Xiaomi and Redmi smartphone owners often face intrusive advertising that comes in the form of plain text messages.This is not just annoying, but also creates the risk of accidentally clicking on malicious links. MIUI system offers built-in tools to combat unwanted content, but they are not always easy to find the first time.
There are several effective ways to keep yourself completely spam free: you can use regular filtering features, create exception lists, or connect third-party applications with advanced algorithms. It is important to understand that blocking can be either complete or selective, depending on your needs.
In this guide, we will take a look at all the available methods, from simple menu settings to advanced commands, learn how to set up smart filters that recognize advertising mailings themselves, and we will also touch on the topic of blocking specific numbers that bother you all the time.
Using a built-in spam filter in MIUI
The first step is to activate the full-time defender, and the MIUI has a powerful security module that can analyze incoming messages, which may not be on or operating in gentle mode by default.
To access the settings, open the standard Messages app. In the upper right corner of the screen, look for a three-dot icon or a gear, and that's where the menus you need to manage the filters are hidden.
Go to Settings → Spam filter, where you need to switch the slider to the active position, and the system will automatically check each incoming message against the database of known advertising numbers.
⚠️ Note: Once the filter is turned on, all blocked messages will not come to the main list, but will be placed in a separate Spam folder.
For a more subtle setup, click on "Filter Settings." Here you can select the level of verification rigor. If you get a lot of legitimate marketing from stores, you'd better choose the middle tier so you don't lose the bargains.
The built-in algorithm is constantly updated, but it's not all-powerful. Some new numbers can slip through the filter, which is why it's recommended to combine automatic protection with manually adding contacts to the blacklist.
Manual locking of specific numbers
Sometimes automation is not needed, and you need to block a specific person or organization that sends notifications constantly, and at Xiaomi, you can do this directly from the message log or through contact settings.
Open a dialogue with an unwanted person. Click on the avatar or name at the top of the screen to open a profile. In the menu that opens, select the option "Block" and the number will immediately be added to the ignored list.
There is an alternative way through the system application "Security". Go to the section Antispam → Blacklist → Add. Here you can enter the number manually or select it from the history of calls and messages.
- 📱 Blocking through the contact profile in the application “Messages».
- 🛡️ Addition via the central module "Security" in the settings.
- 🚫 Use of operator codes to temporarily block services.
- 📝 Manual number entry in spam filter settings.
It is important to know that the blocked subscriber will not receive a notification that his messages are not reaching. For him, they will look like they were sent, but they will not appear on your device.
If you use SIM-A card with VoLTE or Rich Communication Services function, the lock may work differently, in which case the message may be marked as delivered, but hidden from the user's eyes.
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When you lock a number through your contact settings, make sure you choose “Block” rather than “Delete” and delete it will simply clear your correspondence history, but will not prohibit new messages.
Setting up smart filters and keywords
Spammers often change numbers, but the text of their messages remains similar. MIUI has a useful keyword filtering feature that allows you to cut off messages containing certain phrases.
Go to the spam filter settings and look for “Keyword Filter” and add common words from ads like “credit,” “winning,” “promotion,” “bet.”
The system will scan the text of incoming messages, and if one of the words you've asked is found in your body, the message will automatically be moved to spam, which is a very effective way to combat mass mailings.
But be careful, if you add a word that is too common, you risk blocking important notifications, such as the word code, which can cut off not only spam, but also confirmation of login to banking applications.
| Keyword | Probability of false positive | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Credit | Low. | It's safe to add |
| Winning. | Low. | Recommended |
| Code. | Very high. | Don't add. |
| Action | Medium | Carefully. |
Use unique parts of phrases that are specific to the type of spam you are concerned about, which will improve filtering accuracy and keep important messages intact.
The keyword filter works locally on the device, which guarantees privacy. The text of your messages is not sent anywhere for analysis, the verification takes place inside the processor of the smartphone.
Blocking through blocking applications
Staff funds are sometimes not enough, especially if spam is coming from different short numbers or through Internet services, in which case specialized applications from the Google Play store come to the rescue.
One of the most popular solutions is Truecaller or SmsBlocker, which have huge numbers databases that are being added by users around the world.
Once you install this application, you will need to give it permission to read SMS, which is necessary so that the program can intercept incoming messages and analyze them before they reach the standard application.
⚠️ Note: By providing access to SMS to a third-party application, you are potentially transferring your contacts and correspondence. Use only proven programs with a good reputation and open source.
The advantage of third-party blockers is the flexibility of settings, you can set a lock schedule, such as turning off all SMS at night, or create whitelists for favorite contacts.
Some apps also recognize phishing links, and if a message contains the address of a site listed in fraudsters' databases, the blocker will alert you or hide the message completely.
Effect of blockers on the battery
Specificity of blocking short numbers
A separate category of problems is the short numbers that send mailings from telecom operators, banks and taxi services, and blocking them with standard methods is not always effective, since they often change the letter prefixes.
To combat such mailings, it is best to use USSD-Your mobile operator's teams or personal accounts, and each of the Big Four has their own codes to unsubscribe from paid subscriptions and advertising. SMS.
For example, MTS often uses a command to send the word “STOP” to the sender’s short number, and for Beeline and Megafon, there are special service numbers where you can send a message with the lock text.
- 📲 Sending the word STOP or stop to the sender's short number.
- 🌐 Disabling advertising subscriptions in the operator’s personal account.
- 📞 Calling the support team to completely block service SMS.
- ⚙️ Filtering service messages in the smartphone menu.
Xiaomi also has a service message blocking option, which is located in the spam filter menu, and by activating it, you can hide the balance or bonus notifications that often annoy users.
However, remember that blocking service messages can deprive you of important information, such as notifications about your Internet connection or the exhaustion of a packet of minutes.
☑️ Checking the lock settings
What to do if SMS continues to arrive
Sometimes you’ve tried all the methods, but spam continues to attack your Redmi, and the problem may be deeper, such as leaking your number to databases or malware.
Sometimes free programs downloaded from unverified sources may contain modules that generate traffic or hide ads in the form of SMS.
Try resetting your network connection settings. Go to Settings → Connection and Sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks and Bluetooth. This action will not delete your personal data, but update your network configurations.
If the spam is coming from the same number that cannot be blocked, contact your carrier. They can set a lock at the network level, and the messages will simply not reach yours. SIM-map.
As a last resort, if your phone is infected with a virus that sends text messages from your name or imitates incoming messages, you will need a complete factory reset.
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A comprehensive approach combining MIUI settings, keyword filtering and operator services guarantees 99% protection against unwanted messages.