Quick call on Xiaomi: how to set up in 2 minutes (all ways)

Tired of spending time looking for contacts in your phone book when you need to make an urgent call? On Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi and POCO), there are several ways to set up a quick call - from standard MIUI features to hidden features that few know about. This guide will help reduce dial-up time to a couple of seconds, regardless of your device model.

We’ll look at all the current techniques, from lock screen gestures to voice commands and desktop widgets, and focus on the nuances of the latest MIUI 14/15 firmware and the differences between physical buttons and touch panels, and if you’re using Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi Note 12 or POCO F5, you’ll find a solution for your version.

We warn you beforehand that some methods require super-user rights, but most methods work without any additional manipulation, starting with the simplest of them: built-in MIUI tools that are accessible out of the box.

1. Quick call through the lock screen (without unlocking)

The most versatile method is to add contact shortcuts directly to the lock screen, which works even when the phone is locked, saving up to 10 seconds to unlock and search for a number.

How to set up:

  • πŸ“± Open the Settings. β†’ Lock screen β†’ Labels
  • πŸ”„ Select Contacts (or Quick Call in older versions) MIUI)
  • βž• Click Add Contact and select up to 5 frequently used numbers
  • πŸ”’ Now, when swiping up/down on the locked screen will display selected contacts

Important: on some models (such as Xiaomi 12T), shortcuts are only displayed after double tap on the screen. If the feature does not work, check the Double Touch settings to wake up in the same section.

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In the models with AMOLED-With screens (such as Xiaomi 13 Ultra), contact shortcuts are displayed even on the display turned off when you raise your hand – use the Always-on Display feature for convenience.

Quick call gestures (hidden MIUI function)

Few people know, but MIUI has a quick-call gesture feature that allows you to assign a specific movement to dial up to a selected contact, such as setting up a double-tapping on the back to call your mom or swiping down the side to call work.

It's activated like this:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Additional settings β†’ Gestures and movements
  2. Choose Quick gestures (or touch actions on new firmware)
  3. Assign a gesture (such as Double Touch) and select Contact Call action
  4. Please specify the number from the phone book.

Limitation: You can only make one contact on a single gesture, you have to use different movements for multiple numbers, and up to 5 different gestures are available on the POCO F4 and the new Redmi.

πŸ“Š What is the most convenient way to call quickly?
Screen gestures
Volume buttons
Voice assistant
Desktop widgets
Another option

3.Use of Volume buttons for emergency calls

The Emergency Call feature allows you to set up a long press of the volume button to dial to a pre-selected number, which is especially useful in situations where you need to quickly contact loved ones or rescue services.

Setting:

  • πŸ”Š Go to Settings. β†’ Buttons and gestures β†’ Volume button
  • πŸ“ž Activate the Emergency Call option and select the contact
  • ⏱ Set retention time (default 3 seconds)
  • πŸ”’ Now holding both volume buttons for a given time will initiate a call.

On models with an infrared port (such as the Redmi Note 11), this feature may conflict with the remote control – check after setting up.

What to do if the volume buttons do not work?
If after setting up the emergency call buttons stopped adjusting the sound - reset the settings in Settings β†’ System system β†’ Resetting settings β†’ Reset buttons. This will bring back standard behavior without losing data.

4. Voice assistant for hands-free calls

If your Xiaomi supports Google Assistant or XiaoAI (Chinese firmware), you can set up voice commands for quick dial-ups, which is ideal for driving calls or when hands are busy.

Instructions for Google Assistant:

  1. Activate the assistant with the β€œOK, Google” command or withholding the home button
  2. Say: "Call [contact name]" or "Call [phone number]"
  3. For frequently used contacts, create abbreviations: "Call Mom" instead of full name.

For XiaoAI (Chinese firmware):

  • 🎀 Say "" (Xiaoai Tungsue) to activate.
  • πŸ“ž Use the command "[name]" (dǎ diΓ nhuΓ  gΔ›i [name])

Warning: On some models (POCO X3 Pro), the voice assistant may conflict with the game – disable it in Settings β†’ Apps β†’ All apps β†’ Google β†’ Notifications β†’ Disable voice access.

