Modern Xiaomi smartphones have become an integral part of the work and personal space, but sometimes there is an urgent need to temporarily isolate yourself from voice communication, while maintaining access to web resources. Users often look for ways to turn off incoming calls, but leave the Internet on Xiaomi to continue using messengers, mail or navigator in silence. Standard flight mode is not suitable here, since it completely breaks radio communication, blocking mobile data.
Fortunately, the Android operating system with the MIUI branded shell or the new HyperOS offers several flexible tools for managing SIM cards. You can selectively disable calling via network settings or use the services of an operator without physically removing the SIM card. This is especially true for freelancers, students during exams or in situations where maximum concentration is required without the risk of missing an important notification from Telegram or Viber.
In this article, we will take a look at all the available voice blocking methods, from built-in phone functions to redirect codes. We will analyze the features of each SIM card in dual-symbol devices and look at the nuances that can arise when setting up Do Not Disturb mode. The correct configuration will allow you to stay in touch with the world over the Internet, ignoring intrusive voice calls.
Use of the built-in call ban function
The most direct and reliable way to stop calls is to use the regular functionality of the Xiaomi phone book, which does not require third-party applications and works at the network protocol level, returning the signal to subscribers “occupied” or “unavailable.” To activate, you need to open the Phone application, click on three dots in the upper right corner and select Settings, and then go to the “Disallow Calls” section.
In this menu, the system will suggest you to choose the type of lock: you can disable all outgoing, all incoming or only international calls. PIN-If you have not changed your SIM card code (usually 0000 or 1234), your phone will stop making sounds when you call, and the person will hear beeps or a refusal message, while the mobile Internet will continue to work normally.
⚠️ Note: When you activate call ban via phone settings, the service may be charged by the operator as a paid "Disclaim Calls" option.
Importantly, this method blocks voice communication, leaving the ports for data transfer open, which means that applications like WhatsApp or Zoom can still initiate voice calls over the Internet (VoIP), because they do not pass through the standard GSM voice channel. If your goal is complete silence, you will have to additionally configure notifications inside the messengers themselves.
☑️ Checking the prohibition settings
Set up redirection to isolate from calls
An alternative and often more effective method is to set up unconditional forwarding of all incoming calls to another number or voicemail. This approach is good because the call just doesn't reach your device, so it doesn't even vibrate. To implement this on Xiaomi, go to the call settings and find "Redirect" and you can select the "Always Redirect" option here.
The number for forwarding can be a friend's number, a second phone number or a special service voicemail number of your operator. Once you confirm the settings, the operator will redirect all traffic to voice calls, bypassing your device, while the Internet connection remains completely independent and operates without restrictions, since the forwarding only affects the voice channel.
How do I cancel the redirect?
There's also the ability to fine-tune redirect conditions. You can only set up redirects if the line is busy, if you're not responding or if the phone is off. However, unconditional redirect is best for ignoring calls completely, which is especially handy if you're using your smartphone as a modem or for navigating in a car where a random call can disrupt your route.
Do Not Disturb and Contact Filtering
Android offers a powerful Do Not Disturb (DND) tool that allows you to manage notifications and calls flexibly. Unlike total call ban, this mode allows you to create exceptions. For example, you can set your phone to block calls from everyone except those on the Favorite list, or vice versa, block all but repeat calls (if someone calls a second time within 3 minutes, this is considered an emergency).
To activate, press the volume button and select the star icon or the Do Not Disturb slider. In the advanced settings of this mode, available through the audio settings menu, you can specify the rules in detail. You can prevent sound and vibration for incoming calls by leaving visual notifications on the screen, or make the phone not respond to the call at all, skipping it immediately to the answering machine.
The main advantage of this method is that it doesn't require interaction with the network settings of the operator. Everything happens programmatically at the device level. This means that even if you are in roaming, where redirect services can be expensive, the "Do Not Disturb" mode will allow you to ignore calls for free, while the background synchronization of data, navigator operation and streaming of music will continue without interruption.
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Set up automatic Do Not Disturb mode on schedule in the Digital Well-being section so that the phone itself goes into quiet mode while working or sleeping.
Managing two SIM-maps on Xiaomi
Xiaomi smartphone owners often use two SIM cards, which adds flexibility in communication management. You can turn off only one SIM card, leaving the second one fully active for voice communication, or you can turn off voice calls on both, but leave the mobile Internet active on one of them. MIUI SIM card management is placed in a separate menu «SIM-maps and mobile networks».
You can temporarily deactivate the SIM card completely, but it will also turn off the Internet. A finer setting is available through the default SIM card selection menu. You can assign one SIM card only for data transfer, and for voice calls you can choose nothing or choose a second one for which the redirect is configured. However, to block the incoming ones on a particular SIM card, the most convenient way to use the operator codes or call prohibition settings described above, applying them selectively to the desired slot.
An interesting feature is the ability to quickly change priorities through the notification curtain. By clicking on the SIM card management icon, you can quickly switch the SIM card that is responsible for the Internet, or temporarily turn off one of them. This is useful if you urgently need to free up the communication channel for the Internet, increasing its stability, disabling the second SIM card, which can interfere in areas of uncertain reception.
| Locking method | Impact on the Internet | Payment for services | Difficulty setting up |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prohibit calls (Settings) | It doesn't. | Possibly (depends on operator) | Low. |
| Redirection | It doesn't. | Yes (redirection charging) | Medium |
| Do Not Disturb mode | It doesn't. | Free of charge. | Low. |
| Flight mode + Wi-Fi | Mobile Internet is offline | Free of charge. | Low. |
Use of operator codes to block
Each mobile operator (MTS, Beeline, MegaFon, Tele2) provide their own USSD-This is a quick way to turn off incoming calls without going deep into the smartphone menu, for example, to activate the Inbox Ban service, codes like this are often used to activate the Inbox Ban service *110*71# (The code can vary by region and operator. Once you enter the command in the dialing app, you will receive SMS-confirmation of service activation.
The advantage of using carrier codes is that the lock is on the network side. Even if your Xiaomi phone is discharged, turned off or out of range, calls will still not pass (the subscriber will hear “busy” or “subscriber is unavailable”), while the Internet continues to work if the phone is on data and there is network coverage.
However, be careful: some operators may charge a subscription fee for using the incoming call blocking service. In addition, after using the code, it is recommended to check the status of the service in the operator’s personal account. To cancel the lock, the code #002# or similar is usually used, which resets all types of redirects and bans.
⚠️ Attention: USSD-codes may vary depending on your region and current plan. Before entering a command, carefully read the description of the service on the screen or on the operator's website.
Third-party applications for call management
If built-in tools are not enough, Google Play offers a variety of applications to automate and block calls, apps like Calls Blacklist or Mr. Number allow you to create complex scenarios, such as setting up automatic resets of all calls from numbers not saved in contacts, or blocking calls at certain hours of the day.
These applications act as a middleman: they detect an incoming call and instantly reset it, often without even letting the phone vibrate or make a sound. SMS-Answering the caller, informing them that you are not available but can answer via the Internet, creates a convenient barrier between you and the caller.
When choosing an app, pay attention to the permissions you request. Blockers need access to your phone book and call history to work. Make sure the app doesn't require unnecessary rights, such as access to your photo or location, to keep data confidential. Most popular blockers are free and contain ads that can be disabled in the premium version.
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Third-party apps give you maximum flexibility in setting lock rules, but require constant access to phone resources, which can slightly increase battery consumption.