How to view and manage the blacklist on Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro: the complete guide

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro remains one of the most popular smartphones even years after the release – thanks to the balanced characteristics, reliable platform MediaTek Helio G90T flexible MIUI. However, many users still face difficulties with basic functions, such as managing a blacklist of contacts. Unlike newer models where the interface is simplified, the Redmi Note 8 Pro may not have the path to this section – especially if you’ve updated your firmware or reset your settings.

In this article, we’ll break down all the possible ways to view a blacklist on your device, from standard methods through phone settings to alternative solutions using third-party apps. You will also learn how to add and delete numbers from the lock, why some contacts may disappear from the list, and what to do if the function does not appear in the menu at all. MIUI 12/13/14 on this model - they are fundamentally different from the current versions of firmware for new Xiaomi smartphones.

What is a blacklist on Xiaomi and why is it necessary?

A blacklist (or lock list) is a built-in tool. MIUI, This allows you to automatically reject incoming calls and SMS Unlike simply ignoring a call, the lock is system-level: the subscriber won't hear even the beeps, and you won't get a missed call notification:

• 📵 Blocking spam calls from scammers and advertising robots
• 👥 Excluding unwanted contacts (e.g., former colleagues or annoying salespeople)
• 📱 Filtration. SMS-mailings from banks or services (if they come to separate numbers)
• 🔇 Silence at night – you can block all but a select few

On the Redmi Note 8 Pro, the blacklist is integrated into the standard Phone and Messages app, but access to it may vary depending on the version. MIUI. For example, in firmware older MIUI 12.5 The lock section is hidden deeper, and in some regional builds (for example, for India) it may even be called Call Blocking instead of the usual Blacklist».

⚠️ Note: If you use third-party calling apps (like Truecaller or WhatsApp), their own blacklists are not synced with the system.

Method 1: Viewing the blacklist through the standard Phone app

The most obvious and quickest method is to use the built-in Phone app (the handset icon on the home screen). MIUI 11–14 on the Redmi Note 8 Pro:

1. Open the phone app** (not to be confused with Contacts!).
2. Tap it on three points (⋮) in the upper right corner or swipe left to open the side menu.
3. Select Settings (or Settings in English firmware).
4. Scroll down to the Blocking Numbers section (could be called Call Blocking or Blacklist).
5. Here you will see all the locked numbers. To delete the number, click on it and select Unblock.

If the number lock section is missing, check:

• 🔍 Version MIUI (Path: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI). On versions below MIUI 12 item may be called Blocked Numbers and may be located elsewhere.
• 🌐 Regional firmware. Global version (Global) ROM) The menu is different from the Chinese menu (China). ROM).
• 📱 Phone app updates. Go to Google Play and check the relevance.

Check the MIUI version in your phone settings

Update the Phone app via Google Play

Make sure you use global firmware (if you bought your phone outside of China)

Restart your phone if the partition does not appear-->

Method 2: Control locking through System Settings

The alternative is through the main settings menu of the smartphone, which is universal for all versions. MIUI, It may require additional action on older firmware:

1. Open Settings** (cog on the main screen).

If this route doesn’t work, try another route:

1. In Settings, select System and Device. → Additionally.

On the firmware MIUI The lock section 11 and below is sometimes hidden behind Parental Control, and to see it, you may need to turn on developer mode (7 taps by build number in About Phone»).

MIUI 14 (up-to-date)

MIUI 12.5 or 13

MIUI 11 or lower

Custom firmware (e.g. Pixel Experience)

I don't know.-->

Method 3: Using the Messages app to block SMS

If you are not only interested in blocking calls, but also SMS, You can manage the blacklist through the standard messaging app, which is convenient if you want to block spam:

1. Open the Messages app and find a dialog with unwanted contact.
2. Tap on three points (⋮) top-right corner of the chat.
3. Select Details or Contact Information.
4. Scroll down and click Block (or Add to Blacklist).
5. Now, the messages from this number will be automatically deleted.

