How to disable incoming calls on Xiaomi Redmi, but save mobile Internet

Why do users want to turn off calls but leave the internet?

Xiaomi Redmi smartphones are among the most popular in Russia due to the combination of price and functionality. However, not all users need voice communication: someone uses the device as a tablet with a mobile phone. SIM-someone wants to avoid annoying calls from operators or collectors, and someone just needs silence without completely switching to the β€œOn the plane” modeΒ».

Main problem: standard disconnection of the mobile network through Settings β†’ SIM-And the Internet is also breaking up the maps and mobile networks. MIUI 12–14 eat at least 5 We tried to block incoming calls while still having access to mobile data. 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10 and POCO X3/X4 β€” All methods work stably, but have nuances.

In this article you will find:

  • πŸ”§ Step-by-step instructions for each method with screenshots (relevant to the MIUI 14.0.5 and newer).
  • ⚠️ Warnings about possible side effects (e.g. blockage) SMS or problems with 2FA).
  • πŸ“Š Comparative table of methods for reliability and ease of setting.
  • πŸ’‘ Alternative solutions for cases where standard settings do not help.

Method 1: LTE/4G only mode (lock 2G/3G)

The easiest and least noticeable way is to force the network to switch to mode. LTE. In this case, the smartphone will not support voice calls (they are transmitted over the Internet). 2G/3G), But the mobile Internet will remain active. It works for all Redmis with VoLTE support. 4G), The operator must provide this service.

How to set up:

  1. Open the Settings. β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks.
  2. Choose yours. SIM-card (if there are several).
  3. Tap the network type (or preferred network type).
  4. Install LTE (or 4G) only.
  5. Reboot your phone (required!).

βœ… Pros: does not require third-party applications, does not block SMS (come through 4G).

❌ Cons: if the operator does not support VoLTE, calls will be reset immediately.

πŸ’‘

If, after switching over, only LTE Internet is gone, check your settings APN. Sometimes operators (e.g. Tele2) require manual input of parameters for 4G-network.

Method 2: Using In-Air mode with manual Wi-Fi/mobile data

The classic workaround is to activate In-Air mode and then manually turn on only mobile data, which works on all Xiaomi models, but has a critical drawback: every time you restart your phone or lose your network, you have to repeat the actions.

Instructions:

  1. Activate In-Air mode through the notification curtain or in Settings β†’ Connections β†’ Flight mode.
  2. Open the Settings. β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks.
  3. Turn on the mobile data switch (Wi-Fi is not necessary).
  4. Make sure that the notification curtain has a 4G/LTE icon on, but there is no antenna icon (calls).

Activated "In the plane" | Mobile data enabled | Wi-Fi turned off (if not needed) | Network sign shows 4G/LTE without antenna-->

⚠️ Note: some operators (e.g., MTS) may automatically enable voice communication when mobile data is activated, even in In-Air mode.

Method 3: Block all incoming calls through settings SIM-map

V MIUI 13/14 There is a function to block incoming calls directly in the settings SIM-This method does not affect the mobile Internet and does not require a reboot, but blocks all calls, including outgoing ones (unless you configure exceptions).

Step-by-step:

  1. Go to Settings. β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks.
  2. Choose yours. SIM-map.
  3. Tap Incoming Calls (or Call Management)
  4. Activate the option to block all incoming calls.
  5. In the Exclusions section, add the numbers you are allowed to call (such as a bank or customer service).

πŸ“Œ Important: This method does not block SMS However, some system notifications (e.g. from banks) may come in the form of calls, and they will also be blocked.

The β€œOnly” regime LTEΒ»|β€œIn the Airplane” mode with manual setting|Blocking incoming settings SIM|Third-party annexes|Another option-->

Method 4: Call blocking applications (for advanced users)

If the standard methods do not work, you can use third-party apps from Google Play.

  • πŸ›‘οΈ Call Blocker – Blocks blacklist calls without affecting the Internet.
  • πŸ“΅ Should I Answer? – analyzes numbers and blocks spam/fraudsters.
  • πŸ”’ Truecaller – a popular solution with a database of spam numbers (requires registration).

πŸ”Ή How to set up (for example, Call Blocker):

  1. Install the app from Google Play.
  2. Give permission to access calls and contacts.
  3. In the Blacklist section, add room masks (for example, +79xxxxx to lock all Russian numbers).
  4. Activate the option to block all incoming.

⚠️ Note: Some applications (such as Truecaller) may conflict with system services MIUI Check the reviews for your Redmi model before installing.

What if the app doesn’t block calls?
1. Check if all permissions are granted in Settings β†’ Apps β†’ Permissions. 2. Make sure the app is added to Autostart and Battery Optimization (excluded from energy savings). 3. Restart the phone after setting up. 4. If the problem persists, try another app (e.g. Blacklist).

