How to make an answering machine on Xiaomi: step-by-step setting with photos and tips

Are you tired of missing important calls when you can't answer? The answering machine on Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi and POCO models) solves this problem - it automatically accepts incoming calls, plays your voice greeting and records a message from the caller. But how to turn it on if there is no obvious "Voicemail" item in the standard settings?

In this article, you will find 3 working ways to configure your answering machine: through built-in MIUI functions, with the help of a carrier and third-party applications. We will analyze the nuances for different models (Xiaomi 13T, Redmi Note 12, POCO F5, etc.), show how to record a personal greeting, and explain why sometimes the answering machine does not work, and at the end we will see the FAQ with answers to frequent errors and the table of compatibility of functions with operators.

1. Ways to set up an answering machine on Xiaomi: which one to choose?

There is no one-size-fits-all solution on Xiaomi smartphones – the setup method depends on the MIUI version, the phone model, and even your mobile carrier.

• 📱 Built-in Voicemail – available on new models with MIUI 14+ (Xiaomi 14 or Redmi Note 13 Pro+). It works through the operator’s services.
• 📡 Mobile operator’s answering machine – connects via USSD-Team or personal account (suitable for any Xiaomi model, even old ones).
• 🤖 Third-party apps, such as Google Voice or HulloMail, require registration but offer advanced features (message transcribing, cloud storage).

So what do you do? If you have a new model with fresh firmware, start with a built-in feature: For older smartphones (Redmi 9A, POCO M3) or if the carrier doesn't support voicemail, use apps. Now let's go through each method in detail.

2. Set up the built-in answering machine in MIUI (for new models)

Starting with MIUI 14, Xiaomi added voicemail support to the Phone system app, but the feature can be hidden, depending on the firmware region and operator.

1. Open the phone application (pipe icon).
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner → select Settings.
3. Scroll down to the Voicemail section (or Autoresponder on some firmware).
4. Activate the switch and follow the instructions on the screen to record the greeting.

Important: If there is no Voicemail, your carrier is not supporting this function through MIUI, then move on to the next method.

Update. MIUI last-minute|Check the balance (some operators charge for voicemail)|Connect to Wi-Fi or mobile network|Write down the greeting in advance (maximum 30 seconds)-->

Once activated, callers will hear your greeting and their messages will be saved in the Voicemail section of the Phone app. On dual-SIM models (for example, Xiaomi 12 Pro), the answering machine works only for the main one. SIM-map.

3. Connecting an autoresponder through a mobile operator

If the built-in function is not available, use the voice mail service from your operator. Most Russian providers (MTS, Beeline, MegaFon, Tele2) connect it for free, but there may be a charge for storing messages. Instructions for popular operators:

After connection:

1. Call your voicemail number (usually +7XXXXXXXXXXXX with *1 added at the end).
2. Follow the voice instructions to record a personal greeting.
3. Install. PIN-Message access code (by default, 0000 or 1234).

⚠️ Warning: If the answering machine fails after you've connected, check if you have Call forwarding enabled (*#21.

4.Use of third-party applications for autoresponder

If the previous methods don't work, install one of the specialized applications that offer more features than the standard solutions:

• 🎤 Google Voice is a free autoresponder that transcribes messages into text, requires a Google account and a U.S. number (can be accessed via TextNow).
• 📩 HulloMail – supports personalized greetings for different contacts, cloud storage and notifications of new messages.
• 🔄 YouMail – blocks spam calls and offers celebrity voices for greetings (paid).

For installation:

1. Download the app from Google Play (like Google Voice).
2. Register and confirm your phone number.
3. In the settings, turn on the option "Voicemail" and write down the greeting.
4. Configure call forwarding to the service number (usually 21 [service number]#).

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Before using third-party autoresponders, check the reviews on Google Play – some apps may collect data about your calls.

The disadvantages of third-party solutions: they require a constant Internet connection, can drain the battery and do not always work correctly with dual-SIM. But you get advanced functionality, for example, the ability to listen to messages through the web interface.

5 How to record a personal greeting for an answering machine

The standard "Subscriber temporarily unavailable" greeting sounds faceless. Write down yours, it won't take more than a minute. Here's how to do it well.

• 🎙️ Use an external microphone (like from headphones) for better sound. Xiaomi's built-in microphone can transmit noise.
• 🏠 Record in a quiet room – turn off the air conditioner, TV and other noise sources.
• ⏱️ Keep it within 20 to 30 seconds. The optimal scenario is, "Hello, welcome [your name]. I can't answer right now, but you can leave a message after the beep!"
• 🔊 Check the volume -- your voice should be clear, but not screaming. Use your headphones to control it.

For MIUI recording:

1. Go to Phone → Settings → Voicemail → Record the greeting.
2. Press the recording button, say the text and save it.

For operator voicemail:

1. Call your mail number (see table above).
2. In the voice menu, select the option to record the greeting (usually the number 3 or 4).

6.Why the answering machine on Xiaomi does not work: 5 reasons and solutions

You set it up according to the instructions, but the answering machine doesn't work? Here are the most common problems and solutions.

If the problem is not solved, try:

1. Reboot your smartphone.
2. Update the Phone app via Google Play.
3. Reset network settings: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI for POCO (for example, POCO X5 Pro) the answering machine may conflict with the "Fast Call Answers" function. Turn it off in Settings → Additionally. → Quick answers.

7.An answering machine alternatives: what to do if nothing works

If none of these methods work, consider alternatives:

• 📞 SMS-Autoresponder: Use applications like AutoResponder for SMS, Example text: "Sorry, I can't answer. Write to WhatsApp or call back later".
• 🤖 Chatbot in messengers: set up an auto-answer in WhatsApp Business or Telegram indicating that you are not available for calls.
• 🔄 Conditional Redirect: Redirect calls to another number (e.g. work) with 67(number)# if you don't respond within 20 seconds.

For business users, a virtual PBX (such as Zadarma or Mango Telephony) is suitable. It offers multichannel autoresponders, voice menus and integration with CRM.

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If you only need an answering machine for work calls, consider a separate option. SIM-Card and virtual PBX is cheaper than paying the operator for storing messages.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions