How to permanently block messages on Xiaomi: from spam to unwanted contacts

Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones offer several built-in mechanisms to block unwanted messages, from annoying spam to SMS from specific numbers. However, many users find that standard settings are either not efficient or difficult to find. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to block on Redmi, POCO and Xiaomi flagships (including Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 13 and others), and consider alternative solutions for especially persistent cases.

The MIUI feature is that the message lock interface can vary depending on the firmware version and regional build. For example, in the global version of MIUI 14/15, the security menu is hidden deeper than in the Chinese version. We take these nuances into account and show the universal paths that work on most devices.

1. Block messages through the standard application “Messages”

The most obvious way is to use the built-in Messages app, which supports both locking individual numbers and keyword filtering, and let's look at both.

To block a specific number:

1. Open the Messages app and find a dialog with unwanted contact.
2. Slip on the avatar or sender name at the top of the chat.
3. In the menu that opens, select Block (or Block in English).
4. Confirm the action by pressing OK.

To filter spam by keywords:

• 🔍 Go to Settings → Spam filter.
• 📝 Activate the Keyword Filter option and add phrases (e.g., “winning,” “credit,” “renewal”).
• 🔔 Enable the Notify of blocked messages to see what has been filtered.

Important: In some versions of MIUI (e.g., on POCO F5), the spam filter menu may be called Security and Privacy. If you don't find an item, use the settings search (the magnifying glass icon in the upper right corner).

2. blacklist in MIUI security settings

MIUI has a separate blacklist management section that blocks not only messages but also calls, a method that is more reliable than blocking messages through the Messages app, because it works at the system level.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Slip on the three points in the upper right corner and select Special Accesses.
3. Find the Blacklist (or Blocklist) item.
4. Add a number manually or select from your call/message history.

The advantage of this method is that blocking works even if you change the application for SMS (for example, Google Messages), but there is a caveat: some operators (for example, MTS or Beeline) can send service messages that bypass the blacklist, in which case only the call in support of the operator will help.

Has the number been added to the blacklist?

Is the spam filter activated in the Messages app?

Have you checked your operator settings (USSD *111#)?

Is there a third-party blocking software installed (such as Truecaller)?

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3. Use of third-party applications (Truecaller, SMS Block)

If the built-in MIUI tools fail, third-party apps come to the rescue, offering advanced features such as blocking regular expressions, cloud-based spammers, and even analyzing the content of messages.

Top-3 applications for blocking messages on Xiaomi:

• 📱 Truecaller -- it identifies spammers from a billion-number database, blocks text messages and calls. Minus: requires access to contacts.
• 🚫 SMS Block is a simple blocker with support for black/white listings and keyword filtering.
• 🔒 Blacklist Plus – allows you to block messages by number masks (for example, all numbers from the prefix +7999).

How to configure Truecaller for maximum protection:

1. Install the app from Google Play and complete the registration.
2. Go to Settings. → Lockdown.
3. Activate the options to Block spam and Block unwanted messages.
4. In the Blacklist section, add numbers manually or import from history.

⚠️ Warning: Apps like Truecaller collect data about your contacts and messages. If privacy is more important than blocking spam, use offline solutions like SMS Block.

4. Blocking service messages from the operator

One of the most difficult cases is when spam comes from short carrier numbers (e.g., 1234 or 900), which often bypass standard MIUI filters, as they are considered system-based.

Method 1: USSD- Operator Commands

Each operator has its own commands for spam management:

Method 2: Appealing for Support

If the USSD- commands do not help, contact the operator via:

• 📞 Calling the hotline (e.g. 0890 for MTS).
• 💬 Chat in the official application of the operator.
• 📧 E-mail (addresses are usually listed on the operator's website).

⚠️ Warning: Some operators (e.g., Iota) do not provide the option to block service messages, in which case you only need to change the tariff or operator.

5. Filtering settings in Google Messages (for default users)

If you use Google Messages instead of the standard Messages app from Xiaomi, the blocking algorithm will be different.This messenger is integrated with Google services and offers more flexible settings.

How to set up a lock:

1. Open Google Messages and tap your profile avatar in the top right corner.
2. Select Message Settings → Spam and Block.
3. Activate the Spam Filter option (it uses Google AI to analyze messages).
4. In the Blocked Contacts section, add numbers manually.

The benefits of Google Messages are:

• 🤖 Automatic classification of spam using machine learning.
• 🌐 Sync blocked contacts between devices (if you use the same Google account).
• 📊 Blocked Message Statistics in Spam Reports.

The disadvantage is that the app does not block service messages from the operator, as they come through a separate channel (not SMS, but Cell Broadcast).

💡

If you often receive spam in English, activate the Unknown Language Message Filter option in Google Messages to help you weed out mailings from abroad.

6 Radical methods: locking at the level of SIM- card or firmware

If all of these things don't work, there are radical measures that require technical skills or specialist advice, but they guarantee 100% results.

1 method: Replacement of SIM- card with virtual (eSIM)

Some virtual operators (such as Tinkoff Mobile or SberMobile) allow you to manage incoming messages flexibly through your personal account.

• 📵 Completely disable SMS reception (except system).
• 🔄 Redirect messages to email and filter them there.
• 🛡️ Create a blacklist right in the operator’s web interface.

Method 2: Firmware modification (for experienced users only)

On custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), you can turn off SMS at the kernel level.

1. Install TWRP and run an alternative firmware.
2. With ADB, execute the command: adb shell settings put global sms_capable 0 This will disable SMS support at the system level.
3. To return functionality, use: adb shell settings put global sms_capable 1

⚠️ Warning: Modifying the firmware is warranty-free and can cause unstable phone performance, a method that is only recommended if you are prepared for possible consequences (e.g., loss of functionality RCS in instant messengers).

💡

Locking a card or firmware at the SIM- level is a last resort, and before using it, try all software methods and contact the operator.

7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

Many Xiaomi users face typical problems when setting up a message lock, and consider the most common errors and their solutions.

Error 1: Blocking doesn’t work for group chats

MIUI does not have a built-in mechanism for blocking group SMS.

• Use Google Messages – it supports blocking group messages.
• Write to the operator to exclude you from mailings (for example, for bank notifications).

Error 2: Messages continue to arrive after blocking

Causes and solutions:

• 🔄 App Cache: Clear the Messages app data in settings (Settings → Apps → Messages → Storage → Clear Data).
• 📡 Service Messages: If spam comes from short numbers (e.g. 900), phone-level locking won't work - contact the carrier.
• 🔄 Update MIUI: In older firmware versions (below MIUI 12), the spam filter is not working properly. Update the system.

Error 3: You can't block the number from the international code

There's a bug in MIUI that sometimes +7XXX numbers aren't blocked.

• Add a number to the blacklist without + (e.g. 79123456789).
• Use third-party applications (such as Blacklist Plus) that handle international formats correctly.

Frequently asked questions