Function speed dial on Redmi smartphones is one of those tools that users often look for, but do not always find right away due to constant changes in the MIUI shell and the new HyperOS. Device owners strive to reduce the time it takes to reach loved ones, especially in emergency situations or when their hands are full. Unfortunately, the classic method, familiar to many from old push-button phones - holding down the numbers from 2 to 9 for a long time - in modern versions of Android is often disabled by default or hidden deep in the menu.
However, the absence of one function does not mean that the system does not offer alternatives. Modern Xiaomi smartphones provide several ways of instant communication: from setting touch gestures to using voice assistant and widgets on the desktop. Understanding how the address book works in your firmware version will allow you to configure the most convenient calling scenario. Let's look at all the available options so that you can choose the best one for your device.
It is worth noting that the interface of the “Phone” application may differ depending on whether you are using a standard Google Dialer or proprietary application from Xiaomi. This is a critical point, since the paths to settings in them are radically different. Below we will look at both options, and will also touch on methods that work at the level of the entire system, regardless of the dialing used.
Classic method: setup via the Phone application
The traditional method of speed dialing involves linking a specific contact to a number key. In most versions of MIUI, this option is still available, but activating it requires several steps inside the calling application. You need to open the application Phone and go to the tab with the keyboard to dial a number.
After opening the keyboard, pay attention to the top of the screen or the settings menu, which is usually hidden behind three dots or a gear. Look for an item that may be called "Speed dial" or “Button assignments”. In some regions this section has been moved to general call settings. If you find this section, the system will offer you a list of numbers from 2 to 9, opposite which you can select a contact from your phone book.
⚠️ Attention: On some global versions of firmware with preinstalled Google Dialer the function of long pressing a number can be completely removed by the developer. In this case, the standard setup menu will be empty or absent.
If the menu is found, simply click on the desired number and select the contact. Now, to make a call, you don’t need to scroll through the list: just hold down the corresponding button on the dialing screen. This The only method that works directly from the lock screen without unlocking the deviceif such an option is allowed in the security settings. To test functionality, try dialing a number while holding your finger on the assigned key.
If you have fingerprint unlocking enabled, speed dialing from the lock screen may not work without first authorizing it in your privacy settings.
Using widgets and shortcuts on desktop
A more universal and visually understandable way to organize quick calls is to place special widgets on the main screen. This method does not depend on the version of the Phone application and works stably on all Redmi models, from budget series to flagships. First, you need to go to the main screen and call up the editing menu.
Make a long tap on an empty space on the desktop or pinch your fingers to open the widget menu. In the list of available items, find the application "Contacts" or “Phone”. Inside this section you will find several types of widgets: a list of contacts, a direct call or a shortcut to a specific person.
- 📞 Direct call: a widget with a handset icon, which, when clicked, immediately calls the selected contact.
- 👤 Contact photo: large an icon with a photo of a person, convenient for older people or visually impaired users.
- 📋 Favorites list: a compact block that displays several contacts simultaneously for quick selection.
Drag the selected widget to an empty space on the screen. The system will automatically prompt you to select a contact from your address book to link. After confirmation, a button will appear on the desktop, one click of which will initiate a call. This solution is especially convenient if you need to call several people during the day, since you can place 4-6 such shortcuts at once.
Voice control and Google assistant
For those who prefer to control their smartphone hands-free, the ideal solution is to use voice commands. Assistant Google Assistant or proprietary Mi AI (in Chinese versions) allow you to make calls with a simple voice command. This method does not require any complicated setup, just make sure that the microphone is active and you have access to the Internet.
To use this function, say an activation phrase, for example, “Ok Google,” or press and hold the power button (if this function is assigned in the settings). After activation, clearly say a command like: “Call [Contact Name].” The system will recognize the name, find it in your address book and offer to make a call or do it automatically in a couple of seconds.
Command: “Call your mom on your mobile”The effectiveness of voice dialing directly depends on the quality of the contact name recording. If your assistant keeps making mistakes, try renaming the contact using simple, commonly used words. Also make sure that the assistant settings allow access to contacts and call history, otherwise search for a subscriber it will not be possible.
⚠️ Attention: Voice dialing may not work correctly in noisy rooms or with poor Internet connection quality, since the request is often processed on company servers.
