How to block calls not from the contact list of Xiaomi

Xiaomi’s smartphones, including the Redmi and POCO series, have powerful built-in functionality to filter incoming traffic. However, by default, the system can skip calls from unknown numbers, often leading to intrusive spam or fraudulent calls. Users who are faced with a problem often look for ways to limit communication only to their contacts.

MIUI and the new HyperOS have flexible security settings that allow you not only to blacklist numbers manually, but also automatically reject any calls from subscribers that are not in your phone book, an effective way to combat advertising calls.

In this article, we will take a look at all the available blocking methods, we will look at standard system tools, the capabilities of the antivirus module and third-party applications, and you will learn to customize your gadget so that it only bothers you when it is really necessary.

Use of built-in antivirus and blocker

The most reliable way to shut down unwanted subscribers is to use a regular security app, which is called “Security” or “Security” in Xiaomi’s shells, and which has deep telephony rights, allowing it to intercept calls at the system level without requiring third-party software.

To get started, you have to run the app and find the partition that handles the calls, which is usually called "Blocking" or "Blacklist," and that's where all the key incoming filtering settings are concentrated, and the interface may vary slightly depending on the firmware version, but the logic remains the same.

• 📱 Open the Security app (green icon with shield).
• 🚫 Go to the “Block” or “Black List” menu».
• ⚙️ Click on the settings gear in the upper right corner of the screen.
• 🔒 Select “Blocking inboxes” or “Blocking rules».

In the menu that opens, you'll be offered a few different behaviors, and we're interested in an option that sounds like "Block everyone except contacts" or "Discard calls from unknown numbers," and activating this switch will instantly start the filter.

⚠️ Note: Once this feature is enabled, you will no longer receive calls from couriers, delivery services or doctors unless their numbers are previously stored in your phone book.

It's important to understand that locking works automatically. If you're trying to reach you, the subscriber will hear a busy signal or a buzzer, and then the call will be reset. In the call history, you may have a missed call marked with a lock or the record will not appear at all, depending on the logger settings.

Setting up the "Do Not Disturb" mode for silence

An alternative but milder method is to use Do Not Disturb mode. Unlike hard locking, this mode does not reset the challenge aggressively, but simply turns off the audible and vibration alert.

In MIUI settings, this mode has flexible exceptions, so you can configure the system to ignore everyone but a select few, which is handy if you want to see missed calls later, but don't want your phone to ring right now.

To activate this mode, go to the basic smartphone settings. Find the Sound and Vibration section and select Do Not Disturb. Here you will find the "Allow Calls" or "Exceptions" subsection.

• 🌙 Activate the "Do Not Disturb" switch».
• 👥 In the exclusion section, select “Contacts Only” or “Favorites».
• 🔇 Make sure the “Repeat Calls” option is turned off if you want silence.

The good thing about this method is that it can be turned on and off quickly through the notification curtain, so you can set a schedule, for example, from 22:00 to 08:00, so that no one interrupts sleep at night, but for constant protection against spam, it is better to use the blacklist described in the previous section.

Hidden Codes and Engineering Menu

For advanced users who like to dig into the system settings, there are special features. USSD-They allow you to control forwarding and locking at a deeper level, but using these commands requires caution.

One of the most famous codes for activating unconditional forwarding of all voice calls is code that redirects the call to a non-existent number or voicemail, but more effective for our topic is managing the lock list through system commands if they are supported by an operator or firmware.

Try typing the code ##4636## in the ringer, which will open the test menu. You can select "Phone Information" here. In some firmware versions, you can find advanced call settings here, although in modern versions of Android this functionality is often hidden.

##4636##

There is also a standard code for setting up forwarding for all calls: **21*number#. If you specify a number that does not exist here, the caller will receive an error. But this is not exactly what you need to block "not from contacts." For fine-tuning, it is better to use the software methods described above, since network codes can be charged by the operator.

⚠️ Warning: Be extremely careful when entering codes that start with stars and bars, especially those that contain reset or forward commands. A single-digit error can lead to your calls being redirected to someone else's number.

Modern Xiaomi smartphones have built-in protection against accidental activation of dangerous functions through codes, but you should not lose your vigilance. If after entering the code, the phone behaved strangely, immediately restart the device or contact the operator to reset network settings.

Use of third-party applications for filtering

Staff funds may not be enough if spam calls come from multiple numbers all the time, and in these cases, specialized Google Play apps come to the rescue, using huge databases updated in real time to identify and block fraudsters.

Popular solutions like GetContact, Truecaller or Yandex.Definition can not only identify a number, but also automatically drop calls labeled by other users as spam, which creates herd immunity against telephone terrorism.

To set up a lock not from contacts in a third-party application, you usually need to go to its settings and find the "Block" option, where you should select the option "Block unknown" or "Block hidden numbers", the application will receive the rights of the supervisor of calls and will make decisions for you.

• 📲 Download the app-definition from the Play Market.
• 🛡️ Provide the necessary permissions to access calls and contacts.
• 🚫 In the application settings, enable Automatic Spam Blocking».
• ✅ Activate the “Block Anyone Not in Contacts” feature if available.

The downside of this is that you need to transfer your contacts to the developer servers to identify your numbers, and it's a matter of personal digital hygiene and privacy, and if you care about privacy, you'd better limit yourself to Xiaomi's built-in tools.

Comparison of locking methods on Xiaomi

To make it easier for you to choose the right way to protect yourself from unwanted calls, we have prepared a comparison table that will help you assess the pros and cons of each method in the context of your needs.

As you can see from the table, the built-in blacklist is the middle ground, it doesn't consume battery power, it doesn't require any software to be installed, and it works consistently on any data plan, and it's the best choice for most users.

💡

For constant protection from calls not from contacts, it is best to use the standard function “Block incoming” in the “Security” application.

Third-party applications should be connected only if the usual methods cannot cut off all spam, or if you need a number determination function (Caller). ID). In other cases, the system MIUI self-sufficient.

Frequent problems and their solution

Even after setting up properly, users may encounter nuances, such as calls that can pass if you have low-sensitivity antispam enabled, or if the caller uses Internet telephony (VoIP), which is difficult to filter with conventional methods.

Sometimes the problem is synchronizing contacts, and if you just added a number to your phone book and it's still blocked, try rebooting your device, and that will update your databases and apply new filtering rules.

Are contact calls allowed?:Yes|No

Is Avia mode activated? (joke, but check it out) | Check the manual lock list |Reboot your phone-->

It’s also worth checking if you have a corporate profile or parental control app that may have its own, higher-priority call blocking policies, which often override system settings.

If nothing helps and calls keep coming, it makes sense to reach out to your mobile operator, and many of them provide a network-level antispam service that works before the signal even reaches your smartphone.

Questions and Answers (FAQ)