Add-on numbers are still widely used in corporate PBX, banks, hotels and government agencies. However, on modern Xiaomi smartphones (including the Redmi and POCO lines), the process of dialing them is not always intuitive. Unlike landlines, where it is enough to press a button after the beep, mobile devices require special characters or sequences. This article will help you figure out how to properly call internal numbers through an additional number, avoiding common errors.
Complicating the problem is that the call interface on MIUI (branded shell Xiaomi) periodically updated, and some features are hidden in the depth of settings. We will look at all the current ways, from manual character input to automatic dialing with pauses.
What is an additional number and why is it needed?
An additional (or internal) number is an additional subscriber ID within the corporate telephone network, for example, when you call a bank, you first dial the primary number (for example, +7 495 123-45-67), and then enter an additional one after connecting to the PBX (for example, 104 for the credit department), which is automated using special characters on smartphones.
Main use cases:
- π’ Appeal to the departments of large companies (accounting, technical support, managers)
- π¦ Communication with banking services (for example, additional for card disputes)
- π¨ Booking rooms in hotels or contact with the administration
- π₯ Record to a specific doctor in clinics
On Xiaomi, you can dial an extra number in three ways: manually after you connect, through a pause symbol, or using a wait symbol. Each method has its pros and cons, which we will discuss later.
Method 1: Manual dialing of an additional number after connection
The most versatile but inconvenient method is to wait for the auto secretary to respond and manually type in the extra number numbers, which works on any smartphone, including all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO models, regardless of the MIUI version.
Algorithm of action:
- Open the phone application (pipe icon).
- Dial the main number (for example, +7 495 123-45-67).
- Press the call button (green tube).
- Wait for the auto secretary's response or the first horn.
- On the dial keyboard, enter the numbers of the additional number (for example, 104#).
This is a method that works if you're calling an unfamiliar extra or you're not sure if the characters are correct, but it takes time and attention, and if you're distracted, you might miss the point where you need to type in numbers.
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If nothing happens after dialing the extra number, try to complete the entry with the # (grating) symbol. Many PBXs require it to be confirmed.
Method 2: Automatic set with pause (symbol ",")
A more advanced way is to use a pause symbol (,), which delays the set of the following digits by 2 seconds, and this allows you to automate the process: the smartphone itself "waits" for a connection to the PBX and dials an additional number. MIUI 10 and newer.
Instructions:
- Open the Phone app and go to the Keyboard tab.
- Dial the main number, then put a comma (,), after it - the additional number. Example: +74951234567,104#
- Press the call button.
The symbol, can be entered by long pressing the * button on the keyboard of the set. In some firmware it is available in additional characters (button + or #+).
Make sure the number is entered without spaces |
Check that there are no extra symbols after the comma |
Check with the PBX operator if you need a lattice (#) at the end of the add-on |
Test the set outside of working hours so you donβt interrupt important calls-->
Important: comma counts can be increased for longer pauses, for example, +74951234567,, 104# will add 4 seconds of delay, but this should not be abused - some PBX perceive long pauses as a call reset.
Method 3: A waiting set (symbol ";" or "w")
An alternative method is to use a waiting symbol (; or w), which works similarly to a pause, but is more reliable for some types of PBX. Unlike a comma, this symbol does not wait for a fixed time, but for a specific signal from the telephone exchange (for example, an invitation to enter an additional one).
How to use:
- Dial the main number, then add a semicolon (;) or Latin w.
- After the waiting symbol, enter an additional number. Example: +74951234567;104#
- Press the call button.
The symbol; is entered by long pressing the 1 button on the keyboard of the set. On some Xiaomi models (for example, Redmi 9 or POCO X3), you may need to first switch to the extended keyboard (#+ button).
| Symbol | Name of name | Duration of delay | When to use |
|---|---|---|---|
| , | Pause | 2 seconds | For simple PBXs with fixed response time |
| ; or w | Waiting. | Before the PBX signal | For complex systems with voice menu |
| # | Grid. | β | To confirm the entry of an additional number |
If neither pause nor wait works, try combining symbols.
+74951234567,;104#Here, first there will be a pause of 2 seconds, then the smartphone will wait for the ATS signal and dial an additional number.
Why do not the symbols work on some PBX?
Features of dialing additional numbers on different models Xiaomi
The call interface on Xiaomi may vary depending on the model and version of MIUI. Letβs consider the key nuances for popular lines:
Redmi (Redmi Note 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10/13)
- π± The characters, and; are available through long pressing on * and 1 respectively.
- π In some firmware, the keyboard of the set hides additional characters - you need to press #+ map.
- β οΈ On Redmi with MIUI 13 and later may require an update to the Phone app via Google Play.
Flagship models (Xiaomi 12/13/14, Mix series):
- π― Supports an extended set of characters including w (waiting).
- π Automatic identification of the type of PBX (in some regions).
- π² Ability to save numbers with additional contacts as separate records.
POCO (POCO X3/X4/X5, POCO F3/F4/F5):
- β‘ Quick access to symbols via swipe up on the set keyboard.
- π V MIUI for POCO Sometimes there is no symbol; use w.
- π Support for voice dialing of additional numbers ("Call 104 after connection").
If your model doesnβt support the right characters, try updating your firmware through Settings β About Phone β System Update. In extreme cases, you can use third-party calling apps (like Google Phone) that offer advanced dialing features.
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On Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 14 and newer, pause and wait symbols work more stable due to the optimization of interaction with modern PBX.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced users sometimes have problems dialing extra numbers, and here are the most common mistakes and ways to solve them:
β οΈ Note: If the additional number is dialed too quickly after the pause symbol (,), the PBX may not have time to process the request, +74951234567, 104# for 6 seconds of delay).
Error 1: Symbols are not entered
If the keyboard set does not display; or
- π Switch to the extended keyboard (button #+ 123).
- π± Update the Phone app via Google Play.
- π§ Check the keyboard settings in Settings β System applications β Phone. β Keyboard set.
Error 2: The PBX does not accept the additional number
If after entering the additional number, the signal "incorrect input" is heard:
- π’ Make sure you use the correct completion symbol (usually #).
- π Try to dial the extra manually after connecting.
- π‘ Check if the operator blocks special characters (relevant for some virtual operators).
Mistake 3: Call resets after pause
If the call is interrupted after the symbol:
- β±οΈ Reduce the number of commas (e.g., with a +,+,+ before +).
- π Replace the comma with the semicolon (;).
- πΆ Check the quality of communication β a weak signal can interrupt automatic dialing.
If none of these methods work, contact the PBX administrator (such as the bank or hotel support team) and ask what type of dial they recommend for mobile phones.
Keeping numbers with additional contacts
So you can keep the number in contact so you don't have to enter it every time.
- Open the Contacts app.
- Press + to create a new contact.
- In the room field, enter the main number, then the pause or wait symbol, then the additional one. Example: +7 495 123-45-67;104#
- Keep in touch with a clear name (e.g., βBank β Credit Departmentβ).
When you call from a contact, the smartphone automatically dials the full sequence, which is convenient for frequently used additional numbers.
β οΈ Attention: Some versions MIUI They can ignore special symbols when they're saved to the contacts, so make a contact without symbols, and then you can type the extra number manually after you connect.
You can also use desktop shortcuts to quickly access frequently used extra numbers.
- Create a contact with the full number (including characters).
- Press the contact icon in the Contacts app and drag it to the desktop.
- Now the call with an additional number is available in one tap.