Xiaomi Redmi Blacklist: Where to Find and How to Use it in 2026

Why Xiaomi Redmi Users Can't Find a Blacklist - and Where to Look for It

You're trying to block a harassing subscriber on your Xiaomi Redmi, but the standard way through call settings doesn't work? This problem is familiar to many smartphone owners running MIUI, Xiaomi's proprietary shell. Depending on the firmware version and regional build, the contact lock menu can be "hidden" in different sections, and sometimes not at all in the usual form.

In this article, we’ll look at all the possible ways to access the blacklist on Redmi Note 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10/11 and other models – from the classic Phone path to hidden MIUI settings.

We will focus on the unique feature of MIUI, “Spam filter”, which often confuses users with its dual logic of operation, here we will discuss how to synchronize locked numbers with a Xiaomi account so that they are saved when a phone is reset.

Method 1: The standard path through the Phone app (works on 80% of devices)

On most Xiaomi Redmi smartphones with MIUI 12/13/14 firmware, the blacklist is hidden in the Phone app, but access to it depends on the Android version:

1. Open the Phone app (the tube icon on the home screen).
2. Swipe on three dots in the top right corner (or swipe left on some models).
3. Select Settings → Number Lock (or Blacklist).
4. Click Add Number and select the contact from the list or enter manually.

⚠️ Note: On some devices (e.g. Redmi Note 8 Pro with a MIUI 11) this path may not work, instead of Locking, you will see only Call log.

Make sure the number is saved in the contacts|Check the version. MIUI In Settings → The phone.|Turn it off. VPN (It can block access to system settings)|Reboot your phone if the Add button is inactive-->

If you don’t see the lock option at all, you probably have a global version of MIUI installed on your device (e.g., Europe or India) where the feature has been moved to another section.

Method 2: Alternative path through Security Settings (for global firmware)

On global firmware smartphones (such as the Redmi Note 10 Pro Global or Redmi 9T EE), the blacklist is often hidden in the security menu.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. In the search bar, enter the Phone and select the system application.
3. Slip the Permits. → Additionally. → Number locking.
4. Add the number manually or select from the contacts.

🔍 Hint: If you have MIUI 14 based on Android 13, try an alternative path: Settings → Memory. → Files. → Systemic → Phone. → It's a lock. Yeah, it sounds weird, but it works on some devices!

MIUI 12|MIUI 13|MIUI 14|I don't know.|other-->

Method 3: Contacts app (for MIUI 14 and later)

In the latest versions of MIUI 14 (based on Android 13/14), Xiaomi has moved lock control to the Contacts app.

1. Open the Contacts app (the icon with the man).
2. Slip on three dots in the upper right corner → Settings.
3. Choose the Blocked Contacts.
4. Click Add and select contact or enter a number.

⚠️ Note: On some devices (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro)+) This section may be called Spam and Blocking. If you only see Spam and not Lock, you have spam filtering mode activated on your phone, which by default hides the manual lock menu:

1. In the same “Spam and Block” menu, turn off the Spam Filtering switch.
2. Reboot the phone.
3. Try adding the number to the blacklist again.

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If you block numbers frequently, add the Blacklist shortcut to the home screen: Click the blank space on the screen → Widgets → Settings → Number Lock.

Method 4: Using the System Application Security (for Chinese firmware)

On Chinese firmware devices (such as the Redmi K50 or Redmi Note 11T Pro), the blacklist is integrated into the Security app.

1. Open the Security app (shield icon).
2. Go to the section Blocking or Protection of personal data.
3. Select Call Blocking or Blacklist.
4. Add the number manually or select from the call log.

🔧 Important: On Chinese firmware, a blacklist may work differently:

- The lock also applies to SMS.

Numbers are automatically added to the Xiaomi cloud (if sync is enabled).

No way to block unknown numbers (only from contacts or logs).

How to Check if the Lockdown is Working (and Why Calls Are Still Passing)

Added a number to the blacklist, but calls and SMS continue to flow?Here are 4 reasons why this is happening and how to fix them:

• 📵 Number saved in the cloud: If the contact is synced with Google or Xiaomi, the lock may not work.Solution: remove it from the cloud and add locally.
• 🔄 Phone app cache: Clear the cache in Settings → Annexes → Phone. → Warehouse → Clear the cache.
• 📡 Double. SIM-Card: The lock can only be applied to the main SIM. Check the settings on the phone. → Settings → SIM-map.
• 🔧 Failure MIUI: Restart your phone to Safe Mode (press the power button) → «Safe mode) and check the lock there.

To make sure the number is actually locked:

1. Ask your friend to call you from a locked number.
2. Check the call log – blocked calls should be displayed marked Blocked.
3. Send SMS to the locked number – the message should not reach (on some firmware SMS still pass!).

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On MIUI 14, SMS and call locking is separate, so to block both, add a number to both Phone and Messages.

How to export/import a blacklist (backup)

If you plan to reset your phone or upgrade to a new Xiaomi device, save the locked numbers so you don’t add them again.

Method 1: Through Xiaomi account (the easiest one)

1. Make sure you are logged in to Xiaomi’s account on your phone.
2. Go to Settings → Xiaomi Account → Synchronization.
3. Activate synchronization for Contacts and Locked Numbers.
4. On the new device, log in to the same account – the blacklist will be automatically pulled up.

Method 2: Manual export (for advanced users)

If the synchronization does not work, you can export the list manually:

1. Install a file manager with access to system folders (e.g. Solid Explorer).
2. Go to /data/data/com.android.providers.contacts/databases/contacts2.db
3. Copy this file to your computer (root rights required!).
4. Use it. SQL-editorial board, DB Browser for SQLite to extract a table blocked_numbers.

⚠️ Note: Manual export requires root rights and can lead to data loss if you do not do it correctly.For most users, synchronization through Xiaomi account is enough.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Here. TOP-5 Problems faced by Xiaomi Redmi users when working with the blacklist, and how to solve them:

• 🔴 Add button is inactive: Reason: Phone app permissions disabled. Solution: Settings → Annexes → Phone. → Permits → Turn it on.
• 🔄 Blacklist resets after update: Reason: Resetting settings MIUI. Solution: Before updating, export the list through your Xiaomi account.
• 📱 No Lock Menu in Settings: Reason: Regional firmware restrictions. Solution: Set EU-Firmware or use the method through "Security».
• 🔊 Calls pass, but no sound: Reason: Do not disturb mode is enabled for those blocked.Solution: Settings → Sounds. → Don't disturb. → Exceptions → Turn off "Blocked Contacts".
• 🌐 International numbers not blocked: Reason: restriction MIUI. Solution: Add a number in format +[country code][number] (e.g, +79123456789).

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If you block numbers frequently, consider installing a third-party app like Truecaller or Should I Answer?. They offer advanced spam filtering features.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions