How to block SMS from unwanted subscribers on Xiaomi Redmi Note

Modern users of Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones often face intrusive mailings, promotional messages and spam from unknown numbers. This is not only annoying, but can also hide attempts at fraud. Owners of Redmi Note series models have powerful security tools that are built directly into the MIUI or HyperOS system.

The Android operating system, paired with the shell from the Chinese manufacturer, offers flexible incoming messaging filtering settings. You don't have to download third-party apps to create a reliable barrier to unwanted content. You just need to configure the built-in security features that work at the system level.

In this guide, we will take a look at all the ways you can block, learn how to create a blacklist, set up smart filters and use additional features to completely isolate yourself from spammers, which will allow you to enjoy using the gadget without unnecessary information noise.

Use of the built-in Security application

The first and most effective tool is the standard Security app, which is preinstalled on every Xiaomi device, and this is where the central lock control node is located, and these settings are accessed through the main menu or widget on the desktop.

Once the application is launched, you need to find the Antispam section, which is not only responsible for calling, but also for filtering text messages, where the system automatically analyzes incoming traffic and flags suspicious SMS, based on a database of known spammers.

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Regularly update the databases in the Antispam section so that the system can recognize new numbers of scammers and advertising agencies.

Inside the anti-spam menu, you'll find switches for different types of locks, you can block messages from hidden numbers, from contacts that aren't in the phone book, or manually added to a blacklist, and the flexibility of the settings allows you to tailor the protection to your needs.

  • πŸ›‘οΈ Activate blocking messages from unknown numbers for maximum protection.
  • πŸ“± Use manual mode to add specific contacts to the ignorant list.
  • πŸ” Check the lock log regularly to avoid missing important notifications.

It’s important to note that settings may vary slightly depending on the firmware version, but the logic remains the same across the Redmi Note line, and the correct configuration of this partition can eliminate up to 90% of unwanted traffic.

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The built-in Antispam module is the first and most important line of defense, which does not require the installation of additional software.

Blocking through the standard Messages app

An alternative and often faster way to manage locks is directly in the Message app, which is convenient when you need to quickly lock the number from which the annoying SMS just came.

Open the dialog with the unwanted sender. The top right corner of the screen usually has a three-dot menu or contact information icon. When you click on it, you will see the option to Block or Blacklist, which will instantly stop messages from that number.

πŸ“Š What kind of lock you use more often?
Through the Security App
Through the dialogue menu
Third-party annexes
Ignoring spam.

Also in the Messages app settings, there is a filtering section, where you can turn on fraud and spam protection provided by Google or a service provider, and the system will automatically hide suspicious messages in a separate Spam and fraud folder.

If you use Google Messages, which often replaces the standard on global firmware versions, the algorithm is similar. Click on the contact avatar, select Details, and then Block and report spam, which will help improve filters for all users.

⚠️ Note: When blocking via the Messages app, the number is added to the system blacklist. Make sure you do not accidentally block an important number, such as from a bank or courier service.

Set up a blacklist and filtering rules

For advanced users who want to fine-tune, a detailed rule editor is available, which allows you to create complex blocking scenarios, for example, you can ban messages that contain certain keywords or come at night.

From the Antispam menu, go to the blacklist settings, and here you will see a list of all the blocked numbers, add a new contact via the + or Add button, and you can enter the number manually, select from your call history or contacts.

Special attention should be paid to setting up smart filters, the system allows you to block messages by keywords, this is especially useful for combating advertising of casinos, credits or gambling, just add the words "winning", "credit", "betting" to the list of prohibited.

β˜‘οΈ Set up the perfect blacklist

Done: 0 / 5

Don't forget to whitelist. If you've turned on aggressive filtering, be sure to add numbers to nearby and important services to exceptions, otherwise you risk losing important information that the system finds suspicious.

Type of ruleDescription of actionWhere to find out.
Locking by numberComplete ban on messages from a particular subscriberAntispam -> Blacklist
Keyword BlockingHiding SMS with a certain textAntispam -> Settings -> Word filter
Blocking of unknownsBanning messages from numbers, no contactAntispam -> Settings -> Blocking
Quiet regimeDisabling notifications but saving messagesSettings -> Sound and vibration

Working with Google and third-party databases

Google’s ecosystem offers an additional layer of protection through Google Play Protect and smart features in the messaging app. On global firmware-based Redmi Note smartphones, these features are integrated by default. They use cloud databases to identify spam.

To activate this protection, make sure that the Messages app settings include the Spam Protection option, the system will analyze the sender and the content of the message, and if Google's algorithms find the message dangerous, it will automatically be moved to the spam folder.

How do cloud databases work?
Cloud databases work on the principle of collective intelligence, and when many users flag a number as spam, it is automatically added to a blacklist for all devices using this security service.

The advantage of using Google services is that they are up-to-date, and databases are updated every second around the world, but it requires an active Internet connection and sometimes geolocation enabled to more accurately identify regional spammers.

It is worth considering that in some regions or on the Chinese versions of MIUI firmware, Google services may be limited, in which case you should rely on built-in Chinese antivirus databases or install a third-party solution if standard methods are ineffective.

Third-party applications for enhanced protection

If built-in tools are not enough, the market offers powerful alternatives: apps like Truecaller, Call Blocker, or SMS Blocker have more filtering capabilities, and they often have their own, more extensive number databases.

Installing such an app requires broad permissions, the program must have access to your SMS and calls to intercept and analyze them, and once installed, you need to set priorities so that the Android system does not block the work of the defender.

  • πŸš€ Truecaller is a market leader with a huge database of spam numbers and a determinant.
  • πŸ›‘ SMS Blocker is a lightweight application with a simple interface and flexible rules.
  • πŸ”’ Call Blocker – a functional tool for comprehensive protection from calls and SMS.

When using third-party software, it is important to keep an eye on its updates. Developers are constantly improving detection algorithms. However, remember that installing additional software can consume more battery and RAM resources of your Redmi Note.

⚠️ Please read the privacy policies of third-party applications carefully.Some may transfer the contents of your messages to their servers for analysis, which may not be secure for personal data.

Decision and frequent errors

Even when set up correctly, there can be situations where locking doesn't work as expected, often with permissions or conflicts between different apps, and Android has a strict control over access to messages for security reasons.

Check if the locking app is worth the list of sleeper or restricted background processes. On Xiaomi, aggressive energy saving can kill background anti-spam services. Go to Settings -> Applications -> Application Management, find the service you want and select Auto Run, and set the power saving mode No restrictions.

Another common mistake is having multiple active blockers: If you use an integrated filter and a third-party app at the same time, they can conflict, and leave only one active tool to handle incoming SMS to avoid losing messages.

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The main reason for skipping spam is the limitation of the application’s background operation by the energy saving system, so setting up autoruns is critical.

If messages keep coming, check the format of the number on the blacklist. Sometimes spam comes from short numbers or letter IDs that can't be blocked in the usual way.

Why do messages from blocked numbers still come?
This can happen if the spammer uses Internet services to send messages (Email-to-SMS) or changes the sender numbers dynamically, in which case only blocking by keywords or changing the carrier will help.
Can I block an SMS from a specific operator?
There is no direct lock functionality by operator name in the standard settings, but you can block all short numbers or numbers starting with certain prefixes using third-party applications that support masks.
Where are the blocked messages stored?
The blocked messages are not deleted, but moved to a special log inside the Antispam application or to the Spam folder in the Messages application, which take up space in the phone's memory, so they need to be cleaned periodically.
Does SMS blocking affect battery life?
The locking process itself consumes minimal energy, but constant background checks and text analysis can slightly increase the charge consumption, especially if you use a third-party application with active advertising.