Modern Xiaomi smartphones and the MIUI shell (as well as HyperOS) provide users with a wide range of functions for managing calls, but the standard dialing interface sometimes hides important nuances. One of the common challenges faced by office and call center employees is the need to quickly connect to an additional subscriber number. The problem is that simply entering numbers after the beep requires constant monitoring by the user, which is not always convenient in conditions of rush or poor communication.
Fortunately, the Android operating system that runs Redmi and Poco devices has special symbols to automate this process. Using pause and waiting allows the smartphone to independently wait for the operator's response and then send the additional number code to the network, which eliminates the need to listen to the beeps and frantically search for numbers on the screen at the right time, making communication more professional and faster.
In this guide, we will take a look at how to set up contacts on your Xiaomi device so that dialing an additional number automatically. We will look at the differences between pause and wait symbols, learn how to edit the already saved entries in the phone book, and discuss possible problems that can be encountered when working with telephony.
Difference Between Pause and Waiting to Dial
Before you start to set up contacts, it is critical to understand the logical difference between the two special characters that the system offers. In the standard Phone app on Xiaomi, two tools are available: a pause (denoted by a comma) and a wait (denoted by a semicolon), not understanding their functions can lead to the fact that the additional number simply does not dial or will be sent too early, when the operator has not yet had time to respond.
The pause symbol works like a timer: Once you dial the primary phone number, the smartphone automatically waits for a fixed time (usually 2 seconds for each comma) and then sends the following digits, which is ideal for automatic secretaries, where the response is strictly timed, but it is inflexible if the operator responds faster or faster than standard time.
In turn, the waiting symbol puts the phone into manual control mode, the device dials the main number, establishes a connection, and freezes, waiting for direct action from the user. Only after you hear the voice of the operator or answering machine and press the call button on the screen, the smartphone will send the numbers of the additional number, which is the most reliable way to communicate live.
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Use a waiting symbol (a semicolon) if you don’t know exactly how many seconds the operator will respond, which ensures that the extra number doesn’t go into “emptiness.”
The right character depends on the use case. If you call a bank where a robot asks you to dial an extra one right after the beep, you'll pause. If you call a living person who must first answer the main call, you'll need to use waiting. If you make a mistake, the system will either accept the extra number as part of the main phone or ignore it.
Step-by-step: how to save the number with an additional
The process of making contact with the extra number on Xiaomi smartphones is almost identical on different versions of the MIUI shell, whether it is the old version or the newest HyperOS. The main thing is to know where the additional character menu is hidden. Let's walk through the steps to make sure that you do not miss anything when creating a new record.
Open the standard Contacts or Phone app and go to the new entry creation mode. Enter the primary phone number of the organization or office you plan to call. After entering the main number, take your time to keep in touch, as we need to add special characters. Pay attention to the keyboard with numbers: in the bottom row, next to the plus button or an asterisk, there should be a button with an icon *, # or just 123.
Click on this button to expand the character set. In the menu that opens, you'll see numbers, letters and special characters. We're interested in characters, (coma) and; (comato point), press the desired character as many times as you need, or once if the system itself sets the desired separator. After the symbol, enter the numbers of the additional number.
☑️ Maintaining contact with the additional
After you have entered all the data, make sure to check the format correctly. The phone number field should show something like +79991234567,123 or +79991234567;123. Keep contact. Now, when you try to call this subscriber, the smartphone will automatically perform all the necessary actions. If you use the waiting symbol, remember that after the connection you will need to press the Send button on the call screen.
Editing of existing contacts at MIUI
Often there is a situation where the contact has long been stored in the memory of the Xiaomi phone, but without an additional number, and the user needs to upgrade the record, rather than create a duplicate. MIUI This is especially true if your contact is synced to your Google account or SIM-card.
To start, find the contact you want in the list and click on the Change button (usually a pencil or an Edit button at the bottom of the screen). Go to the phone number field. The cursor needs to be set at the end of the main number. Next, the actions are similar to creating a new contact: call an additional character keyboard and insert a pause or wait.
⚠️ Note: If the phone number field does not allow you to enter special characters when editing the contact or they do not appear after saving, try copying the contact to your phone memory or Google account. SIM-The map often has limitations on the length and format of the data.
