Modern Xiaomi smartphones offer users incredible functionality, but the security system built into the MIUI shell sometimes requires fine-tuning. Many device owners face intrusive advertising calls or messages from unknown numbers, which is annoying and distracting from important things. Standard filters do not always cope with aggressive marketing, so you need to know how to correctly manage locks.
The problem is not just the human factor, but the Chinese firmware versions, which may be less stringent to advertising integrations. To regain your peace of mind, you will need to take a comprehensive approach to protecting incoming connections. In this article, we will examine all available methods, from built-in functions to installing specialized software.
Don't ignore the first signs of spam, because over time, the number of unwanted contacts will only grow. Proper setting up of the anti-spam module will take only a few minutes, but will save you hours of nerves in the future. Let's look Step-by-step how to secure your personal space.
Use of the built-in MIUI blocker
The first and most logical step is to activate the standard security features that are already installed on your device. The MIUI shell has powerful tools hidden in the standard Security app, and that's where the main lever for controlling incoming traffic and calls is located.
To get started, you need to open the Security app and find the Antispam section, where the system offers several layers of protection, including blocking from a list of contacts, hidden numbers or simply unknown subscribers, activating these functions is instantaneous and does not require root rights.
- 📞 Hidden Number Blocking: Automatically rejects calls if the number detector does not transmit data.
- 🚫 Blacklist: The ability to manually add specific numbers that bother you most often.
- 🛡️ Smart mode: algorithms analyze the database of complaints and flag suspicious calls as spam.
It is important to note that the menu layout may vary slightly from one firmware version to another, so if you don't find the right option right away, search inside the security settings, and if you configure it correctly, you can cut off up to 80 percent of all junk traffic without user input.
⚠️ Warning: When you enable hard locking of all unknown numbers, you may miss an important call from a courier or doctor whose number is not in your notebook.
Google Assistant and Filtering
Owners of Xiaomi smartphones with a clean version of Android or global firmware have access to advanced features from Google. Google Assistant service is able not only to answer questions, but also to act as a secretary, weeding out robot sellers.
Call filter allows your smartphone to automatically detect spam and even answer calls for you, especially in regions where phone fraud is rampant, and you need to go to your phone settings to activate it and find Number Defender and Spam.
Once the filtering system is turned on, the phone will flag suspicious calls in red or even reset them. The algorithms are constantly updated, making this one of the most effective methods in the long run. You can choose the level of protection from a simple warning to a complete lockdown.
How does the voice assistant work when calling?
If you have "Respond for Me" enabled, the phone will ask the caller who they are and what the purpose of the call is. Robot sellers usually can't answer these questions and drop the phone, and you get a text transcript of the conversation.> It's worth remembering that some features require a stable Internet connection. Without access to the network, the database will not be updated, and the effectiveness of the protection will decrease. Regularly check that Google services are working correctly and have the necessary permissions. Third-party applications for protection against spam If built-in tools are not enough, specialized applications from third-party developers, these markets offer a lot of solutions, such as Kaspersky, or the users. The principle of their work is based on crowdsourcing: if a thousand people have marked a number as “Advertising”, it automatically falls into a blacklist for everyone else. Installing such software significantly increases the level of security, but requires careful attention to permissions. Application Base type Resource Consumption Features Truecaller Global Average Number Determiner, search on the basis Yandex Regional (CIS) Low Excellent work with Russian numbers Kaspersky Antivirus High Comprehensive Protection and Antivirus GetContact Social Average Tag and Contact Name Search When installed, make sure that the user can only ask for the right to access to the application. Using third-party software is often the only way to fight local telemarketing operators that are not in Google’s global databases. However, be prepared for the fact that such applications can display their ads or offer paid subscriptions. Registration in the stop list registry The official and legal way to reduce the number of advertising calls is to register in the state register of stop lists. In Russia, for example, this service will not be a robot or similar initiatives from large telecom operators. This does not give 100% guarantee, but reduces the flow of legal spam. To activate the service, you need to go to the operator’s website or use its mobile application. Operators may be less obliged to consider these lists when making their rights. 📝 Registration: submission of an application through a personal account or public services. ⏳ Duration: the request is processed within 30 days. 📉 Efficiency: reduces the number of calls from official banks and stores, and it should be noted that this method is powerless against fraudsters and illegal structures that use swapping numbers (spoofing). Therefore, combining official registration with technical means of protection gives the best result. ⚠️ Attention: Scammers often use number swapping technologies, so even having a stop list will not protect against a call masquerading as a bank or police number. Services like "Antispam" from MTS, Beeline, MegaFon or Tele2 They work at the network level before the call reaches your smartphone. The advantage of network locking is that it doesn't consume the phone's battery, it doesn't require the installation of unnecessary apps, and it's processed on the cell tower side, and if the number is labeled as spam, you won't hear the beeps, which is especially convenient for the elderly or children. It is sufficient to send the service to USSD-The pricing can vary: some operators charge a subscription fee, others provide basic protection for free. Check the current conditions on your provider's website. It is important to remember the compatibility of services. Sometimes activation of paid service of the operator can conflict with the work of free applications on the phone. If you notice missed calls from important subscribers, check the settings of forwarding and blocking. Radical measures: Do Not Disturb mode In situations where absolute silence is required, you can use Do Not Disturb mode, which allows you to completely drown out all sounds and vibrations, skipping only selected contacts, and it does not block calls, but makes them for you. You can set the schedule of this mode, for example, turn it on automatically at night or during meetings. DND (Do Not Disturb) can create an exception list so that calls from family always pass, even if the phone is asleep, which is good for a temporary solution to the problem, but is not suitable for constantly fighting spam, since you risk missing emergency calls. Use it with caution and always check your call history. Frequently asked questions (FAQ) Why do I keep getting calls after I turn on the blocker? Spammers are constantly changing phone numbers using the SIM-Databases are updated with a delay, so new numbers can pass through filters for a while. It is recommended to update the databases in the security application. Is it safe to install applications like Truecaller? The apps are technically safe, but they require access to your phone book to work, which means that your contacts (names and numbers) can be uploaded to a developer database, and that you can decide if you're willing to sacrifice some privacy for silence. Can you completely disable advertising in the system? MIUI? You can completely remove system advertising by disabling the msa service (MIUI System Ads) in privacy settings. However, this does not affect incoming spam calls, but only removes banners in the interface. Calls require separate locking methods. What if fraudsters call and present themselves as a bank? Never give out SMS codes and card details. Hang up and call the bank back at the official number on the back of your card. Then blacklist the fraudsters and report to the police if the money has been stolen.