Xiaomi answering machine: how to turn on and configure in 5 minutes

Do you miss important calls when you can't answer? The answering machine on Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi and POCO) solves this problem — it records voice messages from subscribers when you're not available. But many users are unaware of this feature: it's hidden deeper in MIUI than in standard Android.

In this article, 3 working ways to turn on the answering machine (including models without built-in function), step-by-step screenshots, settings for recording greetings and solving typical errors. And also a unique life hack, how to make an answering machine on Xiaomi without SIM-Cards (relevant for tablets and devices with eSIM).

1. Where to search for an answering machine in MIUI: the official way

In the latest versions of MIUI 14/15, the answering machine is integrated into the standard Phone app, but its location varies by firmware region. On global and European versions, the path is one, on Chinese (CN) it is another.

For most users, the instructions are as follows:

1. Open the phone application (pipe icon).
2. Slip on 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 to Enable voicemail.

It's on the phone. SIM-service-card|Mobile network coverage (not just Wi-Fi)|Version. MIUI at least 12 (older models require a workaround)|Disabled mode "In the plane"-->

If there is no Voicemail, then your carrier does not support this service (relevant for virtual operators like Tele2 or Yota), in which case, move to the alternative methods below.

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi 13/14 double-series SIM The answering machine only works on the main card (slot) SIM1). For the second. SIM You will need a separate setup through the operator.

2. Alternative ways to enable the answering machine

If the built-in function is missing or not working, use one of these methods:

• 📱 Operator Apps: MTS, Beeline and MegaFon have their own voicemail apps (e.g. MTS Voicemail) download it from Google Play and follow the instructions.
• 🎤 Third-party answering machines: Apps like Auto Answer or Visual Voicemail emulate a feature but require a constant internet connection.
• 🔄 USSD-Commands: Send the activation via the operator: *111*123# (for MegaFon or *111*55# (For the full list of commands, check the operator's website.

The most reliable option — USSD-They don't depend on the firmware of the phone, but they have a disadvantage: the messages will be stored on the operator's servers, not on the device.

Built-in function MIUI|Application from operator|Third-party app from Play Market|USSD-team|Not using.-->

3. Set up greeting and recording parameters

Once the answering machine is activated, it needs to be personalized. The following options are available in the Voicemail menu (see the first section):

To record a personal greeting:

1. In the answering machine menu, select Write down the greeting.
2. Press Recording and say the text (e.g., "Hello! I'll call you later. Leave a message after the beep.").
3. Listen to the tape and save it.

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If your voice sounds quiet on the record, move your phone 15 to 20 cm from your mouth before starting, or use headphones with a microphone.

4.Why the answering machine doesn't work: 5 frequent problems

If after setting up calls are reset without recording or subscribers hear "subscriber is unavailable", check these points:

• 📵 No network: The answering machine only works if there is mobile network coverage (Wi-Fi is not suitable).
• 🔕 Blocked number: If a subscriber is blacklisted, his call will not be recorded.
• 📱 Outdated firmware: On MIUI below 12, the answering machine may not be available. → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 💳 Inactive service: Some operators (e.g. Tinkoff Mobile) have their voicemail disabled by default. Activate it via their personal account.
• ⚙️ Conflict with other apps: Spam blocking apps (like Truecaller) can intercept calls.

⚠️ Attention: Xiaomi Redmi Note 10/11 Android-based firmware 11 There's a bug: the answering machine only works after the first missed call. To fix this, reset the network settings to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting settings.

5. without an answering machine SIM-Cards: Life hack for tablets and eSIM

On Xiaomi devices without physical SIM-cards (for example, Xiaomi Pad 6 or smartphones with eSIM) the answering machine can be configured via IP-Telephony:

1. Install Google Voice or Zoiper from the Play Market.
2. Register an account and get a virtual number (in Google Voice it is free for the US, but it also works for calls from Russia).
3. In the application settings, turn on Voicemail and record the greeting.
4. Redirect calls from the main number to the virtual through the service Redirect (USSD-code: *21* number#).

The downside of this method is the delay in redirecting (2-5 seconds), but it works even without it. SIM-Maps and allows you to save messages in the cloud.

6. How to listen to and manage records

All saved messages are available:

• In the application Phone → tab Voice mail (for built-in answering machine).
• V SMS-chat room with a short operator number (for example, 0550 for MegaFon).
• In the Voicemail folder in internal memory (path: /storage/emulated/0/Voicemail/).

To delete or save a message:

1. Open the record in the phone application.
2. Click on three dots next to the message.
3. Choose Remove, Save to the Device or Share.

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Messages saved to your device take up space in memory. Clean your Voicemail folder regularly if you don't plan to store them.

7.Security: Who can listen to your messages?

Voice messages are stored:

• On the operator's servers (if their service is used).
• In the phone memory (if locally saved).
• In the cloud (if you use Google Voice or similar).

To protect the data:

1. Set a password for access to voice mail (available from MTS and Beeline via USSD-team *111*123*password#).
2. Turn off autoplay messages in the settings of the Phone application.
3. Keep your history cleaned regularly, especially if you use public Wi-Fi.

⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi with an unlocked bootloader, voice messages can be retrieved via the ADB. If you sell a phone, reset to factory settings (Settings) → Additionally. → Resetting settings).

Frequent Questions (FAQ)