Modern Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones, which use MIUI or HyperOS, offer users enhanced incoming call management capabilities, such as redirection, which allows incoming calls to be redirected to another number or voicemail. Users are often lost in menu variety, as the standard path through phone settings is not always obvious or hidden in the depths of system settings.
The problem of finding this option is relevant for owners of both old models and the latest flagships, since the logic of the menu layout can vary from Android version to version. In this article, we will discuss in detail all the ways to activate and customize this feature, including hidden engineering codes and operator menus, which can be useful if the standard interface does not respond.
Understanding how network-level redirects work will help you avoid unnecessary costs and loss of important calls. We will look not only at the software settings of the smartphone itself, but also at the interaction of the device with your cellular carrier’s servers, as it is the operator who makes the final decision on routing the call.
The standard way through the call menu
The easiest and most affordable way to set up call forwarding is to use the built-in Phone menu, which works consistently in most cases, but the interface may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI. First, you need to open a standard dialer, which usually has a green tube icon.
When you open the app, look at the three dots or gear icons in the top right corner of the screen. When you click on them, you'll be taken to the call settings menu. Here, look for an item that might be called "Call Accounts," "Call Settings," or simply "Redirect." In modern versions of the shell, the path often looks like: Settings → Call Accounts → Redirect.
If you have it installed SIM-The card in slot 1, the system will suggest you to choose one, and after selecting the SIM card, the phone will send a request to the operator's network to get the current forwarding status. The status of the function is requested from the communication provider in real time, so without network coverage, you will not see the current data.
⚠️ Warning: If you try to log into the redirect menu and see a message saying “Not able to get redirect settings” or endless waiting, this means a communication problem between the phone and the operator’s server. SIM-map.
Inside the menu, you'll see four main types of redirects, each with a different purpose, and the choice of the right option depends on your current needs: whether it's a vacation, no signal, or the desire to hide your primary number.
- 📞 Always: All incoming calls are redirected to the specified number, your phone will not ring.
- ⏳ If busy: The call translates when you talk to another caller or drop the call.
- ⏱ If not answered: Redirects are triggered after a certain number of horns if you don’t pick up the phone.
- 📵 If not available: the call goes to another number when the phone is off or out of range.
Use of the USSD-code-setting
For those who prefer speed and do not want to wander on the menu, there are special options for the user. USSD-These codes are universal for most carriers and work on any phone, including Xiaomi, Redmi and other mobile phones. POCO. Enter the code is carried out directly in the dialing field, as when calling.
The basic principle of codes is to use the characters *, # and followed by a phone number. For example, to activate unconditional forwarding (always), the code 21* number phone# is used. Once you enter and press the call button, you will receive a confirmation message from the network.
To disable the feature, the universal code ##002# is used, which resets all types of redirects at once. This is useful if you forget that you have turned on the redirect and stopped receiving calls to your primary number. There are also codes for checking status: *#21# will show whether the redirect is always active.
Table of major USSD-forwarding
If you enter a number in a local format, the command may not work or give a syntax error.
Configure through the Android system menu
In some versions of MIUI firmware and pure Android, the path to settings may differ from the standard call menu. If you do not find the right option in the Phone app, it is worth checking the general system settings of the device, this method is especially relevant if you use a third-party call (for example, Google Phone instead of MIUI Dialer).
To access system settings, go to the main smartphone settings menu. Scroll down to Apps or System Apps. Find the Phone or Calls app in the list and click on it. Inside the app menu, look for Incoming Call Redirects.
The alternative path is often hidden in the section «SIM-You can find detailed settings for each SIM card installed here. The path is as follows: → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Choose. SIM-map → Call forwarding. Clicking on this item will take you to the same status request menu from the operator.
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If you use two of them SIM-maps, make sure you set up the forwarding for the card that's being called. SIM 1 and SIM 2 independent of each other.
The system menu also allows you to manage voice mail, which is often in conjunction with forwarding. If the forwarding is enabled on the operator's voice mail number, the caller will hear the answering machine. In settings, you can change the number to which the call is redirected if the standard one does not suit you.
Types of forwarding and use cases
After understanding the technical aspects of enabling the feature, it is worth considering in detail the scenarios in which each type of redirect will be most useful, and the right setup will help you stay connected in any conditions without disturbing others with unnecessary calls.
If Unavailable is the safest type for everyday use, activated only when your phone is turned off, in Airplane mode, or simply lost network signal, ideal for those who want to ensure that no important call is missed due to battery drain or poor coverage.
If not answered, redirects are often used in business environments, if you are in a meeting and can't pick up the phone during the day. 10-15 So, in a second, the call will automatically go to the secretary or the second number, which gives the impression that you're always available, even if you can't physically answer right now.
Unconditional redirection ("Always") is a radical but effective tool, often used when changing a phone number to keep customers and contacts, or during long vacations, redirecting calls to a trusted person, but it's worth remembering that in this mode your phone won't ring at all.
| Type of forwarding | When it works. | Does your phone ring? | Example of use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Always. | Immediately upon receipt of the call | No. | Vacation, room change |
| If it's busy. | During a conversation or reset | No (busy) | Business negotiations |
| Unless answered. | In 10-30 seconds, horns | Yeah, until the switch. | Employment, meetings |
| If not available. | When the phone is turned off or the network is not available | No (no net) | Traveling to the wilderness, saving battery |
Problems with redirecting to Xiaomi and their solution
Xiaomi users sometimes face a situation where redirect settings are not saved or reset after a reboot.This may be due to the aggressive MIUI energy saving system, which limits the background activity of the Phone app.
To avoid software conflict, check the permissions for the Phone app. Go to Settings → Apps → All apps → Phone → Permissions. Make sure all necessary actions are allowed, including access to contacts and phone. Also, in the Battery section, for this application, select the No Limits mode.
⚠️ Note: If you use third-party calling apps (Truecaller, Google Phone), the redirect settings may not sync with the system.
Another common problem is the error “Can not change the redirect settings”: most often this indicates that the service is not connected to the operator or the account does not have enough funds to use it.
☑️ Diagnostics of redirection problems
Impact of redirection on tariffification
It is important to understand the economics of using call forwarding. Most modern plans offer free incoming calls, but a forwarded call technically consists of two steps: entering your number and leaving your number to the forwarding number.
Operators usually charge the outgoing portion of a forwarded call according to your outgoing call rate. If you have a packet of minutes, they will be spent. If the minutes are over or the minute-by-minute charge is over, the money will be debited, which is critical when setting up a Always forward to other carriers or foreign numbers.
Voice mail is also a form of forwarding. Listening to messages can be charged as an outgoing call to a server number. In roaming, using forwarding can lead to significant costs, since incoming roaming calls are often paid, plus the cost of outgoing calls.
To control costs, it is recommended to check the terms of redirection charging with your operator. Often you can connect the Single Account option or special packages that make redirecting more profitable.
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Call forwarding is a paid service in most cases, as it creates an outbound connection from your number.Always check the operator rates before activating.