Managing phone calls is one of the basic functions of any smartphone, but Android device manufacturers often hide critical options in deep menu levels. Users face difficulties when they need to set up call forwarding, enable call recording, or block an unwanted number. The standard path that works on “pure” Android may be radically different on firmware from Xiaomi, Samsung or Huawei.
In this article we will analyze in detail the architectural differences in the interfaces of various shells and show universal methods of accessing the telephony configuration. You will learn not only to find the right item, but also to understand the logic of the work system applicationsresponsible for communication. This knowledge will allow you to flexibly configure the device to suit your needs, regardless of the brand.
Understanding where the call settings are located in Android saves time and nerves. We will look at both the standard dialer menus and global system settings that duplicate these functions. Particular attention will be paid to hidden USSD codes and specific features of new versions of the operating system.
Universal access through the "Phone" application
The most obvious and common way to get to the call configuration menu is to use the dialing application itself. In 90% of cases, this is where developers place the main control levers. Open the standard application Phone (icon with a green tube) on the main screen or in the application menu.
Pay attention to the dialing interface. In the upper right corner of the screen there is usually a button with three vertical dots or a gear icon. Clicking on this element opens a drop-down menu, where the first or second item is often section Settings or Options. This is where the basic configuration is hidden.
However, depending on the version of Android and the installed shell, the structure of this menu may vary. On some devices, call settings are placed in a separate subsection within the general application settings. In other cases, they are integrated directly into your contact list or call history. The key element here is context menuwhich is called by long pressing or tapping on the menu icon.
If you are using a Google phone (Pixel) or a device with a pure Android One system, navigation will be as linear as possible. Three dots → Settings → Calls. Here you'll find options for vibration when dialing, dialing sounds, and shortcut controls. For owners of custom firmware, the path may be complicated by additional levels of nesting.
Call settings in the global system menu
In addition to the settings inside the “Phone” application itself, Android provides duplicate access to the communication configuration through the system’s main menu. This is especially true if the settings icon inside the dialer is missing or hidden by the manufacturer. Go to general Settings your smartphone through the gear icon.
In the list of parameters you need to find a section related to connections and networks. It may be called Connections, Network and Internet or SIM cards and mobile networks. Inside this section there is often a paragraph Call settings or Voice communication. This path is deeper and gives access to system parameters that are not always visible in the application.
Here you can manage the behavior of the device during incoming calls, configure the priority of SIM cards for outgoing calls and activate the VoLTE mode. It is important to note that the interface of this section is highly dependent on the Android version. On Android 10 and above, these settings were often grouped together with the mobile data settings, while in Android 13-14 they may be separated into a separate block.
⚠️ Attention: Changing settings in the system menu may overwrite the configuration set in the Phone application. If you encounter a settings conflict (for example, forwarding is not enabled), try resetting the settings in this particular system partition.
For users of dual-SIM devices, this section is critical. This is where the rule is set: use one SIM for all calls or ask every time. An error in choosing a priority card can lead to unexpected roaming costs or the inability to get through.
Specific settings on Samsung, Xiaomi and Huawei
Large electronics manufacturers create their own shells on top of Android, which significantly changes the layout of the controls. Knowing these nuances allows you to quickly find the options you need without blindly wandering through the menu.
On devices Samsung with the One UI shell, the path to the settings looks like this: open the Phone application, click the three dots in the corner, select Settings. Here you will see a clearly structured list: “Caller ID and spam”, “Quick call”, “Additional services”. The last item opens access to call forwarding and call waiting through a request to the operator.
Smartphone owners Xiaomi (MIUI and HyperOS) are faced with slightly different logic. In the Phone application, you need to press the three bars (menu) on the left or right, then select Settings. Particular attention should be paid to the "Advanced settings" section, where the functions of recording conversations and automatic number identification are often hidden, which can be disabled by default due to regional restrictions.
Devices Huawei and Honor (EMUI/MagicOS) have their own unique approach. Here, call settings are often duplicated in the "Mobile network" section of general settings. In addition, Huawei actively uses cloud functions to detect spam, the settings of which are located in a separate subsection “Caller ID”.
| Brand / Shell | Path in the Phone application | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung (One UI) | Three dots → Settings → Add. services | Integration with Smart Call to identify spam |
| Xiaomi (MIUI/HyperOS) | Three bars → Settings → Advanced | Separate switch for recording conversations |
| Huawei (EMUI) | Four dots → Settings → More | Deep integration with cloud number databases |
| Google Pixel | Three dots → Settings → Calls | Minimalistic interface, minimum unnecessary stuff |
If you can’t find the call recording setting on Xiaomi, try changing the region in the phone settings to "India" or "Singapore" - this often unlocks hidden features.
Manage call forwarding and call waiting
Forwarding functions (when a call is redirected to another number or to an answering machine) and call waiting (a second call during a conversation) are classic cellular services. In Android, they are implemented through interaction with the operator’s network, so setting them up has its own characteristics.
To configure these parameters, go to the Additional settings or More section inside the call settings menu. Here you will see the options “Call Forwarding”, “Call Waiting” and “Call Barring”. When you click on any of these items, the phone sends a special USSD request to the telecom operator.
The setup process may take several seconds while the device receives a response from the network. You can select the forwarding conditions: always, if busy, if no answer, or if unavailable. For each condition, you can set your own phone number. This allows you to flexibly manage availability for subscribers.
☑️ Check that forwarding is working
It is important to understand that forwarding may be a paid service depending on your tariff plan, especially if the call is forwarded to a number of another operator or in roaming. Before activating complex scenarios, it is recommended to check the conditions with your communication provider.
⚠️ Attention: If the "Call Forward" option is inactive or displays a connection error, make sure that you have a stable network signal. Setting up these functions is not possible in Airplane mode or without a SIM card.
Number blocking and anti-spam
The problem of unwanted calls is especially acute in the modern world. Android provides built-in tools to combat spam and block specific subscribers. These settings are located in the same call configuration menu, often in the section Blocking numbers.
You can manually blacklist a number or activate automatic blocking of unknown numbers (those who have hidden their ID). Samsung and Google Pixel smartphones also have a function Spam protectionthat uses cloud databases to warn about suspicious calls or automatically reject them.
- 🚫 Manual blocking: Add a specific number to the blacklist through call history or settings.
- 🤖 Automatic filter: Enable the "Block unknown/hidden numbers" option for silence.
- 🛡️ Anti-spam: Activate spam detection from Google or the manufacturer (requires Internet).
- 📵 Schedule: Some shells allow you to block calls according to a schedule (for example, at night).
Keep in mind that enabling blocking of all unknown numbers may cause you to miss an important call from a courier or a doctor using a corporate connection with a hidden number. Use this feature with caution.
How to unblock a number if you forgot your password?
If you set a password on the blacklist menu and forgot it, the only way to reset the settings is to clear the Phone application data in Settings → Applications. This will delete your call history, so make a backup in advance.
Call recording and additional features
The issue of recording phone conversations is one of the most difficult in the Android ecosystem due to changes in Google's privacy policy. Starting with Android 9 and especially Android 10-14, access to the audio recording API for third-party applications has been limited.
However, many manufacturers (Xiaomi, Samsung in some regions, Huawei) retain the built-in recording function in their shells. You can find it in the call settings, in the item Call recording. Here you can configure automatic recording of all calls or recording only certain numbers.
If there is no built-in function, users are forced to resort to third-party solutions, the effectiveness of which varies. In such cases, the recording settings are already located inside the third-party application itself, and not in the Android system menu. However, even if there is a built-in function, pay attention to the legal aspects of call recording in your country.
In new versions of Android, when using built-in recording, both interlocutors can hear a voice warning that the conversation is being recorded. This is a security requirement that cannot be disabled by software methods without obtaining root access.Built-in call recording works most stably on devices with custom shells (MIUI, One UI), while on In "pure" Android, this function is often unavailable or limited.
Resetting call settings and solving problems
Sometimes it happens that call settings are lost, call forwarding is not disabled, or the phone does not see the network properly. In such cases, it is useful to know how to perform a factory reset without losing personal data.
Resetting your call settings does not delete your contacts or call history, but it does return your network and Phone app configuration to its original state. This can help solve problems with call forwarding, call waiting or number identification.
To perform a reset, go to Settings → Applications → find the application Phone → Storage → Clear data (or Reset settings). An alternative method is to use a universal network reset code, which may vary depending on the operator, but most often these are standard menus in the "Backup and reset" section.
⚠️ Attention: Resetting the Phone app will delete call history saved locally on your device. Make sure that important numbers are saved in contacts or synchronized with your Google account before performing this operation.
It is also worth checking for system updates. Often, bugs in the operation of calls are corrected by manufacturers in security patches. Go to Settings → Software update and check for new firmware versions.
Why don’t I see the “Call Recording” item in the settings?
This is due to limitations of the Android version and firmware region. Google has prohibited third-party applications from recording sound, and left the built-in function only for some partners and regions. Try changing the region in your phone settings or use third-party applications with accessibility rights.
How to disable voice notification about a conversation recording?
This notification cannot be officially disabled, as this is a requirement of the Android security policy. It warns the interlocutor about the fact of recording. Bypassing this restriction is only possible if you have root access and modify system files, which is not recommended for ordinary users.
Why doesn't forwarding turn on and says "Network error"?
Make sure that you have a positive balance and the forwarding service is connected to your operator. Also check if the "4G/LTE only" mode without support for voice calls (VoLTE) is activated, since in some networks forwarding does not work in data-only mode.
Is it possible to set different sounds for different contacts?
Yes, this is not done in the general call settings, but in the card of a specific contact. Open a contact, click "Edit" or three dots, select "Ringtone" and select the desired ringtone. This setting takes precedence over the general ringtone.
Where can I find the settings for VoLTE and Wi-Fi calls?
Usually they are located in the "SIM cards and mobile networks" section in the general system settings, and not in the phone application. Look for the Wi-Fi Calling and VoLTE switches. If they are not available, your operator or tariff may not support these technologies.