Changing your smartphone to a newer Xiaomi or Redmi model often involves moving huge amounts of data, and while contacts, photos and apps are usually saved to the cloud without problems, blocking spam requires special attention. The blacklist is a critical filter that protects the user from intrusive calls and SMS-attack.
The problem is that standard MIUI data porters don’t always properly handle system locks, leaving the new gadget defenseless against calls from collectors and scammers. You’ll have to manually intervene in the process or use specific synchronization functions. The system lock database is stored in a secure partition and is not copied in the usual way via Bluetooth.
There are several proven ways to copy this list from one device to another, and we'll look at both the regular Mi Account ecosystem and the more sophisticated technology for advanced users, and understanding the storage architecture will help avoid losing important information.
Principles of system locking in MIUI
In an Android operating system with a MIUI shell or HyperOS, the lock function is implemented at the level of the system application Security. It is not just a text file that can be easily opened and copied. The number database is a complex structure tied to a specific device or account ID.
When you add a number to a blacklist, the system writes it to local storage and, when synchronized, sends the hash or number itself to the Mi Cloud server, which is the mechanism that allows you to restore access to the list after resetting, but without authorization, the data remains locked inside the old phone.
It is worth noting that different firmware versions can use different storage formats, such as older versions of MIUI 11 and newer versions of MIUI 14 may have different paths to configuration files, making it almost impossible to simply copy files through a file manager without root rights.
⚠️ Warning: Attempts to manually edit system lock databases without creating a full backup can result in call function failure or a cyclical smartphone reboot.
For the average user, the most secure and reliable way is to use cloud synchronization, which eliminates the risk of damage to system files and ensures data compatibility on the new device.
Synchronization through Mi Account: the main method
The most effective way to copy the blacklist is to use the Mi Cloud cloud service, which does not require cable or third-party software, but requires a Mi Account account on both devices and an active Internet connection.
It starts with the old phone, and you need to make sure that the contacts and system settings are synchronized, and often users forget to activate the locking point, relying on the general synchronization of contacts, which is a mistake.
On the new device, you just need to log in to the same account, and the system will automatically tighten the stored data, including spam-marked numbers, but the speed of this process depends on the amount of data and the speed of the Internet channel.
- 📱 Open the Security app on your old smartphone and go to lock settings.
- ☁️ Find the Blacklist section and activate the Sync with Mi Cloud switch».
- 🔄 Wait for the successful sync icon to appear or perform a forced manual update.
- 📲 On your new phone, log in to your Mi Account via Settings → Mi Account.
- ✅ Enable synchronization and check for numbers in the Security app».
It's important to understand that synchronization can take time, because if you have hundreds of numbers on your list, it can take a while, so you'd better connect the device to your Wi-Fi network and leave it on charge so that the system can complete the background processes without traffic restrictions.
What to do if the synchronization is suspended?
Using the Mi Mover application for portability
The Mi Mover utility is designed to migrate data when you change your phone, and it can port not only media files and apps, but also system settings, including a blacklist, which is ideal for a “buy a new phone, move everything from the old one.”
The application works by creating a time point of recovery that unfolds on the target device, and unlike the cloud, data is transmitted directly over a Wi-Fi channel between two devices, which provides high speed and privacy.
When you start Mi Mover, you need to choose the role of the device: sender or receiver. QR-And the key is to check the box against System Settings or Security, where we want to list the data.
☑️ Preparation for transfer via Mi Mover
Once the transfer is complete, the system may require a reboot, which is a normal procedure for applying new call filtering rules, and check the locking by trying to call from another number that was previously added to the list.
It’s worth considering that Mi Mover may not work correctly if the Android versions on devices are too different, for example, when switching from Android 10 to Android 14, some system databases may not be compatible.
Manual copying of database (for advanced)
For users who have root rights and understand the structure of the Android file system, there is a method of direct copying the database, which allows you to copy the list even without the Internet and accounts, but requires extreme caution.
The files that are responsible for blocking are usually located in the directory. /data/data/com.miui.personalassistant/ or in adjacent system folders MIUI. The exact path depends on the version of the shell, and you need a file manager with superuser rights to access them, such as Root Explorer or Root Explorer. MT Manager.
The process is like this: you copy a database file (often with the.db extension) from an old phone, then put it in a similar directory on the new device, and then change the permissions of the file to match the system requirements.
cp /sdcard/backup/blacklist.db /data/data/com.miui.antispam/databases/
chown root:root /data/data/com.miui.antispam/databases/blacklist.db
chmod 600 /data/data/com.miui.antispam/databases/blacklist.dbThe main risk of this method is a breach of database integrity. If you simply replace the file but do not recalculate checksums or restart the relevant services, the Security app may ignore the new list or issue an error.
⚠️ Warning: Before any interference with system partitions /data/ Make sure you create a full backup (TWRP An access error can lead to a bootloop (cyclical reboot).
Exports and imports through third-party applications
If Xiaomi’s regular funds do not give the desired result, you can resort to the help of third-party applications from Google Play. There are many utilities for managing calls and SMS, which have their own blacklist databases and export / import functions.
Programs such as Call Blocker or Should I Answer? allow you to upload the current block list to a text file or CSV-This file can then be downloaded to a new phone and imported into an app or even a system list if the program supports such integration.
The advantage of this method is that it's versatile, you get a file that you can store on your computer, send it by mail, or save it to the cloud, and it creates a backup that's independent of the manufacturer.
But there is a downside: System-based MIUI locking may not automatically see lists of third-party apps, either using third-party filtering software all the time, or finding a way to convert the format, and in some cases manually entering the most important numbers after importing helps.
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When using third-party blockers, be sure to give them all the permissions you request, including “Display on top of other windows” and access to the call log, otherwise they won’t be able to effectively block calls.
Comparison of data transfer methods
The choice of the right method depends on your technical training and the state of both devices. Below is a table that will help you determine the best option for your situation.
| Method | Difficulty | We need the Internet. | Risk of data loss | Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mi Account | Low. | Yes. | Minimum | Tall. |
| Mi Mover | Low. | No (locally) | Low. | Tall. |
| Root-copying | Tall. | No. | High-pitched | Depends on the OS version. |
| Third-party software | Medium | Optionally. | Medium. | Requires customization |
As you can see from the table, for most users, the best choice is the Mi Account and Mi Mover bundle, which are designed by Xiaomi engineers specifically for such tasks and provide a balance between convenience and security.
Handheld methods should be considered as “heavy artillery” when standard paths are not available, such as if an old phone is broken and not turned on, but can be counted as a memory, or if an account has been lost.
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The most reliable and secure way to keep a blacklist is to sync regularly with Mi Cloud, which happens automatically in the background.