How to put an answering machine on Xiaomi: all ways for smartphones and smart devices

The answering machine on Xiaomi devices is a useful feature to help you avoid missing important calls when you are busy or out of coverage. While this option is often hidden or absent in standard MIUI firmware, it can be activated in several ways, both through built-in settings and using third-party applications. In this article, we will discuss all working methods for Redmi, POCO and Xiaomi smartphones based on MIUI 12-15, and also explain how to configure the answering machine on the brand’s smart watches and speakers.

Many users mistakenly believe that the answering machine on Xiaomi is not available without root rights or complex manipulations. In fact, most devices support this feature out of the box, just the manufacturer hid it in the back of the menu. And for models where it is not, there are reliable workarounds. Next, detailed instructions, taking into account the features of different versions of firmware and types of devices.

1. Built-in answering machine in MIUI: where to look and how to turn on

On most Xiaomi smartphones (especially on the flagships of the Mi 10/11/12 series and Redmi Note 10/11/12), the answering machine is built into the standard Phone application, but access to it may vary depending on the version of MIUI. In recent updates (starting with MIUI 14), the function has become more noticeable, and in older versions it has to be “mined” through hidden settings.

To check for a built-in answering machine:

• 📱 Open the Phone app (the tube icon on the home screen).
• 🔍 Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Settings.
• 🔊 Scroll down to Calls or Additional – there may be an Autoresponder or Voicemail item.
• 🎤 If there is no item, try the path: Settings → System system → Advanced settings → Autoresponder (relevant to the MIUI 12–13).

On certain devices (e.g, POCO F3/F4) The answering machine can be called Voice Messages and be linked to a mobile operator service, in which case it is set up through a mobile operator. SIM-menu – more about this in the next section.

2. Voicemail through SIM-map: setting up the operator's voice mail

If you don't have a built-in answering machine on your phone, you can replace it with voice mail from your mobile operator, which is free for most MTS, Beeline, MegaFon and Tele2 rates, but requires pre-activation. The main advantage is that the caller does not need to install additional applications, and the messages are saved on the operator's server.

To connect voicemail:

1. 📞 Dial the combination for your operator: MTS: *111*45# or 0890 Beeline: *110*085# or 0611 MegaFon: *105*00# or 0500 Tele2: *155*2# or 0550

🎙️ Follow the voice instructions to record the greeting (standard: "Subscriber temporarily unavailable. Leave a message after the beep").

• Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Call forwarding.
• Select If you do not respond and provide your operator’s voicemail number.

⚠️ Note: If you use two of these SIM-The answering machine will only work for the one that the forwarding is configured to work on. SIM will require a separate setup.

Voice mail operator has a write time limit (usually 30-60 seconds) and stores messages from 3 to 30 days — check the terms on your provider's website.

3. Third-party applications for autoresponder: TOP-3 solutions for Xiaomi

If the built-in methods don't work, you can install a dedicated app, and we tested dozens of options from Google Play and selected the three most stable ones for Xiaomi:

To install any of these applications:

1. 🛒 Download it from Google Play (links: Google Voice, HulloMail, YouMail, etc).
2. 🔧 Give permission to access calls and microphones.
3. 🎤 Write down a personal greeting (you can choose the voice of the announcer in YouMail).
4. ⚙️ In the phone settings (Applications) → Permits → Autorun) add the application to exceptions so that it works in the background.

Install the app from the official store |Provide all the permissions requested |Record personal greeting |Add to autostart and battery exclusion |Provide work from another number-->

⚠️ Note: Autoresponder apps may conflict with battery-saving features in MIUI. After installation, check that restrictions in Settings are disabled for them. → Battery → Energy saving regime.

4.Responder on Xiaomi smart watches (Mi Band, Watch)

Xiaomi smartwatches and bracelets (e.g. Mi Band 7/8, Xiaomi Watch S3) do not support a full-fledged autoresponder, but can redirect calls to your phone or send fast voice messages.

• 📲 Make sure the watch is connected to your phone via Mi Fitness or Zepp Life.
• 🔊 In the settings of the clock, enable the option of Call Notifications.
• 🎙️ Use the built-in microphone for voice responses (available on Xiaomi Watch) S2/S3): When you call in, swipe up on the clock screen. Choose to respond with your voice and say a message (maximum). 10 The message will be sent as voice. SMS.

On the Mi Band (without a microphone), you can’t configure the answering machine – these devices only vibrate when calling and show the number. For a full function, you will need a smartphone with MIUI 14+ and Quick Responses support.

5. Xiaomi Smart Speaker Autoresponder (Mi AI Speaker)

Xiaomi smart speakers (such as Mi) AI Speaker or Xiaomi Smart Speaker can work as a home phone answering machine if connected to a fixed line or a phone. IP-That's what telephony is all about:

1. 🔌 Connect the speaker to the Wi-Fi network and sync with the Mi Home app.
2. 📞 At Mi Home, go to Devices → Column → Call settings.
3. 🎤 Turn on the auto-response option on the incoming and record the greeting through the microphone of the column.
4. ⏱️ Set up the response delay (default: 15 seconds).

The speaker will automatically answer calls with messages saved in the Xiaomi Cloud. Note that this feature only works with:

• 📶 IP-Telephony (for example, via Zoom or Skype).
• 📞 VoIP-enabled landline phones (connected via adapter).

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi speakers do not support direct integration with mobile operators. Autoresponding to cell calls will require a smartphone with a configured answering machine and synchronization via Mi Home.

6. Problem Solving: Why the Answering Machine Doesn't Work

If the answering machine is not turning on or recording messages, check the following points:

For smartphones with MIUI 14/15, it can also help:

• 🔄 Resetting the settings of the Phone application (Settings) → Annexes → Phone. → Warehouse → Reset).
• 📥 Update to the latest version (check in Settings) → The phone. → Updating the system).
• 🛠️ Installation of alternative firmware (e.g. xiaomi.eu), where the answering machine is often more stable.

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If the answering machine is delayed, reduce the waiting time for a response in the redirect settings (optimally 10-15 seconds).

7. Alternative methods: SMS-responder and chatbots

If the voice answering machine is not fundamentally suitable, you can configure automatic SMS-Answers or chatbots in messengers:

• 📱 SMS-Autoresponding: Use apps like AutoRespond SMS Or Tasker. Set up a template: "I'll call you back later. Message: [sender text]".
• 🤖 Chatbot in Telegram/WhatsApp: Create a bot via BotFather in Telegram. Set up auto-response to commands (e.g, /missedcall). Synchronize with IFTTT for automatic notification.

The advantage of this method is flexibility: you can customize different responses for different contacts or by time of day, for example, sending an automatic response to "In a meeting, I'll call you back at 15:00" during business hours.

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SMS-answering machine is the only way to automate phone responses without using voice messages, suitable for corporate phones or devices without a microphone.

FAQ: Frequent questions about answering machine on Xiaomi