Modern smartphones, including popular models from Xiaomi and Redmi, face a huge stream of unwanted calls and intrusive messages. Spam from advertising agencies, calls from scammers or simply unpleasant contacts require an effective locking tool. The built-in security system for the MIUI shell and the new HyperOS offers powerful protections, the main of which is the Blacklist.
Many users are often lost in the multi-level settings menu, trying to find the desired item, as its location can vary depending on the version of the operating system. In this article, we will discuss in detail where to look for this functionality, how to properly configure call filtering and what to do if standard methods do not work, you will learn to fully control incoming traffic.
To effectively combat spam, it is not enough to simply know the path to the menu, it is important to understand the principles of filters. The system blocker analyzes incoming connections based on the rules or databases you have set, and the correct configuration of this tool will allow you to forget about annoying calls, while still being able to take important calls from unknown numbers, such as couriers.
Standard path through the application "Security" p>The fastest and most versatile way to get into lock settings on Xiaomi devices is to use a pre-installed system application. It is the control center for the protection of the device and contains all the necessary tools for filtering traffic. This method is relevant for the vast majority of models, regardless of the year of release, and to get started, you need to find an application called Security (or Security) on your desktop or in the Tools folder, and its icon is usually in green with a shield image. Once you start the app, you should scroll down to the Antispam section, and that's where the locked contact management functionality is hidden. Inside the Antispam menu, you'll see a list of the numbers that have already been blocked if they've been added before. In the upper right corner of the screen, you have a settings menu, which is indicated by three dots or a gear, and if you click on this item, you'll be taken to the "Black List" section, where you can control locking rules. 🛡️ Open the Security app on the home screen. 📜 Select the Antispam tool in the bottom or center of the menu. ⚙️ Click on the settings icon (cog) in the upper right corner. ➕ Use the Add button to make a new contact to the list. ⚠️ Note: In some regions (e.g. Europe), the Security app may be called Device Protection, and anti-spam features may be integrated directly into the phone book or Phone app. It is worth noting that the interface may vary slightly depending on the version. MIUI. However, the logic remains the same: the central security hub leads to lock settings. If you didn’t find Antispam right away, try searching inside the security application itself by typing “block” or “spam». 📊 Where do you most often look for lock settings?In the Phone appIn the Security appIn general Android settingsI don't know where to look
Searching through a standard phone and contacts>An alternative and often more convenient way to access blacklist is to use the app’s interface for calls, a technique that is especially relevant when you need to quickly lock a number immediately after an incoming call or when you view your call history. Xiaomi has integrated locking functions directly into the dialer. Open the Phone app and go to the call history tab. Find the number you want to block and click on it to open the additional menu, or select the "i" icon next to the number. The menu that opens often features the "Block" or "Add to the blacklist" option. After confirmation, the number automatically enters the lock database. To access the full list of blocked contacts through the phone book, go to the settings of the call app itself. Click on three dots in the corner of the screen or select Settings from the menu. Next, look for the "Block" or "Black List" section. This shows all the numbers that are not allowed to access your device, and you can have advanced filter settings. → Settings (three points) → Lockdown → This is a good way to manage the locks without leaving the context of communication, so you can view the logs of blocked communication attempts, which sometimes helps to identify persistent spammers using different numbers. You can also set up an automatic response for blocked subscribers here. 📞 Go to the phone app and open the call log. ℹ️ Click on the information icon next to the unwanted number. 🚫 Select the “Block” option for instant addition. 📋 To view the full list, go to Settings → Lock. It's important to understand that settings made through the Phone app sync with the Security system application. It's a single database, so no matter how you add the number, the result will be the same. However, the rule management interface can be more detailed in the security application. 💡Use the “Block Unknown Numbers” feature in call settings if you are concerned about calls from hidden numbers, but remember that couriers can also call from unknown numbers. ID.
