Xiaomi smartphone owners often face intrusive notifications, advertising messages and spam calls that can interrupt important conversations or just annoy. The Redmi Note 9 Pro, which runs on the basis of the MIUI shell, has a powerful built-in toolkit to protect against unwanted content that does not require the installation of additional applications.
Many users do not even suspect that their phone has already preinstalled an effective anti-spam filter that can block how to use the device. SMS-Unlike third-party solutions, the system filter works at a deeper level of integration, consuming less battery resources and not asking for unnecessary permissions. In this article, we will discuss in detail how to activate and finely configure protection on your device.
Where is the lock control menu in MIUI?
The first step to activate protection is to find the appropriate partition in system applications. In the MIUI shell, all security tools are combined into a single application, usually called Security, and a green shield ikon, and this is where antivirus settings, memory cleaning, and, importantly, lock management are focused.
Open the Security app on the home screen or in the Tools folder. Scroll down to the Tools or Additionals section, where you will find Antispam. Click on it and you will be taken to the filter control center, where basic protections may already be enabled by default, but they are often not enough to completely block advertising noise.
An alternative way to do this is through the standard Phone or Messages app. If you click on three dots in the corner of the call screen and select Settings and then Antispam, you'll be taken to the same menu, which is handy when you need to quickly blacklist the number immediately after the call.
The menu interface may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI installed on your Redmi Note 9 Pro. In some regions, the settings are made in a separate Lock app, which looks like a separate icon. If you can't find an item in the general security menu, look for an app called Lock in the list of all programs.
⚠️ Note: Do not confuse system antispam with locking features in individual applications such as Viber or Telegram. The settings described in this article only affect standard calls and SMS-SIM-card messages.
Activation of filtration SMS-message
The most common type of digital trash is mailings from stores, banks, and delivery services, and to stop this flow, you need to configure the message filter correctly, and the system allows you not just to block everything, but to use smart algorithms to screen out exactly those emails that contain the signs of advertising.
From the Antispam menu, select a tab or a Settings button (often indicated by a gear) and find the SMS Filter section and activate the switch. It's important not just to turn on the function, but also to adjust its feelings. You can choose the filtering level from strictly blocking all messages from unknown numbers to softly filtering only for keywords.
You should pay special attention to the Keyword Filter function, and by clicking on this item, you can create your own list of words that will automatically block the message, which can be useful for specific terms that spammers in your area often use.
☑️ Setting up SMS-filter
Once the filter is activated, all blocked messages are not permanently deleted, but moved to a special folder, and you can always go to the lock log and check if something important has been hit, such as a confirmation code from the bank, and for this purpose, there is a section on the anti-spam menu called “Blocked”, where the history is stored.
⚠️ Warning: Be careful when enabling strict keyword filtering.If you add an overly common word (such as "share" or "code"), you may miss important notifications from shipping or banking services.
Blocking unwanted incoming calls
The spam-call protection on the Redmi Note 9 Pro works on a similar principle, but has its own nuances related to the identification of numbers. The system can use a local database of known spammers, as well as analyze behavioral factors, enabling this feature will save you from calls from robotic answering machines and intrusive operators.
Go back to the main Antispam menu and go to the call lock settings section, and here you will see a few options: block all unknown numbers, block only hidden numbers, or use a smart filter. For most users, the best choice is to combine hidden number locking and enable database filtering.
An important element is to set up “Block numbers outside the region.” If you do not receive calls from other cities or countries, enabling this option will significantly reduce the number of fraudulent attempts. However, if you are waiting for a call, for example, from a courier from a neighboring city, this feature is better left off.
For those who want to have full control, there is the option of manually adjusting the rules. You can create a schedule where the lock will only be activated at certain hours, such as at night or while working.
How does the definition of spam work without the internet?
Working with blacklist and whitelist contacts
Managing access lists is the foundation of your smartphone’s personal security: a blacklist is for those who are booked in, and a whitelist ensures that important contacts are never blocked even under the most stringent filtering settings.
To add a number to the blacklist manually, go to the Blacklist section of the anti-spam menu. Press the add button (usually a plus) and enter a number or select a contact from the phone book. You can also add a number directly from the call history: click on the "i" icon next to the number and select "Add to the blacklist."
The whitelist works as an exception to the rule, and if a number is whitelisted, it ignores any filters you set, which is critical to adding emergency numbers, work or close relatives who may be calling from unknown or hidden numbers due to circumstances.
| Type of list | Priority | Impact on notifications | Editing capability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blacklist | High (blocking) | Complete cover-up | Manual addition |
| Whitelist | Highest (permission) | Sound and vibration | Manual addition |
| Key filter. | Medium. | No sound (quietly) | Automatically. |
| Common filter | Low. | In the magazine. | System settings |
Synchronization of these listings is done through the Mi Account, if this feature is enabled, which means that when you buy a new Xiaomi smartphone or recover data after a reset, all your locked numbers will automatically return to place, providing continuous protection.
Setup notifications and lock log
One of the common problems users have is not knowing that important messages may have been blocked. MIUI offers flexible notification settings to keep abreast of blockings, but not to get annoyed by trifles. The correct configuration of this section will help you not miss anything significant.
In the anti-spam notification settings section, you can choose how the phone will react to blocked content. Options are available: show a pop-up, emit an audible signal, or simply save a log entry without audio. For the "Do Not Disturb" mode, it is recommended to choose the option without sound.
The lock log is where all the filtered events fall, displaying the time, sender number and content of the message (if it is an SMS), and checking the log regularly, at least once a week, will help you understand how effective your current settings are and whether you need to add new stop words.
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Enable periodic cleaning of the lock log in the settings so that it does not take up space in the memory of the phone. The optimal storage period of records is 30 days.
Some firmware versions allow you to send data about new spam numbers to Xiaomi’s cloud database, helping to protect other users, and you can turn this feature on or off depending on your privacy preferences.
Use of third-party databases and cloud services
While the Redmi Note 9 Pro’s built-in tools are powerful, they may not be enough to protect against local spam, in which case it allows you to integrate additional databases or use cloud services to more accurately identify numbers.
The anti-spam settings often include the “Update database” option, which ensures that your phone knows about the latest fraud numbers, and if you see spam filtering, the first thing you need to do is force the databases to be updated via Wi-Fi.
Some users prefer to install additional number-defining applications, such as Truecaller or Yandex. It is important to know that when installing such applications, the MIUI system may suggest integrating them into the system blocker, which will allow you to use the databases of the third-party application directly in the standard call interface.
⚠️ Note: When integrating third-party number detectors, you give them access to your phone book and call history. Carefully review the application’s privacy policy before giving it extended rights in Xiaomi’s system.
If you decide to use cloud-based blacklist sync via your Mi Account, make sure you have a stable internet connection, which will allow you to instantly apply changes made to your other devices or restore settings after flashing your phone.
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The combination of a built-in MIUI filter, regular database updates and careful maintenance of a personal blacklist provide 99% spam protection without the need to install heavy third-party programs.