Set up a redirect to Xiaomi: the complete guide

Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphone owners often face the need to redirect incoming calls to another number, which may be required in the absence of a signal, in roaming or during important meetings. Redirection is built into the Android system, but in the shell of MIUI or HyperOS, access to it can be hidden or changed. Understanding how to manage these settings will allow you to avoid missing critical calls.

Many users mistakenly believe that third-party applications are necessary to redirect calls. In fact, all the necessary tools are already integrated into the standard phone module of your device. The main thing is to know where to look for the necessary options, since the location of the menu can vary depending on the firmware version and regional specifics.

It is worth noting that forwarding is a service of a carrier that is activated through your device, which means that incoming calls redirected to another number may be charged additional charges according to your tariff plan. Before making changes to your settings, it is recommended to check with your provider to avoid unexpected expenses on the balance.

The main types of call forwarding

Before you get to the technical part, it is important to understand the logic of the system. Xiaomi smartphones support several redirect scenarios, each of which has its own characteristics.

The most common option is unconditional forwarding, in which all incoming calls are sent immediately to the specified number, and your phone does not even have time to ring, which is ideal if you are in an area where there is no network, or want to completely disconnect from communication, leaving the contact available through a secretary or colleague.

There are more flexible settings that depend on the status of the line, you can only set up a redirect when your line is busy, or if you haven't picked up the phone for a certain amount of time, and you can also have an option for when the phone is off or out of range, and understanding these differences will help you build an efficient communications system.

⚠️ Note: When setting up a “if busy” redirect, make sure that the second number also includes the ability to take calls, otherwise the caller may hear a busy signal or a reset.

  • 📞 Always: Redirects all calls without trying to connect to your phone.
  • ⏳ If busy: activates when you're talking on a different line or manually rejects a call.
  • ⏰ If you don’t answer: It works after a certain number of horns, if you don’t pick up the phone.
  • 📶 If not available: Operates when the phone is off, in flight mode or out of coverage.

Standard method through the application "Phone"

The easiest way to manage redirects is to use an embedded call app. Most global versions of MIUI firmware use this as standard and do not require additional manipulation. The interface may be slightly different, but the logic remains the same for all models.

To start, open the Phone app and find the menu button. It's usually represented by three dots or stripes in the upper or lower right corner of the screen. In the drop-down list, select Settings, then go to the Accounts for Calls section or immediately find the Redirect option. If you have a two-sim device, the system will offer to choose SIM-map.

📊 What type of redirect you use most often?
Always.
If it's busy.
If you don't answer
Not using.

After you've chosen. SIM-The system automatically requests the current status from the operator, which can take a few seconds, select the type you want, such as Always, and enter the phone number to which the calls will be received. Remember to click the button to enable or save settings, otherwise the changes will not take effect.

⚠️ Note: In some regions (e.g. India or China), operators may block the redirect installation via a standard menu, requiring the use of a redirect. USSD-code.

If the settings are successful, you'll see the appropriate status next to the type of redirect you've chosen. The phone's status bar may also show a small handset icon with an arrow reminding you that the function is active, an important visual marker that you shouldn't ignore.

Use of the USSD-code-in

When the GUI is not working or hidden by the manufacturer, help comes. USSD-This is a universal method that works on any phone, regardless of the version of Android or Xiaomi model.

To activate unconditional forwarding, dial *21*phone number # and press the call button. Instead of "phone number" substitute the recipient's digits, including the country and operator code (e.g. *21*79991234567#).

☑️ Pre-activation check

Done: 0 / 4

There are other codes for different scenarios, for example, to redirect calls only when the line is busy, the command *67* number phone# is used. To turn off all types of redirects and return to standard mode, dial the universal reset code ##002#. These commands work instantly and do not require rebooting the device.

Type of forwardingActivation code.Cancellation codeVerification code
Always.*21*number##21#*#21#
If it's busy.*67*number##67#*#67#
If you don't answer*61*number##61#*#61#
If not available.*62*number##62#*#62#

If an error message arrives, check whether the number entered is correct or if the service is available in your tariff. Sometimes operators require the service to be activated through their personal account.

