How to permanently block messages on Xiaomi Redmi: from SMS-spam to annoying chats

Spam in messages, annoying mailings from banks and advertising SMS from operators – these problems are faced by every owner of Xiaomi Redmi. Unlike the iPhone, where the lock is integrated into iOS, smartphones on MIUI offer several ways to weed out unwanted messages at once, from built-in tools to third-party applications. But not all users know that Redmi can block not only SMS, but also notifications from messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram), and also automatically filter spam for keywords.

In this article, we’ll look at 5 proven methods, including the hidden MIUI 14/15 features that work even on budget models (Redmi 9A, Redmi A1). You’ll learn how to permanently blacklist a number, set up automatic filtering by regular expressions (for advanced users), and why the standard Google Messages blocker sometimes works more effectively than the native Mesages app from Xiaomi.

1. Standard lock through the application “Messages”

The most obvious way is to use the built-in Messages app (an envelope icon), which is suitable for blocking individual numbers or contacts, but has a limitation: it does not filter spam for keywords automatically, but it does not work without the Internet and does not require superuser rights.

To block the sender:

• 📱 Open the Messages app and find a dialogue with an unwanted sender.
• 🔍 Click on the name/number at the top of the chat → Select More Details (three dots in the upper right corner).
• 🚫 In the menu, tap Block and confirm the action. The number will be added to the blacklist. MIUI.

Important: blocking through Messages is only effective on SMS, if the same number calls you, it must be blocked separately in the Phone application. RCS-messages (chat via mobile network, as in instant messengers) – they will have to be blocked through the operator’s settings.

Save important messages from the dialog | Make sure the number does not belong to the bank / service | Check if the number is tied to two-factor authentication (2FA) | Disable notifications from this chat (if the lock is temporary)

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2.The blacklist in MIUI settings: how to manage blocked contacts

If you block a number through Messages, it automatically falls into the global blacklist MIUI. It can be managed centrally - this is convenient when you need to unlock a contact or add a number manually (for example, if the spammer uses different SIM cards).

Instructions for working with the blacklist:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Blacklist.
2. The Message tab will show all blocked numbers for SMS.
3. To add a number manually, press + and enter it in +79XXXXXXXXX (with country code!).
4. To unlock, swipe the number to the left and tap Delete.

The feature of MIUI 14+: the blacklist syncs with the Xiaomi account if the option Sync data in the profile settings is enabled, which means that the blocked numbers will be transferred to the new smartphone when you change the device.

3. Keyword spam filtering (hidden MIUI function)

Few people know, but MIUI has a built-in text messaging filter that allows you to automatically spam SMS messages containing certain words or phrases (e.g., "winning", "credit", "domain renewal"), a feature hidden in the Messages app settings and works even without the Internet.

How to set up the filter:

1. Open the messages. → ⚙️ Settings → Spam filter.
2. Activate the Filter Messages switch.
3. Click Add Keyword and enter the phrases through comma (registration is not important). Examples: winning, credit, free, renewal, urgent, your card is blocked
4. Select the action: Move to spam or Delete automatically (the second option is risky – you can lose important SMS!).

The filter supports regular expressions (for advanced users), for example, the mask \d{4} will block all messages with 4 consecutive digits (often used in fraudulent mailings with "confirmation codes").

Daily | Several times a week | Rare (once a month) | Never received | I don't know what spam-sms-->

4. Third-party applications: when embedded tools are not enough

If spam keeps leaking out despite all the settings, it's time to plug in "heavy artillery" -- third-party blockers -- that offer advanced features like:

• 🌍 Global spammer databases (updated in real time).
• 🔍 Blocking by category (banks, operators, fraudsters).
• 📊 Spam statistics and reports of blocked messages.

Top.-3 Applications for Xiaomi Redmi:

Note: When installing third-party blockers, Xiaomi may display a warning about “security risks.” This is standard MIUI behavior for applications with SMS read rights. To avoid problems, download programs only from Google Play and check reviews.

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If the bank has stopped sending SMS after installing the blocker, add its numbers to the whitelist in the application settings, usually in the Exceptions or Trust List section.

5. Block notifications from messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber)

SMS is not the only source of spam, but messaging is also used on instant messengers, and unlike SMS, locking is customized within each application, and let's look at the most popular services:

WhatsApp:

• 👤 Open a chat with contact → press three points → More. → Lock down.
• 🔕 To disable notifications without blocking: Chat settings → No sound.

Telegram:

• 🤖 For bots: click on the bot name → Block and report spam.
• 👥 For groups/channels: Settings → Notifications → Shut down.

Viber:

• 📵 Open the chat room. → Information → Block the user.
• 🔔 To hide the chat without blocking: swipe it left in the dialog list and select Hide.

⚠️ Note: Telegram only uses private messages, and if spam is sent through channels or groups, you will have to leave them manually, as there is no automatic filtering function.

6.If nothing helps: contact the operator

There are cases when spam continues to arrive despite all settings on the phone, the reason for this is service mailings from the operator (MTS, Beeline, Tele2, MegaFon), which bypass standard filters. According to the law on advertising (Article 18), you have the right to turn off such mailings for free.

How to do this:

1. 📞 Call the operator hotline (numbers: 📱 MTS: 0890 or 8 800 250 0890 📱 Beeline: 0611 or 8 800 700 0611 📱 MegaFon: 0500 or 8 800 550 0500 📱 Tele2: 611 or 8 800 555 0611

🗣️ Tell the operator, "Please disable all advertising and newsletters by number [your number]." They are legally required to comply with the request within 5 days.

Stop.

⚠️ Attention: operators sometimes ignore the first requests. If the spam does not stop after a week, repeat the call and contact the Federal Law. № 38 "On advertising" - fix the date of the appeal - if necessary, you can complain to Roskomnadzor.

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Mobile operators are required to provide the service without forced mailings, and refusing to turn off spam is a violation of your rights as a consumer.

FAQ: Frequent questions about blocking messages on Xiaomi Redmi