How to disable call retention on Xiaomi: all the ways and nuances

The call retention feature on Xiaomi smartphones can be useful in the office environment or when you use conference calls, but for most users it becomes a source of irritation. Unexpected audible beeps, interruption of a conversation or accidental pressing of a button during a call - these are problems that owners of devices on MIUI different versions face. In this article, we will discuss all the available ways to disable call retention, including hidden settings and workarounds for older models.

It is important to understand that the interface MIUI It is updated regularly, and the location of options may vary depending on the firmware version, and we have taken these nuances into account and prepared universal instructions that will suit most devices, from the Redmi Note 10 Pro to the flagship Xiaomi 13 Ultra. If standard methods do not work, the article has alternative solutions, including settings through the use of the USSD-codes and third-party applications.

What is Call Holding and Why Disable It

Call Hold is a feature that allows you to temporarily pause a conversation to take another incoming call or switch between subscribers, which is convenient in a corporate environment, but more often creates problems for the average user:

• 🔊 Unexpected sound signals – when you press the retention button, a loud squeak is heard, which can confuse the interlocutor.
• 📱 Random pressing – on the screen during the call, the retention button is located next to the volume or speaker keys.
• ⚙️ Conflict with other features – on some firmware, retention interferes with VoLTE or ViLTE.
• 🔄 Automatic retention – in rare cases MIUI It puts the call into retention mode when the signal is weak.

Especially relevant problem for users who often call through WhatsApp, Telegram or other messengers – the retention function can work even with Internet calls, interrupting the connection. In some regions, mobile operators (for example, MTS or Beeline) by default activate this option at the level of the mobile phone. SIM-The card makes it harder to disable it.

Method 1: Disconnect via phone settings (MIUI 12/13/14)

The most reliable method is to use the built-in MIUI settings. The interface may vary slightly depending on the firmware version, but the overall algorithm is maintained:

1. Open the phone application (pipe icon).
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Settings.
3. Go to Calls or Additional Settings (on some models – More).
4. Find the Call Hold option and move the slider to the off position.

If there is no such item, try an alternative path:

1. Go to Settings → SIM-cards and mobile networks.
2. Choose yours. SIM-card (if there are several).
3. Select your call settings or additional settings.
4. Deactivate Call Hold option or Service Codes.

Important! On some firmware (e.g. MIUI 12.5 for POCO X3 Pro), the option may be hidden, in which case resetting the phone application will help:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the phone and tap it.
3. Select Warehouse → Clear data and Reset settings.

⚠️ Warning: Reset will delete call history! pre-export it through Settings → Google → Backup.

Method 2: USSD-lock-in

If the settings MIUI Do not allow to disable retention, try to use service USSD-These commands are level-level. SIM-map and operator. Code options:

After entering the code, you should receive an SMS or a notification of the successful shutdown of the service.

• 🔄 Try restarting your phone.
• 📶 Make sure that SIM-card USSD-Requests (on some virtual operators they are blocked).
• 📞 Call the operator and ask to disable call retention manually.

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If USSD-If the codes don't work, try typing them in through the "Engineer Mode" app (available on Google Play) and it bypasses the limitations of some firmware.

Method 3: Use Engineer Mode (for advanced users)

If standard methods don’t work, you can use Xiaomi’s engineering menu, which is suitable for power users, as improper actions can disrupt the phone.

Instructions:

1. Install the MTK Engineering Mode app (for MediaTek processors) or Qualcomm Engineer Mode (for Snapdragon) from Google Play.
2. Open the app and go to the Telephony or Connectivity section.
3. Choose Call Settings or Network Settings.
4. Find the Call Hold or Supplementary Services option and turn it off.

For Snapdragon devices (such as Xiaomi 12T Pro), you can use the code:

##4636##

After entering, select Phone Information → Network Selection → Disable all additional services.

⚠️ Warning: Do not change other options in the engineering menu without understanding their purpose! This can cause network loss or communication module failure.

Method 4: Disconnecting through third-party apps

If the built-in MIUI tools do not allow you to disable retention, you can use third-party utilities.

• 📱 Call Settings Pro - allows you to manage all call parameters, including retention. Supports Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO.
• 🔧 Network Signal Guru – Extended network settings, including disabling operator service functions.
• 🛠️ Shortcut Maker – Creates shortcuts for hidden functions MIUI, including retention settings.

Example of settings through Call Settings Pro:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Open it and give access to the calls.
3. Go to the Additional Functions section.
4. Find the Call Retention and deactivate it.
5. Save the changes and restart the phone.

Warning: Some applications require ROOT-rights to fully access the settings. Without them, the functionality may be limited.

Problems and Solutions: What to Do When Retention Is Not Turned Off

Sometimes even after all the manipulations, the retention function continues to work, and let's look at the typical causes and ways to eliminate them:

If none of these methods worked, there are two options:

1. Reset to factory settings (delete all data, but return standard call settings).
2. Flashing to a newer or cleaner version of MIUI (requires skills and backups).

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Before resetting or flashing, be sure to save contacts and media files! use Mi Cloud or Google Drive for backup.

Alternative solutions: how to minimize inconvenience

If you fail to disable call retention, you can reduce its impact on the user experience:

• 🔇 Turn off the retention sound: in the call settings, find the retention sound option and set the No Sound value.
• 📴 Use a headset: with connected headphones, the hold button on the screen may disappear.
• 🛡️ Lock the screen while you call: this will prevent accidental taps. → Lock screen → Blocking during the call.
• 📱 Install an alternative call: like Truecaller or Google Phone – they can ignore retention settings MIUI.

Some models (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro)+ 5G) Call retention automatically turns off when VoLTE mode is activated. To enable it, go to Settings → SIM-map → Enable VoLTE.

FAQ: Frequent questions about holding a call on Xiaomi