How to block SMS on Xiaomi: the full guide

With Xiaomi’s modern smartphone storing vast amounts of personal information, protecting against unwanted messages is becoming a critical task. Spam mailings, intrusive advertising and fraudulent attempts to deceive users are increasingly common, requiring device owners to actively interfere with system settings. Fortunately, the MIUI shell and the new HyperOS offer powerful built-in tools to filter incoming traffic without installing third-party software.

In this article, we will discuss in detail how to block SMS on Xiaomi, using the standard security features and additional features of the operating system. You will learn how to create exception lists, set up smart filters, and effectively deal with scammers who try to steal money or data through the use of a digital currency. SMS-Competent setting up of the phone will take only a few minutes, but will save you nerves and money in the future.

Use of the built-in "Security" application

The main protection tool in Xiaomi smartphones is the system application Security, which is preinstalled on all devices of the brand. This is where key settings for managing incoming calls and messages, including creating a blacklist, are concentrated. To start, you need to launch the application and find the section responsible for blocking unwanted content.

The menu interface may vary slightly depending on the firmware version, but the logic remains the same for all models, whether it is a budget Redmi or a flagship Xiaomi. Inside the lock section, you will find settings that allow you to automatically cut messages from unknown numbers or contain certain keywords. This is the first line of defense that should be activated by each user.

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Enable notifications about blocked messages to periodically check the list for important emails that may have been mistakenly filtered by the system.

It's worth noting that MIUI's anti-spam functionality works at the system level, which means minimal battery consumption compared to third-party applications. Algorithms analyze the database of known spammers and sender behavioral factors. If a message is labeled as spam by many other users, your phone will automatically hide it from your attention.

Set up a blacklist and filters

To pinpoint specific senders or numbers, you need to use the blacklist function, which is ideal when you are concerned about a specific person or a short mailing number, and you can add a number to the stop list directly from the message log or through the security application settings.

• 📱 Open the Messages app, select the dialog with unwanted contact, and click on three dots in the corner of the screen.
• 🚫 In the menu that appears, select the option “Enter” and activate the option “Add to the blacklist.
• ⚙️ Alternative path: Go to Settings → Communications → Blacklist for manual number entry.

In addition to manual addition, the system offers flexible filtering rules, so you can set up a lock on all messages from hidden numbers or from all contacts not saved in your phone book, which is especially relevant for those who receive a lot of advertising SMS from different SIM cards.

It is important to understand the difference between full lock and filtering: When completely blocked, the message does not arrive at the device at all, and the sender can receive a delivery report (depending on the operator), when filtered, the message enters a special Spam folder, where it is stored for 30 days, after which it is deleted automatically.

⚠️ Note: When you enable strict filtering by unknown numbers, you may miss important SMS messages from delivery services, banks or courier services if their number is not stored in contacts.

Blocking paid subscriptions and fraudsters

One of the most dangerous categories of messages is mailings from paid subscription services, which often randomly subscribe to services by clicking on links on the Internet and begin to receive SMS with confirmation codes or notifications of debiting funds, blocking such messages requires a special approach.

If you receive a debit message that you did not initiate, the first thing you need to do is block the sender's short number. However, blocking the SMS does not always cancel the subscription itself, so you often need to send stop commands. In some cases, sending a message with text 0 or STOP to the sender's number helps.

To protect against phishing, when scammers send links to fake bank sites, Xiaomi has a smart link analysis. If the system recognizes a URL as potentially dangerous, the message will be marked with a warning. Never follow links in messages from unknown senders, even if they look like official notifications from government agencies.

Managing permissions for applications

Often, spam is not from external mailings, but from installed applications that access your messages, which can be used by malicious or unscrupulous developers to collect data or send messages hidden, and permission control is an important security step.

Check which apps have access to the SMS section. To do this, go to the privacy settings and review the permission list. If a simple calculator or flashlight requires access to your messages, this is a clear sign of malware or poor software optimization.

In modern versions of Android and HyperOS, access to SMS is strictly regulated; the system can automatically prevent the installation of applications from unknown sources if they request critical permissions; regularly audit installed programs through the built-in virus scanner in the Security application.

Use of third-party applications for protection

While Xiaomi’s built-in tools are quite efficient, some users prefer to install specialized applications to fine-tune filters. Popular solutions such as Truecaller or SMS Blocker have extensive spammer number databases updated in real time by the user community.

Installing a third-party blocker requires that the application be given the rights to read and manage messages, which means that you trust the developer with all the correspondence, including the codes from banks, so you only need to choose proven products with a good reputation and open source.

Third-party solutions have the advantage of being able to configure complex rules, such as blocking messages that contain certain words (credit, win, share) or come after hours, but it is worth remembering that having two active blockers can lead to system conflict and miss important notifications.

⚠️ Warning: Do not install multiple spam blocking apps at the same time.This can cause Android system instability and increased battery consumption.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Regularly checking your blacklist settings and app permissions is key to the security of your personal data and finances on your Xiaomi smartphone.