Xiaomi’s smartphones are not only famous for their affordable price, but also for their rich MIUI shell functionality, which includes a variety of everyday security tools. One of the most useful, but often hidden from the user’s eyes, is the built-in module for protecting against unwanted contacts and messages. Device owners often do not even realize that they do not need to download third-party applications to block intrusive advertisers or scammers.
Activating this feature allows you to create a digital shield that automatically analyzes incoming connections and sifts out suspicious numbers. System anti-spam works at the operating system level, consuming minimal battery resources, as opposed to heavy third-party counterparts. In this article, we will discuss in detail how to configure this tool for maximum efficiency.
It is worth noting that the menu interface may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI and the region of the firmware (Global, European or Chinese). However, the logic of the application "Security" remains the same for the entire ecosystem.
Where to find lock settings in MIUI
The first step to activate protection is to find the right system application. Unlike many other Android smartphones, where the call settings are scattered across the menu, Xiaomi has everything in a single control center. You don't have to look for individual switches in the depth of the phone's settings.
On your desktop or in the app menu, look for an icon called Security, which is a standard system application with a green icon that contains a shield, and that's where all the key tools are located, from cleaning memory to managing permissions, and inside this application we're interested in the lock section.
Once you start the app, scroll down to the tool list, and you'll need to find Lock (or Blocklist) and some firmware versions may have it in the Tools category or in a separate Antispam menu, and clicking on this item will take you to the filter control center.
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All call filtering and SMS settings are in the Security app, not the standard call.
Activation of call filtering and SMS
Once you log into the lock menu, you'll see a control panel that opens up, and you can flexibly configure what types of connections the system will handle, and by default, the function can be turned off or run in minimal mode, so manual activation is mandatory.
At the top of the screen, you'll see switches for different categories, and you'll need to activate the switches in front of the Call Filter and the SMS Filter, and once you turn on, the system will start checking the database of known spam numbers with each incoming connection.
- 📞 Call filter: blocks incoming calls from numbers labeled as spam or fraud.
- 💬 Filter SMS: hides messages from advertising services and bank mailings (if they are identified as spam).
- 📵 Hidden Number Blocking: An Option to Weed Out Anonymous Calls That Scammers Often Use.
It is important to understand that enabling hard filtering can lead to missing important calls if the number is mistakenly marked in the database, so the databases of antivirus update automatically, but periodic check of blocked calls will not hurt.
Set up the rules of blocking and blacklist
The system offers not only automatic protection, but also manual list management, so you can create a blacklist for specific numbers you want to ignore, especially for personal blocking of persistent acquaintances or specific organizations.
To add a number to the blacklist, go to the lock settings and select "Blacklist" where you can add a contact from the phone book, enter a number manually or select from a call history, and prefix lock is available, which allows you to cut off a whole group of numbers, for example, with a specific city code.
⚠️ Note: When you add a number to the blacklist, the caller will hear a "busy" or a beep, but you will not have your phone ringing.
In addition, the settings menu can activate “Do Not Disturb” on a schedule, which will automatically enable blocking of all calls (except for selected contacts) at night or during important meetings.
☑️ Checking the lock settings
Working with a white contact list
Along with the blacklist, it is critical to set up a whitelist: Contacts added to this category will go through all filters and are guaranteed to reach you, even if they are mistakenly labeled as spam in global databases.
Add a contact to the whitelist via the same Lock menu, which is usually in the settings or in a separate tab, and it is recommended to immediately add emergency numbers, close relatives and important business partners to eliminate the risk of communication loss at a critical time.
There is also a smart feature that allows you to automatically whitelist all contacts from your phone book, which eliminates manual input, but reduces the level of protection, as unwanted numbers can also get lost in the phone book.
Comparison of built-in antispam and third-party applications
Many users are wondering whether to install additional applications like Truecaller or GetContact, if Xiaomi already has a built-in tool?
| Characteristics | MIUI built-in anti-spam | Third-party annexes |
|---|---|---|
| Resource consumption | Minimum (system level) | High (background processes) |
| Room database | Local + Cloud (updated) | Global crowdsourcing base |
| Confidentiality | High (data on the device) | Medium (downloading contacts to the server) |
| Integration | Full (no rights required) | Requires broad authorizations |
As you can see from the table, the built-in solution benefits in terms of energy efficiency and privacy. Third-party applications often require access to the entire phone book and call history, uploading this data to their servers for analysis.
Why are databases different?
Frequent problems and their solution
Despite the reliability of the system, users may face a situation where important calls are blocked and spam passes, most often due to outdated databases or conflicting settings.
If you stop receiving SMS from banks or confirmation codes, check the Spam folder in the message app. Sometimes the system filter reacts too aggressively to short numbers, in which case you need to add the sender to the exceptions.
You should also make sure that the Security app has all the necessary permissions. Go to Settings → Apps → Security → Permits and make sure that access to calls and SMS is allowed. Without this, the functionality will not work.
⚠️ Warning: If you reset your phone settings, lock settings may return to factory settings. be sure to check the status of filters after reinstalling the system or resetting.
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For maximum efficiency, update the antivirus databases inside the Security app before setting up the filters. This will take a couple of seconds, but will significantly improve the quality of the filtering.
Additional security measures
Turning on anti-spam is just the first step, and other aspects of Xiaomi’s comprehensive protection include limiting ads in system applications and banning the installation of programs from unknown sources.
In the same application, you can run a full screening of the device for viruses, and the built-in antivirus is able to detect malware, which can be a source of pop-up advertising or hidden mailing of paid SMS.
- 🔒 Password Protection: Set a password to sign in to the Security app so no one can change your lock settings.
- 🚫 Ad Blocking: Turn off receiving recommendations in settings MIUI, Reduce the amount of intrusive content.
- 📲 Permissions Control: Check regularly which apps have access to your calls and messages.
A comprehensive approach will create a reliable environment around your smartphone, in which you will be protected from most modern digital threats and irritants.