How to set up a blacklist on Xiaomi smartphones: block spam and annoying subscribers

Why does the standard lock on Xiaomi not always work?

Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones offer built-in tools to block unwanted calls and messages, but many users are faced with spam calls continuing to flow, often because of the way carriers work or subscribers use swing numbers. In this article, we’ll look at all the ways to create a blacklist, from basic settings to hidden firmware features.

It's important to understand that locking at the phone level and at the SIM- level of cards works differently. For example, if you lock a number through the MIUI settings, this will not prevent the subscriber from sending you SMS via messengers like WhatsApp or Viber. And operator lock (if supported) can only act on calls, ignoring messages. We'll look at both approaches.

We will pay special attention to the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 and Xiaomi 13 models, where the lock interface was updated in the latest versions of MIUI 14. If you have older firmware (for example, MIUI 12.5), some menu items may be located differently - we will also talk about this.

Method 1: Blacklist through the standard “Phone” app

The most obvious method is to use the built-in Phone app (green handset), which works on all Xiaomi smartphones, regardless of the model, but has limitations: only calls are blocked, and SMS will continue to arrive.

1. Open the Phone app and go to the Journal tab.
2. Find the number you want to block and tap it.
3. In the contact card, click on three points (⋮) top-right.
4. Select the Block Number and confirm the action.

To manage already blocked numbers:

• 📱 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Phone. → Number locking.
• 🔍 This will show you a list of all the blocked contacts, which you can unlock or add new ones manually.
• ⚙️ Enable the option to Lock Unknown Numbers if you want to automatically screen out calls from hidden identifiers.

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If you still have calls blocked, check to see if you have a third-party phone call app (like Truecaller or Google Phone) that can intercept your lock settings.

Note: this method does not block SMS. To filter messages, you will need to use separate settings (see the next section) or third-party applications.

Method 2: Block SMS via the Messages app

To stop receiving spam messages, you need to configure filtering directly in the Messages app (orange icon), unlike blocking calls, you can flexibly configure rules for different types of messages:

• 📤 Open the Messages app and find a dialog with an unwanted subscriber.
• 🔗 Tap the avatar or contact name at the top of the screen.
• 🚫 Select Block and confirm the action.
• 📋 To manage the blocked list, go to Settings → Lock and Filter.

In the Blocking and Filtering menu, additional options are available:

Important: If you use the Dual SIM, the SMS lock is valid separately for each SIM- card, and the number locked on the first SIM will be able to send messages to the second.

Method 3: Use MIUI Security for Extended Locking

The Security app in MIUI offers more flexible blacklisting settings, including blocking keywords in messages, a method that is suitable for users who want to automate spam filtering.

Instructions:

1. Open Security. → Number locking.
2. Go to the Black List tab.
3. Click Add and select the source: 📞 From call logs - lock by call history. 💬 From messages - lock by SMS. 📋 Manual - add numbers manually.

Blocking messages with keywords

Advantages of this method:

• 🔄 Unified blacklist for calls and SMS.
• 🤖 Automatic keyword filtering.
• 📊 Statistical of blocked attempts (you can see how many calls were screened out).

If you notice that after the MIUI update, the lock settings have reset, check the permissions for the Security application in Settings → Apps → Permissions Management. Sometimes system updates reset access to contacts and logs.

Method 4: Locking through the operator (USSD- command)

Not everyone knows that mobile operators provide their own number-locking services, which is useful if the spammer uses swapping numbers or calls go through despite the phone's settings.

Warnings:

⚠️ Attention: operator lock may be paid (for example, MegaFon - 3 rubles per room).

⚠️ Warning: Some USSD- teams are only for subscribers with fares older than 2020. If the team doesn't work, call for support.

To check the list of blocked numbers from the operator, use:

• 📱 MTS: *111*779#
• 📱 Beeline: *110*772#
• 📱 MegaFon: Send SMS with the text List to 0500

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Operator lock is effective even if you change your phone or SIM- card (while saving the number), which is more reliable than the MIUI settings, which are reset when you reset your phone.

Method 5: Third-Party Applications for Extended Filtering

If the built-in MIUI tools don't work, you can install specialized applications that offer additional features, such as:

• 🌍 Global spam number databases (updated in real time).
• 📊 Detailed call statistics and SMS.
• 🔍 Recognition of fraudulent numbers by templates.

The best apps for Xiaomi:

To avoid conflicts with system settings:

Disable the built-in lock in MIUI|Give the application access to logs and SMS|Configure exceptions for important contacts |Check battery consumption (some applications are heavily loading the system)

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If notifications about missed calls stop coming after installing the application, check the battery optimization settings for it in Settings → Battery and Performance → Application Power Management.

Method 6: Blocking in messengers (WhatsApp, Viber, Telegram)

The phone-level blacklist doesn't affect instant messengers, and if a spammer is texting you via WhatsApp, Viber, or Telegram, you have to block it separately in each app.

WhatsApp:

1. Open the contact chat.
2. Put three points on it (⋮) → More. → Lock down.
3. Confirm action. Contact will not be able to text or call you via WhatsApp.

Viber:

• 📱 Open chat → click on the contact name.
• 🔄 Scroll down and select Block that user.
• 📋 To unlock, go to More → Settings → Privacy → Blacklist.

Telegram:

• 💬 Open the chat → tap the contact name.
• 🚫 Select... → Block the user.
• 🔍 Telegram can also report spam so that the platform administrators can add an account to the global ban.

Important: in messengers, the lock is only valid within a particular account. If the spammer writes to you from another number or through another messenger, the messages will continue to arrive.

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In Telegram, you can configure filtering messages from strangers. Go to Settings → Privacy → Calls and turn on the option No one for incoming calls.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after setting up the blacklist, Xiaomi users face typical problems.

1. Calls pass despite lockdowns

• 🔄 Check if the lock is disabled in Settings → Annexes → Phone. → Number locking.
• 📱 Make sure the number is added to the blacklist without spaces and special characters (e.g., +79123456789, not 8 (912) 345-67-89).
• 📡 If a hidden number rings, turn on the option to Lock Unknown numbers.

2. SMS keeps coming.

• 💬 Lock SMS is set separately in the Message app.
• 📋 Check if the number has been added to the White List by mistake.
• 🔄 Update the Messages app via Google Play — older versions have filter bugs.

3.After the MIUI update, the settings reset

• 📲 Export the blacklist before updating: Settings → Apps → Phone → Number Lock → Export.
• 🔄 If the list is erased, try restoring it through MIUI Backup (if backup was enabled).

4.The lock on the Dual SIM is not working

• 📞 Lock is separate for each SIM. Add a number to the blacklist for both cards.
• 📡 Check if the operator settings conflict (e.g., if one SIM is MTS and the other is Tele2).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions