Constant calls from intrusive advertising agencies, bank scammers or automated robots can drive any smartphone owner mad. Owners of Xiaomi and Redmi devices face this problem especially often, as their numbers often fall into the databases of marketing companies. Fortunately, the Android operating system, in conjunction with the shell of MIUI or HyperOS, provides powerful built-in tools to protect against unwanted contacts.
In this article, we will take a look at all the blocking methods available, from standard phone settings to the use of specialized software, learn how to create blacklists, customize keyword filters, and use smart databases to automatically cut off spam, which will allow you to focus on important things without being distracted by noise.
Ignoring the problem can lead not only to time loss, but also to financial risks if you accidentally answer a call from a scammer. Modern algorithms allow you to effectively filter incoming traffic, leaving only really important calls. Let's look at how to activate this protection on your device.
Use of built-in MIUI and HyperOS blocker
The first thing Xiaomi smartphone owners should know is that they already have a powerful security tool that is often hidden from the eyes of the average user. MIUI has a built-in Security app that includes antivirus and call blocker functionality, which is the most efficient way, since it works at the system level and does not require the installation of additional software.
To activate the security, you need to open the Security app (green shield icon). From the menu, select Lock. Here you will see the Call Lock switch that you want to activate. The system will suggest setting rules: you can block all hidden numbers, unknown contacts or numbers from other regions. Enable the Spam Number Base Lock feature automatically checks incoming calls against the cloud database of known scammers.
It is important to update the databases in this application periodically to keep the protection up to date. Go to the locker settings (three dots or a gear in the corner) and find the list update point. You can also set up Do Not Disturb mode here, which will drown out the phone at a given time, skipping only selected contacts.
☑️ Setup of built-in protection
Don’t underestimate the capabilities of the manufacturer’s standard software. Unlike third-party solutions, the built-in blocker has deeper telephony access rights, which ensures that even in the background without battery drain, this is critical for Android devices, where the operating system aggressively kills background processes to save energy.
Set up a blacklist through the Phone app
If you don’t want to use a comprehensive security app, basic filtering can be configured directly through a standard “ringer.” The interface may vary depending on the shell version, but the logic remains the same for all Redmi and Poco models.
Open the Phone app and click on three dots or a gear settings. Find the Lock or Blacklist section. Here you can manually add a specific number that bothers you most often. There is also a feature to lock all unknown numbers, which is especially true during periods of mass calls.
⚠️ Note: When you turn on the "Block All Unknown Numbers" mode, your phone will not ring when calling from numbers that are not in your phone book.
To add numbers to the blacklist manually:
- 📞 Open your call history and find an unwanted number.
- 🛑 Click on the information icon or hold your finger on the number.
- 🚫 Select the option “Block” or “Add to the blacklist».
- ✅ Confirm the action in the pop-up window.
The advantage of this method is that it's quick to react, so you don't have to wait for the system to detect spam -- you do it instantly after the first call, but you can't physically lock thousands of robot phone numbers manually, so it's better to combine it with automatic filters.
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Use the function “Block hidden numbers” if you often get calls from scammers who hide their ID. Legal organizations (banks, government agencies) rarely hide the number when you call.
Third-party applications to combat spam
The built-in tools are good, but sometimes the databases aren't enough, and specialized applications from third-party developers who use crowdsourcing come to the rescue, with the leaders in this niche being GetContact, NumBuster and Truecaller.
The principle is simple: millions of users tag numbers as spam, call center, or fraudsters. When you receive a call, the app instantly checks the number on its global database and either drops the call or displays a warning, which allows you to identify even those numbers that are not yet in the official carrier databases.
However, the installation of such applications has its own nuances, which are worth knowing:
- 🔒 The app requests access to your entire phone book to replenish your base.
- 📢 Free versions often have intrusive advertising.
- 🔋 Programs can consume more battery power due to constant network monitoring.
- 🌐 A stable internet connection is required to check numbers in real time.
When choosing an app, pay attention to the permissions it requests. If a simple number detector requires access to your SMS, geolocation and microphone without an obvious need, this is an occasion to think about the security of your personal data. For Xiaomi devices, it is also important to properly configure the autorun of such an application so that the system does not “kill” its process in the background.
Services of mobile operators
Keep in mind that the big four operators in Russia and CIS also offer their own solutions to protect subscribers, which are network-level, meaning that spam calls are cut off before they reach your smartphone, which is especially useful because it doesn’t consume the battery life of your phone.
The service can be called variously: antispam, spam protection, number detector, often free or for a nominal fee per month, you can connect the service through your operator's application, in your personal account on the site or using the service. USSD-team.
Comparison of popular services of operators:
| Operator. | Name of service | Cost | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| MTS | Number ID + Antispam | Paid (there is a trial period) | Fraudsters' number database, organization definition |
| MegaFon | Number-defining | Paid. | Flexible settings, SMS-missing-letter |
| Beeline | Number-defining | Paid. | Labeling of advertising calls |
| Tele2 | Number-defining | Paid. | Integration with the application, spam database |
The main advantage of networking is that it works even on push-button phones or smartphones without the Internet. You don't have to install apps or configure complex filters. You just have to send one SMS or press a button in the operator's application. However, carrier databases sometimes update more slowly than specialized determining applications.
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Combining the protection of the operator and the built-in Xiaomi blocker gives the maximum effect: the network filters mass spam, and the phone finishes the residues according to local rules.
Call Analysis and Hidden Android Codes
For advanced users who want to gain full control of their device, there are hidden menus and engineer codes. In Xiaomi Android smartphones, you can access advanced telephony settings, although the lock functionality there is limited.
One of the useful codes is ##4636##. By typing it into the Phone app, you'll be taken to the testing menu. The Phone Information section allows you to see the statistics of calls, although there's no direct lock, but you can reset your network settings if the blocker stops working properly.
Also worth mentioning are the quick redirect activation codes, which can be useful in emergency situations when you need to completely shield yourself from calls by redirecting them to voicemail or another number:
**21*[number]# - forwarding all calls
#21# - Cancel redirectionChange the settings in the Radio Info or Phone Info section without understanding the essence can lead to loss of communication or incorrect operation of the module. The majority of users should be limited to the standard lock settings described above.
⚠️ Please note: Do not download doubtful content from the Internet. APK-files with "secret codes" or "signal amplifiers." 99 percent of the time, these are viruses that steal passwords from banking applications.