How to disable spam calls on Xiaomi: the complete guide

Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphones have powerful functionality, but sometimes users face intrusive advertising and fraudulent calls. Constant calls from unknown numbers are not only annoying, but also pose a real threat to the security of your personal data. Modern scammers use complex schemes, so standard ignoring contacts is often not enough.

Fortunately, the MIUI and HyperOS shells provide built-in protection tools that don’t require additional software. Competent system setup will allow you to create a reliable barrier between you and unwanted subscribers. In this article, we will discuss in detail all available methods of blocking.

You will learn to use a built-in determinant, set up keyword blacklists and apply radical measures to complete silence.Digital hygiene starts with the right configuration of your device right now.

Use of the built-in MIUI call filter

The first and most effective way to combat junk traffic is to activate the regular security functionality, which Xiaomi smartphones are responsible for, the Security app, which is integrated deep into the system, and it works at the operator level, analyzing incoming calls before the phone even starts ringing.

To activate the protection, you need to open the Security app and select the Antispam section, and here you will see the Spam Filter switch, which can be turned off by default, and once activated, the system will start checking numbers against a vast database of tagged contacts.

It is important to adjust the filtering options to avoid missing important calls from couriers or delivery services. From the anti-spam settings menu, you can select the level of aggression of the block:

  • 🛑 Blocking all hidden numbers is a radical method that cuts off anonymous people.
  • 📞 Blocking those labeled as spam is a standard mode that is safe for most people.
  • 🌏 Blocking international calls is helpful if you don’t get calls from abroad.

⚠️ Warning: Enabling the lock on all hidden numbers may cause you to miss a call from a doctor or emergency services officer using a corporate PBX.

Once set up, the system will automatically reset unwanted calls, and the call log will show a record of the lock, and you can always check who tried to reach you, in the history of blockings within the application.

📊 What type of spam is most often bothering you?
Bank advertisements
Fraudsters
Hidden numbers
Robot operators

Setting up a blacklist and keywords

If an automatic filter misses some numbers, it makes sense to create a personal blacklist, which allows you to manually block specific subscribers who are too persistent, and unlike simple ignoring, the blocked subscriber will hear a "busy" or reset signal, and nothing will appear on your screen.

To add a number to the list of prohibited, go to the Phone app, click three dots in the corner and select Settings, then Lock. Here you can manually enter a number or select it from your call history. The system also allows you to block entire prefixes, which is effective against mass calls.

One of the most powerful features is blocking keywords in the contact name or SMS. For example, if you are frequently called from numbers labeled “Pizza Delivery” (even if it is spam), you can add that word to the filter.

  1. Open the lock settings in the Security app.
  2. Go to the section "Keywords".
  3. Add the terms: “Advertising”, “Poll”, “Credit”.

Any incoming call or message containing these words in the determinant or body of the message will be automatically deleted, especially for users who are actively using Internet services.

☑️ Checking the lock settings

Done: 0 / 4

Radical regime: "Do not disturb" and "Only the chosen ones"

In situations where absolute silence is required, such as during an important meeting or rest, you can use Do Not Disturb mode, but the standard mode can skip repeated calls from the same numbers, which is not always convenient when attacking spambots.

For maximum protection, set up a "Favourite Only" mode, in which case the phone will receive calls exclusively from contacts stored in your phone book, and all other calls, including bank and government numbers, will be blocked.

You can set this mode through Settings → Sound and vibration → Do not disturb. In the “Allow calls” option, select “Only from contacts” option, which will create a “white list” where access is open only to your acquaintances.

⚠️ Warning: Make sure emergency numbers (112, 102, 103) are not locked by the system, although they usually take priority even in this mode.

It's not recommended to use this method all the time, because you might miss a call from a courier or a new contact, but as a temporary measure during a spam epidemic, it works seamlessly.

Third-party applications for spam protection

Xiaomi’s regular tools are effective, but third-party databases are often updated faster. Apps like Truecaller, Kaspersky Who Calls, or Yandex with Alice use crowdsourcing to collect numbers from millions of users.

Installing such an application requires broad permissions, including access to all contacts and calls, which is necessary for the number detector to operate in real time, and once installed, the application integrates into the call system and replaces the standard incoming call interface.

Comparison of popular solutions is presented in the table below:

AnnexRoom databaseMemory consumptionFeatures
TruecallerGlobalHigh.Best Identity, but Lots of Advertising in the Free Version
Kaspersky Who CallsRF and CISAverage.High accuracy for Russian numbers, reliable
Yandex (Alice)Russian FederationLow.Integration with the ecosystem, voice responses

When choosing third-party software, keep privacy in mind. By uploading your contact database to the service cloud, you share information about your friends with the app developers.

Why does the locator require access to the contacts?
The number detector checks the incoming call against its huge database. To show you the name of the caller (like Sushi Delivery), the app needs to know who is calling you. It checks the number in its database where users are flagging spam, and it gives the result. Without access to the phone book and calls, this feature is technically impossible.

Blocking through the operator

Keep in mind that filtering can be done at the cellular network level, with large operators (the “big four” in Russia) offering antidetection and spam blocker services, conveniently because protection works even on button phones or when the smartphone is turned off.

The service can be paid or free depending on the tariff, it can be connected through the operator's personal application or USSD-For example, MTS has antispam, Beeline has spam protection, MegaFon has antispam».

The advantage of a network solution is that the call does not reach your device at all, saving battery life, but these services can sometimes block legitimate calls from banks if their numbers are listed as suspicious.

💡

Periodically check the list of blocked numbers in the operator's personal account, sometimes important contacts accidentally get there, and they must be deleted manually.

Frequent questions and problem-solving

Even after setting up, users may be confronted with the nuances of how the system works, often questions about why calls still pass or how to restore access to locked numbers, and let's look at the main scenarios.

If you accidentally block an important number, it can be quickly removed from the blacklist through the Security app, and it’s also worth checking if the “Favorites Only” mode is turned on, which could have been activated accidentally.

Why do spammers call from different numbers?
Fraudsters use technology SIP-Telephony and auto-calling, which generate thousands of random numbers per minute, and it's useless to lock them manually, so only an automatic spam filter is effective.
Can I completely disable all inboxes except WhatsApp?
Yes, by turning on Flight mode and connecting Wi-Fi, you will ban cell calls, but messengers will work. The alternative is Do Not Disturb mode with permission only for repeat calls, but that does not guarantee 100% silence.
Does blocking calls affect the work of SMS from banks?
Call filters and SMS work independently, but if you add the keyword "Code" to the SMS filter, you may not get a message to log in to the bank. Be careful with setting up text filters.

💡

The combined approach (built-in filter + blacklist + caution with personal data) gives maximum protection against phone fraud.

Compliance with digital hygiene and the right setup Xiaomi will allow you to forget about intrusive advertising.Regularly update the antivirus database and keep an eye on new security features in MIUI updates.