How to Block Xiaomi Phone During a Conversation – All the Ways to Work

You're talking on a Xiaomi phone, but you need to lock the screen urgently -- to avoid accidentally pressing the hands-free button, not putting the phone in your pocket, or hiding personal information from outsiders. Unlike the iPhone, where locking during a call is automatic when you press a side button, MIUI smartphones often require additional manipulation. In this article, all the proven ways to block Redmi, POCO or Xiaomi during a call, including hidden features and settings for different versions of the firmware.

The problem is that the standard tap on the power button in MIUI does not block the screen by default — instead it triggers a menu with options to complete a call or switch to hands-free mode. This is inconvenient if you want to just extinguish the display while continuing the conversation. We tested all methods on the latest versions of MIUI 14/15 (Android 13/14) and highlighted those that work stably, and also pointed out typical errors that may cause the lock to fail.

Why the standard power button doesn't lock the screen during a call

In Xiaomi smartphones, the default power button is programmed to call the context menu during a conversation, and this is done for convenience so that the user can quickly:

• 🔇 Turn off the microphone (mode "mute")
• 📞 Put the call on speakerphone.
• 📱 Use headphones (if connected)
• 🚫 Complete the challenge

But this approach poses a problem: if you put your phone in your pocket or bag, the screen stays active, and casual touches can lead to unwanted actions, from turning on the hands-free to resetting. In older versions of MIUI (up to 12.5), the lock worked differently, but after the updates, the logic changed.

In addition, some models (for example, Xiaomi 12T or Redmi Note 11 Pro+) have a bug: even if you enable lock through settings, it may not work when using Bluetooth headphones or VoLTE.

Method 1: Double pressing the power button (the fastest method)

It’s a versatile way that works on most Xiaomi models (including the POCO F5, Redmi Note 12, Xiaomi 13 Lite) without any additional settings.

Press the power button twice quickly (with intervals of ~0.5 seconds) | Make sure the screen is out but the call continues | To unlock, press the power button once and swipe across the screen-->

Important: This method only works if the settings have enabled the option Double press to lock.

1. Open the Settings → Screen.
2. Select Screen Lock.
3. Activate the Double Press switch to lock.

If you don’t have an option, your model doesn’t support it (e.g., the POCO M4 Pro with MIUI 13 doesn’t).

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On some models (such as the Xiaomi 11T), double-pressing only works if you unlock your phone with your fingerprint or face before you do so. Try unlocking the screen first, then quickly pressing the power button twice.

Method 2: Use of the Volume Reduction button

A little-known MIUI feature: Volume Down can lock the screen when you call for 1-2 seconds, a technique that works on most Android 11 and newer devices, but there are some nuances:

To check if your phone supports this method:

1. During the call, press the volume button for 1.5-2 seconds.
2. If the screen is gone, but the conversation continues, the function works.
3. If nothing happens, try repeating the action 2-3 times (sometimes it works the second time).

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi) 10C) Prolonged pressing of the volume button can activate the emergency call mode (SOS). If after blocking the phone began to dial the number of the rescue service - immediately interrupt the action!

Method 3: Set up the "Show screen down" gesture

MIUI 14/15 has a hidden locking function with the Show screen down gesture, which works even when you call, but you need to activate it beforehand:

1. Go to Settings → Special features → Gestures and movements.
2. Find the option to Show screen down to lock and turn it on.
3. During a conversation, simply turn the phone down (for example, put it on the table).

This method is convenient because:

• 🔄 No buttons are pressed – the lock is automatically blocked.
• 🔒 It works even if the screen is locked with a pattern lock or PIN-code.
• 📱 Compatible with most Xiaomi models (except for the POCO M3 older devices).

Limitations:

• ❌ Does not work if the phone is lying on a soft surface (for example, on the sofa) – the sensor may not work.
• ❌ It can accidentally work if you often flip the phone in your hands.

Method 4: Blocking through the notification panel

If previous methods failed, you can lock the screen through the notification bar, which is universal, but requires several actions:

1. During the call, pull the notification bar down (top of the screen).
2. Find the lock icon (usually looks like a lock) 🔒) and tap him.
3. If there is no icon, click on ⚙️ Edit and add it manually.

Challenges and solutions:

• 🔹 No lock icon: Some firmware removes it.The solution is to install the Quick Settings widget from Google Play.
• 🔹 Notification panel won't open: If the screen is locked during a call, unlock it first (swipe your finger up).
• 🔹 The call is interrupted: It's a bug MIUI 15 on some models (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Ultra). Update your firmware or use another method.

This method is the most reliable for Android 12 and older devices, but can be uncomfortable in emergency situations (requires precise movements).

Method 5: Applications for Forced Blocking

If the built-in MIUI functionality doesn't work, you can install third-party utilities, and we tested a few and selected the most stable ones:

Instructions for Gravity Screen:

1. Download the app from Google Play.
2. Launch and provide access to special features (Settings → Special. features → Gravity Screen).
3. Enable the option to lock during calls.
4. The screen will lock automatically when you remove the phone from your face (for example, when you put it in your pocket).

⚠️ Note: Apps like Screen Off and Lock require adb commands to run on Android 13/14. Without it, they can't block the screen unless you want to mess with it. ADB, Choose Gravity Screen.

On models with MIUI 15 and HyperOS (such as Xiaomi 14), third-party blocking apps may conflict with system services.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even if you did everything right, blocking the call may not work. Here are the typical reasons and solutions:

• 🔋 Low battery (less than 15%): Some models (Redmi) 9A, POCO M2) It turns off the "extra" functions to save energy.
• 📶 Weak network signal: In case of poor connection (for example, in the subway) MIUI You can ignore the lock commands. Try to move to the zone with the best signal.
• 🔊 Active Bluetooth or headphones: If you use TWS-headphones (e.g. Xiaomi Buds 4), the lock may not work. disable the headphones or use the method with the notification panel.
• 🛠️ Castom firmware: On unofficial versions MIUI (For example, xiaomi.eu, the lock function during the call is often disabled.

If none of these methods work, check:

1. Is the developer mode enabled with USB debugging – this can block some system functions.
2. Are there any battery optimization applications (such as Greenify) that may interfere with sensors?
3. Is the Do Not Disturb mode activated with the "Block screen during calls" setting (check Settings → Sound).

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On Xiaomi models with AMOLED-screens (e.g. Xiaomi) 12S Ultra) Locking during a call can cause the display to blink due to the Always-on Display function. AOD screen-setting.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions