How to turn off calls but leave mobile Internet on Xiaomi: 5 working ways

Do you want to use a Xiaomi smartphone only to access the Internet without receiving calls? This is a problem for owners of a second phone, SIM-carded tablets or devices that are used as “internet routers.” In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to disable incoming / outgoing calls to Redmi, POCO or Mi, while preserving mobile traffic.

The problem is that standard settings MIUI It doesn't always allow you to completely block voice without affecting data. MIUI 12-14 (including HyperOS) and uncovered workarounds ranging from built-in features to hidden engineering menus, and how to avoid carrier blocking the internet when calling is disabled, and why some techniques may not work on dual-use devices. SIM-map.

Why you can’t just turn off calls in Xiaomi settings

Unlike iPhones or smartphones on “pure” Android, where there are separate switches for voice and mobile data, MIUI combines these functions in one menu. When you turn off the mobile network (Settings) → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Mobile network, you lose both the Internet and the ability to call, and it's due to the firmware architecture and the requirements of the carriers.

Key limitations:

• 📵 Lack of separate management: MIUI Does not provide a separate switchboard for blocking only voice communication, as implemented in the Samsung One UI or OxygenOS.
• 📡 Operator policy: Some providers (e.g. MTS or Beeline) automatically suspend data transmission if they detect a lack of registration in the network for calls.
• 🔄 Double. SIM-Cards: On dual-slot devices (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro)+) switch off calls on one SIM It can affect the internet on another.

Another trap is In Airplane mode, which many users try to turn on and then manually activate Wi-Fi and mobile data, but in MIUI, this mode completely blocks all wireless modules, including LTE/5G, until it is turned off. There are bypasses, but they require additional actions.

Method 1: Use of Data Only (for one) SIM-map)

The easiest way to translate is to SIM-The card is in Data Only mode. It is available on most Xiaomi devices with MIUI 12+ It allows you to completely shut down voice communications, and you can keep the Internet available, but it only works for one person. SIM-Cards (if you have two, the second one will remain active for calls).

Step-by-step:

1. Open the Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
2. Choose the right one. SIM-map, SIM 1).
3. Tap on the network type.
4. In the list of options, select LTE Only (recommended) or 4G Only.
5. Go back and activate the Mobile Data Switch for this SIM.
6. Restart the device (required!) to make the changes effective.

After the reboot, yours SIM-The card will be registered on the network only for data transfer, no calls will be received (the subscriber will hear the message "Subscriber is temporarily unavailable"), and the mobile Internet will remain active. This method does not work on some operators (e.g. Tele2) that force voice communication when traffic is detected.

Method 2: Blocking calls through call settings

If you need to temporarily disable incoming calls but keep outgoing calls (for example, for emergencies), you can use built-in locking features, which does not shut down voice communication completely, but makes it unavailable to most subscribers.

How to set up:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Calls (Phone).
2. Select Number Lock.
3. Activate the option to block unknown numbers.
4. Add all contacts (except emergency services) to the blacklist by adding a number.
5. Go back to the phone’s basic settings and turn off notifications for the Phone app to avoid seeing missed calls.

Advantages of the method:

• 🔕 You can still call manually (e.g. 112 or 911).
• 📶 Mobile Internet works without restrictions.
• 🔄 It is easy to undo the lock in two clicks.

Disadvantages:

• ⚠️ Calls from the operator (e.g., 0611 or 900) may be made.
• ⚠️ Subscribers will see that their number is blocked (some operators have a corresponding message).

💡

If you need to block all incoming calls, including system calls, install a third-party app like Google Play’s Call Blocker and set up the “Block All Calls” rule in it.

Method 3: Engineering menu (for advanced users)

For Xiaomi devices based on Qualcomm processors (most Redmi and POCO models), there is a hidden method of disabling voice communication through the engineering menu, which requires caution, since incorrect changes can disrupt the network.

Instructions:

1. Open the Phone app and type the combination: ##4636## (some devices may require #86583###).
2. In the menu that opens, select Phone Information (or Phone Information).
3. Scroll down to the Set preferred network type block.
4. Select LTE only (if you don’t have one, try GSM auto (PRL) → LTE/CDMA auto).
5. Go back and find Turn off radio (disables communication for 10 seconds to apply settings).
6. Reset the device.

After these actions, yours SIM-The card will be registered on the network only for data transfer. MIUI 14+ The engineering menu can be blocked, and you need to unlock the bootloader or use it. ADB.

Method 4: Disabling the service "Voice" operator

Some carriers (such as MegaFon or Yota) allow voice communication to be turned off at the tariff level, while maintaining mobile Internet, which is the most reliable way, since the blocking is from the provider, not the device.

How to do this:

Warnings:

⚠️ Attention: Disabling voice from the operator may result in an automatic switch to another tariff (for example, from “Limitless” to “Internet Thing.

⚠️ Attention: On some tariffs (e.g. MTS Smart), the voice shutdown cancels unlimited calls, but does not affect the Internet package.

Method 5: Alternative solutions (for tech-savvy)

If standard methods don't work, you can use advanced tools, which require root or unlocked bootloader rights, so they're not for everyone.

Options:

• 🛠️ Change of change APN: Create a new access point (Settings) → Mobile network → Access points APN) type-wise=default,supl (remove mms and ims) This will disable multimedia services, including VoLTE calls.
• 📱 Network Signal Guru app: Allows you to manually disable network registration for voice communication, saving LTE data-data.
• 🖥️ ADB-Adb shell settings put global preferred_network_mode 9 adb shell settings put global mobile_data 1 (prioritize LTE only).

Risks:

• ⚠️ Some operators block devices with non-standard settings (for example, MTS may request re-registration). SIM).

💡

If you are not sure about your technical skills, you should use methods 1-3. Advanced methods can lead to loss of communication or the need to reset settings.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after you use one of these methods, you may encounter difficulties, and here are the most common ones and the ways to eliminate them:

Problem 1: After the phone was turned off, the internet disappeared.

• 🔹 Check if the mode Saving traffic is activated in Settings → Battery.
• 🔹 Switch the network type to Only LTE (see method 1).
• 🔹 Remove and add again APN-profile.

Problem 2: Calls continue to flow despite being blocked.

• 🔹 Make sure that SIM-The card is not tied to VoLTE (disable it in Settings) → SIM-map → VoLTE challenges).
• 🔹 Check if the call forwarding is active (*#67# for checks).

Problem 3: The operator blocks the Internet when the voice is turned off.

• 🔹 Try changing the tariff to “Internet thing” or “tablet».
• 🔹 Use eSIM with a virtual carrier (like Tinkoff Mobile) where voice communication is disabled by default.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions