Spam calls, annoying SMS or unwanted contacts can seriously mess up your mood. Fortunately, Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones offer built-in tools to block such numbers. In this article, you’ll find 3 proven ways to add a contact to the blacklist, from standard settings to hidden features for advanced users.
We'll not only look at basic actions through the Phone app, but also at alternative methods for Redmi, Poco, and Black Shark. We'll focus on the differences in MIUI 12, 13, and 14 to avoid confusion. And if you accidentally lock an important number, there's an unlock manual at the end of this article.
Method 1: via the "Phone" application (the fastest)
This method works on all current versions of MIUI and is suitable for blocking both saved contacts and unknown numbers, the main advantage is speed: the entire process takes no more than 10 seconds.
Open the standard Phone app (the handset icon on the home screen). Go to the Log tab, find the number you want and click on it. In the window that opens, select Block (on some models - More → Lock the number). The system will prompt you to confirm the action - agree.
- 📱 Suitable for: Xiaomi 11/12/13/14, Redmi Note 10/11/12, Poco F3/F4/F5
- ⚡ Speed: Instantly (without rebooting)
- ⚠️ Restriction: does not block SMS (call-up)
If the number is not saved in contacts, the system will suggest adding it to the blacklist immediately from the call log, which is convenient for combating spammers who call from different numbers.
Find a number in the call log|Press the number. → "Lock down"|Confirm the action|Check it out on the Blacklist"-->
Method 2: Using the MIUI security settings
For those who prefer centralized lock management, MIUI has a special section in the settings, where you can not only add numbers, but also customize the rules for SMS, as well as view the history of blocked contacts.
Go to Settings. → Annexes → Number locking (on some firmwares the path may be different: Settings) → PapaSSWORD & SECURITY → Block numbers. In the menu that opens, click Add to the blacklist and select the contact from the list or enter the number manually. Here you can turn on the option Block unknown numbers, this will automatically cut off all spammers.
| Function | MIUI 12 | MIUI 13 | MIUI 14 |
|---|---|---|---|
| The path to settings | Settings → Blocking | Settings → PapaSSWORD & SECURITY | Settings → Applications → Blocking |
| SMS lockdown | Yes (separate switch) | Yeah (same menu) | Yes + filter for keywords |
| Imports/exports of list | No. | Yes (through backup) | Yes (in.txt format) |
Note that MIUI 14 has a smart lock feature, which analyzes incoming calls and suggests blocking suspicious numbers automatically, and to activate it, turn on the Smart Lock switch in the same menu.
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If you often get spam from numbers starting at +79xx, add a +79* mask to the blacklist, which will block the entire range.
Method 3: via the Messages app (for SMS)
If you are not getting tired of calls, SMS-Spam, lock can be configured separately in the Messages app, and this method works independently of the call lock, which is convenient for flexible settings.
Open the Messages app, find a dialog with unwanted contact, and hold your finger on the message. In the menu that appears, select Block (or More → Block) and the system will suggest blocking both calls and SMS — you can choose both options or only messages.
- 📧 Locks it down: SMS, MMS, RCS-message
- 🔄 Synchronization: Works with Google Messages (if installed)
- 🚫 Exception: system messages (from banks, operators) are not subject to blocking
MIUI 14 has a feature for filtering SMS by keywords. To set it up, go to Message Settings → Spam filter and add words or phrases (for example, “winning”, “credit”, “promotion”). All messages containing these words will be automatically sent to the Spam folder.
Calls from unknown numbers|SMS-mailing|Advertising push notifications|Messages in messengers-->
Blacklist for messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber)
The standard MIUI blacklist does not apply to instant messengers — each has its own lock settings. Let's look at how to do this in the most popular apps.
On WhatsApp, open a chat with a contact, click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select More → In Telegram, the path is similar: User profile → ⋮ → In Viber, you have to go into the chat room, click on the name of the person, and choose Block this contact.
⚠️ Note: the lock in the messenger does not block calls or SMS Use both methods to completely block the Xiaomi application.
Some messengers (like Telegram) allow users to be blacklisted without notice. On WhatsApp, a blocked contact won’t see your status online, but it will be able to send a message — it just won’t reach you.
How to unlock a number on Xiaomi
If you accidentally block an important contact or change your mind, you can unlock the number in a few steps. To do this, go to Settings → Applications → Lock numbers (or a similar path for your version of MIUI).
In the blocked contacts list, find the number you want and swipe it left (or click on the basket icon). The system will immediately unlock the contact, and it will be able to call or write you again. If the number was deleted from the blacklist incorrectly, it can be blocked again in the same way.
What happens when you unlock?
On some models (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro or Redmi) K60) Unlocking may require fingerprint confirmation or PIN-This is an additional security measure to prevent accidental changes.
Problems and Solutions: Why the Lockdown Doesn't Work
Sometimes users find that blocked numbers keep calling or texting, and let's look at the typical causes and ways to fix them.
- 🔄 Settings reset: After resetting the phone to factory settings, the blacklist is cleared. restore it manually or from backup.
- 📱 Double. SIM-If the number is blocked for only one SIM, It can call the second card. Check the settings for each card separately.
- 🔧 Update MIUI: After major updates (for example, version 13 to version 14), the lock sync may get lost.
If the problem persists, try clearing the cache of the Phone or Messages app. Go to Settings → Apps → Application Management, find the desired app, and select Clear the cache. This will not delete your data, but can restore the lock.
⚠️ Note: on some firmware (especially custom) the number lock function may not work properly due to conflict with security modules. MIUI.
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If the lock doesn’t work for a specific number, try adding it to the blacklist through the Security app, which uses a separate filtering mechanism.