How to block numbers that are not in the phone book on Xiaomi: all the ways

Spam calls from scammers, intrusive offers from banks and operators, robots with advertising — Xiaomi smartphone owners face this every day. Especially annoying calls from unknown numbers that are not saved in contacts. Fortunately, MIUI offers several built-in tools to filter such calls, and also supports third-party solutions. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways to block unwanted calls on Redmi, POCO and Black Shark devices — from basic settings to hidden firmware functions.

It is important to understand that there is no universal method: efficiency depends on the version of MIUI (since MIUI 12, filtering algorithms have improved significantly), the phone model and even the regional features of the carrier. We tested all the methods described below on current versions of the firmware (MIUI 14/15 as of 2026) and collected only working solutions. If you use Xiaomi based on Android One (for example, Mi A3), some features may be missing – we will also mention this separately.

1. Built-in call filter in MIUI: setting up blacklist

The most obvious and reliable way is to use the standard blacklist, which is available on all Xiaomi smartphones regardless of the firmware version, which not only blocks unknown numbers, but also allows you to manually add unwanted contacts.

1. Open the Phone app (the tube icon on the home screen).
2. Slip on three dots in the upper right corner and select Settings.
3. Go to the section "Block numbers" (or "Black list" in old versions).
4. Activate the switch to Lock Unknown Numbers.

Once this option is enabled, all calls from numbers not saved in the phone book will be automatically rejected, but the method has a caveat: it does not block numbers that have already called you before (even if you did not keep them in contact), for which you will have to use additional settings.

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If an important call has not passed after blocking, check the Spam folder in the call log - sometimes legitimate numbers get there.

MIUI 14+ has a Smart Filtering feature that analyzes subscriber behavior, for example, if a number is calling you for the first time and hangs up immediately (a typical robot behavior), the system can automatically lock it down.

1. In the same settings, Lock numbers, find the item Smart filtering.
2. Activate the option and select the filter aggressiveness level (Mediocre or High).
3. Click Confirm and wait for the database update (can take up to 5 minutes).

Incoming call from unknown number is rejected automatically | Contact numbers are unblocked | Call log displays "Blocked" | Smart Filtering feature enabled (for MIUI 14+)

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2.Use of Do Not Disturb mode to filter calls

Xiaomi’s Do Not Disturb (DND) feature not only allows you to turn off notifications, but also adjusts the rules for incoming calls, a method that is convenient if you want to block unknown numbers only at certain times (for example, at night) or allow calls only from selected contacts.

To set up filtering through DND:

1. Go to Settings → Sound and vibration → Do not disturb.
2. Activate the mode and select the Rules.
3. Slip on Calls and set the Contacts Only or Favorite Contacts setting.
4. In the Exclusions section, you can add numbers that will bypass the lock (for example, taxi or delivery services).

The advantage of this is flexibility. You can:

• 🕒 Set a schedule (for example, block unknown numbers from 22:00 to 8:00).
• 🔕 Allow repeat calls: If the same number rings twice within 3 minutes, the call will pass.
• 📱 Leave vibrations for blocked calls (to avoid missing an important call).

Everyday | Several times a week |Rare |Never-->

Note: In Do Not Disturb mode, standard call tunes do not work – all permitted calls will be accompanied by a quiet vibration or signal of your choice. This can be inconvenient if you are waiting for an important call from a new number (for example, from a courier).

3. Hidden MIUI settings: Locking through "Security"

Few people know, but Xiaomi has a hidden Security menu where you can set up additional spam filtering, which is especially useful if the standard blacklist can't handle the robot callers.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the Security (Shield icon) in the list and tap on it.
3. Select Spam Protection (or Antispam in the newer versions).
4. Activate Call Filtering and set the settings:

Important: MIUI's spam number database is updated every 1-2 weeks, and if you notice a new spam number going through the filter, wait a few days, it should be blacklisted automatically.

In the same menu, you can manually add numbers to the global blacklist, which will continue even after the phone resets.

