How to permanently block SMS from spammers and scammers on Xiaomi 12

Spam mailings and fraudulent SMS have become a real scourge for smartphone owners. Xiaomi 12 running MIUI 13/14 offers several built-in tools to combat unwanted messages, but not all users know how to use them correctly. In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to block SMS – from standard functions to third-party applications with advanced capabilities.

The Xiaomi 12 is a feature that has integrated a smart spam filter into its firmware that automatically sorts suspicious messages, but it's not perfect: sometimes useful SMSes get into spam, and fraudulent SMSes slip into the main drawer, and we'll show you how to set up filtering rules manually, blacklist numbers, and even completely disable SMS reception from unknown senders.

It is important to understand that locking at the phone level does not guarantee 100% protection. Fraudsters constantly change numbers and use spoofing, so for reliability, we recommend combining several methods, for example, combining built-in MIUI tools with applications like Truecaller or SMS Filter.

1. Built-in blacklist in MIUI: how to add a number to the lock

The easiest way to get rid of intrusive SMS is to use the Blacklist feature, which is available in the standard Messages app, which is suitable if you know the specific numbers from which you want to block messages (for example, mailings from fraudster banks or advertising agencies).

To add a number to the blacklist:

1. Open the Messages app on your Xiaomi 12.
2. Find an SMS from an unwanted sender and make a long click on the message.
3. In the menu that appears, select Add to the blacklist (or Block depending on the version of MIUI).
4. Confirm the action in the pop-up window.

After that, all future SMS and calls from the blocked number will be automatically ignored. To manage the list of blocked contacts, go to:

Settings → Applications → Messages → Blacklist

Check that the number is added correctly (with country code)

Update the Messages app in Google Play

Restart your phone after adding a number.

Make sure that the lock function is not disabled in the settings-->

⚠️ Note: In some versions MIUI (Especially on Chinese firmware, the blacklist can be reset after the system update. To avoid this, export the list of locked numbers to a file and save it to the cloud.

2. Setting up the spam filter in the "Messages" application

MIUI has a built-in smart spam filter that analyzes incoming SMS and automatically flags suspicious messages, but by default it may not work effectively. Here's how to set it up correctly:

Open the Messages app and go to:

⋮ (three dots in top right corner) → Settings → Spam filter

The following options are available here:

• 🔍 Enable spam filter – main switch (must be active).
• 📥 Filtering unknown numbers – blocking SMS Numbers not stored in contacts.
• 🚫 Filtering messages with links – useful against phishing mailings.
• 🔄 Update Spam Base – Allows Xiaomi to Upload Up-to-date Lists of Fraudulent Numbers.

We recommend activating all points except Filter unknown numbers – it should only be turned on if you are not waiting for important SMS from new contacts (for example, confirmation codes from services).

Every day.

Several times a week

Rarely (1-2 times a month)

Almost never.-->

⚠️ Attention: Spam filter in MIUI Sometimes mistakenly labels legitimate messages (such as from banks or delivery services) as spam. Periodically check the Spam folder in the Messages app and manually unlock the desired ones. SMS, click on the message and select It is not spam.

3. SMS blocking from unknown senders (radical method)

If you're flooded with messages from unfamiliar numbers, you can completely disable SMS reception from contacts that aren't in the phone book, which drastically reduces spam, but it has a downside: you won't receive one-time passwords, service notifications, and other important messages from new senders.

To activate this function:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Messages → Advanced settings.
2. Find the Accept Messages from Contacts Only and turn it on.
3. Confirm the action in the pop-up window.

This method blocks up to 90% of spam, but requires prior preparation: keep all important numbers (banks, delivery services, government services, etc.) in contact.

4. Third-party applications for blocking SMS: TOP-3 solutions

The built-in MIUI tools don't always work with modern spam techniques. If scammers keep bothering you, try specialized applications. We tested dozens of programs and selected the 3 most effective ones:

Before installing third-party apps, disable the built-in spam filter in MIUI to avoid conflicts. Also check the permissions the program requests - some applications may require access to Call Log or Contacts, which is not always secure.

💡

If you use Truecaller, enable the option “Block Hidden Numbers” in its settings – this will help to cut off SMS with a substitute sender (for example, on behalf of a bank or government agencies).

5 How to block SMS from the operator

Many Xiaomi 12 users are faced with intrusive advertising from their own mobile operator. Unfortunately, standard locking methods often do not work for service numbers (e.g., 1234, 0000, etc.).

Method 1: Unsubscribe from mailings

• 📞 Send. SMS stop-and-stop STOP The number from which the advertisement came.
• 📧 Sometimes the operators send instructions to unsubscribe from the SMS — read the text carefully.
• 🌐 Go to the personal account on the operator's website and turn off all advertising mailings manually.

Method 2: Blocking through USSD-team

Each operator has its own commands to manage services, such as:

• For MTS: dial *111*252# and follow the instructions.
• For Beeline: *110*180# → disable advertising SMS.
• For MegaFon: *105*000# → mailing management.
• For Tele2: *220*1# → disable marketing messages.

⚠️ Note: Some operators ignore unsubscribe requests if you use a corporate service SIM-card or tariff with mandatory mailings, in which case the only way out is to change the operator or use third-party applications to block the.

6.Additional measures: how to reduce the amount of spam in the future

Blocking already received SMS is a half-measure, and to reduce the flow of spam, follow these tips:

• 🔐 Do not publish your number in the public domain (social networks, forums, ads).
• 🛡️ Use the second number to register on sites and services (you can buy a virtual number). SIM Or use apps like Google Voice).
• 📱 Set up two-step authentication via apps (Google Authenticator, Authy) instead of using the app. SMS — This will reduce the risk of code interception by fraudsters.
• 🚫 Don't respond to spam text messages, even if it says, "Stop to unsubscribe," which will confirm that your number is active and spammers will send more messages.
• 🔄 Regularly (once in) 2-3 Clean the blacklist of old numbers and update the filtering rules.

If you frequently encounter phishing SMS (messages on behalf of banks, government agencies asking to click on a link), install the Kaspersky Safe Kids app or Avast Mobile Security. They have built-in modules to block fraudulent links even in the text of messages.

💡

The combination of built-in MIUI tools (blacklist + spam filter) and third-party applications (e.g. Truecaller) gives the best result in blocking unwanted SMS.

FAQ: Frequent questions about blocking SMS Xiaomi 12