Phone app on Xiaomi: hidden features and settings

Xiaomi’s modern smartphone is not just a phone caller, but a complex computing center, but its basic function remains the foundation of all communication, and it is based on the Phone system application, which in the shell of MIUI and HyperOS has a lot of additional features that go far beyond simple dialing. Many users do not even know how many hidden settings and contact management capabilities hide the standard interface.

Understanding how this component works not only improves communication comfort, but also protects against fraud and intrusive spam. In recent versions of MIUI, the algorithms for blocking unwanted calls are integrated directly into the application database, making protection more effective without installing third-party programs. Let's take a look at how this tool works, what errors can occur and how to customize it to your needs.

It’s worth noting that depending on the firmware region (Global, China, EEA), the appearance and functionality may vary slightly. However, the basic logic of the call remains the same for all devices of the brand, whether it’s a budget Redmi or flagship Xiaomi 14.

Interface and navigation in the application

When you first start a standard call, you see the usual dialing screen, but in the Xiaomi ecosystem, it is organized somewhat differently than in pure Android. At the top of the screen, you usually have tabs to switch between call history, contact list and favorite numbers. The bottom panel contains quick access buttons to basic functions, such as video calling or voicemail, if activated by the operator.

The special attention should be paid to the history tab, where the call log is grouped by contacts, which means that all calls from one subscriber, whether incoming or outgoing, will be collected in one chain. To view the details of a particular call, you need to click on the arrow next to the name or number, which makes navigation easier, but can confuse those who are accustomed to a linear list of all events.

At the top of the dialing screen, there's often a search bar, which allows you to instantly find a contact or dial a part of a number using an alphanumeric keyboard, and enter characters that match the letters on the keys (e.g., 2-ABC, 3-DEF) to quickly filter the contact list without having to scrolle.

πŸ“Š What kind of call interface are you used to?
Standard Google
MIUI Dialer
Third-party annexes
Doesn't matter.

Customization is also available in some versions of the shell. You can change the theme if it is supported by an installed theme, or increase the font for better readability. For people with reduced vision, this is a critical option to make smartphone use more comfortable.

Setting up the number determinant and blocking spam

One of the most popular features in the Phone app is built-in protection against unwanted calls. Unlike many other manufacturers, Xiaomi has integrated powerful filtering tools directly into the system. To activate the protection, you need to go to the application settings and find the section responsible for blocking. Here you can enable the definition of unknown numbers and automatic refusal of calls from tagged sources.

The spam database is regularly updated to effectively combat telemarketing and fraud. You can self-mark numbers as spam, contributing to the overall security of the user community. In addition, the Keyword Block feature is available, which is useful for weeding out automated messages and notifications from delivery services.

β˜‘οΈ Setting up anti-spam

Done: 0 / 1

It is important to distinguish between blocking contacts and identifying spam. If you have blocked a specific number manually, the caller will hear beeps or a message about employment, depending on the operator's settings. When determining spam, the app can simply not show a pop-up or call silently without disturbing you with the sound.

⚠️ Warning: Enabling Do Not Disturb or hard-locking all unknown numbers can cause you to miss important calls from couriers or doctors who call from city or mobile numbers not saved in your book.

To fine-tune the filtering, it is recommended to use the Black List, which can be added to mask numbers, for example, blocking all numbers starting with a certain code, this is especially true during periods of activity of telephone scammers using pools of numbers of one operator.

Contact management and synchronization

Keeping contacts is a fundamental task, and the Phone app on Xiaomi offers flexible options for managing them. SIM-card, phone memory or Google / Mi Account. it is recommended to choose cloud storage, as this ensures the safety of data when you lose your device or switch to a new smartphone.

When importing contacts with SIM-Cards often have problems encoding names when they display incomprehensible characters instead of letters, in which case a third-party conversion application or manual sniffing of records may be required. However, when saved to the Google cloud, such problems are virtually eliminated thanks to automatic encoding. UTF-8.

The Duplicate Connection feature allows you to keep your phone book clean, so if you have the same person multiple times with different numbers, the system will suggest combining those cards, making it easier to find and let you see the entire history of your phone in one place, no matter which number you called.

Storage typeLimit of symbols in a nameSynchronizationRisk of loss
SIM-mapLow (often circumcised)Absent.High (if card breaks)
Phone memoryHigh-pitchedOnly through Mi Mover/ReserveMedium (when resetting settings)
Google ContactsMaximumAutomatic.Minimum
Mi AccountMaximumAutomatic.Minimum

Remember to check your sync settings periodically. Sometimes, after you update your system or change your password, the process may stop. You can check your status in Settings β†’ Accounts and Sync. Make sure the slider opposite Contact is active.