5. Quick call widgets on the desktop

The most visual way is to place a contact widget or quick access bar on the home screen, which is convenient for those who prefer tactile control.

How do I add:

  1. Press and hold an empty space on the desktop
  2. Select Widgets from the bottom menu
  3. Find a contact widget or quick action widget
  4. Drag it to the screen and set up the contacts displayed

Tip: Use the 4Γ—1 Contacts widget to display 4 frequently used numbers in compact form. MIUI 15 has a new Circle Contacts widget with animation.

Method of callingSpeed.Unlocking requiredSuitable for
Labels on lockdown⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐❌ No.All models.
Gesturesβ­β­β­β­βœ… Yes.MIUI 12+
Volume buttons⭐⭐⭐❌ No.All except POCO M
Voice assistantβ­β­β­β­βœ… Yes.Models with Google Services
Widgetsβ­β­β­βœ… Yes.All versions of MIUI

6 Advanced Techniques: Tasker and Automation

For users who are ready to experiment, Tasker allows you to create fully customized fast call scenarios, for example, you can customize:

  • πŸ”„ Triple tap on the back to call a specific number
  • πŸ“ Automatic call when connected to Bluetooth headset
  • ⏰ Scheduled call (for example, alarm call to a relative)

The baseline scenario in Tasker:

Profile: Quick call


Event: Gesture β†’ Triple touch




Task:




1. Telephony β†’ Call β†’ Number: +79991234567




2. If %WIN ~ Blocked β†’ Unlock the screen

⚠️ Attention: Automatic calls via Tasker may be triggered accidentally in your pocket.Always add a check condition %SCREEN ~ On (screen on) in tasks.

7 Problem Solving: Why Quick Calls Don't Work

If your method has stopped working, check out these points:

Check the permissions for the Phone application in Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Permissions

Update MIUI to the latest version (guest bugs were fixed in MIUI 14.0.5+)

Disable Battery Optimization for the Contacts app in Settings β†’ Battery β†’ Battery Optimization

Reset gesture settings in Settings β†’ System β†’ Reset settings β†’ Reset gesture settings

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Frequent errors:

  • 🚫 Conflict with the case: on Xiaomi models 12S Ultra thick cases block gesture sensors
  • πŸ”‹ Energy conservation: MIUI can turn off background processes to save charge
  • πŸ”„ Reset after update: Some gesture settings are reset when you update your firmware

⚠️ Attention: POCO F3 with custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience) built-in gestures MIUI Use alternative launchers like Nova Launcher with gesture support.

FAQ: Frequent questions about fast call on Xiaomi

Can I make a quick call to double press the power button?
No, on most Xiaomi models, double-pressing the power button is reserved for the camera or voice assistant. However, on some devices (such as Black Shark), this can be reassigned via Settings β†’ Buttons and gestures β†’ Power button.
Why did the contact labels on the lock disappear after the upgrade to MIUI 15?
In MIUI 15, the settings have changed. Shortcuts are now configured through Settings β†’ Lock Screen β†’ Lock Screen Style β†’ Setup β†’ Shortcuts. If the option is inactive, check if a third-party launcher is installed.
How to make a quick call on the screen of the phone turned off?
You need to activate Always-on Display (Settings) β†’ Lock screen β†’ Always-on Display and add a contact widget. AMOLED-On screens (such as Xiaomi 13 Pro) it works without significant battery consumption.
Can I make different gestures for different contacts?
Yes, but only through third-party apps like MacroDroid or Tasker. In standard MIUI settings, one gesture can only be tied to one action. For multiple contacts, use different gestures (for example, swipe up for mom and swipe down for work).
Why does the voice assistant not recognize the names of contacts in Russian?
The problem is typical for XiaoAI on global firmware. Solution: Install Google Assistant as default assistant Check the language of the system - it must be Russian (Russia) Resave contacts with transliteration (for example, "Mama")

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For maximum speed, combine methods: for example, shortcuts on lock + voice commands + a widget on the desktop. This will cover all use cases.