Users of Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones often face a situation where an intrusive phone handset icon appears on the screen and outgoing calls are blocked or redirected without the owner’s knowledge. This phenomenon usually indicates an activated redirect function or a malfunction in the system application “Phone”. It is important for owners of devices to understand that the standard shell MIUI or the new HyperOS have their own characteristics of marking settings that can confuse even an experienced user.
In this article, we will discuss in detail all possible ways to deactivate these parameters. SIM-If you're using a card, switching to another operator, or buying a used device, ignoring this sometimes leads to unnecessary communication costs if the forwarding is configured to pay numbers or voicemail.
We will consider both software methods through the settings menu and the use of hidden ones. USSD-The most effective way to completely reset is to use universal code ##002#, which cancels all types of forwarding by voice, fax and data. Below are the proven algorithms for current versions of firmware.
Reasons for the appearance of the redirect icon on Redmi
The appearance of the call indicator is often associated with automatic settings of the mobile operator. SIM-The network can automatically activate Voicemail or Class Redirects. Android on Xiaomi devices honestly displays the status of these services with an icon in the status bar. This is not a virus, but a regular feature of telecommunication standards.
Another common cause is a software failure of the Phone app itself. After updating the MIUI firmware, some configuration files may get corrupted and the phone "thinks" that the redirect is active, when in fact it's just a visual bug. In rare cases, users accidentally activate these features themselves, trying to set up calls over Wi-Fi or VoLTE.
It's also worth noting the impact of third-party call apps like Viber, Telegram or Truecaller. They can request call management rights and conflict with the standard module. If you've recently installed new number identification software, it's worth checking their settings. Application conflict is a common cause of unstable call operation.
Disconnection through the standard settings menu
The safest and most intuitive way to remove intrusive settings is to use the built-in interface of your smartphone. To do this, open the Phone app, which usually has a green or blue tube icon. In the upper right corner, there is a menu represented by three dots or a gear, where you need to select Settings.
In the list you open, you need to find a section that can be called “Call Accounts”, “Call Settings” or “Additional”. The interface may vary depending on the version of HyperOS or MIUI. You need to find the "Redirect" item, and it's a system to contact the operator to get your current status, so make sure that you're not in the same position. SIM-The card is active and there is a signal of the network.
Once you upload the status, you'll see a few options: "Always," "When it's busy," "When it's not picking up," "When it's not available." If you have a number next to any of these, you'll need to change it. Click on the desired item and select "Disable" or "Voicemail" -> "Disable." This action will send the request to the operator's network.
☑️ Checking call settings
Use of the USSD-parameter-reset
If the settings menu doesn't open or if you have a connection error, you can use special service codes to help you manage services directly, bypassing the Android GUI.
The most powerful tool is the ##002# code. This universal query, supported by most operators around the world, completely eliminates all kinds of forwarding by voice, fax and data. Just dial this combination in dial mode and press the call button, you will receive a notification of successful erasure of data.
There are also more specific codes for fine-tuning. For example, ##004# only cancels redirects when the subscriber is busy, unanswered or unavailable, but leaves the unconditional redirect active (if any). Code ##21# allows you to check the status of unconditional redirects. Using these codes requires care not to turn off the necessary services, such as waiting for a call.
If you are in an area without coverage or SIM-The card is locked, the command will not be executed, in such cases it is better to use the operator's personal account or call the support service.
What if the code doesn't work?
Resetting the settings of the “Phone” application
When the software settings are downed and the handset icon doesn't disappear even after you turn off the redirect, you need to clear the system application cache. This won't delete your contacts or call history, but will return the call settings to factory values. Go to Settings → Apps → All apps.
In the list, find the Phone app (often with a Google or Mi logo). Click on it and select Memory. Here you click Clear and select Clear All or Reset (not to be confused with Clear Cache, although this sometimes helps).
This procedure is especially relevant after major system updates: application reset eliminates configuration file conflicts that may have arisen during the firmware update process. If the problem persists due to a bug in the code, this method should fix it.
Management SIM-card-wise
Redmi smartphone owners often use two SIM-The redirect icon can only burn for one of them. In call settings, it's important to check the status for each card separately. In the call settings, the call settings menu often has a switch between the two. SIM 1 and SIM 2.
Make sure that the default card for voice calls is the one used for communication. If priority is given to a card that has no plan or runs out of money, the phone may try to redirect or block calls. Check the default for calls in the main system settings.
Sometimes it helps to just shift the cards. Turn off the phone, remove the tray, change the cards. SIM-You can turn the card on, and it'll cause the system to re-read the operator profiles and update the network settings. MIUI You can offer to reconfigure the names of operators – agree to this.
| Type of forwarding | Description of the condition | Shutdown code | Impact on the battery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unconditional | All the calls go to another number. | ##21# | Minimum |
| Employment | If you're talking on a different line | ##67# | Low. |
| No answer. | If you didn't pick up the phone. | ##61# | Average (network search) |
| When unavailable | If the phone is off or not on the network | ##62# | High (constant search) |
💡
If you use the service "Voicemail" from the operator, do not turn off the redirect completely, otherwise callers will not be able to leave a message.
Specificity of communication operators and their services
Different mobile operators (MTS, Beeline, MegaFon, Tele2) They can implement redirect services in different ways, sometimes settings that are set through USSD-code that is not immediately displayed in the menu of the phone, or vice versa, in such cases, the most reliable way is to use the operator's personal account or his mobile application.
In the operator's app, look for the Services or Tariff section, and there's often a Redirect switch that lets you control settings visually, which eliminates errors when you enter the codes, and you can see if there's a paid subscription that masquerades as service calls.
Look at the "Together Answer" service or similar number-determining services, which often require activation of redirects for their work, and if you stop using these services, they need to be disabled through the service menu, not just reset your phone settings.
💡
The most reliable way to ensure that there are no hidden paid redirects is to check through the operator’s personal account or call the support service (0890, 0611, etc.).
Frequent mistakes and ways to solve them
One common mistake is to try to remove the handset icon by removing the Phone app.This is a system application, and deleting or disabling it will make it impossible to make calls. If you update a call through the Google Play Store and there are problems, try removing updates to that app through the app menu.
Another mistake is ignoring system updates. There have been some bugs in older versions of MIUI that show the status of calls. Check for updates in Settings → About Phone. Security and stability patches often fix these issues.
If nothing works, you can reset your network settings, which will return to the factory settings of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and mobile networks, and your contacts and photos will not be affected. Path to function: Settings → Connection and Sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, cellular networks and Bluetooth.
⚠️ Note: Resetting network settings will remove all saved Wi-Fi passwords and associated Bluetooth devices. Make sure to remember passwords from important networks before performing this operation.
Why does the phone icon appear again after the reboot?
Could it be a virus?
Does redirection affect traffic consumption?
How do you remove the VoLTE icon?
⚠️ Note: When resetting all phone settings (Factory Reset) through the recovery menu, redirect data to SIM-The card can be saved because it is stored in the chip memory. SIM, Not in your phone's memory. Use cancellation codes.