How to call from Xiaomi phone: from basic calls to hidden features

Xiaomi’s current smartphones offer more than just classic phone calls. Depending on the model — whether it’s a budget Redmi or a flagship Mi — users can use voice over a mobile network, VoIP services, video calls, and even emergency coordinate calls. However, even basic features sometimes raise questions about how to find a contact quickly, why the microphone is not working during a conversation, or how to turn on a call record.

In this article, we’ll look at all the ways you can make a call on Xiaomi devices, from obvious to hidden, how to make a call through Google Duo, Mi Video Call or the standard Phone app, set up a quick dial for emergency services, and fix typical problems: No sound, no connection failures or no dialing. We will focus on the features of dual models. SIM-maps where line selection can affect charging.

Standard Call: How to Dial a Number on Xiaomi

The basic way to call Xiaomi is to use the built-in Phone app, which supports all key features: fast dialing, call log, spam blocking, and contact integration.

1. Open the Phone app on the home screen or in the app menu.
2. Click on the Keyboard tab (number icon) at the bottom of the screen.
3. Enter the phone number manually or select the contact from the suggested ones.
4. Press the green call button.

If you often call the same number, add it to your favorites: click on the contact in the call log → “Add to your favorites.” To speed up the process, you can use the quick dial widget on the home screen (long press in free space → “Widgets” → “Phone”).

💡

Xiaomi models with MIUI 14+ in the call log display not only numbers, but also the geolocation of the subscriber (if he shared it through Mi Share).

It is important to note that when using two SIM-cards SIM) Before the call, the system will tell you to choose a line. SIM, The last one that was used for outbounds, you can change that in the settings:

1. Open the Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
2. Choose. SIM-map → Call settings.
3. Set priority for outgoing calls.

Internet Calls: VoIP and Messengers

If you have a bad network catch or want to save on long-distance conversations, you can call over the Internet. Xiaomi smartphones support several ways:

• 📞 Google Duo – pre-installed on most models, supports video calls HD.
• 💬 WhatsApp – calls are free when connected to Wi-Fi or mobile internet.
• 📱 Mi Video Call – Xiaomi’s proprietary video conferencing solution (not available on all models).
• 🌍 Skype/Zoom — for conference calls or international calls.

To make a call through Google Duo:

1. Open the Duo app (or install it from the Play Store if removed).
2. Select a contact from the list or enter the number manually.
3. Click on the video camera (video call) or phone handset (audio call) icon.

WhatsApp uses the same algorithm, but requires that the subscriber also be registered with the messenger. Note: VoIP calls consume traffic — an average of 0.5-1.5 MB per minute for audio and 3-8 MB for video.

Video calls on Xiaomi: setting up and features

Video communication on Xiaomi smartphones is available through both third-party apps (Zoom, Skype) and built-in tools. For example, Mi Video Call allows you to call other Xiaomi devices without installing additional software.

1. Open the phone app.
2. Select a contact and click on the video camera icon next to the call button.
3. Permit access to the camera and microphone.

If the video call icon is missing, check:

• 🔧 Availability of updates MIUI (The function can be added in new versions).
• 📱 Model compatibility (e.g. Redmi Note 10 supports Mi Video Call, Poco supports Mi Video Call) M3 — no).
• 🌐 Internet connection (video calls only work via Wi-Fi or mobile data).

To improve the quality of video communication:

• 📶 Use 5 GHz network for Wi-Fi (less interference).
• 🔋 Close background apps that consume traffic.
• 🎥 Enable image stabilization in camera settings (if available).

Emergency calls and SOS-function

Xiaomi smartphones support quick emergency calls even without unlocking the screen.

1. On the locked screen, click the Emergency Call button (usually at the bottom).
2. Enter the service number (e.g. 112 for Russia) and press the green handset.

Some models (such as Xiaomi 13 Pro) have a feature available SOS-A call to send coordinates to set it up:

1. Go to Settings → Password and Security → Emergency SOS.
2. Activate the option to Send an SOS message.
3. Add contacts for notification (maximum 5 numbers).
4. Set the activation method: quickly press the power button 5 times or hold the side buttons.

When the SOS phone is activated:

• 📞 Automatically dial the last emergency number used.
• 📍 Send it. SMS with your coordinates (if included) GPS).
• 🔊 Enables sound recording from the microphone (on some models).

💡

SOS function works even when the mobile Internet is turned off - coordinates are transmitted via SMS, and the call is made over the cellular network.

⚠️ Attention: On models with MIUI 14 and newer when activated SOS It also turns on emergency broadcasting, which means that the phone starts to play loudly to a siren that can't be turned off without entering a password.

Problems with calls: why can't I call?

If your Xiaomi can’t make a call, the reasons could be both software and hardware.

If the problem persists, reset your network settings:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings.
2. Confirm the action (password is not required).
3. Reset the device.

For dual SIM models, also check if the cards are conflicting. For example, if one SIM only supports 2G and the other supports 4G, there may be network switching failures. Solution: manually prioritize the network for each SIM in the settings.

Check the balance. SIM-map|Reboot the phone.|Turn off "In the Airplane" mode"|Try another one. SIM-map|Reset the network settings-->

Hidden Call Features on Xiaomi

In addition to the standard features, Xiaomi offers a few hidden features that not all users know about:

• 🔇 Do Not Disturb mode for individual contacts: you can only allow calls from selected numbers. → Don't disturb. → Allow calls → Selected contacts.
• 📹 Call recording: on some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T) It's built-in conversation recording. It's enabled in the settings of the Phone app».
• 🔄 Auto dial: if the subscriber is busy, the phone will automatically call back at a given interval (configured in Settings) → Additionally. → Auto dial).
• 📞 Voice Dial: Say “OK Google, Call Mom” and the phone will execute the command (requires setting up a voice assistant).

On models with MIUI 13+, live subtitles are available, which translates the voice into text in real time, and is useful in noisy places or for people with hearing impairments, to enable:

1. Open Settings → Special Opportunities → Live subtitles.
2. Activate the slider and allow access to the microphone.
3. During the call, tap the subtitle icon on the screen.

Another useful option is a delayed call, which allows you to schedule an outgoing call for a certain time (for example, so you don't forget to call in the morning).

1. Open the phone app and select a contact.
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner → Delayed call.
3. Set a date and a time.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi calls