The answering machine on Xiaomi smartphones is a useful feature for those who do not want to miss important calls, but not everyone needs it. Often users are faced with a situation where subscribers leave voice messages in the operator's mail, and notifications about them come with a delay or do not appear at all in the phone interface. Moreover, some mobile operators (for example, MTS, Beeline, MegaFon) activate the answering machine by default, which can lead to unexpected costs.
In this article, you’ll find 4 proven ways to turn off the answering machine on any Xiaomi smartphone, from the budget Redmi Note to the flagship Mi 13 Ultra. We’ll look at both standard MIUI settings and hidden options for carrier services, and explain why sometimes the answering machine continues to work even after deactivation. If you’re tired of unnecessary voice messages or want to save on paid services, read on.
1. Disable the answering machine through the phone settings (MIUI 12/13/14)
The easiest way to deactivate the answering machine is to use the built-in MIUI settings. This method works on all modern Xiaomi smartphones, including Redmi 10/11/12, POCO X3/X4/X5, Mi 11/12/13 and other models with a firmware version not lower than MIUI 12.
Instructions:
- 📱 Open the Phone app (the tube icon on the home screen).
- ⚙️ Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Settings».
- 🔊 Go to Voicemail (or Auto-Inspector in some versions).
- 🚫 Move the slider to the position "Disabled" or press "Deactivate».
If your menu doesn’t have a Voicemail item, it could mean one of two things:
- Your operator does not support this function at the level of SIM-maps, for example, Tele2 Virtual operators like Yota).
- The feature is hidden due to regional firmware settings (relevant for smartphones purchased abroad).
☑️ Checking the answering machine shutdown
After turning off, it is recommended to restart the smartphone, as some operators cache service settings. If the answering machine still works, move to the next method.
2. Deactivation through USSD-operator
Many mobile operators in Russia and the CIS (MTS, Beeline, MegaFon, Kyivstar, etc.) manage the answering machine through the Internet. USSD-This method will work even if the settings of Xiaomi does not have the corresponding item.
Here are the current commands for popular operators:
| Operator. | Command to shut down | Team for status check |
|---|---|---|
| MTS | *111*25# → challenge | *111*26# → challenge |
| Beeline | *110*353# → challenge | *110*351# → challenge |
| MegaFon | *105*300# → challenge | *105*301# → challenge |
| Tele2 | *155*2*0# → challenge | *155*2*1# → challenge |
| Yota | No answering machine. | — |
After you have the team, you will receive SMS Or a pop-up status notice, if the answering machine was turned on by default (for example, MTS often happens on new ones). SIM-maps, its shutdown can take up to 24 hours.
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If USSD-The team didn't work, so try dialing it in dial mode, not through the quick access menu. MIUI block USSD background.
⚠️ Note: At some rates, operators may charge a fee for using an answering machine (for example, Beeline takes a charge). ~After disconnecting the service, check the balance via *100# or personal account - you may be refunded for unused days.
3. Disconnection through the engineering menu (for advanced users)
If standard methods do not help, you can try to deactivate the answering machine through the Xiaomi engineering menu, which requires caution, since improper actions can disrupt the communication module.
Instructions:
- Open the Phone app and dial ##4636##.
- In the menu that appears, select “Phone Information” (or “Phone Information”).
- Scroll down to the Voice Mail block.
- If the Voice Mail Number field is filled (e.g. +79991234567), delete the number and click Update.
On some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi 9A or POCO M3), the engineering menu may be missing or blocked, in which case try using the MTK Engineering Mode app (available in the Play Market) if your smartphone is on a MediaTek processor.
What to do if the engineering menu is not opened?
After the changes to the engineering menu, be sure to restart the phone. If the answering machine continues to work, check if the service is activated at the level. SIM-maps (see method 2).
4. Checking and resetting network settings
Sometimes the answering machine is turned on because of a malfunction in the settings of the mobile network.
- 🔄 Updated firmware. MIUI before.
- 📶 Switched between operators (for example, from MTS to MegaFon).
- 🌍 Travelled abroad and roamed.
To reset the network settings:
- Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
- Choose yours. SIM-map and click "Reset network settings».
- Confirm the action (a password may be required).
Once reset, the phone will automatically connect to the network, but some settings (such as APN hotspots) will have to be reconfigured, and if you are not sure about your actions, you should contact the carrier salon.
⚠️ Attention: Resetting your network settings will delete all stored Wi-Fi networks and passwords, as well as Bluetooth device settings. Before the procedure, back up through Settings → Google → Backup.
Frequent problems and their solutions
Even after the answering machine is turned off, some users find that calls are still being forwarded to voicemail, and let's look at the typical causes and ways to fix them.
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The answering machine turns on itself. | Failure to work SIM-map | Reinstall the SIM to another slot or replace it in the operator’s cabin |
| Calls are forwarded after 15-20 seconds | The service “No response” from the operator is activated | Turn it off. USSD-Team (see method 2) or personal account |
| No notifications of voice messages are received | Blocking system alerts | Check notification settings in Settings → Apps → Phone |
If none of these things worked, it might be the phone's firmware that's the problem, and on some versions of MIUI (especially Xiaomi.eu or custom builds), the answering machine might not work properly, and it might help:
- 🔄 Update to the latest stable version via Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
- 📥 Install official firmware via Mi Flash Tool (requires unlocking the bootloader).
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If the answering machine is activated only on a specific SIM-The problem is almost always on the operator's side, so please contact support to fully deactivate the Voicemail or Voicemail service for your number.
6. Alternatives to the answering machine on Xiaomi
If you have disabled your answering machine but still want to keep important calls from you, consider alternative solutions:
- 📝 Google Voice – a free service with advanced voicemail settings (requires registration of a Google account).
- 🔄 Redirect to another number – you can configure in Settings → SIM-map → Call forwarding.
- 📱 Autosecretary apps (such as Auto Answer or Call Recorder) allow you to customize individual responses for different contacts.
The advantage of third-party solutions is that they are operator-free and offer more customization options, such as Google Voice, where you can:
- Set up a personal greeting.
- Set up the transcription of voice messages into text.
- Filter spam calls automatically.
To connect Google Voice:
- Download the app from the Play Market.
- Register and select a virtual number (not available in all countries).
- In the settings, enable “Call forwarding” to the Google Voice number.