How to limit calls from unfamiliar numbers on Xiaomi

Constant calls from intrusive advertising agencies, scammers and robot operators have become a real problem for owners of modern smartphones. Users of Xiaomi and Redmi devices face this especially often, as their numbers often fall into the databases of marketing services. Fortunately, the MIUI and HyperOS operating system offer powerful built-in tools for filtering incoming traffic that significantly reduce noise levels.

Ignoring the problem can lead not only to time loss, but also to financial risks if you accidentally contact scammers. In this article, we will discuss in detail how to limit calls from unfamiliar numbers to shaomi using regular system tools without installing third-party software, you will learn how to configure blacklists, activate smart locks and use hidden functions for maximum protection.

Use of the built-in "Security" application

The main protection tool in the Chinese brand’s smartphones is the system application Security, which is where the main call filtering settings are concentrated, which work at the system level, not just on a single application. To access the desired features, you need to open the application and find the Anti-spam section, which is usually located at the bottom of the screen or in the menu of additional tools.

Once you log into the anti-spam menu, you will need to activate the lock function. The system will offer several behavior scenarios: ignore all unknowns, block hidden numbers or use a smart database. It is important to note that the smart database may require an Internet connection and authorization in your Mi Account. Enabling the “Block All Unknown Numbers” mode can lead to the skipping of important calls from couriers or doctors who call from city numbers.

You can set up rules through the Blacklist, where you can manually add specific numbers or select automatic rules, for example, you can block calls from all numbers that are not saved in your phone book, a radical but effective method for those who only expect calls from friends.

Remember that MIUI algorithms are updated periodically, and the menu interface may vary slightly on different versions of the firmware. If you do not find the Antispam option right away, search the phone settings by entering the “lock” request, which will quickly go to the desired configuration screen, bypassing long searches in the menu.

Setting up a “quiet mode” for unknown subscribers

One of the most useful but little-known features is what's called Quiet Mode, or Do Not Disturb mode, which filters contacts, and unlike full locking, this method allows the call to pass, but the phone won't make sounds or vibrate, the screen may not even light up, and the call will simply be recorded in the missed log.

To activate this feature, go to Settings → Sound and Vibration → Do Not Disturb. In this section, you need to find the "Allow Calls" or "Exclusions" option. Here you select the "Only from Contacts" or "Favorites" option, so any call from a number that is not in your notebook will be automatically silenced.

• 📞 Favourites: Only those you add to the special “Favorites” list in contacts will be able to call.
• 📚 All contacts: calls from all saved numbers are missed, the rest are quieted.
• 🔇 No one: complete silence, phone unresponsive to any incoming (rarely used).

This method is ideal for night time or periods when you need concentration. You will not miss an important call, as you will see a missed call later, but you will not be jerked in the middle of the day by obsessives.

💡

Use Do Not Disturb mode with your schedule. Set up automatic filtration switching from 22:00 to 08:00 to sleep quietly without manually switching settings.

It is important to understand the difference between a full lockdown and a "Do Not Disturb" mode: in the first case, the subscriber hears a beep or a message about employment, in the second, he has long beeps and thinks that you just do not pick up the phone.

Google Assistant integration and screen call

Owners of Xiaomi smartphones with Google services installed have access to a powerful tool called Call Screening, which allows Google’s AI to answer calls instead of you, asking questions to robot operators and translating their dialogue into text on the screen.

To activate this feature, open the Google Dialer app, click three dots in the corner and select Settings → Screen Call. Here you can enable automatic response to all unknown numbers or numbers from the spam list. The phone will ask, "Who is calling?" and "What is the purpose of the call?" and you will see the transcription of the response in real time.

⚠️ Note: Screen Call may not be available on some regional firmware versions or require you to change your phone’s region to “USA” or “India” settings.

The advantage of this method is that you don't block the call dead, you filter the contents of the call, so if a really important person calls you, like a number you don't know, you can interrupt the robot and pick up the phone, and if it's advertising, you'll just drop the call after you read the text.

Google Assistant is especially relevant for those who frequently take orders or wait for calls from delivery services whose numbers may change or be unknown, and is a flexible tool that combines spam protection with the ability to keep things important.

