How to turn on the answering machine on Xiaomi: 5 ways for all models

Xiaomi’s autoresponder is not just a handy feature, but a real “go-ahead” for those who often miss important calls. Unlike older button phones where voicemail was a standard option, modern smartphones (including the Redmi, POCO and Mi lines) require a separate setup. The problem is that MIUI does not always offer a built-in answering machine — it needs to either be activated through hidden settings or install third-party apps.

In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to install an answering machine on Xiaomi in 2026: from standard features (if available on your model) to reliable applications from Google Play. We will pay special attention to the nuances for different versions of MIUI (12-14) and popular models – Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13T and others.

1. Check the built-in answering machine in MIUI

Before installing third-party apps, check if your firmware has an integrated autoresponder. In the latest versions of MIUI 14 (and partly in MIUI 13), the feature may be hidden, but it can be activated via the call menu.

Open the Phone app, go to Settings → Voicemail (or Autoresponder). If you don't have one, try an alternative path:

1. Dial the combination ##4636## (test menu).
2. Select Phone Information → Call settings.
3. Check for Autoresponder or Voice Mail.

If it doesn’t have a built-in feature, don’t worry: most Xiaomi models (especially the budget Redmis) don’t support it out of the box.

2. Setup of the answering machine through the operator

Many mobile operators (MTS, Beeline, MegaFon, Tele2) provide a free voicemail service that works like an answering machine, its main advantage is that it does not require installing applications and works even when the phone is turned off.

To activate the service:

• 📞 Dial it. USSD-your operator's team: MTS: *111*09# Beeline: *110*091# MegaFon: *105*09# Television2: *155*2*09#
• 🎤 Follow the voice instructions to record the greeting.
• ⚙️ Set the trigger time (for example, after 3-5 beeps).

Please note: some operators charge for storing messages (for example, MegaFon - 3 rubles / day after 10 messages).

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If you activate voicemail, call forwards to your answering machine immediately, check your redirect settings to Phone → Settings → Additional → Call forwarding. Turn off unnecessary rules.

3.The Best Autoresponder Apps on Xiaomi

If the built-in functions and operator services don't fit, install one of the specialized applications. 5 Popular solutions and selected top-3 Xiaomi:

For installation:

1. Download the app from Google Play.
2. Permissions to call, contact and microphone.
3. Write down a voice greeting or select a text template.
4. Set up the trigger conditions (e.g., “unknown numbers only”).

4. Set up auto-response via SMS (for business users)

If you do not need voice mail, automatic mail is enough. SMS-Answer: Use standard functions MIUI or the Google Messages app:

On Google Messages:

1. Open the application → Settings → Autoresponder.
2. Enable the option to send automatic responses.
3. Set up the text (for example: “I’ll call you back in an hour now”).
4. Specify the period of activity (on schedule or permanently).

In the standard app Messages from Xiaomi:

• 📱 Go to Settings. → Additionally. → Voicemail.
• 🔄 Select triggers (for example, “when a call is missed»).
• ✏️ Make a template (you can use variables like this %NAME% contact-name).

Make sure you have enough SMS in the tariff | Check the balance (some operators block mass sending) | Test on number two to avoid spam contacts | Turn off the answering machine after hours

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5. Autoresponder for business lines (WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber)

If you use Xiaomi for work, set up instant messenger auto-responses. This is true for Redmi/POCO owners who do business over their phone.

WhatsApp Business:

• 🏢 Install WhatsApp Business (separate from the regular WhatsApp app).
• 📝 Go to Settings. → Tools → Quick answers.
• 🎤 Create a template (e.g., "Hello! We work from 9:00 to 18:00. How to help you?»).
• ⏰ Set up an answering machine outside of working hours.

Telegram:

Telegram doesn't have an autoresponder built in, but you can use @ManyBot or @GroupHelpBot to automatically answer chats. For private messages, the Frequently Asked Questions feature in the channel settings is suitable.

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For business lines, it is better to use a combination of voice autoresponder (via operator) and SMS/messenger autorespond, which increases the likelihood that the client will receive a response in a convenient format.

6. Solving problems with the answering machine on Xiaomi

If the answering machine is not working, check the following points:

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi models with MIUI 12 and below, some autoresponder applications may conflict with system optimization. → Battery → Optimizing the battery → All applications and disable optimization.

Frequent errors and ways to eliminate them:

If the problem persists, try:

• 🔄 Reinstall the application.
• 📱 Update MIUI Up to the latest version (new firmware better support for third-party services).
• 🛠️ Reset network settings: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings.

7.Alternative methods: forwarding and smart devices

If standard methods do not work, consider alternatives:

1. Redirection to another number:

Set up conditional forwarding to a number with an answering machine (for example, to a second phone or a second phone). IP-telephony):

Dial: **21*[number]# → Call


Cancel: ##21# → Challenge

2. Smart speakers with answering machine:

If you have a Xiaomi Smart Speaker or Redmi Sonics, set up an auto-response via Mi Home:

• 🔊 Connect the column to the same Mi Account as the phone.
• 🎤 In the Mi Home app, select the device → Settings → Voice assistant → Automatic.
• 📅 Set a schedule and text of the greeting.

⚠️ Note: When using smart auto-response devices, make sure that the phone and speaker are on the same Wi-Fi network.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the answering machine on Xiaomi