How to completely disable call retention on Xiaomi phones: all ways

The call retention feature on Xiaomi smartphones can be useful in an office setting or when using a second number actively, but it often becomes a source of irritation. Unexpected signals about a pending call interrupt conversations, distract from business and even lead to accidental switching between subscribers. Unlike most Android devices, where this option can be deactivated in two clicks, MIUI hides the retention settings deep in the menu - and in some firmware, removes the ability to disconnect through the standard interface altogether.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to disable call retention on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO — formalize MIUI We'll focus on the dual-engineered models. SIM, where the function works differently and the firmware MIUI 14+, You'll also learn how to get around operator restrictions if retention is activated at the level. SIM-maps, and what to do if after disconnecting the function continues to work.

Why Call Holding Can Get In The Way: Real Cases

At first glance, call retention seems like a harmless option, but in practice it creates a lot of inconveniences:

• 📞 Interrupting important conversations. A business call signals a second call, and the current person hears the squeak, and you lose the thread of the conversation.
• 🔄 Accidental switching: When you touch a screen or buttons, you can inadvertently shift the first call to hold, which is especially critical for older users.
• 📱 VoIP conflicts. If you use WhatsApp Calls or Telegram calls in parallel with cellular communication, retention can block the microphone.
• 🔋 Increased battery consumption: The feature keeps the communication module active even when you are not talking, which reduces battery life by 5-15%.

According to statistics from Xiaomi service centers, about 30% of calls about “connection glitches” are related to improper retention, and in 80% of cases, the problem is solved by simply disabling the function – if you know where to look for settings.

Method 1: Disconnect via standard MIUI settings

The most obvious method is to use the built-in options of the system. However, depending on the version of MIUI, the path to settings may differ. Below is the current algorithm for the firmware MIUI 12-14 (including global and Chinese versions).

Instructions:

1. Open the phone application (pipe icon).
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner → select Settings.
3. Go to Calls or Additional Settings (on some models – Call Settings).
4. Find the Hold Call option (could be called Call Waiting or Call Waiting).
5. Move the slider to the off position. for each SIM-map.

Opened section "Calls" in the settings of the phone |

Call Holding found and deactivated for SIM1|

Call Hold Deactivated for SIM2 (if any)|

Reboot the phone to apply changes-->

If your menu does not have a "Containment" item, it could mean:

• 📱 You have an old firmware (before you have it). MIUI 11), where the settings are hidden deeper.
• 🔧 The operator has blocked the change of the parameter (relevant for corporate tariffs).
• 🛠️ Function disabled at the kernel level (occurring on some models) POCO custom-made).

Method 2: Disconnect via the engineering menu (for power users)

If standard settings fail, you can use the Engineering Mode, which works on 90% of Xiaomi devices, but you need to be careful that wrong actions can disrupt the network.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the Phone app and type the combination: ##4636## Some models (POCO X3, Redmi Note 10) may require a code: ##36446337###
2. In the menu that opens, select Phone Information (or Phone Information).
3. Scroll down to the Call Waiting block (may be called Call Waiting).
4. Click on the line and in the window that appears, select Disable for each SIM-map.
5. Save the changes and restart the device.

Note: on certain firmware (for example, MIUI 14 for Redmi Note 12) after disabling through the engineering menu, the function can be activated again after the system update. USSD-teams (described below).

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If nothing happens after you enter the engineering menu code, try using the MTK Engineering Mode app from Google Play (for MediaTek-based devices) or Qualcomm Engineer Mode (for Snapdragon).

Method 3: USSD-commands to disable the retention of the operator

In some cases, call retention is activated not at the phone level, but by the mobile operator, which is typical for corporate tariffs (MTS "Business", MegaFon "Business", Beeline "Office") or old ones. SIM-In this case, the standard settings Xiaomi powerless — you need to send special USSD-request.

Universal commands for disconnection:

• 📶 For MTS: *#43# (status check) → If active, send it to ##43#
• 📶 For MegaFon: *#43# → shutdown: *43#
• 📶 For Beeline and Tele2: *#67# → shutdown: ##67#

After sending a command, you will receive an SMS or a notification of a successful shutdown. If not, contact the operator via chat or call support (numbers: 0890 for MTS, 0500 for MegaFon, 0611 for Beeline).

⚠️ Attention: On virtual operators (Tinkoff Mobile, Yota, SberMobile) USSD-In this case, disable retention via the personal account on the operator's website in the section "Communication Services" → "Additional options".

Post-Switch Off: Why Retention Continues to Work

Even after all the instructions are followed, the retention function can remain active.

If the problem persists, check:

1. Are there third-party applications for managing calls (e.g. Truecaller, Dual App) installed? They can override system settings.
2. Is the dual call function activated in the settings? SIM-maps (Settings) → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Additionally).
3. Whether you are using a modem or a Wi-Fi access point, some firmware blocks changes to call settings in these modes.

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If the hold-up continues to work after all the manipulations, the most likely cause is a conflict between the phone and the operator settings, in which case only a call in support of the mobile provider asking for the service to be forcibly deactivated at the level will help. SIM-map.

Alternative solutions: if nothing helps

If standard methods do not work, consider the following options:

• 🔧 ADB-Command to Forced Shutdown: Activate Developer Mode (7 once you click on the version MIUI In the phone settings, turn on the debugging. USB In Settings → Additionally. → For developers, plug your phone into your PC and execute the command: adb shell settings put global. call_waiting_enabled 0

Resetting network settings

Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Network reset, which will bring all communication parameters back to factory, including retention.

Firmware change

Install custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience or LineageOS) where retention settings are not tied to MIUI.

Physical solution

Use the second. SIM-card without retention service (for example, virtual operator) only for outgoing calls.

⚠️ Attention: Teams ADB and network resets can cause you to lose your stored Wi-Fi passwords and associated Bluetooth devices. → Additionally. → Backup and reset.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When disabling call retention, users often make the following mistakes:

1. Disable the retention for only one. SIM-Forget the other card, check the settings for each slot separately.
2. You don't reboot your phone after a change. Some MIUI settings only apply after a reboot.
3. Retention is confused with redirection. Disabling redirect (*#21#) does not affect call retention.
4. Used outmoded USSD-For example, for Beeline, the #43# command doesn't work -- you need #67#.
5. Do not check the settings after the update MIUI. After major updates (for example, with the MIUI 13 on MIUI 14) the retention may be activated again.

To avoid problems:

• 🔍 Before disabling, check the current retention status by using #43# or #67#.
• 📝 Write down the initial settings (take a picture of the engineering menu screen).
• 🔄 Test the changes with a second phone – call yourself and check if the retention is working.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions