How to lock on unfamiliar numbers in the Xiaomi phone: all ways

Spam calls and messages from unfamiliar numbers have become a real problem for smartphone owners. According to Kaspersky, in 2023, one in three Xiaomi users experienced fraudulent calls at least once a month. MIUI It offers several built-in tools to combat this, from simple locking specific numbers to smart filters based on spammer databases.

In this article, we will analyze all available ways to block unwanted calls on Xiaomi, Redmi and other phones. POCO — From basic settings to hidden features and third-party applications, we will pay special attention to the nuances of working with the latest versions. MIUI 14/15, where the filtering algorithms have become more aggressive, but sometimes they block important calls:

• 📵 Automatically lock all unknown numbers
• 🔍 Add numbers to the blacklist manually and through the call log
• 🤖 Use the built-in spam filter MIUI scammer
• 🛡️ Connect cloud protection from Google and Xiaomi
• 📱 Install third-party applications for advanced filtering

Important: Some methods may vary depending on the firmware region (global, Chinese, European version) MIUI). We will point out these differences in the relevant sections.

1. Basic lock through call log

The easiest way to block an annoying number is to do it straight from the call log, which works on all Xiaomi models, including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 and even the old devices on MIUI 12.

Instructions:

1. Open the phone application (pipe icon).
2. Go to the magazine tab (watch icon in the bottom menu).
3. Find the number you want to block and tap it.
4. In the window that opens, press three points (⋮) top-right.
5. Select Lock the number and confirm the action.

⚠️ Note: If you block a number through a log, it is automatically added to the blacklist, but does not sync with the Xiaomi cloud. When you reset your phone or reinstall your firmware, you will have to manually restore the lock list.

The number does not belong to the bank or delivery service.|

The number is not on the list of important contacts.|

There are no missed calls from this number in the log.|

Copy saved SMS (If the number sends important messages)-->

2.Setting up a blacklist in MIUI

To manage all blocked numbers in MIUI There's a special section, and you can not only add numbers manually, but you can also customize the rules for unknown subscribers.

How to open the blacklist:

1. Launch the Phone app.
2. Tap it on three points (⋮) → Settings.
3. Select the number lock (or the blacklist in the old versions).
4. Press Add Add Number (+) top-corner.

Additional options are available in this section:

• 🔄 Import/export list – saving locks to.vcf file for transfer to another phone.
• 📊 The log of the blockings is the history of all blocked calls and SMS.
• ⚙️ Notification settings – you can turn off blocking alerts.

On some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 13T s MIUI 14) the Blacklist has added the option to Block Unknown Numbers, which, when activated, will automatically reset all incoming calls from subscribers who are not in your phone book, Careful: this may result in missing important calls from couriers, banks or new acquaintances.

3. Built-in spam filter MIUI

Starting with MIUI 12.5, Xiaomi has integrated a spam filtering system into the firmware based on a database of fraudulent numbers, a feature called Spam Protection and works on the principle of cloud verification.

How to turn on:

1. Open Settings → Memory and applications → Protection against spam.
2. Activate the Spam Filter Switch.
3. In the filter settings section, select the protection level: 🛡️ High – blocks most suspicious numbers (the risk of false positives). ⚠️ Medium – Balance between protecting and skipping important calls. 📱 Low – Minimum filtering (only obvious spam).

⚠️ Attention: Spam Protection feature requires an internet connection to check cloud numbers.If you use Xiaomi with Chinese firmware (China) ROM), Spammer databases may differ from the global version, and some Russian/European numbers will not be recognized as fraudulent.

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Medium.|

Low.|

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4. Cloud-based lock synchronization

If you have multiple Xiaomi devices (such as a smartphone and a tablet), you can sync the blacklist through your Mi Account, which will allow you to automatically transfer locks between gadgets.