Setting up an emergency SOS call
The emergency call function, which is activated by quickly pressing the power button, deserves special attention. Although this is not exactly a “speed dial” in the classical sense, this mechanism saves lives in critical situations when there is no time to look for the desired contact in the menu. In Redmi smartphones, this function is integrated into the MIUI security system.
To activate, go to Settings → Passwords and security → Emergency SOS call. Here you can enable the Quick SOS option. The mechanism of operation is simple: pressing the screen lock button five times starts a countdown, after which the smartphone automatically calls the rescue service (112) and sends your location to trusted contacts.
| Action | Result | Required settings |
|---|---|---|
| 5 presses of the power button | Call 112 + SMS contacts | Enabled in the SOS menu |
| Long pressing a number | Call the selected contact | Assigned in the Phone application |
| Voice command | Search and call a contact | Google Assistant active |
| Tap on the widget | Instant call | The widget is placed on the screen |
It is important to set up a list of trusted contacts in the same menu in advance so that the system knows to whom to send a disaster notification. You can add up to three people who will receive an SMS with coordinates and a short recording of the surrounding noise. This is critical functionwhich is worth checking immediately after purchasing a new device.
☑️ Setting up SOS security
Problems with speed dialing in new versions of MIUI
Users who have updated their smartphones to the latest versions MIUI 14 or HyperOSare often faced with the disappearance of familiar functions. Developers strive to simplify the interface by removing what they consider “unnecessary” options, which causes inconvenience for owners of old habits. If you cannot find the speed dial setting, the reason may lie in a change in the application logic.
In new builds, the emphasis shifts to the use of widgets and favorites. If the classic long press on a number stops working, check to see if you have updated the Phone app to Google's version via the Play Market. Often the stock Xiaomi application is replaced with a global one, where the functionality is reduced to meet AOSP standards. In this case, returning to the factory version through application settings can restore the function.
It is also worth considering regional differences. In Chinese versions of firmware, the functionality is usually wider, while in global (Global ROM) some features are blocked due to the requirements of local legislation or Google policies. If speed dialing with numbers is critical for you, and the current firmware does not have it, consider installing third-party launchers or applications for calls from the store GetApps.
Why did the function disappear after the update?
Often, when updating the system, the default settings for applications are reset. Go to Settings → Applications → Phone → Access rights and make sure that the application has full access to contacts and phone.
Third-party solutions and automation
If standard system tools do not meet your needs, you can always turn to automation capabilities. Applications like MacroDroid or Tasker allow you to create your own shortcut scripts with any operating logic. You can set up a call to a contact by shaking the phone, connecting headphones, or tapping anywhere on the screen.
To create a macro in MacroDroid, select a trigger (for example, “Gesture on screen”) and the “Call Contact” action. This gives you flexibility not available in standard settings. For example, you can set up a double-tap on the off screen to call your spouse, although this will require root access or specific ADB permissions in some cases.
Using third-party software requires careful attention to access rights. By giving an automation app access to calls, you're trusting it to control one of your phone's most important functions. Make sure to only download apps from official sources to avoid data leaks or malware installation.
⚠️ Warning: Third-party automation apps can drain your battery significantly in the background. Monitor your energy consumption after installing such utilities.
The combination of desktop widgets and voice assistant covers 99% of quick call scenarios on modern Redmi smartphones, making setting numbers less relevant.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why long press on a number 1 does not work for speed dialing?
The number 1 is reserved by the system for calling voicemail. You cannot change this assignment in the default Android settings, as this is a global cellular standard. For speed dialing, use numbers from 2 to 9.
Is it possible to set up speed dialing on a locked screen without unlocking?
Yes, if you use the classic method of long pressing a number in the Phone app, the call often goes through even from the lock screen. However, widgets on the desktop require you to first unlock the device (entering a pin code or fingerprint) before making a call for security reasons.
How to return the old dialing interface to Redmi?
If the update changed the interface to Google Dialer, you can try disabling updates for this application in the settings (Applications → Phone → "Uninstall updates"). This will return the stock MIUI application, where the functionality can be wider.
Does speed dialing work if the contact is saved only in a Google account?
Yes, it works. The Phone application combines contacts from the SIM card, phone memory and synchronized accounts (Google, Mi Cloud). The main thing is that synchronization is active and the contact is displayed correctly in the general address book list.
What to do if the call widget shows “Contact not found”?
This happens if the contact was deleted or moved to another account after the widget was created. Remove the old widget from your desktop and create a new one by selecting the current contact from the list. Sometimes rebooting the smartphone helps.