You can block a pesky subscriber on a Xiaomi Redmi smartphone in seconds if you know where to look for the right settings. The manufacturer has integrated several locking methods into the MIUI shell, but they are hidden in different sections of the menu. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods, from standard tools to hidden functions that are not written in the official instructions.
Redmi (as opposed to Android) has a backup feature, such as Phone, Messages, and even Security Settings, each with its own nuances: it only works on calls, and SMS and instant messengers, and we tested all options on Redmi Note 12 Pro+, Redmi 10C and POCO X5 Pro (relevant to MIUI 14/15).
Important: Once blocked, the subscriber will not see a notification that his number is blacklisted, calls will be reset automatically, and SMS will be sent to a hidden folder, but some messengers (such as WhatsApp or Telegram) have their own lock settings, they will have to be configured separately.
1. Blocking through the application โPhoneโ (the fastest way)
This is a basic method that works on all Xiaomi Redmi smartphones, regardless of the MIUI version, and is suitable for blocking both saved contacts and unknown numbers.
Instructions:
- ๐ฑ Open the Phone app (the tube icon on the home screen).
- ๐ Find the number in the call log you want to lock and tap it.
- โ๏ธ In the contact window that opens, press three vertical points (โฎ) top-right.
- ๐ซ Select the item Block the number and confirm the action.
If the number is not saved in the phone book, the algorithm is slightly different:
- ๐ Put your finger on an unknown number in the phone log.
- ๐ In the context menu, select Add to the blacklist.
- โ Confirm the lock in the pop-up window.
The number disappeared from the main call log.|
Calls from this number are reset after 1 beep |
SMS from the subscriber is not displayed in the main chat |
Contact marked as "Blocked" in the settings-->
The method is limited: the lock is only valid for standard calls and SMS. If a subscriber writes to you on WhatsApp or Viber, the messages will still come.
2. Blocking through โMessagesโ (for the purpose of SMS-spam)
If you are not so much a caller as SMS-mailing lists (advertising, fraudsters or annoying messages), it is more convenient to block the number directly in the Messages application. SMS from subscriber to hidden Spam folder.
Step-by-step:
- Open the Messages app (the envelope icon).
- Find a dialogue with the right number and tap it.
- Press three points (โฎ) top-right โ Details.
- Scroll down and select Block and report spam.
- Check the box Block the number (the option "Report spam" can be skipped) โ Ready.
Important: Once blocked through Messages, all previous SMS messages from that subscriber will automatically move to the Spam folder, but will not be deleted. They can be read by opening Messages โ Spam.
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To permanently remove all SMS from the blocked number, before blocking, open a dialogue with it, click on three points โ โDelete chatโ.
3. Blocking through "Security Settings" (hidden method)
Few people know, but MIUI has a separate section for managing the blacklist, which is hidden in the security settings, which is useful if you want to lock multiple numbers at once or check which contacts are already on the blacklist.
How to find it:
- ๐ Go to Settings. โ Annexes โ Permits โ Blacklist.
- ๐ฑ Alternative path: Settings โ PapaSSWORD & SECURITY โ Blacklist (on some Redmi models).
- โ Press the badge "+" top-right.
- ๐ Select a contact from the phone book or enter the number manually โ Ready.
Advantages of this method:
- โ A full list of blocked numbers is visible.
- โ You can unlock the contact with one tap.
- โ It works even if the number is not saved in the phone book.
What happens if you block the number through "Security settings"?
4. Blocking in messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber)
Standard MIUI methods do not block messages in third-party messengers. If a subscriber writes to you via WhatsApp, Telegram or Viber, you will have to block them in each application separately.
Instructions for WhatsApp:
- Open a chat with a contact on WhatsApp.
- Tap it on three points (โฎ) โ More. โ Block it.
- Confirm the action by clicking Block.
Instructions for Telegram:
- Open a user profile in Telegram.
- Press three points (โฎ) โ Block the user.
- Choose Block and delete chat or just Block.
Instructions for Viber:
- Open a contact chat in Viber.
- Tap to the username at the top โ More (โฎ) โ Block it.
- Confirm the lockdown.
โ ๏ธ Note: on Telegram, a blocked user will not be able to email you, but will see that you are online (unless the corresponding setting in Privacy is disabled".
5. Blocking of unknown and hidden numbers
If you get calls from unknown or hidden numbers (shown as "Unknown", "Hidden Number" or "Private Number"), MIUI has a feature to massively block such calls.
How to turn on:
- Go to Settings โ Applications โ Phone โ Lock numbers.
- Activate the switch to Lock Unknown Numbers.
- (Optional) Enable Hidden Numbers Lock.
Once activated, all calls from numbers not stored in your phone book will be automatically reset, except that if the number is hidden by the operator (for example, banks or support services), but you have previously contacted him, such a call may pass.
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Blocking unknown numbers does not affect SMS โ they will still come to the Spam folder.
โ ๏ธ Warning: If you are waiting for an important call from an unfamiliar number (such as a courier or a new employer), temporarily turn off this feature. Redmi does not have a whitelist for unknown numbers - either all or none are blocked.
6.Use of third-party applications to block
If standard MIUI tools are not enough (for example, you need to block numbers by keywords or schedule), you can install third-party applications. We tested 3 proven options:
| Annex | Functions | Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Truecaller | Spam blocking, number identification, keyword blacklisting | Spammer database is updated in real time, Russian-language interface | Requires access to contacts, shows ads |
| Calls Blacklist | Scheduled blocking, SMS filtering, blocked call log | No Internet connection, flexible settings | Paid version for advanced functions |
| Should I Answer? | Evaluation of numbers by user reviews, automatic blocking of fraudsters | It works offline, minimalist design. | Fewer features than competitors |
โ ๏ธ Attention: when installing third-party blockers MIUI It can give you a security risk warning. Before installing, check the application permissions in Settings. โ Annexes โ Permits and disable access to unnecessary features (e.g. geolocation).
Tip: If you use Truecaller, disable Sharing Data in your app settings to prevent your contacts from leaking to the cloud.
7. How to Unlock Contact on Xiaomi Redmi
If you change your mind or block a number by mistake, you can unlock it in several ways, the easiest is through the blacklist settings:
Method 1: Through "Security settings"
- Go to Settings. โ PapaSSWORD & SECURITY โ Blacklist.
- Find the number on the list and swipe it to the left (or tap and hold).
- Press Remove or Unblock.
Method 2: Through the call log
- Open the Phone app.
- Tap it on three points (โฎ) โ Settings โ Number locking.
- Select a number and press Unblock.
Method 3: Through "Messages"
- Open the messages. โ spamming.
- Find a dialogue with a locked number.
- Tap it on three points (โฎ) โ Unblock the number.
If the number is not blacklisted but calls are still blocked, try:
- ๐ Reboot the phone.
- ๐ฑ Check the settings of messengers (possibly the lock is active there).
- ๐ ๏ธ Reset the settings of the Phone application in Settings โ Annexes โ Phone. โ Warehouse โ Reset.