Owners of Xiaomi smartphones often face an intrusive stream of advertising messages that can turn daily use of the gadget into a tedious activity. Constant notifications of discounts, loans or questionable promotions are not only annoying, but also occupy a precious place in the device’s memory. Fortunately, the MIUI operating system and HyperOS have powerful built-in tools to filter incoming traffic that do not require the installation of third-party software.
There are several effective ways to block SMS on Xiaomi, ranging from standard blacklist settings to advanced keyword filters. In this article, we will detail each method so you can completely clear your messaging list of digital garbage. The right filter setup will allow you to focus on the important things and forget about the constant ringing of notifications.
It’s worth noting that locking algorithms can vary depending on the firmware version and the region for which the smartphone is released. However, the basic principles of security systems remain unchanged on all models, from the budget Redmi series to the flagship Mi. Below we will look at step-by-step instructions that will help you set up protection right now.
Using a built-in spam filter in MIUI
The first and most reliable way to protect is to activate the built-in Security app, which is pre-installed on every Xiaomi device, which is integrated deep into the system, allowing it to analyze incoming messages before they reach the main storage, and to start working, you need to open the Security app and find the Blocker section.
Here you will see a list of all the locked numbers and filtering settings. By clicking on the gear in the upper right corner, you will be taken to the settings menu where you can activate the SMS Filter. Smart locking uses a database of known spam numbers that is regularly updated through the cloud, which allows you to automatically cut up to 90% of advertising mailings without you.
☑️ Checking the Blocker settings
It is important to understand that your smartphone may need to access the Internet to work properly in the cloud database. If you are in flight mode or in an unprotected area, filtering will only be done using local lists.
⚠️ Note: When enabling keyword filtering, be careful not to block important notifications from banks or delivery services that may contain common words.
Setting up a black list of numbers
If an advertiser uses a specific number for a mailing list, the most effective method is to blacklist it, which completely blocks any attempts to contact the subscriber, including calls and text messages. Unlike keyword filtering, here the block is by the sender's ID.
To add a number to the blacklist manually, go to the standard Messages app and open the dialog with an unwanted contact. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Add to the blacklist. After that, all messages from that sender will be moved to a special folder "Blocked" and will not emit audible signals.
There is also the option of blocking entire groups of numbers, such as those that start with certain numbers or are hidden. In the Blocker menu -> Settings -> Blacklist, you can add rules such as "Block Hidden Numbers" or "Block International Numbers." This is especially useful for those who do not expect calls from abroad.
How to unlock a number accidentally?
Many users forget that the blacklist works not only for inbound but also for outbound communication attempts in some configurations. Check if you have activated Do Not Disturb mode, which can simulate inbound blocking.
Filtering by Keywords and Phrases
The most flexible tool to combat intrusive advertising is keyword filtering, a technique that blocks messages containing certain phrases, such as “credit,” “winning,” “share,” or the names of dubious organizations, which requires careful setting, but is worth the effort.
To set up, go to Blocker -> Settings -> SMS filter -> Keywords. Here you can add a list of words that will automatically block the message. MIUI allows you to create complex rules by combining several words to more accurately filter.
It is recommended to make a list of keywords based on the analysis of spam that has already arrived. If you see repetitive phrases in advertising messages, immediately add them to the filter. However, do not overdo it: too long a list of stop words can lead to the blocking of legitimate messages from services.
| Keyword | Probability of blocking spam | Risk of blocking important SMS | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Credit | Tall. | Low. | Recommended |
| Winning. | Tall. | Low. | Recommended |
| Code. | Medium | Tall. | Not recommended |
| Action | Medium | Medium | Use with caution |
Use unique word combinations to improve accuracy, such as using the phrase “card” instead of “card”, which will reduce the risk of missing important notifications from the bank about blocking your card.
Blocking messages from unknown numbers
One of the most annoying issues is messages from numbers that aren't in your phone book.The Android operating system and MIUI shell allow you to set up a hard filter that will ignore all senders not saved in contacts.
To activate this feature, open your message settings and find Unknown Filter or Contact Only. In some firmware versions, this option is in Blocker -> Settings -> Locking Rules. Once enabled, all messages from numbers not in the contact list will automatically move to the spam folder.
This method is ideal for people who don't expect messages from strangers, but it can cause problems if you wait for a confirmation code from a service that hasn't already been contacted, or if you get a courier, in which case you temporarily turn off the filter or add the expected numbers to the phone book in advance.
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Save the shipping or bank number to your contacts under the name “Bank” or “Delivery” so that their messages never get spammy, even under strict filtering.
Remember to check the Locked or Spam folder periodically to make sure that important notifications do not get there. The system may be mistaken, and manual control during the first time you use the filter will not be superfluous.
Third-party applications for blocking
Built-in tools aren’t always enough, especially if Xiaomi’s spam assistant doesn’t recognize new types of mailings, in which case specialized apps from Google Play come to the rescue, which use more aggressive algorithms and databases updated by the user community.
One of the most popular solutions is the Should I Answer? or Truecaller app, which has access to huge databases of numbers that users have labeled as spam, and when installed, they ask for permission to read SMS and calls, which is necessary for them to work properly, and after setup, they take over the main filter layer.
When using third-party blockers, it is important to set priorities correctly. Make sure that the standard messaging application does not conflict with the new one. Usually, the system will prompt you to choose the default application for SMS processing - choose your new blocker.
⚠️ Note: By giving a third-party application access to your SMS, you are entrusting it with confidential information. Only use proven programs with high ratings and transparent privacy policies.
Some antivirus packages, such as Kaspersky or Dr.Web, also have spam protection modules. If you already have an antivirus installed, check its functionality - you may not need to install a separate application.
Solving delivery and locking problems
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the lock is too aggressive and they stop receiving important confirmation codes or notifications from government agencies, in which case you need to diagnose the settings and exclude false positives.
The first step is to check the Locked or Spam folder in the message app, and if you find the message you want, (click long) on it and select the option “This is not spam” or “Unblock” and the system will remember your action and will miss messages from that sender in the future.
It’s also worth checking if Do Not Disturb (DND) mode is activated at the system level, which can visually hide notifications, creating the illusion of blocking. Go to Settings -> Sound and Vibration -> Do Not Disturb and make sure that the exceptions are set correctly.
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If you stop receiving SMS from banks, first check the Spam folder and make sure that the bank number is not manually blacklisted.
In rare cases, the problem may lie in a crowded phone memory. If the storage of messages is full, new SMS may not come or immediately delete. Regularly clean the history of correspondence, especially those containing heavy media files.