After you make a change, click Save. The system can suggest you create a new contact or update an existing one -- pick an update. Check the number by making a test call. If the additional number doesn't dial, check if the pause symbol is lost when synchronized with cloud services. Sometimes the cloud "cleans" the numbers, considering the special characters to be an error, so it's better to store such contacts locally or in a verified Google account.
If you use third-party calling apps, like Google Phone instead of the standard MIUI Dialer, the process may differ slightly in interface, but the logic remains the same. In the Google app, pause and wait symbols are also on the menu*, #. Make sure the app has all the necessary permissions to work with contacts and phone.
Table of special symbols and their functions
To make it easier to understand and quickly find the right solution, we have systematized data on special characters used in Android telephony on Xiaomi devices, and understanding the differences will help avoid errors when dialing complex numbers, including several additional ones or transitions through the secretary.
| Symbol | Name of name | Action. | When to use |
|---|---|---|---|
| , (Communa) | Pause | Automatic delay 2 seconds | For answering machines with fixed timing |
| ; (Communal point) | Waiting. | Waiting for the user to press the button | Calls through a live operator or person |
| p | Pause (code) | Analogue of comma in some systems | Rarely, with manual code entry |
| w | Waiting (code) | Analogue of a semicolon in the code | When Programming with ADB or Scripts |
As you can see from the table, the basic tools are the comma and the semicolon. The other symbols (p and w) may be found in the technical description or in deep configuration of the system, but in the normal interface of Xiaomi contacts, you will work with visual symbols. It is easy to remember them: the comma is a short stop, the semicolon is a longer and needs to be solved.
Using a spreadsheet is especially useful when setting up corporate phone books. If you are managing a Redmi or Poco device fleet in the office, knowing these nuances will help you to properly set up contacts for all employees, ensuring seamless communication with partners and customers.
Solution: Why the extra number doesn't work
Despite the ease of setting up, users sometimes face situations where the saved number does not work properly.The additional number may not dial, reset or send in time.Let's look at the most likely causes of such failures on Xiaomi smartphones and how to fix them.
The first and most common reason is that the number format is not compatible with the operator's network. Some virtual operators or corporate PBX may not properly process pause symbols if the number is chosen incorrectly. If the pause is too short, the additional one will go to the horn. If it is too long, the connection may break. In such cases, the only way out is to use a waiting symbol that gives full control of the process.
⚠️ Note: When using VoIP calls (via WhatsApp, Telegram or Wi-Fi Calling), special pause symbols may not be supported by the protocol.
The second reason lies in the peculiarities of the SIM-Old cards. SIM-cards or cards of certain operators may have limits on the length of the line typed or the number of characters, and if the number along with the extra and pauses is too long, the phone may crop it. Try to shorten the main number (for example, remove the country code if you call inside the network) or use fewer pause symbols.
Also worth mentioning are the MIUI shell bugs. In rare cases, after updating the system, telephony settings can get lost. If everything worked before and now it doesn't, try clearing the Phone and Contacts app cache. To do this, go to Settings → Apps → All apps, find the desired application and select Clear Cache. This won't delete your contacts, but will update system files.
Secret code for status verification
Set up fast dialing and voice commands
Owners of modern Xiaomi smartphones can go further and configure not just saving a number, but quickly accessing it. This is especially true for numbers that need to be called several times a day, such as security, control room or secretary. Using quick dialing features saves time and reduces the risk of error.
In the Phone app on MIUI, the Quick Dial feature is often available. You can assign a specific number (e.g., 2, 3, 4, etc.) to call a specific contact. If that contact already has an extra number with pause, long pressing the corresponding number on the dial keyboard initiates a full connection cycle, which makes your smartphone a powerful tool for operational communication.
Also, don't forget the Google Assistant or Mi AI. You can say, "OK, Google, call [Contact Name]." If the contact is correct, the assistant will try to dial it, too. However, it's worth considering that voice assistants sometimes stumble on special characters, so the method of rapid dialing of numbers can be more reliable for mission-critical calls.
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The combination of quick dialing and properly stored extra number allows you to make complex one-touch calls, which is critical in emergency situations.
Another life hack for Xiaomi users is desktop contact widgets, which you can put the extra number directly on the home screen as a big button, which eliminates the need to open the contact app or phone book, just tap the widget and the smartphone will start dialing, which is convenient for older people or employees who are often busy with other things.