Customization through the engineering menu and hidden functions

In some cases, standard methods may not work due to restrictions imposed by the operator or software manufacturer, then users turn to hidden menus, but using the Android engineering menu requires special care, as incorrect changes can disrupt the radio module.

To enter the test menu, dial ##4636## in your phone. If the menu opens, select Phone Information. You can find advanced network settings here, but direct redirecting is rare here, most often used to diagnose communication problems that interfere with redirecting.

What if the code doesn't work?
If the ##4636### code doesn't open the menu, the manufacturer has blocked access to it, then try the ##3646623## code (for MediaTek processors) or use Activity Launcher to find hidden system activities.

A more secure but challenging way is to use the Activity Launcher app from Google Play, which allows you to run hidden activity on your system, find activity related to CallForwarding or PhoneSettings on your list, and running this activity can open a hidden redirect setting menu that is not normally available to the user.

⚠️ Warning: Changing the settings in the engineering menu or hidden activities can cause network resets.

Solving the problems with redirecting to Xiaomi

Often users are faced with a situation where the forwarding is not turned on or immediately disabled. One of the common reasons is the blocking of the service by the operator. Some tariff plans do not include this option by default, and it must be activated through a service center or personal account.

Another problem is the network signal is unstable. To set the forwarding parameters, you need to establish a reliable connection to the operator's base station. If you're in a bad reception zone, the request may not pass. 2G/3G customized SIM-maps, perform configuration, and then return automatic network selection.

💡

If the redirect doesn’t work on a dual-sim phone, try temporarily disabling the second. SIM-map, set up the first and then repeat the procedure for the second.

It’s also worth checking if the phone has a third-party call manager or antivirus that can block system calls. In rare cases, cleaning the phone app cache through the Settings menu → Apps → All Apps → Phone → Memory → Clear. This won’t delete your contacts, but will reset your call settings.

  • 🔍 Check the balance: the forwarder must have a positive balance to register the service.
  • 📡 Change network: switch network type from 5G on 4G/LTE for a more stable passage USSD-request.
  • 🔄 Reboot: Banal device reboot often solves network login problems after changing settings.

The Impact of VoLTE and Wi-Fi Calling on Redirection

Modern Xiaomi smartphones support VoLTE (Voice over LTE) and Wi-Fi Calling, which allow high-quality Internet channels to make calls, but they can make adjustments to the classic redirect.

When Wi-Fi Calling is activated, the phone can prioritize the Internet connection for incoming calls, in which case the “if unavailable” redirection conditions may not work, since the phone is formally on the network (via Wi-Fi), even if there is no cellular signal, and the logic of the call processing shifts towards the operator’s software solutions.

💡

When using Wi-Fi Calling, “if not responding” redirects may not work properly because the call comes through the phone. IP-channel bypassing standard cellular network timers.

If you're a big user of these technologies, it's a good idea to test real-world redirect scenarios, turn off Wi-Fi and check the cellular redirect, then turn on Wi-Fi and repeat the test, which will help you understand how your particular tariff and device behaves in different conditions.

In some cases, for the correct operation of the redirect, you need to disable VoLTE in the settings. SIM-Path to this option: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Choose. SIM → Use VoLTE. Once disconnected, the phone will switch to normal voice calls, which can stabilize the redirection.

Why is the redirect not enabled on the new Xiaomi?
New models often come with global firmware, where menus may differ from the Chinese versions. In addition, carriers are gradually implementing new spam protection protocols that can block the installation of redirects to numbers identified as “suspicious” or international.
Is there a charge for roaming redirects?
Yes, roaming has special rates, an incoming call that is diverted to another number can be charged as an outgoing call from the host country to the number where the forwarding is going. This can be very expensive. Always check the roaming conditions with the operator before you travel.
How do I know if I have a redirect?
The fastest way is to type *#21#. All types of forwarding will appear on the screen. If you have a phone number, the service is active. If you say "Voice: Not Redirected" (or similar phrase), then the function is disabled.
Can I set up SMS forwarding?
Standard Android tools and MIUI redirect SMS This function is entirely up to the operator. Some providers have paid services. SMS», which must be connected separately through a personal account or USSD-operator.