Spam calls from scammers, intrusive offers from banks and operators, robots with advertising β Xiaomi owners face this problem daily. According to Truecaller, in 2026, each smartphone user in Russia receives an average of 12 unwanted calls per month, and in some regions this figure reaches 20. MIUI offer unique tools to fight spam β from the built-in filter of unknown numbers to hidden features that even experienced users do not know about.
In this article, we will discuss 5 working ways to block unknown numbers on Xiaomi, Redmi and other devices. POCO β From basic settings to advanced tricks using ADB And third-party apps. You'll learn how to do this:
- π Set up a built-in blacklist in MIUI So that it blocks even hidden numbers.
- π± Use Google Phone and Truecaller to identify spammers in real time
- π οΈ Enable Do Not Disturb mode with smart exceptions for important contacts
- π§ Apply ADB-commands to block calls at the system level (without root)
- β οΈ Bypass the limitations of operators who sometimes skip spam despite all settings
Important: The methods work on all current versions MIUI 14/13 and HyperOS, including Xiaomi 14, Redmi Note 13, POCO F6 and older models on Android 11+). If you have a device on MIUI 12 or below β some items may not be available.
1. Built-in blacklist in MIUI: How to Block Unknown Numbers in 30 Seconds
The easiest way is to use a standard call blocker built into the firmware. MIUI. It can filter not only specific numbers, but also entire categories of calls (for example, hidden or international:
- Open the Phone app (the tube icon on the desktop).
- Slip on three dots in the upper right corner β select Settings.
- Go to the section βNumber Lockβ (or βSpam and Block in New Versionsβ).
- Activate the switch to Lock Unknown Numbers.
- Additionally, you can enable Block Hidden Numbers and Filter Spam (using the Xiaomi database).
β οΈ Note: In some regions (e.g. Russia, Kazakhstan) the Spam Filter function may not work properly due to local legislation. If important calls are missing after activation, disable it and use alternative methods in this article.
Is the "Block Unknown Numbers" switch on?
Is the option "Block Hidden Numbers" activated?
Have spammer numbers been added to the blacklist?
Is the function checked after the phone restarts?
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If you need to block a specific number that has already called:
- Open the call log in the Phone app.
- Find the right number. β press it β select Block.
- Confirm the action (in some versions) MIUI You will need to enter a password from your Mi Account).
Important: Built-in blocker MIUI It doesn't save locked numbers in the cloud. Once you reset your phone or flash it, the list will be cleared. If you need backup, use third-party apps (as discussed in Section 3).
2. Do not disturb settings to filter calls according to schedule
Function Do not disturb (DND) into MIUI Not only does it turn off notifications, it can automatically block all incoming calls from unknown subscribers, which is useful if spam comes at a certain time (for example, during the day on business days).
How to set up:
- Go to Settings β Sound and vibration β Do not disturb.
- Turn on the function and set up a schedule (for example, from 9:00 to 18:00).
- In the Calls section, select Contacts Only or Repeat Calls (if someone calls twice within 3 minutes, the call will pass).
- Activate the option to Block Unknown Numbers in the same menu.
| DND regime | What's blocked | Exceptions |
|---|---|---|
| Only contacts. | All calls except those saved in the phone book | Repeated calls (if enabled) |
| Repeated calls | First call from an unknown number | Second call from the same number within 3 minutes |
| All right. | Absolutely all challenges. | No (use with caution!) |
π‘ Useful tip: If you are afraid to miss an important call, add to the Exceptions (in settings) DND) Bank numbers, delivery services or other critical contacts. β Calls. β Select contacts.
What to do if DND not blocking spam?
3 Third-party applications: Truecaller vs Google Phone vs Spam filter from MTS
Built-in tools MIUI They don't always deal with spam, especially if they use spoofing or international lines, and specialized applications can help. We tested the 3 most effective ones:
π Truecaller: The Best Spam Identifier
- π Database with over 500 million numbers (updated in real time).
- π« Automatic blocking of spam and scammers.
- π Shows the name of the caller even for unknown numbers.
- β οΈ Cons: Requires access to contacts and SMS, Sometimes it is wrong to define spam.
