How to permanently block unfamiliar numbers on Xiaomi Redmi: from built-in tools to hidden features MIUI

Calls from unknown numbers, intrusive spam from banks and fraudulent schemes with the “swapping” of government numbers – these problems are faced by every second owner of Xiaomi Redmi. According to Truecaller, in 2023, smartphone users in Russia and the CIS accounted for more than 12 billion spam calls, and in 78% of cases, scammers used fake numbers with a code. +7,495 or +7,800 Built-in tools MIUI They allow you to block such numbers in seconds, but most users are not even aware of hidden features – for example, filtering by prefixes or automatically blocking through Settings. → Spam protection.

In this article you will find 5 We've also tried and tested ways to block unfamiliar numbers, from basic numbers (blacklist) to advanced ones (set up Google Phone and third-party apps like Truecaller). MIUI Sometimes it doesn't work with virtual numbers, and how to get around this restriction. 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10/13 and other models MIUI 12–14 (including global and Chinese firmware).

1. Blacklist in the standard app "Phone"

The most obvious, but not always effective, way is to blacklist numbers through the built-in Phone app, which is a method that works for blocking spammers you already know, but doesn't protect you from new numbers you don't know. Here's how it works:

1. Open the Phone app (the tube icon on the home screen).
2. Go to the magazine tab and find the desired number.
3. Press the number. → choose ⋮ (three-point) → Lock down.
4. Confirm the action in the pop-up window.

To manage the blacklist centrally:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Phone → Lock numbers.
2. Here you will see all the blocked contacts and you can unlock them or add new ones manually.

Limitations of the method:

• 📵 Does not block numbers with a changed caller ID (For example, fraudsters masquerading as Sberbank»).
• 🔄 You need to manually add each spam number.
• 📞 Blocked subscribers can still leave voice messages (if you have voicemail enabled).

⚠️ Note: If you are using Dual SIM Redmi: The blacklist is valid for each SIM-To block the number on both cards, add it to the list twice.

2. Automatic spam filtering through “Spam Protection” in MIUI

MIUI It has a built-in spam protection system that works on the basis of Xiaomi database and user reports. MIUI 12 and newer, but by default it's often disabled. Here's how to activate it:

1. Go to Settings. → Spam protection (on some firmware, the path may be different: Settings → Annexes → Phone. → Spam protection).
2. Turn on the spam call filter switch.
3. Activate the option to Block suspicious numbers (if available).
4. In the section Filter settings, select the level of protection: Medium or High (the latter can block even legitimate numbers, for example, from courier services).

How it works:

• 🤖 The algorithm analyzes incoming calls and compares them with the database of spam numbers Xiaomi.
• 📊 Numbers marked as fraudulent by other users are automatically blocked.
• 🔔 Suspicious calls are displayed in a log marked Spam (they can be unlocked manually).

Hidden function: B MIUI 14 it became possible to block numbers by prefixes (for example, all numbers with a code) +375 or +7 9xx 123-xx-xx). To turn it on:

1. B Settings → Select the Spam Protection Rules for Blocking.
2. Click Add rule and specify the number mask (for example, +7926***).

💡

After the update MIUI Spam Protection is gone, try resetting the Phone app settings: → Annexes → Phone. → Warehouse → Clear the data. It'll bring back all the hidden options.

3. blocking through Google Phone (for users with Google services)

If your Redmi has a Google Phone app installed on it (it replaces the standard call on some firmware by default), you can use its built-in spam filter, which works on the basis of Google’s database. MIUI, as it is updated more frequently.

How to set up:

1. Install Google Phone from Google Play if it is not by default.
2. Open the application and go to ⋮ → Settings → Spam and calls.
3. Enable options: Filter spam calls Show spam warnings (to see log notes) Block spam calls (complete lock)

A history of challenges

Automatic removal of spam calls

The advantages of Google Phone:

• 🌍 The spam number database is updated daily (unlike the spam number database). MIUI, where updates come with firmware).
• 🔍 Recognizes fake numbers (for example, scammers masquerading as a “pension fund»).
• 📱 Syncs with Google account, so the blacklist is transferred to other devices.