Settings in the new HyperOSp shell>With the release of the new operating system HyperOS, which gradually replaces MIUI on new smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO, The menu structure has changed, and the logic of the work has remained similar, but the visual design and access paths have been optimized to improve the user experience, and new device owners should consider these nuances. HyperOS focuses on integrating security services directly into system settings and call apps. Often, a separate Security app can be hidden or renamed. To search for a blacklist, it is recommended to start with general system settings. Go to Settings → Annexes → Application settings → Phone. Inside the settings of the Phone app, look for the "Blocking Inbox" section.** This is where the new shell contains all the tools for managing unwanted calls and SMS. The interface has become more minimalistic, and filter settings have been made in a separate submenu for convenience, and integration with online spam databases is also available. MIUI Location in HyperOS Add Security Number → Antispam Phone → Settings → Blocking Antispam Filters Settings → Settings (cogs) Block incoming → Filters History of Antispam Blocking → Journal Blocking incoming → One of the features of HyperOS is its deeper integration with Xiaomi’s cloud services, which allows you to synchronize a blacklist between devices if you use one account. However, some features may require logging in to a Mi Account and consenting to the processing of call data. ⚠️ Note: When updating with MIUI Before HyperOS, old blacklist settings can be reset or moved incorrectly. It is recommended to check the list of blocked numbers immediately after the system update. ☑️ Check the settings HyperOS Open Phone Settings Go to Inbox Lock Check the list of numbers Enable filtering SMSCompleted: 0 / 4 Extended filters and blocking by keywords>The blacklist functionality of Xiaomi smartphones goes beyond simply locking specific numbers, allowing you to create complex filtering rules based on number masks, prefixes or message content. This is especially useful for combating mass spam from different short numbers. To configure advanced filters, you need to go to the blacklist settings section and select the "Filter" option. SMS»** Or Call Filter. Here you can activate blocking messages that contain certain keywords. For example, adding the words “credit”, “winning” or “share”, you will automatically cut off a significant part of advertising junk, and blocking by number type is also available. You can disable calls from all hidden numbers, from numbers starting with certain numbers (such as carrier or city codes), or even block all calls except those in your phone book.The latest idealna option for Do Not Disturb mode. Example of a mask for blocking a prefix: +7999* (blocks all numbers starting with the +7999) Use of keywords requires caution.If you block an overly common word, you may miss an important message from the bank or delivery service where that word is used in the notification template. 🔑 Use keywords to filter advertising SMS. 🔢 Use masks (stars) to block entire ranges of numbers. 📵 Activate the White List mode to receive calls only from contacts. 📂 Check your spam folder regularly for false positives. Mask setting is a powerful tool, but it requires understanding the format of phone numbers. The asterisk symbol * usually replaces any sequence of numbers. Proper use of this symbol allows you to create very flexible lock rules without having to enter thousands of numbers manually.What to do if spam comes from different numbers? SMS and enable Number Definer with spam tagging function so that the phone alerts you to suspicious calls.Sync and cloud databases>One of the strengths of Xiaomi’s ecosystem is the ability to use cloud databases to identify spam. Unlike a static blacklist that you fill out yourself, cloud databases are updated in real time by millions of users around the world. To activate this feature, you need to enable the option “Update database” or “Use online services” in the anti-spam settings. Once turned on, the phone will automatically check incoming numbers against a global database of known spammers and scammers. If the number is flagged as dangerous by the community, the call will be automatically dropped or flagged as spam. It is important to note that cloud services require an Internet connection. In addition, in some regions (especially in Europe) due to strict privacy laws (GDPR) These features may be limited or require separate user consent to the transmission of metadata about calls. Synchronizing the blacklist through Mi Cloud allows you to not lose important locks when you change your device or reset settings. If you are logged in to your Mi Account, the list of blocked contacts will be saved in the cloud and automatically downloaded to the new phone after authorization. ⚠️ Note: Enabling cloud identification involves transferring incoming call information to the service provider’s servers (usually Tencent or local partners). If you are critical to the complete privacy of metadata, use only a local blacklist. For frequent travelers, it is useful to know that databases can be regional, that what is considered spam in one country may be a normal number in another, and that when traveling abroad, you should be more careful about settings for automatic locking. 💡Cloud databases are the most effective way to combat unknown spam, but they require the internet and can touch on privacy issues.Solution: Why isn't blocking working?p>Even a properly configured blacklist can sometimes fail, users may experience situations where blocked numbers still pass, or vice versa, blocking the right contacts, and understanding the causes of these failures will help quickly resolve the problem. One common cause is a conflict between third-party applications and a system blocker: If you installed an additional number detector or antivirus from another manufacturer, it can intercept call management. In this case, it is recommended to leave only one active blocking tool, preferably a system one, and the problem may be hidden in an outdated antivirus database. If automatic updates are disabled, the phone simply “doesn’t know” about new scam schemes. Check if automatic database updates are enabled in the Security settings. Sometimes manually running the update helps. In rare cases, a failure can cause an error in the firmware itself. MIUI If nothing helps, try clearing the Security and Phone app cache. → Annexes → All applications, find the desired application and select “Clear cache». 📱 Make sure that third-party applications do not conflict with the system blocker. 🔄 Check the relevance of databases and enable auto-update. 🧹 Clear the cache of the “Security” and “Phone” apps». 📞 Check if the number is accidentally added to Favorites or Whitelist. Remember to check the status of the number in the list itself. Sometimes users accidentally delete a number from a blacklist or change the lock status, thinking the setup is not working.A careful check of the current status of the list often solves the problem. 📊 Have you ever encountered spam calls going through a lock?Yes, often Rare, but it was No, everything works perfectly Don't use the lock Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Can you restore a deleted number from a blacklist? Unfortunately, if you delete a number from a blacklist, it just stops being blocked. The history of it being there is not stored as a separate deletion log. You'll have to re-enter it if you want to block it again, but the call history from that number (if it hasn't been cleared) can be found in the Phone app. Will the subscriber know that they're blacklisted. When calling, it will hear long horns as if you're not picking up the phone, or short reset horns, depending on the settings and operator. To the subscriber, it looks like a normal missed call or line occupancy. SMS from the blocked contact will also not be delivered, and the sender will not receive a delivery report. How many numbers can you add to the blacklist on Xiaomi? There are practically no technical restrictions on the number of numbers in the blacklist in the MIUI and HyperOS shells. You can add thousands of numbers. However, it should be borne in mind that storing a huge list and constantly checking incoming calls can theoretically have a slight effect on the delivery report. Messages from official services (short numbers) usually pass unless you have added them to blacklist or configured a keyword filter. Be careful to filter by words so you don't miss confirmation codes. Where to find the blocked call log and SMS? The log is inside the Security app in the Antispam section. There's a Records or History tab that displays all attempts to communicate from blocked numbers, including call times and SMS content (if intercepted).