How to set up Xiaomi Redmi so that unfamiliar numbers don’t ring: the full guide

Why Strangers Call Redmi and How to Stop It

Xiaomi Redmi smartphone owners regularly face one annoying phenomenon: unwanted calls from scammers, spammers and intrusive marketers. According to Truecaller, in 2023, one in three subscribers in Russia received at least 5 spam calls per week. From selling loans to phishing attacks disguised as banking services, but the main problem is the standard settings. MIUI They don’t always effectively filter these challenges.

Fortunately, it takes less than 10 minutes to set up a lock on unfamiliar numbers on Redmi, if you know all the methods available. In this article, we will discuss 5 working methods, from built-in MIUI functions to third-party applications and operator settings. It is important to understand that there is no universal solution: scammers are constantly adapting, so the combination of several methods will give the maximum effect.

Before you get to the instructions, check if you are using an outdated version of MIUI. firmware older than MIUI 12 lacks key call filtering features. Update system in Settings → About Phone → System Update if your version is below MIUI 13/14.

Method 1: Blacklist in the standard "Phone" application

The easiest method is to blacklist unwanted numbers through the built-in Phone app, which works on all Redmi models (from Redmi 9 to Redmi Note 12 Pro+) and does not require additional software installation.

1. Open the Phone app (the tube icon on the home screen).
2. Go to the Recent section and find the number you want to block.
3. Click on the number, then select ⋮ → Lock down.
4. Confirm the action in the dialog window.

To manage the entire list of blocked contacts:

• 📱 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Phone. → Number locking.
• 🔍 This shows all the locked numbers, so you can add new ones manually or delete old ones.
• ⚙️ Enable the option to Block unknown numbers (works unstable, may skip spam).

Added all known spam numbers

The option "Block Unknown" is enabled

Sync with Google Contacts (if used)

Removed outdated records-->

Limitations of the method:

• The blacklist only blocks the numbers already known, and new spammers will pass the filter.
• The function Block Unknowns often works on false positives (for example, blocks calls from courier services).
• Numbers with a changed caller ID (for example, the Bank of Russia) can bypass the lock.

⚠️ Note: If you are using duality SIM-Redmi cards, the blacklist is valid for each SIM. Set up a lock for both cards!

Method 2: Call filtering via MIUI settings

MIUI 13/14 offers advanced filtering tools that many users don’t notice, which allow you to block not only specific numbers, but also entire categories of calls (for example, hidden or international) to activate them:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Phone → Spam filter.
2. Turn on the Spam Filter switch (if it is turned off).
3. Set up the rules: 📵 Block Hidden Numbers – for calls with a suppressed caller ID. 🌍 Block international numbers – if you do not receive a call from abroad. 🤖 Block Robobrae – filters automatic systems.

Important: MIUI 14 has a Smart Filter feature that analyzes the behavior of numbers, and if a number rings more than 3 times a day or leaves voice messages, the system automatically prompts you to block it.

If you stop receiving important notifications (e.g. from a bank or delivery service) after activating filters, check the Lock Log section in the same settings, where you can recover missed calls or add numbers to the whitelist.

💡

If the spam filter doesn’t work, try resetting the Phone app to Settings → Apps → Phone → Storage → Clear the data. This will return the standard settings without losing contacts.

Method 3: Anti-spam applications from third-party developers

Built-in MIUI tools don't always cope with modern spam methods. For enhanced protection, we recommend installing specialized applications.

• 🛡️ Truecaller is a database of 300 million spam numbers, identifying unfamiliar subscribers.
• 🚫 SberCall (from Sberbank) – free for bank customers, blocks fraudsters on the Sbera database.
• 🔍 GetContact – Shows the “name” of an unfamiliar number based on feedback from other users.
• 📞 Hiya - minimalist interface, blocks robbrae and number scanners.

Installation and configuration using the example of Truecaller:

1. Download the app from Google Play.
2. Register (you can use Google or phone number).
3. Enable permissions: Access to contacts (to identify incoming) Permission to intercept calls (to block).
4. In the application settings, activate: Block spam → Automatic. Number identification → Always.

Confidentiality warning:

• Apps like Truecaller upload your contacts to their servers for analysis.
• In the settings, you can turn off synchronization, but this will reduce the effectiveness of filtering.
• For maximum security, use local blockers (such as Should I Answer?) that don’t require access to contacts.

Method 4: Locking settings for mobile operator

Russian operators provide their own spam-fighting services, which are network-level tools that block calls before they reach your Redmi, and they are highly efficient by operator, but on average they sift out 60-70% of fraudulent calls.

Advantages of operator filters:

• 🔄 Work even if the phone is turned off or in flight mode (locking at the network level).
• 📊 Use extensive databases of fraudulent numbers, updated in real time.
• 💰 Free for subscribers (unlike some paid anti-spam apps).

Disadvantages:

• Do not block calls with swapped numbers (spoofing).
• They may delay important notifications (e.g. from banking services).
• It is not possible to set up a whitelist for specific numbers.

⚠️ Note: If you use a virtual operator (e.g. Yota, Tinkoff Mobile), check if there are anti-spam services in support. MVNO They do not provide such options.

Method 5: Do Not Disturb Mode with Exceptions

If you are not only tired of the phone calls, but also SMS-Spam, set up the mode Do not disturb (DND) This method is suitable for Redmi with flexible exceptions. MIUI 12+ It allows you to miss only important notifications.

How to set up:

1. Open Settings → Sound and vibration → Do not disturb.
2. Turn on the Do Not Disturb switch.
3. Set up the rules: 🕒 Schedule: Select a time (for example, 22:00 to 8:00). 📞 Calls: Allow only from Contacts or Favorites. 💬 Messages: Turn off notifications from strangers. ⚠️ Exceptions: Add critical applications (e.g. banking or instant messengers).

Advanced settings:

• 🔕 Enable Quiet Notifications for all apps except select ones.
• 📊 Use Automatic Rules to Activate DND calendar-time.
• 🔄 Set up Repetitive Calls: If one number rings 2 times within 3 minutes, the call will pass (useful for emergencies).

💡

Do Not Disturb mode doesn't block calls completely -- it just suppresses notifications. The numbers will still show up in the call log.

Additional measures: how to reduce the amount of spam

Even with filters on, spammers can leak out, so to minimize the risks, follow these tips:

• 🔐 Don't publish a number in the public domain: remove it from social networks, forums and public profiles. Use messengers to communicate.
• 🛒 Careful with online purchases: when placing orders on unknown sites, use virtual numbers (for example, through the use of a digital number). SMS-activator).
• 📋 Check App Permissions: Revoke Contacts and Calls from Questionable Programs → Annexes → Permits.
• 🔄 Update regularly MIUI: New firmware versions improve spam filtering algorithms.
• 📵 Use the second number: for registrations and unimportant contacts, get a separate number. SIM-card (for example, Tele2 for 100)₽/month).

If spam calls have become a systemic problem (more than that). 10 daily), consider changing the number. Operators provide this service free of charge or for a nominal fee (50-200₽). Before shift:

1. Create a backup of contacts through Settings → Google → Backup.
2. Reconfigure two-factor authentication in important services (banks, social networks).
3. Only give the new number to trusted contacts.

FAQ: Frequent questions about blocking calls on Xiaomi Redmi