Constant calls from intrusive advertisers, collectors or scammers can drive any smartphone owner mad. Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco devices face this problem daily, as MIUI and the new HyperOS have built-in powerful traffic filtering tools. Unlike many other manufacturers, the Chinese brand does not require the installation of third-party applications for basic protection, providing everything you need out of the box.
Blacklisting is not just about blocking a single call, it's about creating a strong barrier between you and an unwanted person, automatically rejecting calls and hiding notifications from blocked subscribers, saving personal space and nerves. Below, we'll take a look at all the methods available, from standard settings to advanced filters.
It is worth noting that the algorithms of the standard Phone application may vary slightly depending on the version of the operating system and regional firmware (Global, EEA or China), but the logic of actions remains the same for all current models. Understanding the principles of filtering will help you effectively manage incoming traffic in any situation.
Blocking through call log and contacts
The fastest way to restrict access to an uninvited guest is to use a call history, which is ideal when you've just received an unwanted call and you want to immediately stop repeated attempts to communicate, so you don't have to search for a number in your notebook or go to complex settings menus.
Open the standard Phone app and go to the Log tab. Find the number you want to block in the list. Click on it and hold your finger for one to two seconds before the pop-up menu appears. In the action list that appears, select the Block option or Add to the Blacklist option.
Once confirmed, the number will be automatically moved to the database of blocked contacts, from which point on, all incoming calls from this number will be reset automatically by the system, and the sender will usually hear a beep or a message that the subscriber is busy, depending on the operator's settings.
⚠️ Note: When blocking through a call log, make sure you choose the right number. An error can cause you to lose contact with an important contact, and it can be difficult to restore your blocking history without prior appointment.
If the number is already saved in your notebook, the procedure changes a little. Go to the Contacts app, find the person you want and open the card. At the bottom of the screen or in the three-dot menu (usually on the top right), a lock option will be available. This action will also add the number to the MIUI blacklist.
For those who prefer visual instructions, we have prepared a short checklist of actions so that you do not miss anything during the setup process:
☑️ Quick lock algorithm
Set up a blacklist through the Security app
The central node for managing all of Xiaomi’s security features is the system app Security, which is where advanced settings are hidden to manage not just individual numbers but entire categories of callers, a more powerful tool than a simple log lock.
Launch the Security app (green shield icon). On the home screen, search for and select the Antispam (or “Block”) section. Here you will see statistics of blocked calls and SMS, as well as access to the black and white list settings. By clicking on the corresponding button or gear icon, you will be taken to the rule management menu.
In the Blacklist section, you can manually add a number by clicking on the plus-plus, or you can select a contact from the phone book. The feature of the MIUI and HyperOS interfaces is that you can flexibly adjust your response to calls, and you can choose whether the phone will simply drop a call, send a busy phone, or not give any audible signals at all.
It's important to distinguish between blacklists and whitelists, and if a blacklist blocks everyone on it, the whitelist works the opposite way: it only lets those on it, blocking everyone else, and it's useful in extreme cases where you need complete calm.
| Function | Description of action | Where to find out. |
|---|---|---|
| Blacklist | Blocks selected numbers | Security → Antispam |
| Whitelist | Only selected numbers are missed. | Anti-spam settings |
| Blocking hidden | Cut off calls without numbering | Lockdown rules |
| Keyword Blocking | Filtering SMS by content | Settings SMS-filter |
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Use Do Not Disturb mode in conjunction with the whitelist if you need complete silence, except for calls from close relatives.
Using smart filters and blocking unknowns
One of the most annoying problems is calling from unknown numbers or hidden identifiers. MIUI offers a built-in solution to this problem that users often ignore, and you can set up automatic locking of all calls that are not specified or missing from the database.
To activate this feature, go to the Security app, then to Antispam and click on the settings gear. Find "Block Unknown Numbers" or "Block Hidden Numbers." Activating this switch ensures that no call without Caller ID will pass to your device.
In addition, modern firmware versions feature cloud-based spam databases. The smartphone automatically detects and tags calls from advertising agencies or telemarketers. You can enhance this filter by enabling the "Block marked numbers" option in the same anti-spam settings.
⚠️ Warning: Enabling the lock on all unknown numbers may result in missing important calls from couriers, doctors or emergency personnel who call from corporate numbers with a hidden identifier.
And you can also have a region-code lock feature, so if you get a lot of calls from another country or city where you don't have contacts, you can block a whole range of numbers, and this is done by creating smart rules in the lock settings menu, where you can set a number mask.
Lockdown SMS-messages and keywords
Sound blocking is only half the solution, and spam often comes in the form of text messages with offers of credits, bets, or phishing links, and Xiaomi’s smartphones have a powerful keyword-based SMS filtering engine.
To set up this filter, open the standard Messages app. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Antispam Settings (or Antispam → Settings). Here you will find the Keyword Filter section. By clicking on it, you can add words that will automatically block the message.
As keywords, effectively use common terms specific to spam, such as "credit", "bet", "winning", "card", "bank". The system will check each incoming message, and if one of these words is found in the text, the message will be moved to the Spam folder and will not disturb you with a notification.
How does the filtering algorithm work?
You can also block a mailing from a specific short number, and to do this, open an unwanted message, click three dots in the corner of the dialog screen, and select "Block the number." This action will add the sender to the global blacklist of the device.
Third-party applications for extended protection
While Xiaomi’s built-in tools are quite functional, some users prefer specialized apps for deeper traffic analysis.Standard methods may not have up-to-date fraud number databases that are updated daily.
A popular solution is the Truecaller app, or its equivalents, available on Google Play. These programs use crowdsourcing: users around the world flag spam numbers, and the database is updated in real time. Once installed, it can integrate into the call system and automatically block calls that are flagged by the community as dangerous.
When using third-party solutions, it is important to be careful about permissions, they require access to contacts and a call log, and make sure you trust the software developer, as you give access to your personal phone book.
Integration of third-party blockers in Android occurs through the system API. Once installed, the application will ask for permission to manage calls. In the phone settings under "Applications" → "Special features" or "Default" you will need to select the installed blocker as the main call filter.
Frequent Questions and Problem Solving (FAQ)
Even following the instructions, users may be faced with the nuances of the system, and here are the answers to the most popular questions that will help eliminate possible difficulties with setting up a blacklist on your device.
Can a blocked subscriber know that he is on the blacklist?
How to unlock a number if I accidentally blacklisted it?
Will I still have missed calls from blocked numbers?
Does the blacklist work if the phone is off or the network is off?
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Xiaomi’s built-in tools allow you to fully control incoming traffic without installing additional software, providing a balance between security and convenience.
Competently adjusting the blacklist and anti-spam filters is the first step to a digital hygiene minimum. Using the methods described above, you will turn your Xiaomi into a reliable bastion, closed to uninvited guests. Remember to check the settings periodically, as system updates can add new useful features to protect you.