To view all blocked numbers through the “Messages”:

1. Open the message»** → three-point (⋮) → Settings.

⚠️ Attention: Blocking through Messages is not always synchronized with blocking calls.If you need to block the number completely (both calls and calls). SMS), Use the method through the application "Phone" (Method 1).

Method 4: Third-party applications for extended locking

If embedded tools MIUI You are not satisfied (for example, there is no possibility to block numbers on a mask or add notes to blocked contacts), you can use third-party applications:

• 📞 Truecaller detects spam numbers and blocks them automatically.
• 🔒 Blacklist Plus – allows you to block keywords in the SMS daytime.
• 📵 Call Blocker – supports geolocation locking (for example, all numbers from another region).
• 👤 Should I Answer? – Analyzes numbers in real time and warns about spam.

To set up a lock through Truecaller:

1. Download the app from Google Play and register.
2. Open the menu (three lines in the upper left corner) → Settings → Lockdown.
3. Enable the options to Block Spam and Block Hidden Numbers.
4. In the Blacklist section, add numbers manually or import from the system list.

Advantages of third-party applications:

• 🔍 Extended filters (by keywords, time, geography).
• 📊 Block statistics and call logs.
• 🌐 Cloud synchronization between devices.

Disadvantages:

• 🔋 Increased battery consumption (background activity).
• 📱 Additional permissions (access to calls) are required, SMS, contact).
• 💰 Some apps have paid features (for example, locking on a schedule).

💡

If you use Truecaller, disable Sharing Data in your privacy settings so your contacts don’t end up in the app’s global database.

Blacklist issues on Redmi Note 8 Pro and their solutions

Redmi Note 8 Pro users often face typical blacklist issues, and here are the most common ones and how to fix them:

1.The blacklist is not saved after the reboot

Reason: Failure of the system application "Phone" or conflict with the optimizer MIUI.

Decision:

• 🔄 Clear the cache of the Phone app: Settings → Annexes → Application management → Phone. → Clear the cache.
• 🔧 Turn off auto-optimization for the Phone app: Settings → Battery and productivity → Application power management → Phone. → No restrictions.
• 📱 If the problem persists, reset the Phone app settings (in the same application management menu).

2 Numbers disappear from blacklist

Reason: Conflict with Update MIUI or resetting security settings.

Decision:

• 🔍 Check if your security settings have been reset: → Passwords and security → Resetting security settings.
• 📲 Export the blacklist to the file (if you have such an option) or write down the numbers manually.
• 🔄 Update your firmware to the latest stable version MIUI for your model.

3. You cannot add a number to the blacklist.

Reason: Restrictions on regional firmware or lack of permissions.

Decision:

• 🌍 If you have a Chinese firmware (China) ROM), Re-flash the phone to the global version.
• 🔓 Check the permissions for the Phone app: Settings → Annexes → Phone. → Permissions (must be included “Calls” and “Contacts»).
• 📱 Install an alternative launcher (like Nova Launcher) – sometimes this solves problems with displaying system menus.

How to export and import a blacklist

If you plan to reset your phone or upgrade to a new smartphone, it’s helpful to keep a list of locked numbers, MIUI It does not provide an integrated export function, but there are workarounds:

Method 1: Manual transfer

The most reliable, but time-consuming method:

1. Open the blacklist through the Phone app (see Method 1).
2. Take a photo or write down all the numbers in your notebook.
3. After resetting or on a new device, add numbers manually.

Method 2: Use of a MIUI backup

MIUI Allows you to back up system data, including some security settings:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset → Local Backup.
2. Select System Settings and create a backup.
3. After resetting, restore the data from this copy.

⚠️ Note: This method does not guarantee the safety of the blacklist, as Xiaomi does not document what settings are included in the backup.

Method 3: Third-party applications for export

Some apps from Google Play allow you to export a blacklist to a.csv or.txt file:

• 📤 Blacklist Backup – Exports the list to the cloud or memory card.
• 📥 Call Blocker & Blacklist – Supports import/export via Google Drive.

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The most reliable way to keep the blacklist is to use third-party apps with export functionality. MIUI They do not always restore the locks correctly after resetting.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the Redmi Note blacklist 8 Pro