1. In the Antispam section, select the Blacklist.
2. Click Add and enter the number manually or select from the call log.
3. Please specify the reason for the blocking (optional) and save it.

4. Third-party applications to block spam

If the built-in MIUI tools don't work, you can install specialized applications, and we tested some popular solutions, and we selected those that don't conflict with system services and don't drain the battery.

• 🛡️ Truecaller is the largest spam number database (over 500 million users) and automatically detects fraudsters and banking robots.
• 🔍 Hiya is a lightweight app with minimal battery consumption, filters international spam well, and the free version limits the number of locks per month.
• 📞 Should I Answer? – analyzes the behavior of the subscriber (for example, if the number calls many users and immediately hangs up, it is blocked.
• 🚫 Blacklist is a simple application with no unnecessary features, it allows you to create mask lock rules (for example, all numbers with a code). +375*).

Before installing, check the application permissions. We strongly recommend that you abandon programs that request access to:

• 📸 Photos and videos (not related to blocking calls).
• 📍 Geolocations (except Truecaller for local spammers).
• 💳 Payment data (a clear sign of fraudulent software).

After installation, do not forget:

1. Launch the application and provide access to call logs.
2. In MIUI settings, allow auto-start (to allow the filter to work in the background).
3. Disable the built-in lock in Settings → Lock numbers to avoid conflicts.

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Third-party applications are more effective than system filters, but they require constant database updates. If you stop using the program, delete it - unnecessary services in the background drain the battery.

5. Blocking through the operator: services "Antispam"

Russian telecom operators (MTS, Beeline, MegaFon, Tele2) offer their own spam filtering services. They work at the network level, so they block calls before they reach your phone, which is especially useful if you use Xiaomi with custom firmware or Android One, where there are no built-in MIUI tools.

How to connect:

Operator services have several advantages:

• 🔄 They are also used when changing the phone (tied to the SIM-map).
• 🛡️ Not only do they filter calls, but they also filter. SMS-spam.
• 📊 Use shared databases that are updated in real time.

However, there are also disadvantages:

• ⚠️ Some legitimate numbers (e.g. from other regions) may be blocked.
• 📵 Not all operators support filtering international calls.
• 💰 Paid services (like Beeline) charge subscription fees even with zero balance.

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If you notice that important calls are being blocked after connecting the service, check the operator’s personal account on the operator’s website – there is usually a “white list” for exceptions.

6. Radical method: blocking all incoming except for a select few

If you get swamped with spam calls and no filters help, you can go to extreme lengths to allow calls only from saved contacts, a method that is suitable for those who do not expect important calls from new numbers (for example, freelancers or entrepreneurs will not be able to use it).

The setup takes less than a minute:

1. Open the phone → Settings → Lock numbers.
2. Activate the option to block all incoming.
3. In the Exclusions section, select Contacts Only.
4. Save the settings.

Now all calls except those in your phone book will be rejected, to add an exception (e.g., delivery number)

1. Go to Settings → Block numbers → Exceptions.
2. Click Add the number and enter it manually.
3. Please enter your name (optional) and save it.

⚠️ Note: In this mode, you will not hear a call if a new customer, colleague or customer service calls you. All blocked calls will be displayed in a log marked "Disrupted".

If you need to temporarily disable the lock (for example, while waiting for an important call), do so through:

1. Notifications Panel → Mode "Do not disturb" → Disable.
2. Or through Phone → Settings → Lock numbers → Disable all rules.

7 Problems and Solutions: Why the Lockdown Doesn't Work

Sometimes, even after setting up the spam calls correctly, they continue to pass, and we can look at the reasons and ways to fix them:

If none of the methods helped, try resetting the settings of the Phone app:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the phone and select the Warehouse.
3. Click Clear Data and Clear Cache.
4. Restart the phone and set up the lock again.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro with a MIUI 13) after resetting the "Phone" settings, synchronized contacts may be lost. Before the procedure, make a backup copy through the Settings → Google → Backup.

FAQ: Frequent questions about locking numbers on Xiaomi