How to permanently disable calls from unfamiliar numbers on Xiaomi Redmi: a detailed guide

Spam calls and intrusive strangers have become a real problem for smartphone owners — according to statistics, one in three subscribers receive at least one unwanted call a day. Xiaomi Redmi smartphones offer several built-in tools to combat this scourge, but many users are unaware of their existence or use them ineffectively. In this article, we will examine all the available ways to block unfamiliar numbers, from standard MIUI functions to hidden settings and third-party applications.

Redmi devices are particularly well integrated with Xiaomi’s ecosystem, which provides additional opportunities for filtering calls. However, if you don’t configure them correctly, you can miss important calls (e.g., from banks or delivery services), and we’ll show you how to pinpoint spammers without affecting the right contacts, and what hidden MIUI 14/15 options allow you to customize filtering to your needs.

1.The built-in "Black List" in MIUI: basic protection

The easiest way to weed out unwanted calls is to use the built-in blacklist in the standard Phone app, which is available on all Redmi models, starting with the Redmi Note 7 (MIUI 10) and later. The algorithm is simple: all numbers on the list are automatically blocked, and the subscriber hears a “busy” signal or a forwarding to voicemail.

To add a number to the blacklist:

• 📱 Open the phone application → Go to the tab Journal.
• 🔍 Find the unwanted number, click on it. → select Block.
• ⚙️ For mass addition: Settings → Blacklist. → Add it manually.
• 🔄 To unlock: Go back to the Blacklist and swipe the number to the left.

The method is limited: a blacklist only blocks numbers that you have added manually. Spamers often use one-time virtual numbers, so this method is only effective against repeat subscribers (for example, annoying collectors or advertising services).

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If the number is hidden (displayed as "Unknown" or "Private"), it cannot be blacklisted in the standard way.

2.Filter spam calls through "Protection and Privacy"

Since MIUI 12, Xiaomi has integrated a software-based automatic spam identification system similar to services like Truecaller into its firmware, which uses Xiaomi Cloud databases to analyze incoming call behavior, and if a number is flagged as fraudulent by other users, the system will prompt it to be blocked.

How to turn on the filter:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Protection and privacy.
2. Choose Spam Protection → activate the switch.
3. In the Calls section, turn on the options: 🛡️ Block spam calls (automatic blocking) 🔔 Display a warning (notice of suspicious number)

The advantage of the method is that the spam database is updated in real time, so the efficiency is higher than that of a manual blacklist. However, the system can be mistaken, for example, blocking calls from new delivery services or banking services, in which case the number can be unlocked through the call log (Phone → Magazine → Spam → Unblock).

3. Blocking of hidden and private numbers

One of the most annoying types of spam is from hidden numbers (shown as Unknown, Private, or Anonymous). Standard methods don’t work here, but MIUI has a hidden setting to block them.

Instructions:

1. Open the phone application → press ⋮ (three-point) → Settings.
2. Go to Number Locking → Additionally.
3. Activate the option to block hidden numbers.

The following is the case (for MIUI 14+):

Settings → Memory and applications → Permissions → Phone → Additional settings → Locking hidden numbers

4 Third-party applications: Truecaller, GetContact and analogues

If the built-in MIUI tools don't work, you should consider specialized applications.

• 📞 Truecaller: base from >300 million numbers, identification of spam and scams, minus requiring access to contacts.
• 🔍 GetContact: Shows the names of hidden numbers (based on user feedback.
• 🛡️ Hiya: blocks robbrae and SMS-Spam. Integrated with the standard phone app».
• 📊 Kaspersky Who Calls: Analyzes numbers for fraud (from Kaspersky Lab).

How to set up Truecaller on Redmi:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Register (you can use Google or phone number).
3. In settings, enable: Spam Blocking → Autoblock Notifications → Spam Warnings

Truecaller

Application for call identification

Settings → Applications by default

⚠️ Note: Apps like Truecaller collect data about your contacts and calls to replenish the database. If privacy is critical, use them with caution or prefer offline solutions (for example, GetContact).

Download the app only from the official Google Play

Check permissions before installation (no SMS access for no reason)

Disable contact synchronization if not necessary

Set up the autolock manually-->

5. Operator setting: Antispam services from MTS, Beeline, MegaFon

Mobile operators offer their own solutions to block spam, free or shareware (e.g. the first 30 days is a trial period), and their advantage is that filtering works at the network level, so spam calls do not reach the phone at all (saving battery power).

How it works: The operator analyzes incoming calls and compares them to a database of spam numbers; suspicious calls are either blocked or labeled as “Spam” (depending on the settings); minus the operator database is updated more slowly than Truecaller, so new spam numbers can slip.

⚠️ Note: Operator services may conflict with built-in lock MIUI. If after the connection stopped working standard settings phone, disable one of the systems (for example, leave only operator filtering).

6 Radical methods: blocking all unfamiliar numbers

If you get swamped with spam calls and other methods don't work, you can go to extreme lengths to block all calls except from the phone book contacts, a method that's suitable for those who don't expect important calls from strangers (such as freelancers or entrepreneurs).

Instructions for MIUI 13/14/15:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Phone → Lock numbers.
2. Activate the option to block unknown numbers.
3. Enable calls from contacts only.

Consequences:

• ✅ Spam calls will disappear completely.
• ⚠️ You will not be able to receive calls from new customers, couriers, banks (if their numbers are not saved).
• 📞 All blocked calls will be displayed in the log marked “Blocked».

Alternatively, if you want flexibility, use conditional locking via the Call Blocker app (available on Google Play), which allows you to create rules like “Block everything except contacts + allow numbers with 8-800 and +7-495 prefixes.”

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Before you activate the total lock, keep all important numbers (banks, delivery services, employers) in contact, and use tags like "Delivery Ozone" or "Bank Tinkoff" to quickly find them.

Additional measures: protection against fraudsters

Blocking spam is only half the battle, and scammers are constantly improving their methods of deception, so it is important to know the signs of dangerous calls:

• 💰 Request urgently to transfer money (even a small amount) – a classic scheme.
• 🏛️ Representation by a bank/tax/police officer without an official number.
• 🎁 Reports of winning a prize or bonus (especially if you have not participated in the draws).
• 🔒 Threats to block a card/account with a requirement to name a code from SMS.

What to do if a fraudster calls:

1. Don’t panic – interrupt the conversation and hang up.
2. Check the number through Truecaller or GetContact.
3. If in doubt, call back the official number of the organization (for example, from the bank's website).
4. Add the number to the blacklist and report it to the Central Bank of the Russian Federation or on the website of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

On Xiaomi Redmi, you can create a quick reset button for such cases:

1. Go to Settings → System and device → Buttons and gestures → Quick actions.
2. Assign to double press the power button the action Complete the call.

FAQ: Frequent questions about blocking calls on Xiaomi