How to permanently block messages on your phone Xiaomi: 7 working ways

Spam, intrusive promotional emails or unsolicited contacts can make smartphone use a nightmare. Xiaomi owners face this problem especially often because of the open MIUI architecture, which allows a lot of notifications by default. Fortunately, the system offers several built-in tools to block unwanted messages - from standard messenger features to hidden security settings.

In this article, we will look at all the current ways of blocking on Redmi, POCO and Mi phones, from basic to advanced, including setting up a blacklist, filtering SMS through the operator and even using third-party applications. We will pay special attention to the nuances of different versions of MIUI (12 to 14), as the location of some functions may differ, if you are tired of the flow of unnecessary information, this guide will help you regain control over notifications.

1. Standard lock through the application “Messages”

The easiest way to weed out spam is to use the built-in tools of the standard Messages app (or Messages in global firmware), which works for SMS and MMS, but does not affect notifications from messengers like WhatsApp or Telegram.

To block the sender:

• 📩 Open the Messages app and find a dialog with unwanted contact.
• 🔍 Slip on the avatar or sender name at the top of the screen.
• 🚫 In the menu that opens, select Block (or Block in English).
• ✅ Confirm the action by pressing OK.

After that, all subsequent messages from this number will be automatically sent to the Spam folder (which can be found in the main menu of the application).

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If the Spam folder is not displayed, update the Messages app via Google Play or enable its display in the app settings (General Settings → Folders).

2.Setting up a blacklist in MIUI

To completely block calls and messages from certain numbers, MIUI has a blacklist, which is universal and works independently of the Messages app. Here's how to activate it:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Call → Blacklist (or Settings → Apps → Call settings → Blocklist in global firmware).
2. Click Add to the Blacklist (Add to Blocklist).
3. Select the source: 📞 From the magazines - blocking by call history; 📩 From messages - blocking on SMS; ➕ Add manually - to enter the number yourself.

Ready.

The blacklisted numbers will not be able to call or send you SMS, but notifications from messengers (such as Viber or Signal) will still come – they will require separate settings in each application to block them.

Number added to Settings → Blacklist |

Try calling from a locked number - an automatic reset should work |

Check the Spam folder in the Messages app |

Make sure that the call settings have enabled the option to block unwanted calls.

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3. Spam filtering through the operator

If spam comes in large numbers from different numbers (for example, from banks or marketing companies), it will be more effective to connect the spam filtering service from your mobile operator. Most Russian providers (MTS, Beeline, MegaFon, Tele2) offer free or paid services to block unwanted messages.

These services work at the network level, so they block messages before they reach your phone, but they are not always effective against personalized spam (such as from acquaintances or colleagues), in which case it is better to combine operator filtering with manual lock.

MTS|Beeline|MegaFon|Tele2|The Other |I don't know-->

4. Block notifications from messengers

If you have intrusive messages coming from WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber or other messengers, standard MIUI methods won't help. Each chat client has its own privacy settings.

WhatsApp

• 🔕 Open a chat with contact → click on the name at the top. → Lock down.
• 🔔 To disable notifications without blocking: Chat settings → No sound.

Telegram

• 🚫 Go to the user profile → More (⋮) → Block it.
• 📵 For Channels/Groups: Notification settings → Shut down.

Viber

• 🔇 Open the dialogue. → Information → Lock down.
• 📴 To hide the chat without blocking: swipe left on the dialogue → Archive.

For example, a WhatsApp blocked contact can still text you on Telegram or call your phone, and you'll have to lock the number at all levels to be completely isolated.

5.Use of third-party applications to block

If the built-in MIUI tools aren't enough, you can use specialized apps from Google Play, which offer advanced features like:

• 🛡️ Automatically filter spam for keywords;
• 📊 Statistics of incoming calls and messages;
• 🌍 Blocking international numbers;
• 🔄 Backup of the blacklist.

Top.-3 Applications to block on Xiaomi:

1. Truecaller detects spammers from the database and blocks them automatically.
2. Blacklist Plus is a simple blocker that supports regular expressions for numbers, suitable for advanced users.
3. SMS Blocker – specializes in filtering SMS by keywords (for example, “winning”, “credit”).

Before installing, check the app permissions – some blockers request access to Call Log, SMS and Contacts. This is necessary for work, but may raise privacy concerns. We recommend using only proven applications with high ratings (4.5+ stars) and a large number of reviews.

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Third-party blockers may conflict with built-in MIUI functions. If the standard blacklist settings stop working after installation, disable one of the applications.

6. Hidden MIUI settings for power users

For those who are willing to dive into hidden opportunities MIUI, There are some advanced blocking methods that require you to activate Developer Mode or use it. ADB-Teams, but give more control.

Method 1: Blocking through security settings

Some versions of MIUI 13/14 have a hidden message filtering option:

1. Activate Developer Mode by pressing the MIUI version 7 times in Settings → About Phone.
2. Go to Settings → Additional → Security → Message filter.
3. Enable the option to Block Unknown Numbers.

Method 2: ADB-lock-up

You can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB) to fully control notifications, for example, to block all notifications from a particular app:

adb shell dumpsys notification --block com.example.app

Replace com.example.app with an ID for the messenger package (e.g. com.whatsapp for WhatsApp). Careful: misuse of ADB may disrupt the system.

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To find the application package ID, use the command adb shell pm list packages | grep "whatsapp" (replace "whatsapp" with the part of the name of the desired application).

7 What to do if the lock is not working?

Sometimes even after you add a number to the blacklist, messages keep coming, and this can happen for several reasons:

⚠️ Note: If you use two of these SIM-The lock can only work for the main line. SIM separately in the Settings section → SIM-maps and mobile networks.

Other possible problems and solutions:

• 🔄 Update. MIUI: Older firmware versions (below 12.5) may have lock bugs. Check the updates in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 📱 Reset the Messages app settings: Go to Settings → Annexes → Communications → Warehouse → Clear the data. Attention: it'll delete the whole story. SMS!
• 🛠️ Check the access rights: If you use a third-party blocker, make sure it has Reading permissions SMS and Call management.
• 📡 Contact the operator: If spam comes from short numbers (e.g. 1234), their blocking may be limited at the network level.

If none of these methods worked, the last option is to reset your phone to factory settings. This is a radical solution, but it is guaranteed to clear up all system errors. Remember to back up your data through Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset.

Frequently asked questions