Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphone owners often face a situation where it is impossible to answer a call right now. At such moments, voicemail comes to the rescue, allowing subscribers to leave messages while your phone is busy or off. However, unlike some other brands, there is no one universal button in the shell of MIUI or HyperOS to activate this feature on all devices at once.
The setup process depends on your mobile operator and device model. Many users mistakenly rely only on the settings of the smartphone itself, forgetting that the main functionality is provided by the communication network. To work correctly, you need to configure the redirect and make sure that the service is activated on the provider side.
In this article, we will discuss in detail all the ways of activation: from the use of USSD-You'll learn how to avoid common mistakes and what to do if standard methods don't work, and this will allow you to keep important calls from even the most noisy places or during meetings.
Principle of operation and operator dependence
Voice mail is not just a feature of a phone, it's a service provided by your mobile operator. A smartphone only redirects an incoming call to a dedicated server when you can't respond, which is why settings may differ for MTS, Beeline, Megafon or Tele2.
Technically, it works through a redirector. When a call comes in, the network checks your phone's status. If it's busy, it's off, or you just don't pick up, the call is redirected to the answering machine number. Without setting up that redirection properly on Android or on the operator side, the function won't work.
⚠️ Attention: Voice mail service may be paid. Tariffing depends on the terms of your tariff plan, so check the cost with the operator before activating.
It is important to understand that the shell MIUI It just provides an interface to manage these settings. SIM-In some regions, operators default to disable this service, requiring manual activation through a personal account or code.
Activation through call settings in MIUI
The easiest way to check and enable the feature is to use the phone's built-in menu. The interface may vary slightly depending on the Android version and shell, but the logic remains the same. You'll need access to the standard Phone app.
Follow the algorithm of actions to adjust the parameters:
- 📱 Open the Phone app and click on the three dots in the upper right corner.
- ⚙️ Select Settings in the drop-down menu.
- 📞 Find the Voice Mail Accounts or Voicemail section.
- 🔢 Enter the voicemail number your operator provided.
Once you enter the number, the system will suggest saving the changes, and if the field to enter the number is hidden or inactive, then the operator has blocked the manual change or uses its default settings, in which case you need to use the codes or personal account.
☑️ Checking the phone settings
In some versions of HyperOS, the path may look different: Settings → Apps → App settings → Phone → Voicemail accounts. Make sure you enter the number that is relevant to your region and operator.
Use of the USSD-activation
The most reliable method, which works on 99% of Xiaomi devices regardless of the firmware version, is the following: USSD-They send a request directly to the operator's network, bypassing the complex menus of the smartphone, which is especially true if the settings of the phone are hidden items.
The universal code **61* is usually used to activate voicemail forwarding. However, the full code depends on your answering machine number. Below is a table with codes for the main operators so you don't have to search for them manually.
| Operator. | Activation code. | Shutdown code | Verification code |
|---|---|---|---|
| MTS | *111*157# | *111*158# | *157# |
| Beeline | *106*04# | *106*05# | *106# |
| Megafon | *106# | *106*0# | *106*2# |
| Tele2 | *107# | *107*0# | *107*1# |
After entering the command, press the call button. You should receive a notification of the successful activation of the service. If an error message arrives, it may be that the service is not yet connected to your tariff or there are not enough funds on the balance.
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Save activation and disconnection codes in your phone notes – this will help you quickly manage the service in roaming or when changing the tariff.
Setup via the phone app from Google
Many modern Xiaomi smartphones come with a Google Phone app pre-installed instead of the standard MIUI call. The interface is more minimal, but voicemail functionality is also present. The operating principle is similar, but the location of the elements is different.
To set up, go to the Settings section inside the app, then select Voicemail. Here you will see a list. SIM-If you have two cards, click on the card you want and select Voicemail, and the system will suggest you use the default number or enter your own.
An important nuance: the Google app often has a feature called “Transcribation” (visual voicemail), but it only works in English and in other regions.
⚠️ Note: When you update Google's Phone app, settings may reset. Periodically check if the answering machine number is active after major system updates.
Solution: If voicemail is not working
There are times when all settings are correct, but calls are not forwarded. Often the problem is a conflict of network settings or a lockdown by the operator. First of all, check if Do Not Disturb or Air Mode is on, which can block incoming ones.
It is also worth making sure that SIM-Some corporate tariffs or old plans may not support this function without asking for support. SIM-card and insert it into another phone to check it.
If nothing works, reset your call settings completely, and this will return all network settings to factory values without affecting your personal data (photos, contacts).
How do you reset your call settings?
Another reason could be a bad network signal: Voice mail requires a stable connection to redirect a call, and if you're in a troubled area, the function can be disruptive.
How to listen and manage messages
After you've set up successfully, you'll have to learn how to use the service. SMS-Notice or special icon in the status bar. To listen, just press the number 1 on the dial keyboard.
Message management is done through tonal commands dictated by an answering machine. The standard set of commands includes:
- 🔊 Listen to the full message.
- 🗑️ Delete the current message.
- ↩️ Overwrite or save the message.
- 📞 Call the sender back (if the number is determined).
Greeting recording: Most operators let you record your own greeting instead of the standard "Subscriber busy" feature, usually by calling your voicemail number and following the robot's instructions.
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Voice mail is managed by tonal commands during a call to the answering machine number, not through the smartphone menu.