Many owners of popular Xiaomi smartphones face unexpected device behavior when making calls. In particular, users of the Redmi Note 8 Pro often look for a way to activate a feature known on other Android smartphones as “fast dial.” Usually this means the ability to call a contact simply by placing a certain number in the phone book, or the ability to make a call with a voice command without touching the screen. However, in the MIUI shell installed on your device, the logic of the operation can be different from stock Android, which causes confusion.
It is important to understand the terminology immediately, so as not to waste time searching for non-existent switches. On Xiaomi devices, the term “quick dial” is often associated with voice control or Voice Dial, which is activated by holding the phone to the ear. There is also a classic fast dial on a single button, but its implementation in modern versions of firmware requires careful approach to the settings of contacts and system resolutions.
In this detailed guide, we’ll take a look at all the methods available to speed up the call process on your gadget. We’ll look at the standard shell, special features settings, and proven third-party solutions. Understanding the MIUI architecture will help you not only turn on the desired feature, but also protect yourself from the random calls that sometimes arise due to the high sensitivity of sensors.
Features of the implementation of rapid recruitment in MIUI
Xiaomi’s MIUI shell has its own unique interface features that set it apart from pure Android. A feature that users are used to seeing in a standard “caller” can be hidden or renamed here. In most cases, what users search for under the “quick dial” menu is indicated as “Voice call” or configured through the contact menu.
The system restrictions of Android 10 and above, which runs the Redmi Note 8 Pro, also make their own adjustments. Google has tightened security policies by prohibiting applications from intercepting calls or initiating them with background processes without the explicit consent of the user, which is why old methods that worked on Android 6 or 7 on a modern device may not work without special permissions.
⚠️ Warning: Don't try to install questionable apps from unverified sources promising "secret fast dial" that could lead to your phone book being leaked and mobile account debited.
Also, it is worth considering that the standard mobile app on global firmware versions may differ from the Chinese counterpart. on the Redmi Note 8 Pro, Google Dialer or MIUI Dialer is most often preinstalled, and the location of settings in them may vary depending on the version of the update.
Activation of voice dialing on Redmi Note 8 Pro
One of the most convenient ways to make a call without touching the screen is to use voice commands, which is especially useful when your hands are busy or wearing gloves. In the Xiaomi system settings, this option is often called Voice Call and activated via the proximity sensor.
To enable this feature, you need to go to the settings menu of the Phone app itself. Click on the gear icon or three dots in the corner of the screen to open the settings. Find the section for incoming calls or special functions. Here you need to activate the switch responsible for answering or dialing with voice.
Once activated, the algorithm is this: you hold the phone to your ear, you hear an audible beep, and after a short pause, the device starts to perceive your speech, you need to clearly pronounce the name of the contact that is stored in the phone book, and the speech recognition system analyzes the request and initiates the call.
The effectiveness of the function depends on the quality of the contact name recording. If the name is written as "Mom" in the phone book and you say "Mom", the system may not recognize the command, and it is recommended to check the contacts' records and bring them to a single standard for better recognition.
☑️ Checking the voice call settings
Configure a quick dial by one button
The classic method, in which a long press on a number (from 2 to 9) in the Phone application leads to a call of the assigned contact, is also available on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro. However, in newer versions of MIUI, this functionality is sometimes postponed or requires activation through the special features menu.
To set up this feature, open the standard Phone app and go to Contacts or Favorites. In some versions of the firmware, you need to go to the call settings and find Quick Dial. If there is no such item in the main menu, try pressing and holding the number in the dialing interface - the system will suggest assigning a contact.
The appointment process is as follows:
- 📞 Open the Phone app and go to the dialing tab.
- 🔢 Press and hold your finger on any free digit (usually 2 to 9).
- 👤 In the window that appears, select the contact from the list or find it through a search.
- ✅ Confirm the action, after which the number will be marked as fixed to the contact.
Now, when dialing, just press the assigned number and the call will go automatically, saving time when calling close people or colleagues you contact daily. Note that the number 1 is reserved by the system for accessing voice mail and is usually not reassignable.
| Number | Standard appointment | Possibility of change | Long-press action |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Voice mail. | No (reserved) | Voicemail call |
| 2-9 | Freely. | Yes. | Calling the designated contact |
| 0 | Plus (+) | No. | Entering the + symbol |
| * | Special symbol | No. | Entering the symbol * |
Use of widgets and shortcuts on the desktop
If built-in dialing methods don't seem convenient enough, MIUI offers an alternative solution: creating contact widgets right on the home screen, allowing you to make one-touch calls without using the Phone app and searching the book.
To implement this method, unlock your smartphone screen and find an empty space on your desktop. Make a long tap (tap and hold) on the free area until the bottom edit menu appears. Select "Widgets" or "Add widgets."
In the list that opens, look for the Contacts or Phone app, and inside you'll see different widgets, like a list, a grid, or single round icons, and choose a Direct Dial widget or just a contact icon.
Once you have selected the type of widget, the system will ask you to specify a specific contact, and you can assign different contacts to different widgets, such as a Family or Work panel, which is especially true for the Redmi Note 8 Pro with its large screen, where you can place several such buttons without compromising the rest of the space.
The problem of random calls and “pocket set”
Users looking for information about fast dialing often actually try to solve the opposite problem - the device itself makes calls. This phenomenon, known as "pocket dialing," can be caused by a high sensitivity touchscreen or a malfunction of the proximity sensor.
On the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro, the proximity sensor is located at the top of the screen, next to the speaker. If there is a protective glass of poor quality or contamination on the screen, the sensor may work incorrectly, believing that the phone is near the ear, and activating voice dialing or accidental touches.
To minimize the risk of accidental calls, follow the following steps:
- 🧼 Regularly wipe the top face of the smartphone, where the sensor is located.
- 🛡️ Check the quality of the protective glass – it should not cover the sensor area.
- ⚙️ Enable the function “Protection against accidental pressing” in the screen settings.
- 🔒 Use the screen lock so that touches in your pocket don’t activate the interface.
⚠️ Warning: If the phone continues to ring in your pocket even after cleaning and checking the settings, it may be that the proximity sensor is damaged or the train has moved away.
It’s also worth checking the “In-Pack” settings in the “Block and Protect” section, which uses accelerometer and proximity sensor data to lock the screen when the phone is in a confined space.
Third-party applications to expand functionality
MIUI may not be enough for users with special needs. There are many apps in the Google Play store that offer advanced quick dialing features, such as shaking, swiping or voice commands with advanced syntax.
One popular solution is to install launchers or dedicated dialers, but when installing such applications on the Redmi Note 8 Pro, you need to be extremely careful with granting permissions. Android will (multiple times) request access to contacts, microphone and phone.
Popular categories of applications for improving the set:
- 📞 Smart Dialers: Apps that analyze call frequency and offer contacts for quick dialing based on time of day and location.
- 🗣️ Voice assistants: In addition to Google Assistant, there are dedicated teams for people with disabilities that allow you to control your phone with complex voice scripts.
- ⚡ Caller widgets: apps that create floating buttons on top of other windows to instantly call emergency services or family.
When using third-party software, the regular Phone app can be replaced by default. If you want to go back to the original Xiaomi interface, be sure to reset the application settings in the Default Apps menu.