Xiaomi Blacklist: Where to look and how to use it in 2026

Blocking unwanted calls and messages is one of the key security features on Xiaomi smartphones, but not all users know exactly where the blacklist in MIUI firmware is hidden. Unlike other manufacturers, where the option is available in two clicks, in Redmi, POCO or Mi phones, the path to settings can vary depending on the version of the shell and the device model. Moreover, after updates, the interface often changes, and the usual menu items “move” to other sections.

In this article, we’ll look at all the possible ways to find a blacklist on Xiaomi, from standard settings to hidden features available through the engineering menu, how to add a number to the lock, how to check who is already on the blocked list, and what to do if the Suddenly option disappeared after the system upgrade, and we’ll also reveal a few life hacks that will help you bypass the limitations of MIUI and configure the lock as flexibly as possible.

Why Xiaomi’s blacklist is hard to find: 3 reasons

Many users find that the contact blocking option appears and disappears from the menu, not by chance, but by MIUI firmware, and here are the main reasons why a blacklist can be hidden:

• 🔄 Version. MIUI: In older versions (up to) MIUI 12) the blacklist was in the "Settings" section → All settings → Blocking, and in the new it is transferred to the application “Phone” or “Messages».
• 📱 Smartphone model: On POCO and some Redmi (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro)+) The path to settings may differ due to customized shell versions.
• 🌍 Regional restrictions: On devices for the Chinese market (China) ROM) The lock function is often missing or works differently than on global firmware (Global) ROM).

In addition, after upgrading to MIUI 14, some users complain that the blacklist has become “grey” – that is, the option is available, but it is inactive – due to Xiaomi’s data protection policies: if you do not confirm consent to the processing of contacts, the system may restrict access to the blocking functions.

⚠️ Note: If you are using China ROM without rooting, the blacklist may not be available, and in this case, the only way out is to flash Global. ROM or use third-party apps to block calls.

Method 1: Standard path through the application "Phone"

The most obvious and versatile method is to use the built-in Phone app, which works on most Xiaomi devices with MIUI 12 and later, including the Redmi Note 11, POCO X5 Pro, Mi 11 Lite and other models.

1. Open the Phone app (the tube icon on the home screen).
2. Press three points (⋮) in the upper right corner and select Settings.
3. Scroll down to the Blocking Numbers or Blacklist section (the name may vary).
4. Tap on Add to the blacklist and select the contact from the list or enter the number manually.

If you have a MIUI 14, the path may be slightly different.

Phone → ⋮ → Settings → Locking and Identification → Blacklist

Note that in some firmware, the option is hidden behind additional confirmation, for example, the system may request a password from a Mi Account or a user account. PIN-code SIM-cards if you block a number at the operator level.

Contact saved in the phone book (otherwise the lock may not work)

The number is entered in the international format (for example, +7 for Russia)

Antispam services are disconnected from the operator (they may conflict with the operator). MIUI)-->

Method 2: Through system settings (alternative)

If the Phone app doesn’t have a blacklist option, try finding it through your smartphone’s basic settings, which is relevant for devices with MIUI 11 and older, and for some POCO models where the interface is customized.

Instructions:

1. Open the settings (cog icon).
2. Go to the Appendix section → Application management.
3. Find your phone in the list and tap it.
4. Select Permissions → Additionally. → Blacklist.

On some firmware, the path may be different:

Settings → Memory and applications → Application settings → Phone → Lock

If you don't have the option, try searching by settings (the magnifier in the upper right corner) and entering the "blacklist" request. The system should show a direct link to the section.

Redmi (Series Note, K, A, etc.)

POCO (F, X, M, etc.)

Mi (11, 12, 13, etc.)

Black Shark

Other-->

Method 3: Blocking through the Messages app

Few people know, but the blacklist on Xiaomi can be configured not only for calls, but also for SMS. If you get spam messages, blocking through the Messages app will be even more effective than using the Phone, because it works at the system level.

How to add a number to the blacklist for SMS:

1. Open the Messages app.
2. Tap it on three points (⋮) → Settings.
3. Choose Blocking and Filtering (or Spam).
4. Click the Blacklist and add a number.

One important thing is that the lock in Messages and Phone is not synchronized, so if you blacklist a number through calls, it won't automatically be blocked for SMS, and vice versa, so to close both loopholes, you'll have to duplicate the action in both apps.

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If you frequently receive spam from multiple numbers, turn on the “Spam Filter” option in your message settings. The system will automatically send suspicious SMS to the Spam folder without notifying you.

Method 4: Hidden settings through the engineering menu (for advanced)

If standard methods don't work, you can try activating the blacklist through an engineering menu, which is suitable for power users and requires caution, as incorrect actions can disrupt the phone.

Instructions:

1. Open the Phone app and enter the combination: ##4636##.
2. In the menu that opens, select Phone Information (or Phone Information).
3. Scroll down to the Call Blocking section (could be called Call Blocking).
4. Activate the option and add numbers manually.

Warning: The engineering menu is designed for testing and debugging. Do not change other settings unless you are sure of their purpose. For example, the wrong settings in the Radio Information section can lead to network loss.

⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Redmi) 10C or POCO M4 Pro: The engineering menu can be blocked, in which case try entering the combination via the Secret Codes app (available on Google Play).

How to check who is on the blacklist: step-by-step instructions

Adding a number to a lock is half the battle, and it's equally important to be able to view and manage contacts that are already blocked, and in MIUI, you can do this in a number of ways.

Method 1: Through the Phone app:

1. Open the phone. → ⋮ → Settings.
2. Go to Number Lock.
3. This will show you a list of all the blocked contacts. To unlock the number, tap it and select Delete.

Method 2: Through security settings:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Permissions.
2. Find the Black List section (maybe in the submenu of Additional).
3. View the list and manage it with swipes or buttons.

If you use MIUI 14, the blocked contacts list may display additional information, such as the date of the lock and the number of attempts made to call that number, to help track who tried to reach you after being blacklisted.

What to do if the blacklist disappears after the update

One of the most common problems is that the blacklist option disappears after the MIUI update, and this can happen for several reasons:

• 🔄 The update reset the settings of the application “Phone».
• 📦 Firmware installed with errors (for example, via Fastboot instead of Recovery).
• 🛡️ Xiaomi has removed the feature for your region (relevant to China) ROM).

Here’s what you can do to get the blacklist back:

1. Reset the Phone app settings: Go to Settings → Apps → App management → Phone → Storage → Clear the data.
2. Update your firmware to the latest version: Sometimes bugs get fixed in the following patches. Check for updates in Settings → About Phone → System Update.
3. Use third-party apps: If the built-in lock doesn't work, install Truecaller, Call Blocker, or Blacklist from Google Play.

⚠️ Note: If you are using China ROM, The blacklist may not be available due to the limitations of the Chinese firmware version, in which case the only way out is to flash Global. ROM or EU ROM (forum XDA Developers).

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If not only the blacklist settings but other features (such as themes or gestures) are missing after the update, try resetting to factory settings. Pre-backup the data to Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset!

FAQ: Frequent questions about the blacklist on Xiaomi