Configure call forwarding on Xiaomi Redmi 5: all the ways and nuances

Xiaomi Redmi 5, released in 2017, is still a popular budget smartphone due to its reliability and flexibility of MIUI firmware. One of the popular features that users often configure incorrectly is call forwarding. It allows you to redirect incoming calls to another number — useful if you have two phones, temporarily unavailable or use work and personal numbers in parallel.

However, the redirect setting to Redmi 5 has its own peculiarities: depending on the version. MIUI (9, 10 or 11) and the operator menu may differ, and some parameters are hidden. In this article, we will discuss all ways to activate redirects - from standard settings to standard settings. USSD-We'll also find out why the function might not work and how to fix it.

What is Call Redirection and Why You Need It

Redirection (or call forwarding) is a mobile service that automatically redirects incoming calls from one number to another. On Xiaomi Redmi 5, it can be configured for all calls, as well as selectively (for example, only if the number is occupied or unavailable).

Main use cases:

• 📞 Two phones: Redirect calls from work to personal so you don’t have to carry two devices.
• 🌍 Roaming: Redirecting to a local number while travelling to avoid high fares.
• 🔧 Phone Repair: Temporarily redirect calls to a spare phone.
• 🏢 Office PBX: setting up corporate redirection for employees.

It’s important to understand that forwarding is a service of the operator, not just a function of the smartphone. Even if you set it up correctly on Redmi 5, the operator can block redirection (for example, on some MTS or Tele2 tariffs).

Types of redirects to Xiaomi Redmi 5

There are four main types of redirects available on Redmi 5 that can be combined:

For example, if you want to redirect calls only when the phone is off, use the latter type. For full redirects (all calls), the unconditional option is suitable. Operators can set different latency times for the "If no response" type - usually 20 to 30 seconds.

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Check balance before setting up: some operators charge a fee for activating redirects (e.g. Beeline – 1.5).₽/day-day).

Configure redirection through the MIUI menu

The easiest way is to use standard MIUI settings. The interface may vary slightly depending on the firmware version (9, 10 or 11), but the overall logic is maintained.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the phone application (pipe icon).
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner → select Settings.
3. Go to the Additional Settings section (or Calls in MIUI 11).
4. Select Call Forwarding (Call Forwarding).
5. Specify the type of redirect (see table above) and enter the number where the calls will be redirected.
6. Confirm activation – the system will send USSD-request.

Check the balance on SIM-map

Make sure the redirect number is active.

Write it down. USSD-cancellation codes (see section below)

Turn off "In the Airplane" mode"-->

If the call forwarding option is not in the menu, this can mean:

• 🚫 The operator blocks the settings via the menu (e.g. Yota or some virtual operators).
• 📱 You have custom firmware installed without telephony support.
• 🔄 We need to update. MIUI Up to the latest version (see the section "Problems and solutions").

Activation of forwarding through USSD-team

If you're on the menu MIUI It does not allow you to set up a redirect, you can use it USSD-This method works on any Xiaomi Redmi 5, regardless of the firmware version.

Instructions:

1. Open the Phone app and go to the Keyboard tab.
2. Enter one of the commands from the table above (e.g. *21*79123456789# for unconditional forwarding).
3. Press the call button and the system will send the request to the operator.
4. Wait for SMS or notifications of successful activation.

To cancel the redirect, use the commands:

• #21# - Unconditional redirection.
• #67# - Removal of employment.
• #61# - Unanswered cancellations.
• #62# - Unavailable for cancellation.

On Xiaomi Redmi 5 with firmware MIUI 9 some USSD-commands may fail due to a bug in the telephony module, in which case resetting the network settings will help (see next section).

Problems with redirection and their solution

If the redirect doesn't work, it could be on the smartphone side or the operator side, and let's look at the typical situations and how to fix them.

⚠️ Attention: Redmi 5 with two SIM-The redirection cards are set up separately for each SIM. Make sure you activate it on the correct map.

If none of these methods worked, try:

1. Install a third-party call management app (e.g., Call Forwarding from Google Play).
2. Temporarily reposition SIM-card to another phone and set up a forwarding there.
3. Contact the operator’s communication salon for manual activation of the service.

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For some rates (for example, "All for 300" from MegaFon), forwarding may be paid.

Redirect to two SIM-card

Xiaomi Redmi 5 supports two SIM-cards (Dual) SIM), But the redirect is customized for each card separately, which means that if you want to redirect calls from both cards, you have to configure the service twice.

How to tell SIM-card:

• 📱 Phone on the menu → Settings → SIM-The cards are marked as SIM 1 and SIM 2.
• 🔄 V USSD-In commands, you can specify the card slot: for example, 21[number]#,1# for the first SIM and 21[number]#,2# for the second.
• 📞 When activating via the menu, select the desired one. SIM top-of-screen.

It is important that one of SIM-The card is used for mobile Internet (3G/4G), The forwarding on it may conflict with the data transmission:

⚠️ Note: Disable data transfer for SIM-Active redirect cards or set exceptions in Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Transfer of data.

Resetting redirection settings

If you no longer need to forward calls or want to start setting up again, you need to undo all active forwarding rules.

Method 1: Through the MIUI Menu

1. Go to Phone → Settings → Additional settings → Call forwarding.
2. Select the active type of redirect (lit in green).
3. Click Disable or Remove the rule.

Method 2: USSD-cancel

Enter one of the commands depending on the type of redirect:

#21# - Abolition of the Unconditional


#67# - Cancellation of employment




#61# - Unanswered cancellation




#62# - Unavailability cancellations




#002# – Repeal ALL Redirect Rules

Method 3: Completely reset network settings

If the redirect is “hang” and does not turn off, do:

1. Settings → System and device → Additional → Resetting settings.
2. Select Network Settings Reset (does not reset application data!).
3. After the reboot, check the redirect status with the *#002# command.

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Once you reset your network, you'll have to re-enter your Wi-Fi passwords and set up your APN for mobile Internet, and save that data in advance.

FAQ: Frequent questions about redirecting to Xiaomi Redmi 5