How to turn on the tone mode on the Xiaomi phone: detailed instructions with nuances

You try to call a bank or service hotline, but instead of the expected voice menu, you hear only beeps? Redmi/POCO) It's activated with a pulsed dial mode instead of a tone, and this is a problem that's particularly relevant for smartphone owners. MIUI, where DTMF-The signals are hidden in an unobvious way.

Tonal mode (aka DTMF) is necessary for interaction with automated systems – when you need to enter numbers through the keyboard after dialing a number (for example, to select a language or department in a call center). In this article, we will analyze where the mode switch on different versions of MIUI is located, why it can be reset after updates, and what to do if the option is not on the menu.

What is a tonal mode and why it is needed

Dual-tone multi-frequency signaling (DTMF) is a technology for transmitting signals over a telephone line, where each digit (0-9) and */# characters corresponds to a unique combination of two sound frequencies. Unlike the outdated pulse mode (where the numbers are transmitted by a series of electrical pulses), the tonal allows:

• 📞 Interact with voice menus (IVR) Banks, Communications and Public Services.
• 🔢 Introduce additional numbers after the connection (for example, PIN-code).
• 📡 Use it. USSD-commands (like *100#) to check the balance).
• 🛠️ Configure some smart devices via phone (e.g. routers by protocol) TR-069).

On Xiaomi smartphones, the default is usually the tone mode, but after resetting the settings, updates MIUI Or installing third-party calling apps like Truecaller, it can get lost, especially on Hybrid Dual models. SIM, wherein SIM-Cards are combined with microSD.

Where to find the tone settings in MIUI

Depending on the firmware version and Xiaomi model, the path to settings may vary, and the current route for MIUI 12-14 (including HyperOS for new devices) is as follows:

1. Open the phone application (pipe icon).
2. Press three points (⋮) top-right → Select Settings.
3. Go to Calls or Additional (on some models – Settings) SIM-map).
4. Find Tonal Mode, Dial Type or DTMF.
5. Choose Tonal (or DTMF) instead of Pulse.

If the item is not on the menu, try an alternative path:

Settings → SIM- Maps and Mobile Networks → [Select SIM] → Dial type

Keep important contacts in the cloud

Check the balance. SIM-map

Make sure your phone is not in "Airplane" mode.

Close your background apps (especially VPNs)

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On Xiaomi 11T Pro, Redmi Note 10 Pro and POCO F3, the setting may be called “DTMF Signal Type” and be in the “Additional Call Settings” sub-menuum. If you don’t find this item, your firmware may have been modified (e.g., Global ROM with remote features).

Step-by-step instructions for different versions of MIUI

Let’s take a look at how to turn on the tone mode on popular shell versions. Note that on some devices (for example, Xiaomi 12 Lite or Redmi 9A), the interface may be slightly different.

If the tone mode does not work after changing the settings, try:

• 🔄 Reboot your phone (sometimes changes only apply after rebooting).
• 📱 Switch to another. SIM-card (if there are two) and back.
• 🛠️ Reset network settings in Settings → SIM-map → Resetting network settings.

💡

If you frequently call automatic lines, save the number to contacts with the prefix * (e.g. *88001234567).

What to do if the option "Tonal mode" is not available

On some firmware (especially custom or Chinese) the tone setting may be hidden, and here are a few ways to get it back:

1. Update MIUI to the latest version via Settings → About Phone → System Update. Newer versions usually return the option.
2. Use a third-party app for calls, such as: Google Phone (from Google Play), Truecaller (has its own DTMF settings), ExDialer (for advanced users)

Activate the Engineering Menu

Enter the dialer: ##4636###


Go to "Phone Information" → "Select SIM"




Scroll to "Set preferred network type" and check the DTMF settings

⚠️ Warning: Changing the settings in the engineering menu can lead to unstable network operation. Do not change other settings unless you are sure of their purpose.

If none of these things worked, the problem could be at the carrier level.

• 📶 Insert SIM-card to another phone and check the tone mode.
• 📞 Call the operator to check if they are blocked. DTMF-signaling.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Many Xiaomi users face typical tonal problems, and the most common ones are:

1. Setup resets after rebooting: This may be due to conflict with battery-saving apps (like Security or Battery Saver).Add Phone app to optimisation exceptions: Settings → Battery → Battery Optimisation → All apps → Phone → Not Optimising
2. The tone mode works only for one person. SIM-Cards: On devices with two SIM (Dual SIM) You can apply the settings separately for each card. SIM In Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
3. Automatic systems don't recognize the numbers entered: The problem may be the delay between signals. Try entering numbers more slowly or use a pause (click # after each digit).

If you use VoLTE (calls through the phone) 4G), The tone mode may not work properly due to the operator's implementation of the technology, in which case temporarily disable VoLTE in the settings. SIM-map.

Alternative methods of tonal signals input

If you can not change the settings, you can bypass the problem by other methods:

• 📱 Manual keyboard input: Once connected to the subscriber, type the desired numbers on the phone keyboard. These will be transmitted in tonal mode regardless of the main settings.
• 🔢 Prefix * before number: Add * (e.g. *88001234567) before dialing number. DTMF for the current call.
• 📞 Use of the USSD-Commands: Use balance checks or service management USSD-codes (e.g. *100# for MegaFon) They always work in tonal mode.
• 💻 Web versions of services: Many banks and operators offer alternative ways of interacting through the site or application (for example, SberBank Online or My MTS).

For Xiaomi models with IR-with a blaster (e.g. Redmi Note 8 Pro or POCO X3 NFC) You can use the remote control to control devices that require DTMF (For example, some old modems).

💡

If you often encounter tonal mode issues, consider buying a separate one. USB-modem-supported DTMF. This is true for users who regularly work with automated telephone systems (e.g., system administrators or call center employees).

Problems after the MIUI update: how to return tone mode

Many users complain that after the MIUI update (especially to MIUI 13/14 or HyperOS), the tone mode disappears or does not work correctly.

• 🔄 Change the structure of the settings menu.
• 📦 Removing “extra” options in global firmware.
• 🔧 Conflicts with new versions of system applications (e.g. com.android.phone).

To return the functionality:

1. Check the firmware version in Settings → About Phone. If it’s Global ROM, try to go to EU ROM (unofficial European firmware) – it usually saves all settings.
2. Reverse to the previous version of MIUI via Settings → About Phone → System Update → Three Points → Select an Service Pack.
3. Install the patch through Magisk (root rights required). The Magisk Modules repository has modules to restore hidden features, including DTMF.

⚠️ Attention: Resetting firmware or installing custom ROM This may result in loss of data and cancellation of warranty.Before the procedure, make a backup copy through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset.

If the problem occurs after upgrading to HyperOS, try resetting your network settings:

Settings → SIM- Maps and Mobile Networks → Network Resetting → Reset settings

FAQ: Frequent questions about tone mode on Xiaomi