section (not to be confused with an answering machine). This feature allows the phone to automatically pick up the phone, for example, when you connect a headset. Although it's not voicemail, the effect is similar - you don't have time to pick up the phone and the connection is already established. Make sure that the Auto-Appeal switch is in the off position.

If you can't find these settings in the standard menu, your firmware version may be hiding them, so try typing the word "mail" or "auto-response" into the search box in the settings, and the system will tell you where the switch is hidden, which is especially true for global firmware versions, where the menu is often reorganized.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models with two SIM-You need to check and disable voicemail settings separately for each SIM card. Remember to switch the tab to the second card and repeat the procedure.

Use of the USSD-codes for disabling operator service

If the phone settings didn't work, it means that the service on the operator's side has been activated. USSD-codes are special combinations of characters that are sent directly to the mobile operator's network. This is the most reliable way to guarantee that you turn off the answering machine.

Codes may vary depending on the region and the specific operator (MTS, Beeline, MegaFon, Tele2, Vodafone, etc.), but there are universal commands that work on most GSM networks. Try entering the following code in the dialing application and pressing the call button:

##002#

This command performs a complete reset of all types of forwarding, including forwarding when busy, when no response is available, and when the subscriber is unavailable. Once you enter, you should receive a message about the successful execution of the operation, this action will also disable forwarding to other numbers if it was configured earlier.

For more point control, the following codes can be used, which are relevant for many operators in the CIS and Europe:

  • 📞 ##004# – Cancel all conditional forwarding (when you are busy or not picking up the phone).
  • 📞 ##61# – Cancel redirects in the absence of a response (this is most often the answering machine).
  • 📞 ##62# – Cancel redirects when unavailable (phone is off or off).
  • 📞 ##67# - Cancellation of forwarding when line employment.
What do I do if the codes don't work?
If standard codes fail or you receive an error message, it may mean that your operator uses unique combinations, in which case you need to go to the subscriber’s personal account on the operator’s website or call support, and the codes may not work in roaming or using virtual operators (MVNO).

Once you enter the code, you'll see a status notification on the screen, and if the operation is successful, the answering machine should stop working immediately, and check this by asking someone to call you and not pick up the phone until the end of the beep.

Configuring redirection in the operator's application

Modern mobile operators are actively switching to digital service channels, and service management is often more convenient to perform through an official application or personal account on the site. USSD-codes and provides a more intuitive interface.

Go to your carrier’s app (e.g., “My MTS”, “My Beeline”, “Megaphone”, etc.) and find the “Services”, “Fare and Services” or “Contact settings” section of the main menu, which often includes the category “Redirect” or “Voicemail”.

Inside this section, you'll see the status of the service, and if the answering machine is active, there'll be a "Disable" button or a switch, and the advantage of this method is that you can visually see which number is being forwarded to, and it helps you know if you're forwarding to someone else's number, which can be a sign of fraud or error.

📊 Where you most often manage communication services?
Using USSD-codes:In the operator's application:Through a call to the operator:In the communication salon

Some carriers offer advanced autoresponder settings, such as recording your own greeting or selecting your operating time. If you only need the basic feature, make sure all additional options are also deactivated to avoid paying extra. The app also allows you to often order call detail to check if there were any calls to the answering machine in your absence.

Specificity of the shutdown on different versions of MIUI and HyperOS

MIUI shells and the new HyperOS have their own menu features. In recent Xiaomi firmware versions, the company is looking to unify the interface, but old habits can fail. For example, in MIUI 12/13, settings often hid in the back of the “More” menu, whereas in HyperOS they are brought closer to the surface.

Owners of global firmware (Global ROM) devices should pay attention to the Google Phone app. If you use it instead of the standard Xiaomi dialer, the path to settings will be different: you need to open the settings of Google Phone, select Accounts or Voicemail and turn off there.

Below is a table that helps you navigate menu paths for different versions of the interface:

Shell versionThe path to settingsnuance
MIUI 11-12Phone. → Settings → Accounts.We have to choose. SIM-map
MIUI 13-14Settings → Applications → Call settingsYou may need to log in to your Mi Account.
HyperOSPhone → Three points → Settings → VoicemailIntegration with Google Services
Chinese version (CN)Security → Permits → Automatic.The names of the items may be in Chinese.

If you have a Chinese version of a smartphone with a global firmware that is re-stitched (called the global Chinese), the menu can behave unpredictably, and in such cases, the call settings can be sewn into regional settings. Try changing the region in the "Additional" → "Region" settings to the country of residence, sometimes this opens the correct settings menu.

💡

Before you change your system call settings, take a screenshot of the current settings, and if something goes wrong, you can return the values back just by looking at the photo.

And we also have to mention the Quick Answers feature, which is not a classic answering machine, but it allows you to send SMS when you miss a call, and it's in the same call settings menu, and if you get weird messages from contacts after you miss a call, check this.

Problem Solving: If the Auto Response is not turned off

There are times when all of the methods described have been tried, but the answering machine continues to work, which can be caused by a software failure, application conflict, or a setup on the operator's base station side that is stuck.

The first thing you should do is try to reboot your smartphone, which is a banal but effective step that forces your device to re-register and update its service profile. If that doesn't work, reset your network settings, which won't delete your personal data (photos, contacts), but will return your Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and mobile settings to factory values.

To perform a network reset, go to Settings → Connection and Sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks and Bluetooth. After that, the phone will ask for confirmation of the action. This often solves problems with “stuck” redirects.

⚠️ Note: After resetting your network settings, you will have to re-enter passwords from all Wi-Fi networks and re-match Bluetooth devices such as watches or headphones.

If that didn't work, it could be a third-party application, like if you've recently installed smart number detectors or call recording apps, which can intercept calls and simulate auto-response, and try removing newly installed apps from Communication and check the results.

💡

If nothing works, the only solution is to contact the carrier, and it may be locked at the level of your tariff or account and requires manual intervention of a support officer.

In rare cases, extraction helps SIM-If the other device has an auto-response that's also active and not deactivated by the codes, then the question is for the operator. If everything works fine on another phone, it is possible that there is a software conflict in your Xiaomi, and it is worth considering more radical measures, up to a complete reset of the device.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can the answering machine work if the phone is turned off?
If you activate network forwarding, calls will go to voicemail even when the phone is off, no phone is available. SIM-If you are not in the network, the Xiaomi hardware answering machine will not work in this case.
Are you paying for the answering machine?
Most plans offer free incoming calls, even if they are forwarded to voicemail, but the voicemail service itself can be paid (monthly subscription or per minute of listening to messages).
Why did the answering machine turn on again after resetting?
When resetting phone settings (Factory Reset) SIM-If the service is activated on the operator side, it will automatically apply to the SIM card when you first register on the network.
How to record your greetings for an answering machine on Xiaomi?
Standard MIUI means you can not record your greeting, using the standard from the operator. To record a personal greeting, you need to call the voicemail number (usually by holding the “1” button or using call settings) and follow the instructions of the operator’s autoinformer.
Does the “Do Not Disturb” mode affect the answering machine?
Do Not Disturb mode can block audio notifications and vibrations, but it doesn't disable call forwarding. If you set up a redirect when busy or after a certain time, the call will still go to auto-response, even if the phone is in silent mode, unless you set up exceptions for specific contacts.