⚠️ Note: On some Redmi models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro with Chinese firmware), Google Phone may conflict with a standard call. If incoming calls are missing after installation, go back to your native Phone app and use the methods from the first section.

4 Third-party applications: Truecaller and analogues

If embedded tools MIUI They can't handle spam, and you should look at specialized applications, and the leader among them is Truecaller, which recognizes more than 90% of fraudulent calls in Russia and the CIS:

Step 1: Installation and initial setup

1. Download Truecaller from Google Play.
2. At the first start, allow access to contacts and call logs (this is necessary for the algorithm to work).
3. Register with your phone number (app will send you a message). SMS coded).

Step 2: Setup the lockdown

1. Go to Settings. → Block and enable: Block spam Block hidden numbers Block non-contact numbers (optional but risky)

spamming

whitelist

Pros and cons of Truecaller:

Alternatives to Truecaller:

• 🛡️ Kaspersky Who Calls – a blocker from Kaspersky Lab with an emphasis on fraudulent numbers.
• 📵 Hiya – a lightweight application with minimal access to data.
• 🔒 CallApp is the same as Truecaller, but with a stricter privacy policy.

5. Blocking through the operator (for subscribers MTS, Beeline, MegaFon, Tele2)

If spam calls are received too often, you can use the blocking services from the mobile operator itself, which is suitable for mass mailings (for example, from credit brokers or scammers), but will not save you from targeted attacks.

How to connect the lock with popular operators:

Limitations of the method:

• 📡 Does not work with virtual operators (e.g. Yota, Tinkoff Mobile).
• 🔄 The lock can be triggered with a delay (up to 24 hours).
• 📵 It does not protect against calls from foreign numbers (for example, +37, +92).

If you use eSIM on Redmi, check if your carrier supports blocking spam for virtual cards. For example, MegaFon and MTS work, and Tele2 only works for physical cards. SIM.

6. Hidden settings MIUI: Keyword blocking and geolocation

Few people know, but in MIUI There are hidden locking features that don't show up in the basic settings, and they let you filter calls by keywords in the subscriber's name, or even by the geolocation of the number:

Method 1: Keyword Blocking

This feature is useful if spammers use the same templates in the caller. ID (For example, "Bank", "Sber", "Pension Fund»).

1. Open the Phone app and go to Settings → Spam protection → Lockdown rules.
2. Select Add a rule for a keyword.
3. Enter a word or phrase (e.g., credit, winnings, debt).
4. Keep the rule.

Method 2: Geolocation blocking

If you receive calls from specific regions (for example, +7 351 for Chelyabinsk or +7,812 for St. Petersburg, you can block entire city codes:

1. B Settings → Spam protection → Blocking rules select Add rule by prefix.
2. Specify the region code (e.g, +7812*** to block all St. Petersburg numbers).
3. Save and restart the phone.

Method 3: Blocking grey numbers (without a caller) ID)

Many scammers hide their number by displaying it as Unknown or Hidden. MIUI 14 There is an option to block such calls:

1. Go to Settings. → Annexes → Phone. → Incoming challenges.
2. Find the option to Lock Hidden Numbers and turn it on.

💡

Hidden settings MIUI They only work on firmware without root or modifications. If you use custom software (like LineageOS), these functions can be disabled.

What to do if the lock is not working?

Sometimes even after you set up all the filters, spam calls keep coming in, and here are the most common reasons and solutions.

Extreme measures:

• 📵 Do Not Disturb Mode: Enable it on a permanent basis and add only contacts from the phone book to the exceptions (Settings) → Sound and vibration → Don't disturb).
• 🔄 Change of number: If spam becomes unbearable, contact the operator for a change of number (most operators have it free once a year).
• 🛡️ Two-factor authentication: Block the ability to call your number through the operator (for example, MTS has a service “Prohibit outgoing calls»).

⚠️ Note: If you are using Redmi with two SIM-Check if the lock settings conflict between the cards, for example, if one of the cards is in conflict. SIM Spam filter is turned on, and on the other - no, calls can pass through the "unprotected" card.

FAQ: Frequent questions about room locks on Xiaomi Redmi