How to set up:

1. Open Settings → Xiaomi account and make sure you are authorized.
2. Go to Settings. → Synchronization.
3. Turn on the number lock switch.
4. Get back on the phone. → Settings → Lock numbers and activate Cloud Sync.

⚠️ Note: If you use Xiaomi with Chinese firmware (China) ROM), Cloud-based lock synchronization may not work outside of China due to server limitations, in which case we recommend using third-party applications (see Section 6).

💡

Before selling or resetting your phone, turn off lock sync in your Mi Account so that the new owner doesn’t get your blacklist.

5. Blocking Unknown Numbers Through Settings SIM-map

Many telecom operators (for example, MTS, Beeline, Tele2) They offer their own spam protection services, and you can connect them directly to the settings. MIUI.

Instructions:

1. Open the Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
2. Choose yours. SIM-card (if there are several).
3. Slip on Spam Protection or Operator Services.
4. Activate Call Filtering (the name may vary depending on the operator).

What does operator locking give you:

• 📡 Network-level filtering (spam doesn't reach your phone).
• 📞 Not only do they block calls, but they also SMS-mailing-out.
• 🆓 Frequently free for subscribers (check with the operator).

Disadvantages:

• 📵 It does not work for Wi-Fi (VoWiFi) calls).
• 🔄 Requires time to activate (up to 24 hours).
• 📱 Not synchronized with the phone blacklist.

💡

Operator lock is more effective than built-in MIUI for mass spam, but useless against targeted fraudulent calls (e.g., "your relative in trouble").

6. Third-party applications to block spam

If the built-in MIUI tools aren't enough, you can install specialized applications that offer advanced features such as:

• 🌍 Global spammer databases (including international numbers).
• 🤖 Automatically Detecting Fraudulent Schemes by Keyword.
• 📊 Call statistics and SMS analytically.

Top.-3 apps:

⚠️ Note: When installing third-party applications to block calls, be sure to give them permission to do so:

• 📞 Call management (to intercept incoming calls).
• 📱 Reading call logs (for spam analysis).
• ☁️ Access to contacts (to exclude important numbers).

On Xiaomi MIUI 14+ Path to resolution: Settings → Annexes → Permit management → Special permits → Changes in system settings.

7. Hidden functions MIUI power-user

For those who are willing to dive deeper into the settings, MIUI There are hidden lock options that are not visible in the standard interface.

Method 1: Blocking through the Engineering Menu

This method is suitable for advanced users and allows you to block numbers at the modem level:

1. Open the Phone app and type ##4636##.
2. In the engineering menu, select Phone Information.
3. Scroll down to the Call Lock section.
4. Add numbers manually (format: +79123456789).

Method 2: ADB-clampdown

If you need to lock hundreds of numbers (for example, for a business phone), you can use the phone. ADB:

adb shell content insert --uri content://call_log/calls --bind number:s:"+79123456789" --bind type:i:5

Where type:i:5 — This is the code of blocked call in the Android database.

⚠️ Caution: Hidden blocking methods may conflict with standard features MIUI. After using them, we recommend restarting the phone and checking the work of calls.

8 What to do if the lock is not working?

If after all the settings spam calls continue to arrive, check the following points:

Reason 1: Number masked

Fraudsters often use spoofing when calling from different virtual lines.

• 🛡️ Enable Truecaller to block suspicious numbers.
• 📵 Turn off the display of numbers in international format (in the phone settings).

Reason 2: Application conflict

If you have multiple applications installed to block (e.g. Truecaller) + built-in filter MIUI), They can get in the way of each other:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find all programs with access to calls.
3. Leave only one application to lock.

Reason 3: Outdated firmware

Old versions. MIUI (below 12.5), the spam filter is worse:

1. Settings → About the phone → System update.
2. If there are no updates, check the firmware region (global/Chinese).

💡

If the lock stops working after the update MIUI, Try resetting the phone app settings (Settings) → Annexes → Phone. → Warehouse → Clear the data).

FAQ: Frequent questions about locking numbers on Xiaomi