Modern Xiaomi smartphones provide users with a wide range of communication capabilities, and video communication is one of the key functions that device owners actively use. However, there is often confusion in the terminology: many users are looking for a way to “put” a video call, meaning either activating a video call through a standard number collector or installing a special application for communication. It is important to immediately determine the purpose, since video calls can be implemented in various technical ways depending on your needs and the capabilities of the operator.
If you want to just call someone with a video, you probably don't need to install anything in the classic sense, just configure existing services correctly. The MIUI ecosystem and the new HyperOS have native tools that allow you to switch to video mode directly from the phone book or during a conversation, but these features require a stable Internet connection or support for VoLTE technology from your mobile operator.
In this article, we will discuss in detail all available methods of organizing video communication on Redmi and Poco smartphones. We will consider the regular system tools, messenger capabilities, and also touch on the topic of installing specific quick call widgets, which are sometimes mistaken for separate programs for calls. Understanding these differences will help you choose the most convenient and economical option for communicating with relatives and colleagues.
Native video communication through a standard dialer
The first and most obvious way to organize video communication is to use the phone’s built-in functionality. On most modern Xiaomi models with MIUI 12 and later, as well as on HyperOS, the video call is integrated directly into the Phone app. You do not need to search and download additional files from unverified sources, since the system already contains all the necessary components.
To make a call, you just need to open the contact in the phone book. Next to the regular call button, you'll see the video camera icon. Clicking on it will initiate a video call. It's important to understand that depending on the settings and the region, this call can go through the Internet (using Google or Mi Message protocols) or through the operator network (ViLTE), if the tariff plan supports this option.
There's also the ability to switch to video during a normal voice conversation, and if you're already talking to someone, you can have a video button or a camera icon on the call screen, and activating this feature will prompt the person to switch to video mode. Note that both devices must support this technology, and both must have mobile Internet or Wi-Fi enabled.
💡
Make sure that in the settings SIM-The card is allowed to transmit data, otherwise a video call through the cellular network will not take place, even if voice communication is working normally.
Note that the interface may vary slightly across models, for example, on the Redmi budget series, the button can be hidden in an optional menu that opens with a swipe or three dots, while Xiaomi’s flagship 13 or 14 series models bring this feature to the main call screen for quick access.
Google Duo and Google Meet for video conferencing
Because Xiaomi smartphones run on Android, they are deeply integrated with Google’s services. For a long time, the video standard was the Duo app, which has now evolved into Google Meet, a one-stop solution that allows high-quality calls even when an unstable Internet connection is in place.
Often, the app is already pre-installed. If you delete it or it is missing, you need to visit the official Google Play store. Search for Google Meet and install it. Once you log in to your Google account, the app automatically syncs to your phone book, showing which contacts also have the app installed.
The advantage of using Google is that you can create link invitations, you can create a link to a meeting and send it to anyone, even if they don't have Android installed, they can connect through a browser, which makes this method ideal for group conferences or chatting with iPhone users.
For ease of use, you can configure a quick call widget on your desktop, which allows you to put a video call to a specific contact in one click, bypassing the opening of the application itself. Just press the empty space on the screen, select "Widgets", find "Meet" or "Contacts", and drag the desired item to the desktop.
Use of messengers for video conferencing
The fact that the vast majority of video calls in the world are made through instant messengers cannot be ignored; on Xiaomi smartphones, these applications work steadily thanks to system optimization, the most popular remain WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber and Facebook Messenger.
Each of these services has its own characteristics. For example, WhatsApp is known for its simple interface and end-to-end encryption, which ensures the security of your conversations. Telegram offers high quality pictures and the ability to record video messages when the interlocutor is busy. Viber often provides free calls to landlines as part of promotions, although video communication has always been over the Internet.
To “switch” quick access to a video call in your favorite messenger, use the contact shortcuts function. In Telegram, for example, you can add a specific chat widget to your desktop. WhatsApp has a “Tags” feature for frequently used contacts, which allows you to initiate video calls instantly.
