How to block calls from unknown numbers on Xiaomi: the complete guide

Spam calls and scammers from unknown numbers have become a real scourge of our time. According to statistics from 2026, every second owner of a Xiaomi smartphone encounters them at least once a week. MIUI It offers a few built-in tools to deal with this problem, from a basic blacklist to advanced call filters, but not all users know how to set them up properly.

In this article, we will discuss 5 working ways to block unknown numbers on Xiaomi, Redmi and other devices POCO — From standard functions to hidden chips MIUI 14/15. You'll learn how to weed out not only explicit spam, but also the gray numbers with the identifiers that scammers often use. And for those who don't have the standard tools, we've compiled a review of the best third-party apps with additional features.

Why it’s important to block unknown numbers on Xiaomi

Many users mistakenly believe that unknown calls are just annoying, but they actually carry real risks:

• 💳 Financial losses: Fraudsters often disguise themselves as banks, support services or government agencies to lure card details or details.
• 📱 Malware: Some calls contain links to phishing sites or automatically install Trojans through the service SMS.
• 🕒 Time loss: According to Kaspersky, the average user spends up to 15 minutes a day handling spam calls.
• 🔋 Battery discharge: Constant incoming calls make the communication module work more actively, which reduces battery life.

Redmi models are especially vulnerable (for example, Redmi Note 12 or Redmi). A2), There's no chipset-level hardware protection, whereas flagships like the Xiaomi 14 Ultra have built-in protection. AI-Call filter that automatically detects suspicious numbers.

⚠️ Note: Number locking does not protect against SMS-For complete security, also set up filtering messages in the Settings section. → Communications → Spam filter.

Method 1: Blacklist in the standard "Phone" app

The easiest method is to add numbers manually through the built-in Phone app, which works on all Xiaomi devices regardless of the version. MIUI (from MIUI 12 to MIUI 15).

Instructions:

1. Open the Phone app (the tube icon on the home screen).
2. Go to the Journal tab and find the number you want to block.
3. Press the number. → select Details → Lock down.
4. Confirm the action in the pop-up window.

To add the number manually (if he didn't call):

Settings → Applications → Phone → Blacklist → Add a number

No number in the call log

When you try to call, you hear the "busy" signal.

SMS from the number does not come (if the message blocking is enabled)

The number is displayed in the list of blocked (Settings) → Blacklist)

-->

Limitations of the method:

• 🔄 You need to manually add each number (not suitable for mass spam).
• 📵 Does not block numbers with a changed caller ID (For example, the Bank of Russia or Sberbank").
• 🔄 Lock resets after resetting phone settings.

💡

If you are frequently called from the same unknown number, but it changes the last digits each time (for example, the number of the phone is not known, +79XX1234567 → +79XX1234568), Use the symbol in the blacklist: add the number in the format +79XX123456, block out the whole series.

Method 2: Filtering Unknown Calls to the MIUI

Starting with MIUI 13, Xiaomi added a built-in unknown number filter that automatically blocks calls from subscribers not saved in contacts. This feature works at the system level and does not require the installation of additional applications.

How to turn on:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Phone → Call filter.
2. Activate the Filter Unknown Numbers switch.
3. (Optional) Turn on the notification of blocked calls to see which numbers have been filtered.

Important nuances:

• 📞 The filter does not block numbers from favorite contacts, even if they are not saved in the phone book.
• 🔍 Rooms with a substitute Caller ID (For example, the “Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia” can pass the filter – they need additional measures.
• 📶 The function works only when you are actively connected to a mobile network (does not block calls over Wi-Fi).

Every day.

Several times a week

Rarely (once a month or less)

I've never received spam calls.

-->

Method 3: Use of the Security application

Security (or Security on Global Firmware) in MIUI It contains advanced spam protection tools, including system-level call blocking, which is more effective than the standard blacklist because it is integrated with Xiaomi’s cloud database.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the Security app (shield icon).
2. Go to the Call Blocking (or Call Blocking) section.
3. Activate options: Block unknown numbers Block numbers from spam database Block numbers with suspicious prefixes

Settings

Show a log of blocked calls

Advantages of this method:

• 🔍 Uses a cloud-based spam number database that is updated daily.
• 🛡️ Not only does it block calls, but it also blocks calls. SMS from suspicious senders.
• 📊 Keeps statistics of blocked calls with an indication of the type of threat (fraud, advertising, robots).

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO X5 Pro) The security application may not be available in the global firmware, in which case install it from the Mi App Store or use alternative methods from this article.

Method 4: Third-party applications to block spam

If embedded funds MIUI It's not enough, you can use specialized applications, and they offer advanced features, like:

• 🌍 Global spam number databases (including Russian and international spam numbers).
• 🤖 Automatic recognition of robot calls by voice.
• 📊 Detailed statistics and reports on blocked calls.

Top.-3 apps:

How to set up Truecaller on Xiaomi:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Register (you can use Google or Facebook).
3. Enable permissions: Phone → - to block calls. → caller-identify. SMS → message-filter.

Block → Block Spam


Notifications → Show blocked calls

⚠️ Note: Apps like Truecaller may conflict with built-in filter MIUI. If standard locking functions stop working after installation, disable duplicate options in Settings → Annexes → Phone. → Call filter.

Method 5: Blocking through a communications operator

If spam calls come from your mobile phone number, you can use their filtering services, which is especially true for MTS, Beeline, MegaFon and Tele2 subscribers who offer free or paid protection services.

How to connect:

Advantages of operator lock:

• 📡 It works at the network level – blocks calls before they reach the phone.
• 🔄 It doesn't depend on firmware. MIUI (suitable for any smartphone).
• 📊 Operators update spam databases more often than smartphone manufacturers.

Disadvantages:

• 🔄 Does not block numbers with a changed caller ID (For example, "Sberbank" or "Tax").
• 📵 May delay legitimate calls (e.g. from delivery services).
• 📶 Does not work in roaming or when using virtual SIM (eSIM).

💡

Operator blocking is the most reliable way to prevent mass spam, but it is useless against targeted attacks by fraudsters (for example, with a fake bank number). MIUI.

Additional Tips for Protecting against Spam Calls

In addition to blocking unknown numbers, follow these guidelines to minimize the risks:

• 🔐 Do not publish your number in public sources (social networks, forums, ads). Scammers often collect numbers using parsers.
• 📞 Use the second number to register on sites and services. SIM (For example, from Tinkoff Mobile or SberMobile are from 0₽/moss.
• 🛡️ Set up two-factor authentication in banking applications through SMS + push notifications, not just by phone.
• 🔍 Check the numbers before you answer. Services like WhoCalled or Nomernik show reviews of the caller.
• 📵 Turn off call forwarding (dial *#21# and make sure all services are deactivated). SIM-map.

If you frequently receive calls with switched numbers (e.g. Sberbank or 911), follow these steps:

1. Install the CallApp app (available on Google Play).
2. Enable the option of Check Caller ID.
3. Add to the blacklist all the numbers with bank prefixes (+7495 for Sberbank, +7800 for free lines).

Frequent problems and their solutions

When you set up the lock of unknown numbers on Xiaomi, users face typical difficulties.

Problem 1: After the lock, the number still rings.

Decision:

• Check if the number has been added to the Exclusions (Security section) → Locking down calls → Exceptions).
• Update the firmware: in older versions MIUI (below MIUI 12.5) the lock was unstable.
• Restart your phone – sometimes the call filter freezes after the update.

Problem 2: No important calls (e.g., from a courier or bank) are coming in.

Decision:

• Add support numbers to your favorite contacts.
• In the call filter settings (Settings) → Phone. → Call filter) disable the option Block all unknowns and use only Block spam.
• For bank numbers (for example, 900 for Sberbank), create a separate contact with the name "Sberbank Official".

Problem 3: After resetting the settings, the blacklist disappeared.

Decision:

• If you have backup enabled MIUI (Settings → The phone. → Backup, restore data from the cloud.
• Export the blacklist manually: Settings → Annexes → Phone. → Blacklist → Export (file saved in.vcf format).
• Use third-party apps (like Truecaller) that sync the blacklist with your Google account.

Problem 4: On POCO Redmi with global firmware does not have a call filter function.

Decision:

• Install. MIUI version for Russia/Eurasia via Fastboot (instructions on miui.su).
• Use alternative launchers (e.g., use alternative launchers, POCO Launcher) with support for spam blocking.
• Activate the hidden option through ADB: adb shell settings put global block_unknown_callers 1

FAQ: Answers to popular questions