Xiaomi Phone Responds to Calls: Reasons and Solutions

Have you noticed that your Xiaomi smartphone has spontaneously taken incoming calls even though you haven't even touched the screen?This problem is found on Redmi, POCO and Mi devices regardless of the firmware version — whether it's MIUI 12-14 or the new HyperOS. Automatic response not only creates inconvenience (for example, when you can't pick up the phone at the right time), but also jeopardizes the privacy of conversations.

The reasons for this behavior can be in software failures and hardware malfunctions, most often to blame: customization of special features (for example, the function of "Autoresponder"), a damaged proximity sensor, conflicting applications or even viruses. In this article, we will analyze all possible scenarios — from basic checks to deep diagnostics — so that you can regain control of your device.

1. Check the autoresponse settings in MIUI/HyperOS

The first thing you need to do is make sure that the automatic call response function is not activated, and in MIUI and HyperOS, this option can be hidden in the special features menu or call settings. Here's how to find it:

1. Open the phone application (pipe icon).
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Settings.
3. Go to Calls → Additional (or Special Features in New Versions).
4. Check for options: 🔄 Autoresponder (if enabled, turn off) 📞 Automatic response (can be called Answer Auto in English firmware) ⏱️ Timer response (sometimes found in firmware for China)

If you don’t have one, check Settings → Special Features → Universal Access. In some versions of MIUI 13/14, the auto-response option is hidden under the name Auto-Calling and only works when you connect your headphones or headset.

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On some POCO F5 and Redmi Note 12 models, the autoresponse is triggered due to a bug in the firmware. Check for updates in Settings → About Phone → System Update.

⚠️ Note: If you use Google Assistant or Alice from Yandex, check their settings for Automatic Call Response. These voice assistants sometimes conflict with Xiaomi system settings.

Proximation sensor: diagnostics and cleaning

One of the most common hardware causes is a faulty proximity sensor, which is responsible for turning off the screen during a conversation (when you hold your phone to your ear) and blocking random taps, so if the sensor is contaminated or damaged, the system can "think" that you've already started a conversation, and automatically receive the call.

How to check the sensor:

1. Type ##6484## (works on most Xiaomi)
2. In the test menu, find the Proximity Sensor.
3. Close the sensor (top of the screen, next to the speaker) with your hand – the value should change from 5.00 cm to 0.00 cm.
4. If the readings do not change or the sensor always shows 0.00 cm, it is defective.

How to identify the problem application:

1. Launch your phone in Safe Mode (press the power button → Safe Mode) and only system applications work in this mode.
2. Call your phone from another device, and if you don't have an answer machine, it's third-party software.
3. Get out of Safe Mode and remove apps one at a time, checking the behavior after each uninstall.

Launch safe mode

Check the call in safe mode

Remove the last installed application

Check one application with call rights

Update the remaining annexes-->

Pay special attention to applications with permissions:

• Reading the call magazine
• Changing telephone settings
• Call response and management

To see a list of such applications, go to Settings → Apps → Permissions → Calls.

4. Viruses and Malware: Deep Verification

If the phone starts to answer calls after installation APK-Files from unknown sources or visits to dubious sites, the likelihood of malware infection is high. Some viruses are specially designed to listen to calls and can simulate clicking on the answer button.

Signs of viral activity:

• 📱 The phone is slow to work or warm up for no reason.
• 🔋 The battery is discharged faster than usual.
• 📊 Unknown applications appear in the menu or in the list of running processes.
• 📞 Calls are accepted even in safe mode (if the virus is sewn into system files).

How to check and clean your phone:

1. Install Malwarebytes or Dr.Web Light from Google Play and run a full scan.
2. Check the list of installed apps in Settings → Apps. Delete anything suspicious (especially with names like System Update, Flash Player or Cleaner).
3. If the virus is not removed, reset to factory settings (see Section 5).
4. After reset, do not restore data from the backup - the virus may return.

Yes, the phone got infected after installing pirated apps

Yes, but I quickly removed the virus with an antivirus.

No, I never had a problem.

I don't know, but the phone sometimes behaves weirdly.-->

⚠️ Warning: Some viruses disguise themselves as system applications (e.g. com.android.phone) If you're not sure what you're deleting, you better contact a service center. Deleting critical files can bring your phone down.

5. Resetting: When nothing helps

If all previous methods failed, the last chance to get your phone back to working is to reset to factory settings, which will delete all data from the device, so back up important files (photos, contacts, messages) first.

How to perform the reset:

1. Go to Settings → About the phone → Reset settings.
2. Select Reset All Settings (not to be confused with Network Resettings!).
3. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot (it will take 5-10 minutes).

After discharge:

• 🔄 Do not restore data from backup immediately – first check if the problem persists.
• 📱 Install apps one at a time by watching the behavior of the phone.
• 🔒 Turn on Google Play Protect in your security settings.

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Setting resets delete all data, including accounts, photos and apps, and if the problem is caused by a virus or software failure, this is the most effective way to fix it.

If even after the reset, the phone continues to answer calls, the reason is likely hardware (for example, a faulty motherboard or proximity sensor).

6. Hardware malfunctions: when you need the help of a specialist

If the software methods did not help, the problem may lie in physical damage:

• 🔌 Oxidation of contacts on the motherboard (for example, after moisture enters).
• 📱 Damage to the plume of the display, which is responsible for the operation of the proximity sensor.
• 🔋 Battery malfunction causing false sensor alerts.
• 🛠️ Mechanical damage after a fall or impact.

How to diagnose a hardware problem:

• Check the phone for battery bloating (if the case is deformed, immediately carry to the service!).
• Examine the charging connector and speaker for corrosion or moisture.
• If the phone fell, check the operation of all sensors (gyroscope, accelerometer) through the engineering menu.

The cost of repairs in the service center Xiaomi:

⚠️ Warning: If you notice that the phone is heating for no reason or discharges quickly along with an auto-response problem, do not delay a visit to the service.

7 Prevention: How to avoid problems in the future

To prevent Xiaomi phone from spontaneously answering calls, follow these guidelines:

• 🔒 Install apps only from Google Play (avoid) APK from unknown sites).
• 🛡️ Regularly update the firmware in new versions MIUI/HyperOS fixing sensor bugs.
• 🧹 Clean the proximity sensor every 2-3 months (especially if you use your phone in dusty conditions).
• 📱 Avoid mechanical damage – use a cover and protective glass.
• 🔋 Avoid overheating (do not leave your phone in the sun or near heat sources).

It is also useful to check application permissions periodically, for example, if an app for recording calls does not need automatic response permissions, disable them:

1. Go to Settings → Applications.
2. Select the application → Permits.
3. Disable unnecessary rights associated with calls.

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Regularly diagnosing sensors and monitoring installed applications will reduce the risk of recurrence by 90%.

FAQ: Frequent questions about auto-answers on Xiaomi