Waiting for a call on Xiaomi Redmi Note: full setup and problem solving

Waiting for a call is one of those features that users only remember at a critical moment: when an important call is disrupted because of a busy number or when you need to urgently switch between two people. On Xiaomi Redmi Note smartphones (be it Redmi Note 10 Pro, Note 12 or earlier models), this option does not always work intuitively, and its settings are hidden deep in the menu, as a result, many owners do not even suspect that their phone supports call retention, conferencing or automatic waiting - and lose important conversations.

In this article, we will not only discuss how to turn on the call waiting on the Xiaomi Redmi Note through the standard settings, but also reveal the nuances of the function on different versions of MIUI (from 12 to 14), you will learn why the option is sometimes not activated, how to check its support from the operator, and what to do if the first caller simply “stops” when you call.

We warn you right away that some settings may vary depending on the version of MIUI and the firmware of your device. If you use custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience or LineageOS), some of the instructions may not work, in which case read the section on alternative methods.

What is the waiting call and why it is necessary

Call Waiting is a mobile feature that allows you to receive an incoming call without interrupting the current conversation. Without it, the second subscriber will hear the “busy” signal, and you risk missing an important call. On Xiaomi Redmi Note, the function works at the SIM- card and operator level, so its setting requires synchronization with the network.

Main use cases:

• 📞 Business call: You're talking to a customer, but you're waiting for an important call from your partner -- waiting will allow you to switch without losing communication.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family situations: Your child is calling from another phone while you are communicating with your spouse.
• 🚨 Emergency: The other line is called by a support team or a doctor and you're busy.

On the Redmi Note, the feature can work in two modes: manual (you make the decision to switch yourself) and automatic (the phone offers a choice when an incoming call), and there is a conferencing option that connects several subscribers in a single conversation - but it requires a separate activation.

⚠️ Warning: If you use two SIM- cards (Dual SIM), you need to set the wait separately for each. Operators can block the function on the additional line - check the tariff!

Checking support for waiting for a call from your operator

Before digging into your smartphone settings, make sure your mobile operator supports waiting for a call. In Russia and the CIS, this feature is provided by all major providers (MTS, Beeline, MegaFon, Tele2), but it can be disabled by default or require a paid option to connect.

How to check:

1. Call your number from another phone while you're talking, and if you hear the standby, it's active.
2. Dial USSD- command: *#67# If a message with a forwarding number comes back, wait is maintained.
3. Check the operator’s personal account in the “Services” or “Additional Options” section.

If the carrier does not support waiting (for example, virtual carriers like Yota or Tinkoff Mobile), no setting on Xiaomi will help, in which case, consider alternatives: forwarding to another number or using messengers with voice calls.

Step-by-step: how to turn on waiting for a call on Xiaomi Redmi Note

Now, let’s get into practice. On the Redmi Note, the path to waiting settings may vary depending on the version of MIUI. Below is a universal instruction that will suit most models (from the Redmi Note 7 to the Note 13 Pro+).

Step 1. Open the “Settings” of the phone and go to the section:

Settings → SIM- Maps and Mobile Networks → [Select SIM- Card] → Additional settings

Step 2. Find the "Waiting for a Call" item (or "Call Waiting" in English firmware). If it's not available, search by settings (the magnifier icon at the top of the screen).

Step 3: Activate the switch. The system can request confirmation — press "On" or "OK."

Step 4: Reboot your phone (optional, but recommended for changes).

Dial USSD-code *#67# to confirm activation |

Call your number from another phone while you are talking |

Check for a second call notification |

Make sure the first person is not out.

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If the “Waiting for a Call” item is not on the menu, it may mean:

• 🔄 Your version MIUI hides this section (the solution is to update the firmware or use the engineering menu codes).
• 📱 SIM- card does not support function (check operator as described above).
• 🔧 The phone has custom firmware installed without telephony support (e.g. AOSP).

⚠️ Warning: On some Redmi Note models (e.g. Note 8 Pro with MIUI 11), the option may be called Call Hold or Additional Services. If you don't find it, try resetting the network settings (Settings → SIM- Maps → Resetting the mobile network settings).

Setting up the waiting timeout and additional parameters

By default, the Xiaomi Redmi Note has a latency between 10-15 seconds for the second call, which can be changed but only through an engineering menu or third-party app.

Method 1: Engineering menu (for experienced users)

1. Open the phone app and dial: ##4636##
2. Go to the “Phone Information” section (or “Phone Information”).
3. Scroll down to the “Call Waiting Timer” block and set the value to 5 to 30 seconds.
4. Save the changes and restart the phone.

Method 2: Application of "Secret Codes"

If the engineering menu is not available (for example, on MIUI 14), install the application "Secret Codes for Xiaomi" from Google Play.

1. Select the "Call Settings" section.
2. Find the "Call Waiting Timeout" option.
3. Set the desired time (recommended 20 seconds for the balance between convenience and network load).

On Redmi Note models with MediaTek processor (such as Note 11T or Note 10S), the timeout change may reset after the firmware update. To avoid this, use the MTK Engineering Mode app and capture settings through the BandMode partition.

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If you use call waiting often, add the Phone widget to the home screen with quick access to the SIM- settings of the card. This will save time if you need to activate the feature urgently.

Problem Solving: Why Call Waiting Doesn't Work

Even after setting it up properly, the function may not work. Here are the TOP-5 reasons and solutions:

If the problem persists, try resetting your network settings:

Settings → SIM-cards and mobile networks → Resetting mobile network settings

This will remove all stored networks and connection settings, but often helps with telephony failures. After reset, restart the phone and re-activate the call wait.

Conference call on Xiaomi Redmi Note: how to combine calls

Call waiting is only half the option. The Redmi Note also has a conference call that allows you to connect up to 5 subscribers in a single conversation, a feature that is useful for work calls or family discussions.

How to turn on conference call:

1. During the conversation, click the “Add Call” button (+ icon).
2. Dial the number of the second subscriber or select from the contacts.
3. After the connection, press “Combine” (or “Merge”).
4. Repeat the steps to add new members (maximum 5).

Conference management:

• 🔇 Turn off the microphone: press the microphone icon.
• 📞 Separate calls: tap the participant and select "Separate."
• 🚫 End the conference: Click "Finish" and it will shut down all participants.

⚠️ Warning: Conference calls may not work if you have VoLTE (voice over 4G) or VoWiFi (wi-fi calls) active, in which case turn off these options in Settings → SIM- cards → Call over Wi-Fi/4G.

Alternative ways to manage calls on Xiaomi

If the standard call wait doesn’t suit you, consider alternatives:

1. Call forwarding (*21#)

Set up a redirect to another number if your line is busy:

67 [phone number]#

Example: *67*79123456789#. To cancel, dial ##67#.

2. Call management applications

• 📱 Truecaller: Blocks spam and offers an alternative interface for holding calls.
• 🔄 Call Recorder: Records conversations and allows you to switch between calls without loss.
• 🤖 Tasker: Automatically activate the waiting schedule (e.g., during business hours).

3.Voice assistants

If you have Google Assistant or Alice installed from Yandex, you can manage voice calls:

• “OK, Google, take the incoming call.”
• "Alice, put the first hold call."

These techniques are especially useful if you frequently use the Redmi Note in your car or do things that require free hands.

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Conference and call waiting are two different functions: the first one brings subscribers together in one conversation, the second one just notifies the second call. On Xiaomi, they are set up independently.

FAQ: Frequent questions about waiting for a call on Xiaomi Redmi Note