Blocking Unknown Numbers on Xiaomi Redmi: A Complete 2026 Guide

Spam calls and messages from unknown numbers have become a real problem for smartphone owners. There are several effective ways to protect yourself from intrusive subscribers on Xiaomi Redmi devices, both through built-in MIUI tools and through third-party applications. In this article, we will analyze all available blocking methods, including hidden settings and nuances of working with different versions of firmware.

Redmi smartphones are powered by MIUI, which offers enhanced security features compared to standard Android. However, not everyone knows how to properly configure call filtering to keep an important call from missing, but also to get rid of scammers. We tested all of them on the current Redmi Note 12, Redmi 10 and POCO X5 models, and you will find the results below.

1. Built-in lock via "Contacts" and "Phone"

The easiest way to block a number is to use standard MIUI tools, which do not require additional programs, just a few steps in the phone menu.

Open the Phone app (tube icon) and go to the Log tab. Find an unwanted number in the list and click on it. In the window that opens, you will see a Block button (usually in the upper right corner or in the three-dot menu), Confirm the action, after which the subscriber will not be able to reach you or send you an SMS.

• 📱 Advantage: works without the Internet, blocks calls and messages.
• ⚡ Disadvantage: You need to lock each number manually.
• 🔄 Nuance: on some versions MIUI The lock through the call log may not persist after the reboot.

To manage the blocked contacts list, go to Settings → Applications → Phone → Lock numbers. You can add numbers manually or remove them from the blacklist. Note that in MIUI 14 and later, this path may be slightly different — sometimes called Spam and Lock.

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If the number starts with +7 or 8, block both options – some scammers use different prefixes to bypass filters.

2. automatic spam filtering through MIUI Security

Xiaomi’s proprietary Security app (or MIUI Security) on smartphones can automatically detect spam calls and fraudulent numbers, a feature that runs on Xiaomi’s database, which is updated regularly.

To enable automatic locking:

1. Open the Security app (the shield icon).
2. Go to Call Blocking or Spam Protection (name depends on MIUI version).
3. Activate the switch to block spam calls.
4. Turn on the option to show notifications about blocked calls to see which numbers have been filtered.

The system will compare incoming numbers to a database of known spammers and scammers. If a match is found, the call will be reset automatically. Importantly, this feature works even without an Internet connection - the database is updated when synchronized with Xiaomi servers.

3.Use of the Messages app to block SMS

If you get bored not only with calls but also with spam messages, you can set up filtering right in the standard Messages app. Unlike Phone lock, there are additional options for working with SMS.

Instructions:

• 📩 Open the Messages app and find a spam message.
• 🔘 Click on the message and hold your finger to make the context menu appear.
• 🚫 Choose Block or Add to Spam.
• 🔄 If necessary, tick the tick to delete all messages from this number.

To manage the list of blocked SMS, go to Settings → Lock and filter inside the Messages app.

• 📋 View the list of blocked contacts.
• 🔍 Enable keyword filtering (e.g., “winning”, “credit”, “gift»).
• 🌐 Block messages from foreign numbers (useful against fraudsters from abroad).

4. Third-party applications for extended locking

If the built-in MIUI tools aren't enough, you can install specialized applications that offer more flexible settings, such as:

• 🛡️ Truecaller – identifies spammers on a database with millions of numbers, supports the Russian-language interface.
• 📵 Hiya not only blocks calls, but also SMS, There is a function of reverse search number.
• 🔍 GetContact – shows how other users have marked the number (fraudster, courier, bank, etc.).
• 🌍 CallApp – works offline, has a built-in notebook for notes about contacts.

When choosing an application, pay attention to:

• 🔒 Privacy Policy – some services collect data about your contacts.
• 📶 Working without the Internet – not all applications block offline calls.
• 💰 Paid Features – Free versions may have a limit on the number of locks.

For example, Truecaller requires registration and uploads your phone book to its servers, but it effectively filters spam. And Hiya works locally, but has fewer features. We recommend testing 2-3 applications to choose the best one.

Create an account and confirm your phone number

Enable contact synchronization (optional)

Activate Spam Blocking in Settings

Add fraudsters’ numbers manually to the blacklist

Update the database through the application menu-->

5. Blocking through the settings of the operator

Many Russian operators (MTS, Beeline, MegaFon, Tele2) offer their own services to combat spam, which are usually free and work at the network level, which increases their efficiency.

How to connect:

The advantage of this method is that it locks before the signal reaches your phone, which saves battery life and does not overload the processor, but it can block not only spam, but also legitimate calls (for example, from delivery services or banks), so sometimes you need to manually configure exceptions.

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Operators block up to 90% of spam calls, but do not protect against them SMS-For complete security, combine them with built-in tools. MIUI.

6. Hidden MIUI settings for power users

There are hidden features in MIUI firmware that are not documented in the official certificate, which allow you to more flexibly configure the lock, but require caution when using it.

One of these methods is to edit the blacklist.db system file, where all the locked numbers are stored.

1. Install a file manager with access to root folders (such as Root Explorer or FX File Explorer).
2. Go to /data/data/com.android.providers.contacts/databases/.
3. Find the blacklist.db file and open it in the text editor.
4. Add numbers manually in +7XXXXXXXXXX, save the changes.
5. Reboot the phone.

⚠️ Warning: Incorrect editing of system files can cause malfunctions in the phone. It is recommended to back up before changes. This method only works on phones with unlocked bootloader and root rights.

Another hidden way is the use of ADB-commands to control the lock, for example, to add a number to a blacklist through a computer:

adb shell content insert --uri content://call_log/calls --bind number:s:"+79123456789" --bind type:i:5

This command simulates adding a missed call, after which the number can be blocked through the standard menu. To work with ADB, you need to enable USB debugging in the developer settings (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version – press 7 times, then return to Additional → For Developers).

7 What to do if the lock is not working?

Sometimes even after you set up all the filters, spam calls keep coming in, and let's look at the typical causes and solutions:

• 🔄 Numbers are masked: Scammers use spoofing, which causes a new ID to be called each time. MIUI Security Options to Block Suspicious Numbers.
• 📵 Resetting settings: After the update MIUI Sometimes lock settings are reset. Check the list of locked numbers in Settings → Annexes → Phone. → Lockdown.
• 📡 Operator problems: If the network-level lock is not working, contact operator support and check if the service is active.
• 🔋 Battery savings: In power saving mode, some background processes (including spam filtering) may be turned off.Add the Security app to exceptions.

If nothing works, try an alternative launcher (like Nova Launcher) with built-in call locking, and check if multiple anti-spam apps are in conflict, sometimes blocking each other.

⚠️ Attention: On phones with two SIM-The lock can only work on the main line to protect the second line. SIM, Set up filtering separately for it in the Settings menu → SIM-maps and mobile networks.

FAQ: Frequent questions about room locks on Xiaomi Redmi