How to permanently block unknown incoming calls to Xiaomi: 5 working ways

Unknown numbers, spam calls and fraudulent offers have become an epidemic for smartphone owners. According to Kaspersky, in 2023, one in three Xiaomi users encountered unwanted calls at least once a week. Fortunately, the manufacturer has provided several built-in protection mechanisms, and third-party developers offer additional tools. In this article, we will analyze all the available methods, from basic settings to advanced solutions to completely block unwanted subscribers.

Xiaomi’s smartphones (including Redmi, POCO and Black Shark) feature MIUI’s proprietary shell, which offers enhanced call management features compared to Android’s runoff. However, many users are unaware of these tools’ existence or are using them inefficiently, and we’ll show you how to set up filtering so that it works 100% without false positives.

1. Built-in blacklist in MIUI: how to add a number manually

The easiest way to block is to blacklist numbers through the standard Phone app.This method is suitable if you have already received a call from a spammer and want to prevent repeated attempts. The algorithm works on all Xiaomi devices with MIUI 12 and later (including Redmi Note 12, Xiaomi 13T, POCO X5 Pro).

To block the number:

1. Open the Phone app (the tube icon on the desktop).
2. Go to the Journal tab and find the unwanted number.
3. Slip the number, then select ℹ Information (or more in older versions).
4. Press Lock. → Confirm.

Alternative path: Settings → Applications → Phone → Blacklist. You can manually enter a number or import contacts from a list. Note: the lock is only valid for calls - SMS from this number will still come unless you activate a separate setting.

💡

If the spammer calls from different numbers but with the same prefix (for example, +375XX or 8-9XX), use a lock mask. In the Blacklist, enter the first 4-5 digits of the number with a symbol (for example, +37525) - this will block all numbers with such a beginning.

2. Automatic spam filtering: setting "Spam protection"

MIUI has a built-in Spam Protection module that analyzes incoming calls and SMS based on a database of fraudulent numbers, which is available on devices with MIUI 13 and higher (for example, Xiaomi 12 Pro, Redmi K50), its main advantage is the automatic detection of suspicious calls before the phone rings.

To activate the protection:

1. Open the Settings. → PapaSSWORD & SECURITY → Protection against spam.
2. Turn on the call filter switch.
3. Select the level of protection: 🔹 Medium – only blocks obvious spam (recommended for most users). 🔹 High-level – Aggressive filtering, can block legitimate numbers (e.g. from delivery services).

Show notifications about blocked calls

Important: the spam database is updated over the Internet, so you need a network connection to work properly. If you use Xiaomi in No Internet mode (for example, as a second phone), this method will not work.

3. Blocking of unknown numbers through the operator

If the built-in MIUI tools fail, you can connect the filtering service from the mobile operator. Most Russian and international providers (for example, MTS, Beeline, Tele2, MegaFon) offer free or paid services to block spam, the advantage of this method is that filtering works at the network level, even before a call to your Xiaomi.

Connection methods:

• 📞 USSD-command: send *111*789# (for MTS or *110*789# (For other operators, check the command on the official website.
• 🌐 Personal Account: Go to the "Services" section" →"Spam Protection and activate the option.
• 📱 Mobile application: Operators’ applications (e.g. My MTS, My Tele2) have a separate section for managing spam filters.

The disadvantage of this method is the dependence on the operator, for example, if you use Xiaomi with two. SIM-You have to set up filtering for each number, and some operators block not only spam, but also calls from call centers of banks or delivery services, which can be inconvenient.

4. Third-party applications for blocking calls: TOP-3 solutions

If Xiaomi’s standard tools aren’t enough, third-party apps come to the rescue, offering advanced spam databases, flexible settings, and additional features like recording conversations or automatic SMS response. We tested dozens of programs and selected the three most effective for Xiaomi devices.

Before installing a third-party app, check its compatibility with your version. MIUI. Some programs (such as Should I Answer?) may conflict with the built-in Spam Protection, which will result in missing important calls. MIUI, if you use a third-party solution.

Disable built-in spam protection in MIUI| Check app reviews on 4PDA| Download APK only from the official website |Configure auto-update spam database-->

5. Block calls via Google Phone (for Android One devices)

If your Xiaomi runs Android One (like the Mi A3 or Mi A2), instead of the standard app, the MIUI Phone uses Google Phone. It also has tools to lock unknown numbers, but the setting is different.

Instructions for Google Phone:

1. Open the Phone app (the icon with the green tube).
2. Slip on three dots in the top right corner → Settings → Spam and calls.
3. Turn on the options: 🔸 Filter spam calls 🔸 Showing the caller ID and spam

Filtering Unknown Calls

Important: Google Phone uses Google’s database to detect spam, which may be less relevant to Russian numbers than MIUI. If you frequently receive calls from other countries, this method will be less effective.

💡

On Xiaomi Android One devices, you can’t use Google Phone and MIUI Spam Protection at the same time.

6 Advanced methods: blocking through ADB and third-party firmware

For power users who want to have full control of incoming calls, there are advanced methods, one of which is using ADB (Android Debug Bridge) to modify system settings, a method that is suitable for Xiaomi devices with an unlocked bootloader and requires technical skills.

To block all unknown numbers through ADB:

1. Activate Developer Mode (7 times tap the Build Number in Settings → About Phone).
2. Enable USB debugging in Settings → Additional → For developers.
3. Connect Xiaomi to your PC and execute the command: adb shell settings put global block_unknown_callers 1
4. Reset the device.

To add a number to the exceptions:

1. Go to Settings. → PapaSSWORD & SECURITY → Protection against spam.
2. Select the exceptions → Add a number.
3. Enter the number or select from the contacts.

You can also set up a whitelist to allow calls only from saved contacts, activate Block Everything except Contacts in Spam Protection, but this mode is not recommended for everyday use, as you will miss important notifications.

💡

Update the exception list regularly, for example, add a store support number before ordering on the marketplace to avoid missing the delivery notice.

FAQ: Frequent questions about blocking calls on Xiaomi

If none of these methods worked, the problem may be your Xiaomi firmware or hardware settings, and we recommend that you contact the service center or 4PDA forum, where experienced users can help diagnose the problem. Remember: regular updates to MIUI and spam databases are key to effective protection against unwanted calls.