How to dial an extra number on your Xiaomi phone: 5 proven ways

Add-on numbers are still widely used in corporate PBX, banks, government agencies and call centers. However, on modern smartphones, including Xiaomi devices, the standard dialing interface often does not provide a convenient way to enter such combinations. Users face problems: the number is not dialed, the additional one does not pass, the system simply ignores the entered characters after the main number.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to dial additional numbers on Xiaomi (including the Redmi, POCO and Mi models), explain the difference between pause and tone dial, and show how to save the number with additional in contacts so as not to enter it manually every time, separately consider the typical errors that cause the call to fail, and give recommendations for setting up the phone for working with corporate PBX.

Why the standard add-on set doesn’t work on Xiaomi

The problem lies in the features of the phone number processing in the MIUI firmware. By default, the system perceives an additional number (for example, 1234 after the main 8-800-100-00-00) as part of the main number, rather than as a separate command for the PBX.

• 📞 The call is reset immediately after dialing - the PBX does not have time to recognize the additional number as a separate command.
• ⏳ Long silence after connection – the phone sends an extra number too soon or too late, and the system does not hear it".
• 🔢 Incorrect interpretation of symbols – instead of a pause (,) or tone signal (#), something else is introduced.

Also, many users don't know that tone dialing (DTMF) must be enabled in the phone's settings to function properly, without which the PBX simply won't recognize the digits entered after the connection.

Method 1: Manual set with pause (standard method)

The most universal way is to use a pause symbol (,), which delays the sending of the extra number until the moment of connection with the subscriber.

1. Open the phone app on your Xiaomi.
2. Enter the primary number (e.g. 88001,000,000).
3. After the main number, add a comma (,) - it indicates a pause of 2 seconds.
4. Enter an additional number (e.g., 1234).
5. Press the call button.

An example of a correct set:

88001000000,1234

If one comma is not enough (the PBX does not have time to process the command), you can add several commas in a row. Each comma increases the pause by 2 seconds:

88001000000,,,1234

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On some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro), the pause symbol can be entered by long pressing the asterisk (*) on the phone keyboard.

Method 2: Using tone dialing (DTMF) during a call

If you need to enter an additional number after you have been connected to the operator or autoinformer, use the tone set:

1. Call the main number (for example, 88001,000,000).
2. Wait until you are connected to the system (usually you hear a voice assistant or horns).
3. On the call screen, click the Tonal Dial (or DTMF) button.
4. Enter the extra number on the keyboard, and the numbers will be transmitted as tonal signals.

Some MIUI firmware has a hidden tone button to turn it on.

• 🔧 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Phone. → Tonal set.
• 🔘 Activate the option to Show the keyboard DTMF.

Make sure the microphone is on.

Check the signal level of the network

Turn off Bluetooth headphones (they can block DTMF)

Enable speaker communication to control input-->

Method 3: Save the number with the additional contacts

To avoid entering an extra number every time, keep it in contact with the pause:

1. Open the Contacts app.
2. Press + to add a new contact.
3. In the number field, enter the main number, then a comma (,), then an additional (for example, 88001000,1234).
4. Keep in touch.

Now, when you call from this contact, the additional number will be dialed automatically after a pause.

Method 4: Applications for dialing additional numbers

If standard methods don’t work, install one of the specialized applications:

These apps often do better with extra numbers than standard MIUI call, especially on older models (Redmi 4X, Mi A1).

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Applications for dialing additional numbers are especially useful if you often call call centers or work with corporate PBX.

Method 5: USSD codes for dialing additional numbers

In some cases (for example, when calling hotlines of banks), an additional number can be dialed through the phone. USSD-That's what the team did:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Go to the keyboard tab.
3. Enter the command in the format: *00*88001000000*1234#, where 88001000000 is the main number, and 1234 is the additional number.
4. Press the call button.

⚠️ Note: this method does not work with all operators and PBX. USSD-commands from your provider.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even with the right number, the extra number might not work, and here are the most common reasons:

• 📶 Weak network signal - with poor connection, the tonal signals may not reach the PBX.
• 🔇 Microphone disabled – some apps (such as WhatsApp or Skype) can block transmission DTMF. Use a standard call.
• ⏱️ Insufficient pause – if the PBX does not have time to process the command after the decimal point (,), increase the number of commas (for example, 88001,000,000,,,, 1234).
• 📱 The old firmware is on MIUI versions below 12 may be bugs with pause processing. → The phone. → Updating the system.

On Xiaomi models with MediaTek processor (e.g. Redmi) 9A) Sometimes resetting network settings helps: go to Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings.

⚠️ Warning: If you call an extra bank or government number, never enter it over public Wi-Fi networks (3G/4G/5G), avoid interception.

FAQ: Frequent questions about additional numbers on Xiaomi