The secret to saving traffic in messengers
It is important to monitor application permissions. If the video call is not working, check your privacy settings. MIUI strictly controls access to the camera and microphone. Go to Settings → Apps → All applications, find the right messenger and make sure that the rights to the Camera and Microphone are allowed.
Quick Call Widgets and Personalization
Many users use the phrase “set video call” to mean installing a special widget or theme that changes the screen of an incoming call or adds a quick dial button to the desktop. The Mi Themes theme store has thousands of such solutions available.
To set up a personalized call screen, open the Themes app. Search for "Video call" or "Caller ID." You'll find themes that replace the standard call interface with an animated or video, which is purely visual, but it makes you feel like you have a separate video call feature.
If you want a quick dial widget, use standard system tools. Hold your finger on the free desktop space, select "Widgets" → "Contacts." Here you can select a specific person and type of communication (video), which widget will work as a direct link to a video session.
There are also third-party apps from Google Play, such as Direct Dial or analogues, that allow you to create shortcuts for instant call. However, beware: such applications often require extensive permissions and may contain advertising.
Solving Quality and Connectivity Issues
Even a properly configured video call can be incorrect due to external factors, the most common problem is poor image quality or desynchronization of sound, the first thing you need to check is the speed of the Internet connection. HD-The speed is recommended at least 3-5 Mbit/s.
The second important aspect is energy saving: MIUI aggressively kills background processes to save battery power, which can interrupt the video stream. To avoid this, you need to set the application in the background. Go to the battery settings and select No Limits mode for the messenger or call app you use.
The table below will help to quickly diagnose the problem:
| Symptoms. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Black screen at the interlocutor | Camera's closed. | Check the permissions in the application settings |
| Intermittent sound | Unstable Wi-Fi | Switch to mobile internet or get closer to the router |
| Delay in 5 seconds. | Advertising/calling blocker | Check the settings of the antivirus and blocker |
| No image, just sound. | Weak processor/load | Close other heavy applications |
☑️ Video-conference diagnostics
Also worth mentioning is the effect of protective glasses and covers. Sometimes a thick protective glass can override the proximity sensor or an additional microphone, which causes the screen to go out during the video call or you can not be heard.
Hidden Codes and Engineering Menu
For advanced users who want to check the status of video calls by the operator or diagnose communication modules, there are special codes, and entering these codes in the dialer opens hidden menus.
One of the useful codes for checking the status of the network and IMS (subsystems of multimedia services necessary for video calls through the operator):
##4636##In the menu that opens, select Phone Information. You can see VoLTE and ViLTE status here. If the ViLTE Provisioned switch is turned off, a video call through the standard bell will not work even if the tariff allows. However, it is not recommended to change the settings unnecessarily, as this can lead to loss of communication.
⚠️ Note: Changing the settings in the engineering menu (4636) can lead to unstable operation of the communication module. If you are not sure about your actions, it is better not to change the default values, especially items associated with the preferred type of network.
Another code that can be useful for checking IMEI and network status:
*#06#It doesn’t set up video calls directly, but it does make sure the phone is correctly identified on the network, which is a basic condition for any communications.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why is video calling not working through a standard phone app?
Can I put a video call on the alarm clock?
How to make a video call via WhatsApp on Xiaomi watch?
Does the operator charge for video?
Why can’t the person see me even though I can see him?
💡
The main conclusion: for most users, the best solution is to use messengers or Google Meet, as they provide the best quality and do not depend on the whims of mobile operators.
⚠️ Note: When using video calls over a mobile network abroad (roaming), traffic can be charged very expensive. Always check the roaming conditions with your operator before traveling or use only Wi-Fi.
To sum up, it’s easy to make a video call to Xiaomi because of the flexibility of Android, depending on who you’re going to talk to and in what setting, and use native tools to make quick calls to your phone book contacts, and instant messengers to communicate with friends anywhere in the world.