Time limiting calls on Xiaomi: all ways to MIUI

Time control is becoming increasingly important, especially for parents who want to limit their child’s interactions or for those who want to discipline themselves during working hours. Xiaomi’s MIUI-powered smartphones offer several ways to do this, from built-in features to customized applications. However, not everyone knows that standard system tools allow flexibility to adjust restrictions without installing additional software.

In this article, we’ll look at all the available methods, from simple time limits to advanced scenarios using MIUI Automation. We’ll focus on the nuances for different firmware versions (from MIUI 12 to MIUI 14), and we’ll also look at third-party applications for those who need advanced features. If you’re looking for a way to shorten conversation times or block calls at certain hours, here you’ll find step-by-step instructions that take into account all the pitfalls.

⚠️ Note: Some methods (such as Do Not Disturb Mode) can block all notifications, not just calls. Before setting up, check if this will affect important alerts from messengers or system applications.

1. built-in MIUI features to limit calls

MIUI firmware contains several tools that can be adapted to control call times, and its main advantage is that you don’t need to install third-party software, which is important for the security and performance of the device.

The easiest way to do this is to use Do Not Disturb Mode (DND), which allows you to set up a schedule during which all calls will be automatically rejected or redirected to voicemail, a method that is suitable for those who want to completely block calls at certain hours (for example, at night or during meetings).

• ⏰ Work schedule: Set up fixed hours (e.g. 22:00 to 8:00) when calls will be ignored.
• 📞 Exceptions: Add to the white list important contacts, calls from which will take place even in mode DND.
• 🔔 Quiet notifications: Calls will be displayed in the log, but without audible signal and vibration.

Another option is Digital Wellbeing, which is originally designed to limit your experience with apps, but with some tricks, it can be applied to phone conversations, such as setting a limit on the Phone app, after which the system will notify you of an over-regulation.

⚠️ Warning: Time Control does not physically block calls, it only shows a notification of over-the-limit. Full lock will require additional settings or third-party apps.

2.Setting up "Do Not Disturb" to block scheduled calls

DND (Do Not Disturb) is the most reliable way to completely disable calls at a given time.It works on all Xiaomi devices with MIUI 12 and later, including the Redmi, POCO and Mi models. The main advantage is the ease of setting up and no need for root rights.

To activate the schedule mode:

1. Open Settings → Sound and vibration → Do not disturb.
2. Turn on the switch on schedule.
3. Enter the initial and final time (for example, 22:00-07:00).
4. In the Exceptions section, select Calls and add contacts that can be reached easily (such as Family or Work).
5. Save the settings.

If you need to temporarily turn off mode (for example, on weekends), just return the Schedule switch to the off position.. You can also quickly activate / deactivate the DND through the Quick Settings Panel (swipe down from the top edge of the screen).

⚠️ Attention: B MIUI 14 appeared the option Automatic turn on when connecting to Wi-Fi in the settings DND. If you use it, make sure your home network doesn’t interfere with the mode (e.g., doesn’t accidentally turn it off when you reconnect).

3.Use of "Time Control" for call limits

Digital Wellbeing allows you to set daily limits on the use of apps, including the standard Phone app, although it does not block calls completely, it is suitable for those who want to discipline themselves or their children.

Instructions for setting:

1. Go to Settings → Digital Well-being → Control Panel.
2. Select the Phone app (Trainer icon).
3. Press the app timer and set the desired limit (for example, 30 minutes a day).
4. Activate the Lock option after the time has expired (in some versions of MIUI it is called Forced pause).

Once the limit is exceeded, the phone application will be blocked, and a notification will appear on the screen with an offer to take a break. PIN-code (if it was set in the Digital Well-Being settings).

🔹 Limitations of method:

• ❌ Does not block incoming calls – only outgoing and access to the application interface.
• ❌ The limit is reset at midnight, which is inconvenient for multi-day restrictions.
• ✅ Suitable for self-control or parental control (if the child does not know) PIN-code).

💡

If you want to limit calls to certain hours (e.g. 18:00 to 20:00), combine Digital Well-being with Do Not Disturb Mode, one to block access to the app, and the other to jam call notifications.

4. Parental controls: restrictions for children

If you need to limit your child’s calls, use MIUI’s built-in Parental Control feature, which allows you to not only set limits on phone use, but also block specific activities, such as outgoing calls to unknown numbers.

Step-by-step:

1. Open Settings → Parental Control (in some versions – Settings → Accounts and Sync → Family Settings).
2. Create a profile of your child by linking it to the device.
3. In the Restrictions section, select the phone and install: 🕒 Limit on outgoing calls (for example, 10 minutes a day). 🚫 Ban on calling to paid numbers (option to Block Premium Numbers). 📵 Blocking all calls at night (through integration with sleep mode).

Install. PIN-Parental control code so that the child cannot change the settings.

🔹 Important nuance: For full parental control to work on the child’s device, a Mi Account account with a confirmed phone number must be linked, otherwise some functions (for example, remote lock) will not be available.

⚠️ Note: If a child uses instant messengers for calls (such as WhatsApp or Telegram), they are not subject to parental control restrictions, in which case they will need to separately block these applications through Digital Well-being.

5. Automation through "Tasks" (for advanced users)

MIUI 13/14 introduced the Automation feature (formerly called Smart Assistance), which allows you to create complex scenarios by time, location or events, for example, by automatically enabling Flight Mode or blocking calls at certain hours.

Example of setting up a task to block calls from 21:00 to 7:00:

1. Open Settings → Automation → Create a task.
2. Select the time trigger and set the interval 21:00–07:00.
3. Add the action "Do not disturb" mode → Enable.
4. In the additional settings, specify that the task must be performed daily.
5. Save the task and activate it.

⚠️ Warning: When installing third-party applications to block calls, only give them the necessary permissions, for example, if the application requests access to SMS or Geolocation, but you do not need it, refuse.

💡

The application side may conflict with built-in MIUI features (such as Do Not Disturb Mode). Before using, disable similar settings in the system to avoid double locking.

7. Hidden Opportunities: Limitations through Settings SIM-map

Few people know, but some mobile operators (for example, MTS, Beeline, Tele2) offer services to limit calls right at the level of the mobile phone. SIM-This is convenient if you want to block outgoing calls to pay numbers or set a limit on international communications.

How to activate:

1. Send. USSD-requesting your operator number (for example, for MTS, this is *111*777#).
2. In the service menu, find Parental Controls or Call Limitation.
3. Set limits (e.g. 5 outbound calls per day or block calls after 22:00).
4. Confirm activation (you may need to send a text message with the text YES).

🔹 Advantages of the method:

• ✅ It works on any phone, even if it’s not Xiaomi.
• ✅ It does not depend on the firmware or device settings.
• ✅ You can control remotely through the operator’s personal account.

🔹 Deficiencies:

• ❌ Restrictions apply only to calls over the cellular network (do not affect Wi-Fi calls or instant messengers).
• ❌ Some operators charge for the service (for example, 1-3 rubles per day).

Important: Operator services may conflict with built-in features MIUI. For example, if you simultaneously activate the call blocker through SIM-map and Do Not Disturb Mode, some numbers may pass and others may not. Check compatibility on the test number before setting up.

FAQ: Frequent questions about limiting calls to Xiaomi