Owners of Xiaomi smartphones and Redmi sub-brands often face intrusive spam, which not only distracts from important matters, but can also pose a threat to the security of personal data. MIUI has powerful built-in functionality to filter traffic, but many users do not know how to properly activate these hidden opportunities. Blocking unwanted messages allows you to clear notifications from casino advertising, bookmakers and fraudulent loan offers.
There are several effective ways to address this problem, from using standard system tools to installing specialized software. In this article, we will discuss how to set up a blacklist, disable notifications from specific subscribers and prevent payment for paid subscriptions. Proper security configuration during the setup phase will save you from having to delete hundreds of messages manually in the future.
It is important to understand that the methods may vary slightly depending on the version of the Android operating system and the HyperOS shell or MIUI. Some functions can be moved to different sections of the menu, but the logic of the work remains the same for all devices in the line of Redmi Note, Redmi and Xiaomi.
Use of the built-in Security application
The first and most reliable tool is the standard Security app, which is preinstalled on every Xiaomi smartphone, and it works at the system level, so the lock happens before the message appears in the standard correspondence application. To get started, you need to run the application, which usually has a green icon with a shield.
Inside the interface, you'll find a section that filters calls and messages, depending on the location and the firmware version, this item can be called Antispam, Blacklist, or combined into the Lock menu, and this is where the main controls for incoming traffic are, and the system automatically analyzes incoming data and checks it against known fraudsters.
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Regularly update the antivirus databases in the Security app to ensure that the protection works as effectively as possible against new types of spam.
Once you go to the anti-spam menu, you'll see a list of all blocked events, where you can manually add a phone number to a blacklist, or you can remove a number from the lock if it was entered incorrectly, and you can flexibly configure rules, such as blocking all hidden numbers or messages containing certain keywords.
☑️ Setup of basic protection
Set up a blacklist through standard messages
An alternative and often faster way to block a particular sender is to use the functionality of the message app itself, which is ideal when spam comes from the same number and needs to be eliminated immediately. Open a dialogue with an unwanted conversationalist or find it in a shared correspondence list.
In the upper right corner of the screen or in the chat settings menu (often indicated by three dots or a person icon), you need to find the option “End” or “Chat Settings”; in the menu that opens, you will be able to access the option “Block or Add to a blacklist”, and after confirmation of action, all future messages from this subscriber will cease to arrive on the device.
It's worth noting that blocked messages are not permanently deleted, but are placed in a special folder, and you can check the contents of this folder at any time if you expect an important message from a person whose number was previously blocked, which provides a balance between security and control over communication.
Where can I find blocked messages?
Blocking messages from short numbers and services
A special category of problems are messages from service short numbers, which often advertise paid services or confirm login to accounts, and to combat them, MIUI has a separate filtering function by keywords and sender types, which allows you to cut out entire categories of advertising junk.
To activate this feature, go to the Messages app settings via the Settings -> Advanced Settings -> Blacklist. You can enable the option to block messages containing certain words, such as "credit", "winning", "promotion" or the names of popular bookmakers. This is an effective method of combating mass spam.
⚠️ Warning: Be careful when blocking keywords.If you choose a word that is too generic (such as “code” or “bank”), you may miss important notifications from real banking or delivery services.
Also available in this section is the option to block all messages from unknown numbers that are not saved in your phone book, which is a radical but very effective method that completely eliminates the possibility of receiving spam from new senders, however, you can miss important calls from couriers or doctors if they are not in contacts.
Comparison of locking methods on different versions of MIUI
The interface and location of the settings can vary significantly depending on the version of the firmware installed. Users of older versions of MIUI 12/13 and the new HyperOS may encounter different layouts of controls. Understanding these differences will help you find the right switch faster.
The table below shows a comparison of the main ways to access lock functions for different versions of the system, which will help you navigate if the standard path does not lead to the desired result.
| Function | MIUI 12 / 13 | MIUI 14 / HyperOS | Standard Android |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Path to Anti-Spam | Security app -> Antispam | Security app -> Antispam | Messages -> Settings |
| Blocking contact | Through the contact card | Through the contact card | Long tap on chat |
| Keyword filtering | Available in settings | Available in settings | Not always available. |
| Notice of blocking | In the notification curtain | Spam folder. | In the lock log. |
Regardless of the shell version, the blacklist principle remains the same: the system intercepts the incoming data packet and, if the number matches the lock base, prevents it from being displayed to the user, the differences are only about the visual design and depth of settings.
Protection against paid subscriptions and fraudsters
One of the main purposes of blocking SMS is to protect the user’s financial resources: scammers often use schemes where the confirmation of the subscription comes through SMS, or send links to phishing sites, blocking such messages is a critical element of digital hygiene.
If you receive a message asking you to confirm a transaction or click on a link on behalf of the bank, in no case follow the links and do not respond to it. It is best to immediately blacklist the number and send a screenshot to the support service of your carrier.
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The most reliable way to protect against paid subscriptions is to prohibit sending paid SMS through the SIM card settings at the operator or in the phone settings.
For additional protection, it is recommended to disable the possibility of making paid subscriptions through settings SIM-To do this, find the section in the phone's settings menu. SIM-maps and mobile networks, select the desired card and check the availability of the Paid subscriptions or Operator Services, where you can set a ban.
⚠️ Warning: Never give SMS codes to outsiders, bank and support staff never ask for confirmation codes, and blocking spam will not help if you hand over the code to scammers yourself.
Third-party applications for spam filtering
If the built-in Xiaomi system is not enough, you can use third-party solutions from the Google Play store. Applications like Truecaller, Yandex with the function of the determinant or specialized SMS Blocker have huge databases of numbers updated by the community of users.
Installing such an application requires advanced permissions to read and manage messages. Once installed and configured, the application will take over the filtering function, often even more effective than standard tools through cloud databases.
When choosing third-party software, look at ratings and installs. Popular apps with millions of downloads are generally safer than lesser-known ones, and they allow you to create complex rules, such as blocking messages that contain links or come in at night.