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

Xiaomi Redmi users receive dozens of unwanted messages every day, from intrusive advertising to fraudulent schemes to request money transfer. According to Kaspersky statistics for 2023, one in three smartphone owners have encountered phishing SMS, and Redmi is one of the most popular targets of spammers due to the widespread spread of the brand. In this article, we will analyze all the available methods of blocking, including hidden MIUI functions that work even without installing additional applications.

Compounding the problem, standard methods (such as complaints to the operator) often fail to produce instant results. Fraudsters use swapping numbers, mass mailing services, and even legal notification services to bypass filters. We tested each method on Redmi Note 12 Pro+, Redmi 10C and POCO X5 Pro (based on MIUI 14) — all instructions are relevant for MIUI 12-14 and HyperOS firmware (for new devices 2026).

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

The fastest way is to use the built-in blacklist feature available in the standard Message app, which blocks not only SMS but also calls from specified numbers. Importantly, the blacklist numbers are not automatically deleted – they must be manually cleaned every 2-3 months, otherwise the list will overflow (the limit is up to 500 numbers).

Instructions:

📱 Open the Messages app and find unwanted SMS.
🔍 Click on the message, then tap the sender number at the top of the screen.
🚫 In the menu that opens, select Block → confirm.
📋 To add the number manually: go to Settings → Blacklist → Add.

☑️ Checking the number lock

Is the spammer's message open?Is the number displayed at the top of the screen?Is there a "Block" button on the menu?Did the number appear on the blocked list?

Done: 0 / 4

Limitations of the method:

❌ Does not block SMS from short numbers (for example, from banks or services).
❌ Spammers often change numbers – you will have to add each new number.
✅ It works offline (without the internet).

2. spam filter in MIUI: how to enable automatic blocking

Starting with MIUI 12, Xiaomi has added a built-in spam filter that analyzes the content of SMS and automatically sends suspicious messages to the Spam folder.The feature runs on the basis of the Xiaomi Cloud database and is updated once a week. However, it does not block messages completely - it only hides them from the main list.

How to set up:

Open the messages. → ⋮ (menu) → Settings → Spam filter.
Activate the Spam Filter Switch.
Enable the option to Block messages from unwanted numbers (not available on all models).
Manually add filter keywords (e.g., “winning”, “credit”, “transfer”).

Parameter	Redmi Note 12	Redmi 10/11	POCO X5
Spam autofilter	✅ Yes.	✅ Yes.	✅ Yes.
Manual keywords	✅ Up to 20 pcs.	✅ Up to 10 pcs.	❌ No.
Blocking short numbers	❌ No.	❌ No.	❌ No.
Filter training (spam mark)	✅ Yes.	✅ Yes.	✅ Yes.

Important: Spam filters can mistakenly hide legitimate messages (e.g. from banks or delivery) and check your Spam folder once a week!

📊 How often do you receive spam SMS?

Every day.

Several times a week

Rarely.

Never.

3. Third-party apps: top-3 SMS-blocking solutions

If the built-in MIUI tools aren’t enough, use specialized applications.We tested 7 popular services and selected the three most effective for Xiaomi Redmi:

Truecaller (free, with premium options): 🔍 The spammer database is updated in real time (more than 300 million numbers). 🛡️ Blocks SMS and calls, including swapping numbers (spoofing). ⚠️ Requires access to contacts and call histories (privacy risks).
SMS Blocker (from MobileIQ): 📊 Analyze the content of SMS by keywords. 🔄 Automatic update of spammer database. 🚫 There is no advertising in the free version.

Hiya

Whitepages Caller ID

🌍 Works at 200.+ countries, including Russia and CIS.
📵 Blocks SMS from “gray” senders (for example, mass mailings from stores).
💰 The premium version costs 199. ₽/month.

List of popular short spammer numbers (can be blocked):

📌 1234, 1230 – mailings from banks (Tinkoff, Alfa-Bank).
📌 2020, 2022 – payment services (Qiwi, Webmoney).
📌 7000, 7777 – fraudulent mailings ("you won prizes").

What to do if the short number is not blocked?

If the operator does not provide the option of manual lock, try: 1. Call support and ask to add a number to the stop list. 2. Use applications like SMS Blocker, which can filter short numbers. 3. Unsubscribe from the mailing by sending SMS with the text of the STOP to the sender number (works for legal services).

6 Extreme measures: changing number or using a virtual SIM

If spam has become unbearable (such as scammers threatening or blackmailing), consider radical ways to:

🔄 Change of phone number: Contact the operator's cabin with a passport. Cost: 100-300 ₽ (Minus: you will have to update the number in all services (banks, social networks).
📱 Virtual SIM (eSIM: Supported by Redmi Note 12 Pro+, Xiaomi 13 and newer. You can get a second number to register (for example, through Tinkoff Mobile.

Before changing the number, try a temporary solution:

📵 Turn off SMS notifications in Messages app settings.
🔕 Use WhatsApp for important messages, ignoring standard SMS.