Method 5: Hardware locking through the engineering menu (for power users)

This method is only suitable for advanced users, as it requires the work with the engineering menu ##4636##. It allows you to turn off voice services at the modem level, while saving data transfer. Incorrect actions in the engineering menu can lead to loss of network or resetting.

Instructions:

  1. Open the Phone app and type ##4636##.
  2. Go to the phone information (or phone information) section.
  3. In the drop-down menu, select LTE only.
  4. Press Turn off radio, wait 10 seconds and turn back on radio.

⚠️ Note: some Xiaomi firmware may have the engineering menu blocked. MTK Engineering Mode (for MediaTek processors) or Qualcomm EngineerMode (for Snapdragon).

Comparison of methods: which to choose

To make the choice easier, we have compiled a table with the pros and cons of each method:

MethodDifficultySave the SMS.Requires a reboot.It works after the MIUI update.Suitable for all operators
LTE Only modeβ­βœ… Yes.βœ… Yes.βœ… Yes.❌ No (needs VoLTE)
In-plane mode + mobile dataβ­β­βœ… Yes.❌ No.βœ… Yes.βœ… Yes.
Blocking in SIM settingsβ­βœ… Yes.❌ No.βœ… Yes.βœ… Yes.
Third-party annexesβ­β­β­βœ… Yes.❌ No.⚠️ Possible conflictsβœ… Yes.
Engineering menuβ­β­β­β­βœ… Yes.βœ… Yes.⚠️ Maybe she'll drop.❌ No (depends on modem)

πŸ’‘ Tip: If you need to temporarily turn off calls (for example, overnight), use method 2 (In-plane mode). For a permanent solution, method 1 (LTE-only) or 3 (lock in the settings) is better suited. SIM).

πŸ’‘

The most universal method is blocking incoming settings SIM-It does not require rebooting, does not depend on the operator and does not block SMS.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after you set it up properly, you can have problems, and let's look at the typical situations and how to fix them:

  • πŸ“Ά Internet missing after calling shutdown: Check settings APN (Path: Settings β†’ SIM-map β†’ Access point (APN)). If the parameters are reset, enter them manually (the data can be found on the operator's website).
  • πŸ”• Calls still pass: Make sure there are no duplicate settings (e.g., locking in settings is activated at the same time). SIM Also check if the number has been added to the Exclusions.
  • πŸ”„ Settings are reset after the update MIUI: This is a typical problem for methods 1 and 5. After the update, re-apply the settings or use more stable methods (e.g. method 3).
  • πŸ“± Phone stopped catching the network: Perform reset network settings: Settings β†’ Memory. β†’ Reset β†’ Reset network settings. Then reset call lock.

If none of these things worked, it may be the firmware that is the problem, and some custom MIUI builds (e.g. Xiaomi.EU) may have limitations, in which case we recommend:

  1. Update the firmware to the latest stable version.
  2. Contact Xiaomi Support with a description of the problem (specify the model and version of MIUI).
  3. Consider using a second phone for the internet only (e.g. Redmi Note 12) 4G separate SIM-card).
Can you turn off calls only for specific numbers, not for everyone?
Yes, it's okay: Standard MIUI Blacklist: Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Calls β†’ Blacklist. Third-party apps like Call Blocker or Truecaller (allows you to add numbers manually or by mask). Please note that blacklisting doesn't turn off all calls, only selected ones.
Will a mobile bank or 2FA (SMS codes) work if you turn off calls?
Depending on the method: Methods 1, 2 and 5 (LTE-only, In-Airplane mode, engineering menu) - SMS will come as they are transmitted over the same channel as the Internet. Method 3 (locking in SIM settings) - SMS is also blocked unless exceptions are configured. Method 4 (third-party applications) - usually do not block SMS, but check the settings of a particular software. For a mobile bank, it is better to use methods 1, 2 or 5.
How do you get it back if the internet stops working?
Follow the steps: Turn off In-Airline mode (if activated). Reset network settings: Settings β†’ Memory β†’ Reset β†’ Network settings Reset. Reset your phone. If the problem persists, check APN settings or contact the operator.
Can I turn off outgoing calls but leave incoming calls?
There is no such feature in standard MIUI settings, but you can: Use applications like Call Blocker, where there is an option to block only outgoing calls. Set a password for outgoing calls through Settings β†’ Security β†’ Lock applications (block the Phone application). Note: blocking outgoing ones can prevent emergency calls (112, 102, etc.).
Will this work on POCO or Black Shark?
Yes, all of the described methods are applicable to any MIUI-based smartphone, including: POCO X3/X4/X5, POCO F3/F4/F5, Black Shark 4/5. Exception: on devices with custom firmware (for example, LineageOS) some options may not be available (for example, lock in SIM settings).