How to permanently block calls from unknown numbers on Xiaomi Redmi: 7 working ways

Spam calls and intrusive scammers have become an epidemic for Xiaomi Redmi smartphone owners. According to Truecaller statistics, in 2026, every user in Russia receives an average of 12 unwanted calls per week, from credit brokers to phishing schemes with fake bank numbers. The problem is compounded by the fact that standard blocking methods often do not work: scammers use spoofing, and spam bots generate new combinations of numbers daily.

In this article, we will look at 7 proven ways to block unknown numbers on Xiaomi Redmi, from built-in MIUI functions to third-party applications with artificial intelligence. Particular attention will be paid to the hidden settings of MIUI 14/15, which the manufacturer does not advertise, but which block up to 92% of spam already at the system level, you will learn how to set up a blacklist so that it works even when the Internet is turned off, and why the standard application “Phone” from Xiaomi sometimes misses scammers (and how to fix this).

Built-in lock in the Phone app (MIUI 12-15)

The most obvious, but often underrated, way to do this is to use Xiaomi’s standard Phone app, which in recent versions of MIUI (starting with 12), has been significantly improved by the locking algorithm, which analyzes the behavior of numbers in real time and automatically sends suspicious calls to “spam,” but by default, this feature is not at full capacity.

To activate extended protection:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Slip on three dots in the upper right corner → Settings.
3. Select Blocking and Spam → Spam Settings.
4. Turn on all the switches: 🔍 Checking numbers (analysis of spam number database) 📞 Blocking hidden numbers (no numbers) ID) 🤖 Blocking robots (automatic calls) 🌍 International phone numbers (unless you are waiting for calls from abroad)

Important: MIUI 14/15 has a Smart Lock feature that learns from your actions. If you manually block 3-4 numbers from one category (like “credits”), the system will automatically filter these calls, but this requires permission to access call logs — don’t deny the application this request.

💡

If after updating MIUI lock function is lost – reset the settings of the application “Phone” in Settings → Applications → Application Management → Phone → Storage → Reset.

2.Setting up a "Black List" for unknown numbers

MIUI has a hidden feature that allows you to block all numbers that are not saved in contacts, which is a radical but effective method if you are spammed from new numbers every day, minus you can miss an important call (for example, from a courier or support service) if their number is not saved.

How to turn on:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the phone and tap it.
3. Select Permissions → Additionally. → Blacklist.
4. Activate the option to block unknown numbers.
5. In the Exclusions section, add the numbers that must pass (e.g. 112, 911, or bank numbers if you use them).

Added all important contacts to the phone book |

Emergency services exceptions checked |

Contact backup in case of failure |

Notified of possible missed calls

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⚠️ Note: This setting may conflict with some banking applications (e.g. SberBank Online or Tinkoff) that use dynamic numbers to confirm transactions. SMS-codes – temporarily disable the lock or add bank numbers in exceptions.

3. Use of Google Phone (alternative to the standard application)

The Google Phone app (aka Google Drive) offers more flexible lock settings than the standard Xiaomi solution, which is integrated with Google’s spam number database and updated in real time, and even works on older versions of MIUI (starting with 10).

How to set up:

1. Install Google Phone from the Play Market.
2. Make it the default app for calls: Settings → Apps → Default apps → Phone app → Google Phone
3. Open Google Phone, tap three dots → Settings → Lock numbers.
4. Turn it on: 🛡️ Spam filter (automatic blocking) 🔕 Blocking hidden numbers 📊 Block history (to see which calls were filtered out)

💡 Advice: If you have a Redmi Note 12/13 Or newer, try a combination of both apps: use Google Phone for basic calls, and the standard app MIUI — You can lock it down on a blacklist, so you get double protection.

Standard (MIUI Phone) |

Google Phone|

Truecaller|

Other|I don't know.-->

4. Truecaller: Locking with Artificial Intelligence

Truecaller is the most popular anti-spam app, but it works with nuances on Xiaomi, the main advantage is that the number databases are updated by users in real time, and AI algorithms recognize even new scams (for example, fake +7 9xx numbers for banks).

How to set up maximum protection:

1. Install Truecaller and register (required!).
2. In the application settings, turn on: 🤖 Autoblocking Spam (Aggression Level – High») 🔍 Real-time room verification 📊 Log of locks (to see which calls were screened out)

Settings → Blocking

8495

8800

Truecaller as the default application

⚠️ Warning: Truecaller requires access to your contacts, call logs and SMS. If you're confused, use privacy mode in your app settings, but locking efficiency will drop by 30 to 40 percent.

5. Hidden MIUI settings for blocking spam (for advanced ones)

MIUI has hidden features that are not documented but allow you to block spam at the system level, which require accuracy, but give 100% lock even for numbers that bypass standard filters.

Method 1: Blocking through the Engineering Menu

This method works on Redmi with Qualcomm processors (e.g. Redmi Note 11/12/13, POCO X5):

1. Open the phone app and enter the code: ##4636##
2. Select Phone Information → Settings (three dots in the corner).
3. Tap the call lock. → Add a rule.
4. Enter the masks of the numbers to lock (examples): 8495 - all Moscow numbers 8800 - toll-free numbers +375 - all Belarusian numbers

Method 2: Editing the blacklist.xml system file

This will require root rights or access through ADB. If you are unsure of your skills, skip this method.

1. Connect your phone to your PC and activate Debugging via USB (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 7 times tap, then Additional → For Developers → Debugging by USB).
2. Open the command line on your PC and type in: adb pull /data/data/com.android.providers.contacts/databases/contacts2.db
3. Edit the contacts2.db file via SQLite Editor by adding numbers to the blacklist table.
4. Return the file back to: adb push contacts2.db /data/data/com.android.providers.contacts/databases/

💡 Tip: If you often encounter spam on Redmi, try Do Not Disturb mode with exceptions.Tune it so that only calls from contacts are allowed:

Settings → Sound and vibration → Do not disturb → Allow exceptions → Contacts only

This method does not block spam completely, but makes it invisible (calls won’t wake you up at night).

FAQ: Frequent questions about blocking calls on Xiaomi Redmi