Hidden codes and engineering menu for blocking

For advanced users, it is possible to configure forwarding and blocking through the operator’s system codes or the smartphone’s engineering menu. Entering special combinations in the Phone application allows you to manage the “Inbox Prohibition” services that are provided at the network level of the cellular operator.

The most common codes for blocking control are:

• 🚫 *33*PIN # – activation of banning all incoming calls (PIN code from the SIM card is required, usually 0000 or 1234).
• ✅ #33*PIN code # – the abolition of the ban on incoming calls.
• ❓ *#43# – Checking the status of the “Waiting Call” service, which can also affect the behavior of the phone when the line is busy.

There is also an engineering menu available under the code ##4636##. In the section "Phone Information" you can find the redirect settings. However, beware: changing the parameters in the engineering menu without knowing exactly what they are used can lead to loss of communication or unstable operation of the communication module.

⚠️ Note: Before using PIN codes, make sure you know the correct code for your PIN code. SIM-Three wrong PIN attempts will block the SIM card, and you'll need a code. PUK, which is on a plastic card-holder from the SIM.

The advantage of using network commands is that locking works even if the phone is turned off or is out of Wi-Fi coverage (operates at the operator network level). However, remember that such services can be paid depending on the tariff plan of your carrier.

Third-party applications and spam databases

MIUI is sometimes not enough, because fraudsters' databases are not updated instantly, and in such cases, specialized applications from Google Play, such as Truecaller, Kaspersky Who Calls or Yandex with Alice, come to the rescue, and these programs use crowdsourcing, a database that is replenished by users themselves.

The principle of their work is simple: when you call, the application checks the number against the cloud base. If the number is marked by other users as “Spam”, “Taxi” or “Fraudsters”, the corresponding warning will appear on the screen or there will be an automatic reset of the call. Integrating such applications with the Android system on Xiaomi requires broad permissions.

For proper operation it is necessary:

• 🛡️ Allow access to contacts and call log.
• 📞 Install the application as the main one for working with the number (optional, for full integration).
• 🔋 Disable energy savings for the blocker app in Xiaomi battery settings.

The main disadvantage of third-party solutions is the need to transfer data about your contacts and calls to the developer servers to update the database. If privacy is more important for you, it is better to limit yourself to built-in tools or use local databases, if the application allows.

Frequent errors and solution of blockage problems

Even after setting up properly, users may find that calls keep coming in, often because of MIUI's aggressive energy-saving policies, which kill the background processes of the blocker, and if the application can't run in the background, it won't be able to intercept the incoming call.

To fix this, go to Settings → Applications → All apps, find your blocker app (or system antispam) and select Charge Saving. Set a value Without Limits. Also check autorun: it must be enabled for protection to work properly.

Another common mistake is the confusion between keyword blocking (SMS) and calling blocking, which are set in different sections. Make sure you set up the Calls tab in the Security app. Also check if In-Pack or Child Mode is enabled, which can block the screen and prevent you from seeing the caller's information.

💡

If the lock does not work, in 90% of cases the problem is in the power saving settings (the application “drops”) or in the lack of access rights of the blocking application.

Check system updates regularly. Xiaomi engineers are constantly improving security algorithms, and the new firmware version may contain bug fixes in the security module. Don't ignore notifications of available updates, especially if they are marked as "System Optimization."

Additional Tips on Digital Hygiene

Call restriction is a reactive measure, and to reduce spam, you should be digitally hygienic, and don't give your primary phone number when you sign up for dubious sites, play online games, or get discount cards in stores, and for that purpose, you should either have a second SIM card or use a virtual number.

If you do leave a number and spam, you can use the number-search service (within the law) to find out who is bothering you and file a complaint with the carrier, and operators are required to respond to complaints about intrusive advertising, although this process can take time.

Remember, complete isolation from the outside world is rarely helpful.Tune in a balance: let the "Favorites" and "Contacts" call, and everyone else go through the anti-spam filter, but not completely blocked if you wait for an important but unknown call.

💡

Make a habit of looking at the Security app lock log once a month to help you understand what types of numbers are attacking you and adjust the filtering rules.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions