How to disable the MTS answering machine on Xiaomi Redmi 9: a step-by-step guide

Owners of Xiaomi Redmi 9 smartphones often encounter intrusive operator services that can activate automatically when buying a new SIM card or during a test period. One such feature is voicemail or an autoresponder from MTS, which begins to take incoming calls if you can’t answer, or, in some tariff plans, with every missed call. For users who prefer silence or use third-party apps to record conversations, the operator’s standard service becomes an unnecessary expense or just an irritant.

The process of deactivating this service on shell-controlled devices MIUI It's a little bit nuanced, because the settings of the phone and the operator's commands can conflict. In this article, we'll go through all the available methods in detail: from fast to fast. USSD-You will learn how to guarantee to stop the forwarding of calls and stop paying for listening to messages that you do not need.

It is important to understand that an answering machine is a network service, so disabling it through the phone menu can only be a temporary solution if you do not send a confirming request to the operator’s network. We will consider a comprehensive approach that allows you to take full control of incoming calls on your Redmi 9.

Checking the status of the service before disconnection

Before you start drastically shutting down the service, you need to make sure that the auto-responder or voicemail service is really active on your number. Sometimes users try to turn off what is already not working, or confuse the answering machine with the number detector service. On Xiaomi, you can check this through the system settings of calls, but the most accurate information will be provided by the carrier itself.

For quick diagnosis, use special combinations of numbers that are sent as a regular call. These codes are universal for the MTS network and work on any phone, including Redmi 9. Enter the command in the dialing field and press the call button. SMS-A message with a detailed list of all the paid and free options connected.

  • 📞 Enter the code *111*0887# to check the status of the service "Autoresponder».
  • 💬 Send. SMS with text 0887 to number 111, if a combination is not possible.
  • 📱 Use the My MTS app where all active subscriptions are displayed in the Services section.

Once you get a response from the operator, you will know exactly what you are dealing with. If the service is active, the response message will indicate its name and tariff, which is an important step, since some MTS tariff plans include the default answering machine, and turning it off may require confirmation through the personal account.

Shutdown through USSD-call-and-call

The fastest and most reliable way to remove the answering machine is to use it. USSD-This method is independent of the version of the Android operating system or the model of your Xiaomi, as the request is processed directly on the operator’s servers, which ensures that the forwarding will be removed even if you are roaming or do not have access to the Internet.

To deactivate the standard MTS answering machine, you have a basic command: dial *111*0887*2# on your phone keyboard and press the call button. You will receive a notification that you have successfully disabled the service. If the command has not worked, you may have an advanced service called Autoresponder 2.0 or Voicemail, for which the codes may differ.

⚠️ Note: After entering the command, wait for the system SMS Do not try to re-enter a command every 5 seconds, so as not to block outgoing calls from the operator for suspicious activity.

Alternatively, call the support team or a special service number, dialing 0880, you can contact the operator or voice assistant, who will help manage the services, for free. SMS 2 to 0887, which is equivalent to entering USSD-code.

📊 How do you most often manage the services of the operator?
Through USSD-code
Through the app "My MTS"
Calling the operator.
Through a personal account on the site

Redirection settings in the Xiaomi Redmi 9 menu

Xiaomi Redmi 9 smartphones are based on the MIUI shell, which has its own Phone and Contacts app. Often the answering machine works by configuring unconditional forwarding of all calls to a special voicemail number. To break this communication at the device level, you need to check the call settings.

Go to the Phone app (green handset), click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Settings. Next, go to Accounts for Calls (or just Calls depending on the version of MIUI), select your MTS SIM card and find Call Redirects. The system will try to read the current settings from the network, which can take a few seconds.

  • 🔍 Check the "Always Redirect" item: there should be a "Do Not Redirect" status».
  • ⏳ Check the “In Employment” item: Make sure the redirect is disabled.
  • 📞 Check the "No Response" item: it should also be disabled.
  • 🚫 Check the “In case of unavailability” item: make sure that the voicemail number is not written out.

If you see a number starting at +7916... or a short service number for any condition, click on it and select Disable or Voice Message (Off). This action will send a request to the MTS network to change the settings of your SIM card.

☑️ Checklist for full deactivation

Done: 0 / 5

Use of the application "My MTS"

For Android smartphone owners, including Redmi 9, the most convenient tariff management tool is the official My MTS app, which allows you to visually control all connected options and avoid errors when entering symbolic commands. The application interface is intuitive and fully Russified.

Once you log in to the app by your phone number, go to the home screen or the Services tab, and you will find the Connected Services section, and search the list for "Autoresponder," "Voicemail," or "Secretary," and click on the service name, and you will be taken to the management menu where the Disconnect button will be placed.

The advantage of this method is that the app will immediately show whether the answering machine is part of the batch sentence, if you try to disable the mandatory service, the system will issue a warning, and you can also configure the application to "Blacklist" or "Antispam", which can replace the answering machine functionality for unwanted contacts.

⚠️ Attention: When you turn off a service through the app, carefully read the pop-ups. The operator may offer to replace the paid answering machine with a free one, but with advertising inserts. Choose a complete disconnect if you do not need advertising.

Systemic restrictions and access rights

The Android operating system on which MIUI is based has security restrictions that can prevent third-party applications from changing their forwarding settings, but the standard Phone app has the necessary rights.

This problem is often due to the fact that the operator’s network is temporarily unavailable or the SIM card is not correctly registered on the network. 4G/LTE. At Xiaomi Redmi. 9 Try switching network mode: go to Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Select the MTS SIM card → Type of network. 5G/4G/3G/2G (car only 3G or 2G, Perform the turn off redirect and then return the automatic mode.

Another reason could be to prevent you from changing your call settings in your application rights. Make sure the Phone and Contacts app have all the necessary permissions. Go to Settings → Apps → All Apps → Phone → Permissions and make sure that access to your phone and SMS is allowed.

Why is the roaming shutdown not working?
In international roaming, standard USSD-The codes may not work or be charged as an outgoing call, in which case the answering machine can only be disabled through the My MTS application (Wi-Fi is required) or by calling the service center by number. +79161111111 (free of charge from MTS roam).

Table of codes and commands for controlling the answering machine

For your convenience, we have compiled all the main commands into a single table, save it or take a screenshot to have quick access to information in any situation, and these commands are relevant for all regions of Russia where the MTS network operates.

Action.USSD-teamSMS teamThe result
Status check*111*0887#0887 by 111Information on the service
Disconnection of service*111*0887*2#2 at 0887Service removed
Inclusion of the service*111*0887*1#1 at 0887Service activated
Certificate of service*111*0887*0#-Tariff information

Using the table allows you to quickly find the desired code without searching the Internet.Please note that after entering the command, you need to wait for a pop-up or SMS. If the answer does not come more than 1 minute, check the account balance, as some information requests may be paid for with a negative balance.

Solving mistakes and problems

Even following the instructions, you may encounter technical difficulties. On Xiaomi Redmi 9, a common problem is the conflict between two SIM cards. If you have different carrier SIM cards installed, make sure you configure the one that is related to MTS. In the call settings menu, always choose the right SIM card before changing the redirect settings.

Another common situation is that the answering machine does not turn off because it is part of a “For Lovers” plan or corporate tariff. USSD-The only solution in this case is to change the tariff plan to one where the answering machine is not a mandatory option.

  • ❌ Reboot your phone and try again in 5 minutes.
  • ❌ “Not enough rights” error: check whether the ban on forwarding in your personal account is worth it.
  • ❌ Money is written off after disconnection: contact support as the Billing cycle may have a delay of up to 24 hours.

If none of the methods helped, and the money continues to be written off, you need to contact the technical support of MTS. The operator can forcibly delete the service on its part of the database, which is the most reliable method.

💡

If USSD-codes don’t work, the problem is almost always on the network or tariff side, not in the settings of the Redmi 9 smartphone.

Alternative solutions and voice assistants

After disabling the standard MTS autoresponder, you may need more advanced features such as recording conversations or smart Caller ID definition. Xiaomi owners can take advantage of built-in MIUI capabilities or third-party apps from Google Play.

The built-in Redmi 9 call recording function is automatic and does not require paid operator services. To activate it, open Phone → Settings → Call recording. Here you can set up automatic recording of all incoming or outgoing calls, which completely replaces the need for voice mail to save information.

⚠️ Warning: Be aware of the law regarding recording conversations, and warn the interviewer about recordings if required by law or your personal ethics.

There are also secretarial applications that can take calls and translate voice into text, which are over the Internet and often provide more flexible functionality than a standard operator's answering machine, but require a stable Wi-Fi or mobile Internet connection, unlike an MTS network service.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Will you be charged for disconnecting the answering machine?
The procedure of disconnection through USSD-However, if you had a negative balance or a service was paid in advance, the overspending may not come back, but simply stops charging in the future.
Why does the answering machine still turn on after the shutdown?
This can happen if you accidentally activate the service through pop-up advertising windows when calling short numbers or when you switch to a new tariff plan.
Does the shutdown of the answering machine affect the Internet speed on Redmi 9?
No, the answering machine is a voice service and does not affect the data channels of 3G/4G. Internet speed depends on the coverage of the network and the load of the tower.
Can I turn off the answering machine if the phone is turned off?
Yes, because it's a network service, you can use your personal account on the MTS website from your computer or ask someone to type in. USSD-code from your phone (if the SIM card is inserted into another device), but the easiest way to do this is through an app on any device with Internet access.
What if the code *111*0887*2# does not work?
Try an alternative method: send an SMS with the number 2 to the number 0887. If this does not help, then the service may be called differently (for example, Voicemail) and requires another code that you can find from the operator by the number 0880.