How to put a video call on Xiaomi: all the ways and instructions

Video calls on Xiaomi smartphones have become an integral part of everyday communication, but not all users know how to set them up correctly. Depending on the model (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 13) and the version of MIUI, the process may differ - some devices support the built-in Mi Video Call feature, while others require the installation of third-party applications. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods, from standard solutions to alternative services like Google Duo or WhatsApp.

Xiaomi phones are very well integrated with the Mi Account ecosystem, making it easier to set up video links between devices of the same brand, but there may be limitations when calling iPhones or other Android smartphones, and we will show you how to get around typical problems: From the lack of a video call button in the contact menu to camera connection errors, you will also learn which models support video calls over Wi-Fi without any video calls. SIM-maps – this is relevant for tablets Xiaomi Pad and smartphones in the mode “only Wi-Fi".

1. Built-in Mi Video Call: How to enable and use

Most modern Xiaomi smartphones (starting with MIUI 12) have a pre-installed Mi Video Call app that runs through JioPlatform (in India) or Miui Video Call Service (global versions).This feature allows you to make video calls directly from the standard Phone app, but there are nuances:

• 📱 It only works between Xiaomi devices with active SIM-Card (operator must support ViLTE or VoLTE).
• 🌍 In Russia and Europe, not available on all models – check the support in Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Video calls.
• 🔄 Requires VoLTE enabled (otherwise, the video call button will not appear).

To activate the Mi Video Call:

1. Open the phone app and select a contact.
2. Click on the camera icon next to the regular call button (if not, see the Problem Solving section).
3. Confirm permissions to access the camera and microphone.

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If the video call button doesn't appear, try updating the Phone app via Google Play or rebooting your smartphone. Sometimes resetting your network settings to Settings helps. → SIM-map → Resetting mobile network settings.

Important: Mi Video Call uses mobile traffic, not Wi-Fi. If you have unlimited VoLTE-enabled fare, that’s not a problem, but with limited traffic, it’s better to use alternative services (see next section).

2. Alternative applications for video calls

If the built-in feature is not available or not suitable, install one of these applications. they are all compatible with Xiaomi and support high-resolution video communication:

For installation:

1. Download the app from Google Play (like Google Duo).
2. Register (usually by linking to a phone number).
3. Give access to contacts, camera and microphone.
4. Select a contact and click on the video camera icon.

Tip for POCO owners: If video calls are lagging after installing the app, turn on performance mode in Settings → Special Features → Optimize MIUI and add the app to exceptions.

3. Set up video calls via WhatsApp on Xiaomi

WhatsApp is the most popular video solution, but Xiaomi sometimes has problems with the camera or microphone.

Open WhatsApp settings → Storage → Clear cache

Check permissions in Settings → Apps → WhatsApp → Permissions

Enable Auto-Run for WhatsApp in Settings → Battery → Auto-Run

Disable battery optimization for WhatsApp-->

If the screen goes off or the video stops:

1. Open Settings → Screen → Sleep mode and set the value Never (temporarily).
2. In Settings → Battery → Performance mode add WhatsApp to the list of applications without restrictions.
3. Update WhatsApp to the latest version (on Google Play or via APK).

On Xiaomi models with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra), WhatsApp supports video calls in 1080p resolution, but you need to manually enable the option in the application settings: Storage and data → Data Use → HD video calls.

4. Solving video calling problems on Xiaomi

If the video call button doesn’t appear or calls stop, check these points:

• 📶 No VoLTE: Go to Settings → SIM-map → [yours SIM] → Turn on VoLTE. Without this option, Mi Video Call won't work.
• 🔇 No sound: make sure the call does not activate the "External speaker" mode (switch in the sound settings during the conversation).
• 🎥 The camera won’t turn on: check if another application blocks access (e.g. Clean Master or Security).
• 🔄 The bell stops: turn it off. VPN Or switch from Wi-Fi to mobile internet and vice versa).

On the POCO F4 and Xiaomi 12T models, users often encounter a bug where video calling through Google Duo only works through the front camera, even if the main solution is chosen.

1. Open Google Duo and go to the settings.
2. Select Video → The default camera and manually specify the main camera.
3. If the option is not available, clear the app's cache in Settings → Apps → Google Duo → Storage.

5. Video calls without SIM-cards (via Wi-Fi)

If you don't. SIM-cards or it does not support VoLTE, you can call via Wi-Fi using the:

• 📲 Google Duo – works without a phone number (you can register by email).
• 💬 WhatsApp or Viber – require a number link, but calls are made via the Internet.
• 🖥️ Zoom or Skype – suitable for conferencing (up to 100 participants).

For Xiaomi devices without a SIM slot (e.g., Xiaomi Pad 6):

1. Connect to Wi-Fi.
2. Install Google Duo or WhatsApp.
3. When signing up for WhatsApp, use a virtual SIM number (like Google Voice) if you don’t have a physical card.

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On Xiaomi tablets, video calls via mobile networks are impossible - only over Wi-Fi. For stable communication, Internet speeds from 5 Mbit / s are recommended.

Important: some operators (e.g. MTS or Beeline) block video calls over Wi-Fi if the counter is negative, check the status of the account, even if you use only the Internet.

6. Optimization of video calling quality

To improve the quality of communication on Xiaomi:

• 📶 Use it. 5GHz Wi-Fi instead of Wi-Fi 2.4GHz — less interference and higher speed.
• 🔋 Close the background applications through Settings → Annexes → Launched.
• 🎧 Connect headphones with a microphone (such as Xiaomi Buds 4) for better sound transfer.
• 🔄 In Google Duo, enable the option Low Lag in video settings.

For models with AMOLED-screen (Xiaomi 13 Pro, Redmi) K60):

1. Activate Reading in the notification curtain to reduce eye strain.
2. Set adaptive brightness in Settings → Screen → Adaptive brightness.

1. Activate Developer Mode (7 times click on the MIUI version in Settings → About Phone).

2. Go to Settings → Additionally. → For developers and disable Hardware Acceleration for video calling applications.-->

7.Security of video calls on Xiaomi

Video calls can be targeted by hackers or spyware attacks to protect themselves:

• 🔒 Use two-factor authentication in Google Account and Mi Account.
• 🚫 Do not accept calls from unknown numbers – scammers often use video calls for phishing.
• 📱 Update regularly MIUI (In Settings → The phone. → Updating the system).
• 👁️ Check app permissions: For example, WhatsApp should not have access to your apps. SMS.

On models with an infrared camera (Xiaomi Mi 10T, POCO X3), be careful: some applications may use it to scan the environment without your knowledge.

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Never save logins / passwords from banking applications in notes or screenshots - during a video call, the interlocutor can see them.

FAQ: Frequent questions about video calls on Xiaomi