Spam calls and intrusive offers have become a real challenge for smartphone users around the world. Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices face this every day, receiving dozens of calls from advertising agencies or scammers. Fortunately, the MIUI shell and the new HyperOS offer powerful built-in tools to protect against unwanted communication that do not require the installation of third-party apps.
Locking a number is not just a simple shutdown, but a comprehensive measure to completely isolate the caller from being able to contact you, automatically dropping calls and hiding incoming messages, creating the illusion that the caller is busy or unavailable, and this is the most effective way to combat telephone terrorism and intrusive former partners.
In this article, we will take a look at all the available methods of limiting communication, from simply locking a single number to creating complex filtering rules, learn how to configure the blacklist to work as efficiently as possible, and what hidden features can be useful in critical situations.
Use of the standard "Security" application
The main tool for managing bans on Xiaomi smartphones is the system application Security, which is preinstalled on all devices of the brand and contains the module “Antispam”, which is integrated directly into the dialing system. To start, you need to launch the application and find the corresponding section in the menu.
The interface may vary slightly depending on the firmware version, but the logic remains the same. Once you log in to the Antispam section, you'll see the statistics of blocked calls and the settings button, and this is where the unwanted number database is formed, which syncs with the manufacturer's cloud services for relevance.
☑️ Checking the anti-spam settings
Importantly, MIUI allows you to block not only specific numbers from the phone book, but also entire groups of subscribers, for example, you can prohibit calls from all hidden numbers or unknown identifiers, which is especially important in times of active fraud.
⚠️ Warning: When activating lock mode for all unknown numbers, make sure you don’t wait for important calls from courier services or doctors who may be calling from hidden or city numbers.
Blocking through call log and contacts
There's a faster way to blacklist a subscriber without going into the deep settings menus. If you just got an unwanted call, you can block it right from the call log, and then you can find the number in the recent list and click on it to open the contact card.
The menu that opens, usually at the bottom of the screen or in the drop-down list (three dots), will have the option “Block”. Once confirmed, the system will automatically add this number to the exception list.
This is ideal for rapid response, but it has a limitation: you have to first get a call or a message to see a number, and for preventive protection, you better use manual addition through the settings described above.
What does the caller see when they lock?
Configure the rules of blocking and filters
Advanced users will appreciate the flexibility of filtering settings in HyperOS and older versions of MIUI. It allows you to create your own rules based on different criteria, and it goes far beyond just adding numbers to the stop list.
You can set the lock according to the following parameters:
- 📞 Blocking all hidden numbers – it’s helpful if you’re never called anonymously.
- 🌍 Blocking foreign numbers – effective against overseas-based call centers.
- 📵 Blocking all numbers not saved in contacts – a radical regime».
- 🔢 Mask blocking – banning numbers that start with certain numbers.
To adjust these settings, go to Security → Antispam → Settings (cogs) → Blacklist. You can activate the switches against the desired options. There is also a Whitelist feature, which is added to ensure that a call from a certain contact will pass even when the hard filter mode is turned on.
Comparison of locking methods on different versions of MIUI
The interface and location of controls can vary depending on the version of the operating system and regional firmware (Global, China, Russia).
| Function | MIUI 12/13 | MIUI 14 / HyperOS | Location. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Addition of the number | Through the contact menu | Through a call card | Call magazine |
| Setting up the rules | The Antispam tab | Security section | Security Annex |
| SMS lockdown | Separate switch | Integrated into the rules | Anti-spam settings |
| Cloudbase | Requires inclusion | Active by default | Online services |
Despite the visual changes, the functional core remains the same. If you don’t find a point in a specified place, try searching by settings by typing the keyword “block” or “spam”.
Blocking SMS and MMS messages
Spam attacks not only through voice calls, but also through text messages. Advertising can take up space in memory and distract with notifications. Xiaomi’s built-in messaging filter works autonomously and does not require an internet connection after initial setup.
To activate the protection, open the Messages app, click three dots in the corner and select “Anti-spam settings.” Here you can enable blocking of messages containing keywords (for example, “credit”, “winning”, “promotion”). The system will automatically hide such SMS in the Spam folder without displaying them in the shared feed.
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Check your spam folder regularly, and sometimes important confirmation codes from banks or services may be found if they contain stop words.
It's also available to block messages from numbers that aren't in your contacts, which is a last resort, but it eliminates advertising SMS altogether. Remember, enabling this feature can lead to missing important notifications from delivery services or government agencies.
Third-party applications and synchronization
While MIUI's built-in tools are powerful, some users prefer third-party solutions for more subtle control, with apps like Truecaller or Yandex.Phone offering extended number databases and number definitions even without saving them to contacts.
However, using third-party number identifiers requires broad permissions, including access to all your contacts and calls, which poses potential privacy risks. Xiaomi’s built-in identifier (aggregates databases from partners like GetContact or similar services depending on the region) is safer because it works at the system level.
⚠️ Warning: Do not install multiple applications to block calls at the same time, this can lead to a process conflict where one blocker will interfere with the work of another, and calls will begin to pass unhindered.
If you do decide to use third-party software, make sure it has the necessary rights in the settings of the App system → Permissions Management → Phone. Without this, the application will see calls, but will not be able to block them.
💡
Xiaomi’s built-in protections provide the optimal balance between functionality and data security without requiring additional software installation.