Additional functions: recording and forwarding

Conversation recording is one of the most talked about features of Xiaomi calling, and unlike global Android versions, where recording is often limited, MIUI has it built in natively, using the record button during a conversation or setting up an automatic record for all incoming or specific numbers.

Recorded files are usually saved in format.m4a or.mp3 It's in the internal memory of the device, and the path to it can vary, but it's most often a folder. MIUI/sound_recorder/call_rec. You can listen to the recording directly from the call log by clicking on the corresponding icon next to the subscriber number.

Where are the recordings of the conversations kept?
Xiaomi conversation records are hidden by default from third-party file managers in some versions of Android. Use a built-in voice recorder or a Explorer with permissions to access system folders. β†’ MIUI β†’ sound_recorder β†’ call_rec.

Call forwarding is another powerful tool that allows you to redirect incoming calls to another number if you are busy, not answering or your phone is off. USSD-code.

Quick dial is also available. You can assign long presses on numbers from 2 to 9 to instantly call frequently used contacts, which is convenient for older people or in situations where you need to quickly contact loved ones without unlocking the screen completely (if the call function from a locked screen is allowed).

Video calls and VoLTE

Modern networks 4G and 5G You can use VoLTE technology (Voice over) LTE), On Xiaomi smartphones, support for this technology is enabled by default in most regions, but sometimes requires activation in the engineering menu or through settings. SIM-map.

The Phone app also integrates video calling, which can be a native video call through the operator’s network or integration with services like Google Duo (Meet), and requires both subscribers to support the technology or use a compatible app to make a video call.

πŸ’‘

If the badge HD or VoLTE doesn't appear in the status bar, try restarting the device or resetting the network settings. SIM-card 4G and the service is activated by the operator.

The quality of video communication depends on the speed of the Internet connection. If the signal is bad, the application will automatically switch to an audio call so as not to interrupt the communication, the user can manually turn off the camera during a conversation to save traffic or improve the sound quality.

Common Errors and How to Resolve Them

Despite the stability of the system, users may experience problems with the Phone application. One of the common mistakes is "Not connected to the network" or the inability to make a call. SIM-maps in the settings and make sure that the correct slot for mobile Internet and calls is chosen if there are two of them.

If the problem is not solved, try to clear the app cache. Go to Settings β†’ Apps β†’ All apps β†’ Phone β†’ Memory β†’ Clean. It is important not to confuse cleaning the cache with deleting data, as the last action can lead to the loss of call history, although contacts are usually saved.

⚠️ Warning: Before resetting your app settings or flashing your device, be sure to back up your contacts. Recovering your call history after a complete data reset is almost impossible without a pre-made backup.

If the speaker is missing or the speaker is not listening, check the permission settings. The phone application must have access to the microphone. If access is denied, the MIUI security system blocks audio transmission. It is also worth checking whether Do Not Disturb or lock all incoming modes are on.

πŸ’‘

Most call software errors are solved by cleaning the app's cache or resetting network settings, rather than completely flashing the phone.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How to turn on automatic recording of all conversations?
Open the Phone app, click three dots or gears to log in to settings. Find the "Call Record" section. Enable the "Automatic Record" option and select "All numbers" or "Selected numbers." Please note that in some regions (e.g. Europe) privacy laws may restrict this feature or require a caller's warning.
Why are no contact names displayed when a call is made?
Most often, the problem is permissions. Go to your phone's settings, find the Contacts app, and make sure it has access to memory and phone, and check which account (SIM, phone, Google) is downloading from and synced, sometimes deleting and re-additioning a Google account helps.
Can I change the tune for a specific contact?
Yes, it's a standard feature. Open the contact in the phone book, click "Change" or three dots in the corner, select "Melody" (or "Rington"). You can select a track from the device's memory or a standard melody. Once saved when you call, that number will play the selected track.
What to do if the phone is constantly flying out?
If departures happen frequently, try updating the app through the Google Play Store or GetApps. If that doesn't help, clean up the app's data (saving contacts beforehand). In rare cases, the cause may be a conflict with a third-party launcher or antivirus - try disabling them temporarily for verification.
How to hide your number when calling Xiaomi?
To hide a number, use the code #31# before the number you dial. To hide it permanently, go to the call settings (through three dots in the call). β†’ Settings β†’ Call accounts β†’ Your number. β†’ SIM-map β†’ Show the number) and select "Hide the number." The service must be supported by your operator.