Spam calls, annoying collectors or ex-acquaintances who donβt want to leave you alone are the problems that almost every smartphone owner faces. On Xiaomi phones (including the Redmi and POCO lines), blocking unwanted contacts is implemented flexibly, but itβs not always obvious where to look for the right settings. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to add a number to the blacklist, including hidden MIUI functions, and explain why sometimes the lock does not work and how to fix it.
It is important to understand that the mechanism of the blacklist on Xiaomi depends on the firmware version (MIUI 12/13/14) And the phone models. 12 The path to settings may be different from POCO X5 Pro, and in some regional versions MIUI The option is hidden deeper. We'll look at universal methods that work in the field of human intelligence. 90% Devices, and also point out features for specific models.
1. Standard method: through the application "Phone"
The easiest method is to use the built-in Phone app (green handset), which is suitable for blocking both saved contacts and unknown numbers that you have received a call or sent an SMS. The interface may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI, but the general logic remains.
To add a number to the blacklist:
- π± Open the Phone app and go to the Log tab (watch icon at the bottom of the screen).
- π Find the number you want in the list (or enter it manually in the search bar).
- βοΈ Click on the number, then select Block (or Blacklist).
- β Confirm the action in the pop-up window.
If the number is not saved in the contacts, the system will offer to block only it, or all unknown numbers - be careful with this choice, so as not to miss important calls. On some models (for example, Xiaomi 13T) after blocking, the option will appear to Report Spam - this helps to improve call filtering for all MIUI users.
Make sure the number is entered correctly (without unnecessary characters)
Check if it has been blocked before.
Evaluate whether the number is tied to important services (bank, delivery)
Keep the number in contact if you plan to unlock it later.-->
2. Blocking through security settings
If the standard method didnβt work (for example, because of customized firmware), you can use an alternative way through Security Settings, which is suitable for mass blocking or when you need to manage a list of locked numbers centrally.
Instructions:
- Open Settings β Applications β Security (or Settings β System and Device β Security on newer versions of MIUI).
- Select the Black List (or Number Block).
- Click Add a number and enter it manually or select from the log.
- Activate the switch to Lock unknown numbers if you want to cut off all those who are not saved in contacts.
This section also allows you to delete numbers from the blacklist or temporarily disable the lock.Please note: if you use Google Messages instead of the standard one, please note: SMS-applications, blocking through security settings may not apply to messages - they will have to be blocked separately.
π‘
On some models (e.g. POCO F5), the path to the blacklist is hidden. Try searching for the settings to search for "lock numbers" and the system will tell you the exact path.
3.Block spam and scams through MIUI Security
MIUI has a built-in spam protection mechanism that works independently of the blacklist, and analyzes incoming calls and SMS against known fraudulent numbers, which is enabled by default, but can be customized to suit your needs.
How to activate extended protection:
- π‘οΈ Go to Settings. β Memory and applications β Security.
- π΅ Choose Spam Protection (or Antispam).
- π Enable options: Block spam calls Filter spam-SMS Showing fraud warnings
The system will automatically block suspicious numbers even if they are not manually blacklisted, but sometimes MIUI Security will make a mistake and block legitimate calls (e.g. from delivery services), in which case the number can be unlocked in the Lock Log section.
Every day.
Several times a week
Rarely (1-2 times a month)
Never.-->
4. Features of locking on different Xiaomi models
Despite the general logic of MIUI, some devices may have different interfaces or blacklisted functionality, and the following are key features for popular lines:
| Model/Lineak | Features of the blacklist | Additional functions |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 13/13T/14 | The blacklist is integrated into Google Contacts (if used) and supports blocking by regular expressions (e.g. all numbers with the +79XX prefix). | Automatically detect fraudulent calls marked βSuspiciousβ. |
| Redmi Note 12/11 | There is no option to block unknown numbers in the standard interface β you need to use Security Settings. | Supports blocking SMS for keywords (e.g., βyou wonβ). |
| POCO X5/F5 | The blacklist is hidden in Settings β System β Advanced settings. | The ability to export/import a list of blocked numbers. |
| Xiaomi Pad 6 | There is no separate βPhoneβ application β the lock is configured through Settings β Communication. | Support for geolocation locking (e.g. all numbers from a particular country). |
Global firmware devices (such as Xiaomi EU ROM) may not have an automatic spam blocking feature, which is replaced by integration with Google Call Screen. If you use custom firmware (such as Pixel Experience), the blacklist is managed through Android settings, not MIUI.
