How to permanently block a contact with Xiaomi Redmi: from calls to messages

Unsolicited calls from intrusive salespeople, former colleagues or random numbers can turn smartphone use into a nightmare. Xiaomi Redmi owners often face the question: how to effectively block a contact so that they can not reach, send an SMS or even write to WhatsApp? In this article, we will analyze all the current ways, from standard MIUI features to hidden features that few people know about.

It's important to understand that locking on Redmi works differently depending on the firmware version. For example, MIUI 14 introduced the Smart Lock feature, which automatically filters spam numbers, and in older versions you will have to adjust everything manually. We will look at universal methods that work on models from Redmi Note 8 to Redmi 12 Pro+, and also reveal nuances that the manufacturer does not advertise.

1. Standard lock through "Contacts"

The most obvious way is to use the built-in lock function in the Contacts app, which is a good way to do this if you want to block a number that is already stored in the phone book.

1. Open the Contacts app (an icon with a person’s silhouette).
2. Find the right contact through search or scroll through the list.
3. Slip on the contact to open his card.
4. In the upper right corner, press three dots (⋮) and select Block.
5. Confirm the action by pressing OK in the window that appears.

After that, the contact will be blacklisted, and all of its calls will be automatically reset, and SMS will be sent to the Spam folder. Note: this method does not block messages in messengers like Telegram or Viber, they need separate settings.

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If you want to block a number that is not in the contacts, just open the call log, tap the number and select "Block" in the menu.

2. Blocking unknown numbers through "Settings"

Often spammers use random numbers that are not saved in the phone book, and to automatically block such calls, MIUI has a special feature.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Calls.
2. Select the number lock option.
3. Activate the switch to Lock Unknown Numbers.
4. (Optional) Enable Spam Filtering if it is available in your firmware version.

This setting is especially useful for Redmi owners, who often receive calls from scammers from swapped numbers (such as +7999 or +375). However, beware: sometimes legitimate calls (such as from courier services) can also be blocked.

3.The blacklist: how to manage blocked contacts

All blocked numbers are blacklisted, which can be edited to view or remove the contact from the lock:

1. Open the phone application (green handset).
2. Tap on three points (⋮) top-right.
3. Select Settings → Lock numbers.
4. Here you'll see a list of all the blocked contacts. To unlock the number, tap it and click Delete.

Interesting fact: in MIUI 13 and later, the blacklist syncs with your Xiaomi account if you are logged in, which means that the lock will also apply to other Xiaomi devices associated with the same account (for example, on the Pad 6 tablet).

4. Blocking in messengers: WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber

System lock on Xiaomi Redmi does not apply to instant messengers. To completely isolate yourself from unwanted contact, you will have to block it in each application separately.

• 📱 WhatsApp: Open the chat → three-point → More. → Lock down.
• 💬 Telegram: Open your contact profile → ⋮ → Block it.
• 📞 Viber: Open the chat room → Information → Lock down.
• 🔄 Synchronization: Blocking in messengers is not related to the system – it must be configured separately.

Important: Telegram lock removes a contact from your list, and WhatsApp locks it in the phone book but can’t text you. If you want a person to not see your online status or profile photo, WhatsApp additionally open Settings → Account → Privacy and restrict access for that contact.

Block in system settings|Add to the blacklist in the "Phone"|Block on WhatsApp|Block Telegram|Check the spam folder in SMS-->

5. Hidden lock: how to block a number without notifications

Sometimes you have to block a contact so that it doesn't realize that it's been blacklisted, and MIUI has a hidden lock mode where calls are dropped without a signal and SMS is not delivered to the sender. Here's how to set it up:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Calls → Lock numbers.
2. Enable the Hidden Lock option (some versions call it Quiet Mode).
3. Add the number to the blacklist as described above.

In this mode, the blocked subscriber will hear long horns or the message "Subscriber temporarily unavailable", and you will not receive any notifications about missed calls. This method is especially useful for blocking colleagues or acquaintances with whom you do not want to conflict.

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The hidden lock only works for calls. SMS can still come to the Spam folder if the filtering is not activated.

6.Blocking through third-party applications

If standard MIUI features are not enough, you can use third-party applications to block the system.

• 🛡️ Truecaller detects spam numbers and blocks them automatically.
• 📵 Call Blocker – allows you to create whitelists/blacklists and set up a lock schedule.
• 🔒 Hiya not only blocks calls, but also SMS-Spam, integrates with system settings.
• ⚠️ Should I Answer? – Analyzes numbers in real time and warns about scammers.

The advantage of third-party apps is that they update spam databases more often than Xiaomi. However, beware: some of them require access to your contacts and call history, which can violate privacy. → Annexes → Permits.

⚠️ Note: Apps like Truecaller may conflict with built-in locking MIUI. If after installation the system lock settings stopped working, try to disable the auto-update base in a third-party application.

7. How to Unblock Contact and Recover SMS

If you accidentally blocked the number or changed your mind, it is easy to return everything back:

1. Open the phone. → ⋮ → Settings → Number locking.
2. Find the number in the blocked list and tap it.
3. Press Unlock.

For SMS, all messages from blocked contacts are stored in the Spam folder for 30 days to recover:

1. Open the Messages app.
2. Tap it on three points (⋮) and choose spam.
3. Find the desired message, hold it and click Restore.

If more than 30 days have passed, the messages are deleted without recovery, in which case you can try using data recovery software such as Dr.Fone or EaseUS MobiSaver, but success is not guaranteed.

FAQ: Frequent questions about locking on Xiaomi Redmi

⚠️ Note: If you use two of these SIM-Redmi cards with Dual Apps, lock will only work for the main profile.