How to make a call on a Xiaomi phone: all the ways and hidden features

Making a call on a Xiaomi smartphone seems like the simplest task — until you face unexpected problems. Brand users are often lost when the standard interface. MIUI It changes suddenly after the update, the contacts from the list disappear, or the phone refuses to call through the mobile network. From basic dialing to solving common bugs, including hidden features like Double Tap to Call or Privacy Mode.

We’ll explore not only the obvious ways (via the Phone app or voice assistant) but also lesser-known tricks like how to call from a locked screen or why Redmi Note 12 can ignore outgoing calls when active. VPN. Special attention will be paid to the unique problem of models 2023-2026 with “hanging” contacts after synchronization with Mi Account. If your Xiaomi stubbornly does not want to call – here you will find a solution.

1. Basic ways to make a call to Xiaomi

Let's start with the classics. Even if you've never used a Xiaomi smartphone, these methods will work on 99% of the brand's devices, from the budget Redmi. A2 to the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra.

The most obvious way is through the standard Phone app** (a handset icon, usually on the home screen or in a folder). Google/Tools. The algorithm is simple:

• 📱 Open the Phone app (if not, check the Service folder or use the swipe search down on the home screen).
• 🔢 Dial the number manually on the keyboard or select a contact from the list (Contact tab).
• 📞 Press the green call button. If the screen goes out during dialing, just hold the phone to your ear, and the proximity sensor automatically initiates the call.

V MIUI 14/15 Quick dialing: if you enter the first 2–3 Number numbers, the system will offer options from the history of calls or contacts, this works even for international numbers (for example, dialing). +7 — Russian contacts are immediately appearing).

Alternatives:

• 🎤 Voice call: say "OK, Google, call your mom" or activate Alice from Yandex (if installed). IR-A blaster (for example, Redmi Note 11 Pro)+) voice assistant can conflict with the remote – check the settings in Special features → Voice control.
• 📋 From contacts: open the Contacts app, find the profile you want, and tap the phone icon next to the number. If the contact is linked to multiple numbers (work/personal), hold your finger on the icon, and the selection menu will appear.
• 🔄 Repeat Call: Swipe down from the top edge of the screen to open the notification bar and tap on the last missed/outgoing call.

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (especially global versions for Europe), Quick Dial is disabled by default. To activate it, go to Settings → Annexes → Phone. → Quick set.

2.Call from a locked screen: how it works and why it may not work

The emergency lock call feature is available on all Xiaomi, but it depends on the version. MIUI In newer models (e.g. Xiaomi) 13T) By default, you only allow emergency calls (112, 911, etc.), and you need to unlock the normal numbers:

1. Go to Settings → Screen Lock and Password.
2. Select the screen lock settings → Lock widgets.
3. Activate the phone switch (or Contacts if you want to see the selected numbers).

Then you'll see the phone icon in the lower left corner on the lock screen, and you'll tap it, and the keyboard will open without requiring you to enter it. PIN print.

Important nuances:

• 🔒 On devices with corporate profiles (e.g., Mi Work), the administrator can block this feature.
• 📵 If the phone is connected to VPN or uses a double SIM, Lockdown calls can only go through the main card.
• 🔋 On a discharged battery (less than 5%), the function is turned off automatically - it is protection against accidental calls at a critical charge level.

3.Calling problems: why Xiaomi isn't calling and how to fix it

If your Xiaomi refuses to make outbound calls, the problem may lie in one of 5 key components: SIM-map, network settings, firmware, application conflict, or hardware failure.

3.1 Verification SIM-maps and networks

The first thing you need to do is make sure that the phone sees the operator's network. Swipe down from the top edge of the screen and check the icons:

• 📶 No signal: restart the phone or remove/paste SIM-On models with doubles. SIM Check if the second card is disabled in Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
• ⚠️ Exclamation point triangle: the operator has blocked the service (for example, for non-payment.
• 🌐 Letters 4G/5G, But the calls are not coming: maybe Data Only Mode is activated. → SIM-map → [Yours. SIM] → Type of network → Preferred type of network: 4G/3G/2G (motor-car).

Conflicts with annexes

A common cause of a silent phone is programs that block outgoing calls.

• 🛡️ Antiviruses (e.g. Avast or 360 Security): disable Call Protection.
• 🔒 Spam blocking apps (like Truecaller): add a number to the exceptions.
• 📱 Duplicate calls (e.g. Google Phone and the standard Phone app): leave only one, turn off the second in Settings → Annexes → Delete/disable.

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi with MIUI 14+ There is a bug: if in Settings → Sound enabled Do Not Disturb mode with exceptions, the phone can block all outgoing calls except for selected contacts.

Hardware malfunctions

If the software methods did not help, the problem may be in the hardware:

• 📞 The microphone does not work: during the call, switch to speakerphone – if the interlocutor hears you, the problem is in the upper microphone (requires repair).
• 🔊 No audio in the speaker: check if Mode in the ear is activated (turns on automatically when the phone approaches the head) and switches off swipe up the screen during the call.
• 📡 The antenna does not catch the network: if the signal disappears even in the coverage area, the antenna plume may have departed (typical for the antenna). POCO X3 Pro after falls).

4. Hidden Call Features on Xiaomi: What You Didn't Know

MIUI It hides a few useful things that make calls easier, and most of them are undocumented, but they work on all the devices of the brand.

