How to Remove Call Retention on Xiaomi Phone: All Working Methods

Why Call Holding Gets Into Hand and When to Turn It Off

Call retention feature on Xiaomi smartphones (including the Redmi line and the POCO) It often works by default, but it's not always convenient, for example, when an active call is made and a second call is received, the system automatically puts the first conversation into standby mode, which can interrupt important communication or create confusion. This is especially true for users who often use double-digit SIM-Card or works with corporate numbers.

In some versions of MIUI (especially 12-14), retention settings are hidden deep in the menu or not in the GUI, due to Xiaomi’s policy of simplifying the interface for the mass user by removing “extra” options, but you can turn off the feature through standard settings, or using hidden commands or ADB.

It is important to understand the difference between holding a call and waiting for a call:

• 📞 Retention – an active call is paused when answering a second call (the subscriber hears music or silence).
• ⏳ Waiting – the second call simply signals arrival without interrupting the current conversation.

In this article, we will talk about the disabling of retention – when the first call is forcibly suspended.

Method 1: through standard phone settings (MIUI 12–14)

The easiest method is to use built-in MIUI options. However, it does not work on all models: on some devices (for example, the Redmi Note 10 Pro or the POCO X3 Pro), the item may not be available.

1. Open the phone application (pipe icon).
2. Press three points (⋮) top-right → Select Settings.
3. Go to Calls or Additional Settings (name depends on the version of MIUI).
4. Find the option to Hold a Call (may be called Wait/Contain or Additional Call Features).
5. Turn off the slider or uncheck the tick next to the item.

If there is no such item, try an alternative path: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → [choose SIM] → Additional settings → Holding a call.

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On some Xiaomi firmware, the option is hidden under the operator's Service item. If it is not available, then the function is managed at the level of the operator. SIM-The card can be disabled only through the operator or ADB.

Method 2: Through USSD-operator

If the phone is not set up, it may be that the retention is activated by the mobile operator. USSD-code – a short command that you need to enter in the phone application as a number.

Universal commands for disabling retention (working for most Russian operators: MTS, Beeline, MegaFon, Tele2):

#004# – Disable all forwarding services (including retention)


*#43# - Checking the status of the call retention




##43# - Disabling the retention

After you enter the code, press the call button. In a few seconds, an SMS or a notification of successful shutdown will arrive.

• 🔄 Try restarting your phone.
• 📞 Check the current code with your operator (for example, MTS may differ from Tele2).
• 🔧 Check if they are blocked. USSD-team-set MIUI (Settings → Annexes → Permits → Additional authorizations → USSD-code).

Method 3: Disconnect via Engineering Menu (MTK/Qualcomm)

On Xiaomi smartphones with MediaTek (Helio G-series) or Qualcomm Snapdragon processors, you can use an engineering menu, which requires caution - incorrect settings can disrupt the network.

Instructions for MediaTek:

1. Open the Phone app and enter the code ##36446337## (or #4636## for older versions).
2. Go to Phone Information (or Phone Information)
3. Scroll down to Set Call Waiting (or similar).
4. Choose Disable for both of you. SIM-cards if any).
5. Press Turn Off Radio (the phone will temporarily lose the network), then Turn On Radio.

For Qualcomm Snapdragon:

1. Enter the code ##4636##.
2. Select Phone Information 1 (for the first SIM) or Phone Information 2 (for the second).
3. Find the Call Waiting string and change the value to Disable.
4. Reboot the phone.

Method 4: Use ADB-Teams (for advanced users)

If standard methods don't work, then Android Debug Bridge (ADB) is a tool for deep tuning, which requires a computer and a developer mode on.

Step-by-step:

1. Activate Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version. Click 7 times on the MIUI Version bar until the notification appears.

USB debugging

• Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
• Activate the debugging slider over USB.
• Connect your phone to your PC, install it. ADB-Drivers and open the command line in the folder with the platform-tools.
• Enter the commands in turn: adb devices (should appear your device) adb shell settings put global call_waiting 0
• Reboot the phone.

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Network reset removes stored Wi-Fi passwords, coupled Bluetooth devices and APN settings. Save important data in advance!

If the retention is still active, the problem lies at the level of the SIM-Cards – contact the operator with a request to disable the service manually.

Compatibility table with Xiaomi models

The data in the table is relevant for MIUI 12-14 firmware. On custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience), the methods may differ.

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When you disable call retention, users often face typical problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to solve them:

• 🔄 Retention is activated after the update: This is a feature MIUI — After major updates, some settings are reset. Solution: Repeat the shutdown through ADB or USSD-command, then disable automatic firmware updates in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 📵 It's not working. USSD-Commands: Check if your carrier or antivirus is blocking them (such as Avast or 360 Security). Disable protection temporarily or use another dialing app (such as Truecaller).
• 🔧 No "Contain Call" option in the settings: This means the function is operated by the operator. Try: Call Support asking to disable Call Waiting. Insert SIM to another phone (such as a Samsung or iPhone) and disable retention there.

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If you use two of them SIM-maps, disable the hold separately for each! SIM not extend to the second.

⚠️ Note: At some business class tariffs (for example, MTS "Business" or MegaFon "Office"), the retention of a call may be part of a package of services.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions