Why are the standard locking methods not working for Xiaomi?
Xiaomi Redmi smartphone owners often face a situation where calls from spammers or intrusive contacts continue to arrive despite attempts to block them, the reason lies in the peculiarities of the MIUI shell: unlike โpureโ Android, here the lock is implemented through several layers of settings, and not all users are aware of their existence. For example, adding a number to a blacklist through the Phone application does not always synchronize with the system security settings, which can cause calls to slip.
Another common problem is duplicate contacts, where if the number is saved in both the phone book and the Google/Mi Account, the system can ignore the lock due to conflict of sources, especially for the Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X3 and Mi 11 Lite models, where MIUI aggressively caches contacts. In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of blocking, including hidden features and workarounds for stubborn numbers.
Before you go to the instructions, check the version. MIUI: path of adjustment โ The phone. โ Version. MIUI. This is what makes certain options available. MIUI 14 there was a separate section "Security", and in MIUI 12, the lock is hidden deeper. Also note that the dual devices SIM-cards (e.g. Redmi) 9A Dual SIM) Blacklist settings can be duplicated for each SIM separately.
Method 1: Locking through the phone application (the fastest)
This method is suitable for emergency locking right during a call or from a call log. It works on all versions of MIUI, but has a limitation: the lock is only valid for the standard Phone app. If you use Truecaller, Google Phone or other alternatives, the number can continue to call through them.
To add a number to the blacklist:
- Open the Phone app (the tube icon on the home screen).
- Go to the magazine tab and find the desired number.
- Click on the number, then tap on the icon. โฎ (three points) in upper right corner.
- Select Lock the number and confirm the action.
โ ๏ธ Note: Some firmware (for example, Redmi Note 8 Pro with the MIUI 11) the blocking option may be called Add to Spam, in which case the number will be on the "gray list" and marked as spam, but calls may still come.
The number disappeared from the call log
When a test call from a blocked number, an answering machine is triggered
In the settings of โPhoneโ โ โBlockโ the number is displayed in the list
SMS from this number does not come (if SMS blocking is enabled)
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Method 2: Blacklist in MIUI security settings
It's a system method that locks a number at the OS level, and it's more reliable than locking a phone, because it works independently of the call app you're using. MIUI 12โ14:
- Open Settings โ Applications โ Permissions โ Block numbers.
- Click Add a number and enter it manually or select from contacts.
- Activate the switches: ๐ Block calls ๐ฌ Block SMS (optional)
Save the changes.
On devices with MIUI 13/14 (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro+), the path may be different: Settings โ Memory and applications โ Lock numbers. If there is no partition, update the firmware or use Method 3.
| MIUI version | The Road to the Blacklist | Features |
|---|---|---|
| MIUI 14 | Settings โ Applications โ Permissions โ Blocking numbers | Supports blocking by keywords in SMS |
| MIUI 12/13 | Settings โ Memory and applications โ Blocking numbers | It may not be available on some regional firmware |
| MIUI 11 and below | Settings โ All settings โ Blocking | No separate blocking of calls and SMS |
โ ๏ธ Note: If you use two of these SIM-The default lock only applies to the main SIM. To lock the number on both, repeat the procedure for each of them in the Settings section. SIM-map.
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If the blocked number keeps ringing, check if it has been added to exceptions for apps like WhatsApp or Viber. Go to Settings โ Apps โ Permissions Management โ Autostart and disable autostart for instant messengers if you donโt need them.
Method 3: Blocking through Google Contacts (for synchronization)
If you use Google Contacts for sync, blocking through them can be more convenient โ especially if you have multiple Android devices.This method works independently of MIUI and locks a number at the Google account level.
Instructions:
- Open the Contacts app (usually pre-installed by Google Contacts).
- Find the right contact and open your card.
- Press. โฎ โ Lock the room.
- Confirm the action in the pop-up window.
To check the blocked numbers:
- Go to contacts.google.com.
- In the menu on the left, select More โ Settings โ Manage locked numbers.
To set up a lock in Truecaller:
- Install the app from Google Play.
- Register (you can use Google Account).
- Go to Settings. โ Lockdown.
- Activate options: ๐ต Block spam ๐ Block hidden numbers ๐ฑ Block by keywords (e.g., โcreditโ, โwinningยป)
โ ๏ธ Note: Some applications (such as Blacklist Plus) may conflict with system locking MIUI. If the built-in functions stop working after installation, clear the cache of the Phone application (Settings) โ Annexes โ Application management โ Phone. โ Clear the cache).
How to get around blocking spammers if they call from different numbers?
Method 5: Blocking through a communications operator
If previous methods have not worked (for example, spammers use virtual numbers or VoIP), contact your mobile operator.
| Operator. | Service | How to connect | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| MTS | "Spam protection." | USSD: *111*789# or in your personal account | Free of charge. |
| Beeline | "Antispam" | USSD: *110*789# or via the app | Free of charge. |
| MegaFon | "Spam filter." | USSD: *105*456# or on the website | Free of charge. |
| Tele2. | "Protection against fraudsters" | USSD: *225# or in your personal account | Free of charge. |
Note that operator lock only works for calls to your number, but does not block SMS. It can also delay incoming calls for 1-2 seconds (while checking the number), If you are interested in connection speed (for example, for business calls), it is better to combine this method with built-in MIUI tools.
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Operator lock is the only way to stop calls from virtual numbers (VoIPs) that bypass the standard smartphone blacklists.
What if the blocked number is still ringing?
If after all the manipulations, the calls continue to arrive, the problem may be one of the following factors:
- ๐ Phone app cache: Clean it up in Settings โ Annexes โ Phone. โ Warehouse โ Clear the cache.
- ๐ฑ Double Contacts: Delete duplicate numbers in Google Contacts and Mi Account.
- ๐ง Settings SIM-Maps: Check if Call forwarding is enabled (Call settings) โ SIM-maps and mobile networks โ Call forwarding).
- ๐ก Update of the firmware: On some versions MIUI (Like Redmi. 9T s MIUI 12.0.8) has a lock bug. Update the software in Settings โ The phone. โ Updating the system.
If the problem persists, try resetting your network settings:
- Go to Settings. โ SIM-maps and mobile networks.
- Select Network Settings Reset (does not delete data, only resets communication settings).
- Reset the device.
In extreme cases, reset the application "Phone" to factory settings:
- Open Settings โ Applications โ Application Management โ Phone.
- Press Warehouse. โ Delete the data.
- โ ๏ธ Note: This will delete the appโs call log and settings, but will not affect contacts.