Xiaomi HyperOS 4 lets two phones share calls and verification codes

Xiaomi has detailed a useful HyperOS 4 feature for people who carry two Xiaomi or Redmi phones: calls and verification messages can move between devices.

With the feature enabled, a phone can receive calls even when the two devices are not connected to the same network. Verification codes can also appear across devices, making it easier to complete logins without hunting for the other handset.

There are conditions

Both phones must be signed into the same Xiaomi account and connected to the internet. The receiving device needs cross-device reception enabled and must run Xiaomi HyperOS 4 or later, while the sending device needs HyperOS 3 or later.

The feature is currently limited to China, and Xiaomi says compatibility will depend on the specific models.

Part of the HyperOS 4 push

The function follows the opening of the HyperOS 4 beta programme and a second round of device recruitment. Xiaomi is positioning the update around smoother movement of information between its phones and other products.

For people who regularly swap between a personal and work phone, removing the need to monitor two screens could be more valuable than another decorative lock-screen effect.

Our opinion

This is the sort of ecosystem feature that sounds boring until you use it. Calls and verification codes are exactly the bits of phone ownership that become irritating when your second handset is in another room.

The China-only restriction is a significant limitation for international Xiaomi users, and the model requirements could make the feature less universal than the announcement suggests.

Still, if Xiaomi expands it globally and keeps permissions transparent, HyperOS 4 may be making a more convincing case for staying inside its ecosystem.