Double tap for call

Starting with MIUI 12, you can assign a double touch on the contact for an instant call:

1. Open Contacts and select the profile you want.
2. Slip on three dots in the top right corner. → Display settings.
3. Turn on Double Touch for the call.

Now just tap the contact twice in the list - the call will begin automatically.

4.2. Privacy regime

If you are calling from someone else’s phone or do not want the number to appear in the history, use Incognito Mode:

• 🕵️ In the Phone application, dial ##4636## (test menu opens).
• Go to the tab Phone Information → Incognito challenge.
• Activate the option – now all outgoing calls will not be saved in the log.

⚠️ Important: this mode does not hide your number from the interlocutor (it requires the operator service Anti-AON), it only removes the record from the history.

💡

If you want to temporarily hide your number when you call, dial before #31# (e.g. #31#79123456789), which will only work if the operator supports the Anti-AON service.

Quick call commands

V MIUI 15 added voice command support without the Internet:

1. Go to Settings. → Special facilities → Voice control → Call teams.
2. Add a phrase (e.g., “Call your wife”) and link it to the contact.
3. Now it is enough to say the command even on the locked screen (if the voice assistant Xiaomi is enabled).

5. Calls through messengers: WhatsApp, Telegram and others

If mobile communication is not available (for example, roaming or not) SIM-You can make calls via Internet messengers. At Xiaomi, it works with nuances:

5.1. WhatsApp

For WhatsApp calls:

• 📱 Make sure the app has access to microphone and contacts (Settings) → Annexes → WhatsApp → Permits).
• 🌍 Connect to Wi-Fi or mobile internet (calls eat up» ~1 MB/minute).
• 📞 Open the chat with the contact and tap the phone icon in the upper right corner.

On Xiaomi MIUI 14+ There's a bug: if you turn on Power Saving Mode, WhatsApp can stop calling in 10-15 minutes. → Battery.

5.2. Telegram

Telegram supports voice and video calls, but they may not work on Xiaomi because of:

• 🔒 Background Traffic Blocks: Add Telegram to Battery Optimization Exceptions (Settings) → Battery → Optimizing the battery → All applications → Telegram → No restrictions).
• 📵 VPN Proxies: Turn them off before calling (especially for Redmi with Chinese firmware).
• 🔊 Incorrect sound settings: in Telegram go to Settings → Sounds and vibrations and turn on the speaker for calls.

💡

For stable calls via instant messengers on Xiaomi, be sure to disable Battery Optimization for the app and check that in Settings → Annexes → Special access → Changing system settings in the messenger has all the permissions.

Alternative messengers

Other popular options:

• 💬 Viber: supports calls to numbers (including landline), but requires confirmation through SMS.
• 📱 Signal: the safest option, but can slow down on budget Redmis (like Redmi) 9A).
• 🎮 Discord: Suitable for voice chats, but not a replacement for regular calls.

6.Call settings for seniors and users with disabilities

Interface. MIUI You can adapt it for people with vision, hearing or motor problems:

Increase font and buttons

For users with poor vision:

• 🔍 Enlarge the font: Settings → Screen. → Type size (select Very large).
• 📱 Increase the icons: Settings → Screen. → Size of elements.
• 🎨 Include High Contrast: Settings → Special facilities → Contrast text.

Voice control

For those who have difficulty pressing the screen:

• 🎤 Activate Xiaomi Voice Assistant: Settings → Special facilities → Voice control.
• 📞 Set up commands: for example, “Call your daughter” or “Apply to the incoming one».
• 🔊 Enable Voice Actions: The phone will tell you which contact you have chosen.

Vibration and light signals

For users with hearing impairments:

• 🔦 Turn on Flash when calling: Settings → Special facilities → Rumor → Notification flash.
• 📳 Set up a unique vibration for important contacts: Open the contact → Edit → Vibration.
• 🔋 Increase the duration of vibration: settings → Sound. → Vibration on the bell.

💡

For older users, it is recommended to disable navigation gestures (Settings) → Screen. → Navigation style → Buttons – This makes it easier to return to the home screen during a call.

7 Roaming calls: how to save and avoid lockdown

Using a Xiaomi phone abroad can lead to unexpected roaming bills, and this is how to avoid overpayment:

7.1. Disable automatic roaming

By default. MIUI It connects to the first networks it sees, which can lead to high tariffs, to control the process:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [Yours. SIM] → roaming.
2. Turn off the automatic network selection.
3. Manually select the operator of your provider’s partner (the list is usually on the operator’s website).

7.2. Use of eSIM and local SIM-map

If your Xiaomi supports eSIM (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Lite) or POCO F5), possible:

• 📱 Activate the virtual SIM local operator (e.g. Airalo or Holafly).
• 🌍 Buy physical SIM-Map in place and use it as a second line (in Settings) → SIM-Select which card is used for calls).

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (especially Chinese) Xiaomi blocks work with two SIM-Check this out in advance!

7.3. Wi-Fi calls

If mobile communication is expensive, use:

• 📞 Wi-Fi Calling: Enable in Settings → SIM-map → [Yours. SIM] → Calls via Wi-Fi. Works with most Russian operators (MTS, Beeline, Tele2).
• 💬 Messengers: WhatsApp, Viber or Telegram (see section 5).
• 📡 Local apps: Some countries have popular messaging apps (like Line in Thailand or WeChat in China).

8. Frequent questions and decisions