How do I check the MIUI version?
5 Why the lock doesn't work: common problems
Sometimes users are faced with blocked numbers continuing to call or send SMS. The reasons can vary from firmware bugs to incorrect settings. Here are the main scenarios and their solutions:
- π Number saved in several formats: If the contact is recorded and how +79123456789, and like 89123456789, locking can only work for one option.
- π΅ Third-party call app: If you call via WhatsApp, Telegram or Skype, the system blacklist doesn't work.
- π§ Resetting security settings: After the update MIUI Sometimes you reset your anti-spam settings. β Annexes β Security β Resetting settings.
- π‘ Double. SIM-Map: On some models, the blacklist only applies to the main SIM. Solution: Block the number separately for each card.
A critical feature for Xiaomi owners with Android 13+: Due to changes in Googleβs privacy policy, some apps (like Truecaller) may conflict with system locking. If built-in features stop working after installing third-party anti-spam, try disabling permissions for those apps in Settings β Apps β Permissions β Phone.
π‘
If the number is blocked but calls continue, check if the subscriber is using a Hidden Number service or a virtual SIM (for example, through Google Voice), in which case blocking by number will not help - you need to configure filtering for other signs.
6. Alternative methods: third-party applications and operator services
If the MIUI built-in tools don't work, you can use additional tools.
Third-party annexes:
- π‘οΈ Truecaller: Spammer database is updated by users from all over the world, minus - requires access to contacts and logs.
- π Hiya: Specializes in blocking fraudulent calls, integrates with the system blacklist.
- π΅ Should I Answer?: Works offline, blocks numbers by templates (for example, all numbers with a prefix) +375 for Belarusian spam).
Operator services:
Most Russian operators (MTS, Beeline, MegaFon, Tele2) provide free or paid services of spam blocking.
- π± MTS: Service "Spam Protection" (connected by USSD-code *111*789#).
- π Beeline: Option βAntispamβ in the personal account.
- π‘οΈ MegaFon: Spam filter service (activated via *105*457#).
The advantage of carrier services is that they block spam before the call reaches the phone, saving battery life, but they don't work with instant messengers and virtual numbers.
π‘
Before installing third-party anti-spam, check its reputation with 4PDA or XDA Developers.Some applications (such as Truecallerβs Chinese counterparts) can collect user data.
7. How to manage a blacklist: export, import, backup
If you change phones frequently or reset settings, it's helpful to know how to keep a list of locked numbers. MIUI has built-in tools for this, but they're not always obvious.
Exports of the blacklist:
- Go to Settings β Applications β Security β Blacklist.
- Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Export.
- Save the file in.vcf (business card) or.txt format on Google Drive or in local memory.
Imports of the blacklist:
Similar to export, but choose Import and specify the saved file. Note: the format should match. If there are errors when importing, try editing the file manually, leaving only the numbers in the format +7XXXXXXXXXX.
To back up the entire list (along with other security settings), use Backup in Settings β About Phone β Backup. However, you canβt restore only the blacklist from such a backup β you have to return all the settings in their entirety.
How to transfer the blacklist to the new Xiaomi?
8. Frequent questions about the blacklist on Xiaomi
Can I block the number so that he doesnβt know?
How to block all unknown numbers?
Why can a blocked number send SMS?
Can I lock the number on the mask (for example, all +375*)?
How to unlock a number if you forget you blocked it?
If your question isnβt covered in this article, check the official Xiaomi documentation for your model or ask a question on the 4PDA or Mi Community forums. Remember that the functionality of the blacklist can change with the release of new versions of MIUI, so check periodically for system updates.