π Google Phone: Built-in filter from Google
- π Free and no advertising (unlike Truecaller).
- π Integration with Google services to identify spam.
- π Statistics of blocked calls.
- β οΈ Cons: Not in all countries, less accurate than Truecaller.
π "Spam filter" from MTS / Beeline / MegaFon
- π± Official application of your operator (for example, My MTS).
- π‘οΈ Blocks spam at the network level (no matter the phone).
- π° Frequently free for operator subscribers.
- β οΈ Cons: It only works with SIM-The operator's card can block legitimate calls.
πΉ Which option to choose?
- If you need maximum coverage, install Truecaller.
- If you value privacy, use Google Phone.
- If spam is most likely from Russian numbers, try your operatorβs application.
β οΈ Note: Apps like Truecaller require permission to access the Call Log, Contacts, and SMS. If you donβt trust third-party services, use only built-in tools. MIUI Google Phone (it has a more transparent privacy policy).
π‘
Before installing Truecaller, go to Settings β Annexes β Permits and disable access to SMS, If you don't need to filter your messages, it will reduce the risk of data leakage.
4. Advanced lock through ADB: power-user
If standard methods do not help, you can block unknown calls at the system level using the help of the system. ADB (Android Debug Bridge: This method does not require root rights, but requires a computer and minimal technical skills.
πΉ What's the matter:
- π₯οΈ Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
- π± Cable USB (preferably original).
- π§ Installed drivers ADB and Fastboot (you can download it here).
- π Included Debugging by USB on the phone (Settings) β The phone. β Version. MIUI β 7 times tap the version β Come back to the extra. β For developers).
πΉ Step-by-step instruction:
- Connect the phone to your computer and confirm the trusted device on the smartphone screen.
- Open the command prompt (Windows) or terminal (macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB.
- Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must appear serial number of your device.
- Use the command to block unknown calls: adb shell settings put global block_unknown_callers 1
- Reboot the phone.
πΉ How to Undo the Lockdown:
adb shell settings put global block_unknown_callers 0β οΈ Note: After this command is applied, all calls from numbers that are not in contacts will be blocked without exception.This can lead to the skipping of important calls (for example, from couriers or support services!
π‘
ADB-Teams work on all versions MIUI HyperOS, but after resetting the phone to factory settings, they will have to be used again.
5. Hidden settings MIUI: How to Increase Protection Against Spam
V MIUI There are a few hidden features that aren't enabled by default, but greatly improve spam filtering, and you can activate them through Developer Mode or special combinations.
πΉ 1. Increased spam filtering in the "Phone"
Open the phone application β Settings β Spam and blocking β turn on:
- π Update the spam database automatically (if available).
- π Show spam reports (to see how many calls are blocked).
- π‘οΈ Block suspicious numbers (using Xiaomi algorithms to detect fraudsters).
πΉ 2. Set up "Safe Mode" for calls
This feature allows you to create white lists of numbers that can call you even when activated.
- Go to Settings β Sound and vibration β Do not disturb β Exceptions.
- Select Calls β Add contacts.
- Check the numbers that must always pass (for example, "Mother", "Work", "Bank").
πΉ 3. Secret code to check lockdown
To find out how many calls were blocked by the system, enter the Phone app:
##4636##Go to Phone Information β Call statistics: This shows the number of blocked incoming and outgoing calls.
How to reset the counter of blocked calls?
6 What to do if spam still passes: bypassing the restrictions of operators
Sometimes calls from unknown numbers keep coming in despite all the settings, and this happens for several reasons:
- π‘ Spoofing: Scammers use technology to disguise a real number as a legitimate number (for example, your bank number).
- π International lines: some operators do not block calls from abroad.
- π Failures in MIUI: In rare cases, lock settings are reset after system updates.
πΉ Decisions:
- Complain to the operator: Send SMS to your carrierβs short number (e.g. 5115 for MTS or 5010 for Beeline) with the text: Spam [phone number] The operator will add the number to the blacklist at the network level.
- Use two-factor lock: Install Truecaller + activate the built-in filter in MIUI. Double check increases the chances of weeding out spam.
- Change. SIM-Card on eSIM: Virtual SIM-Cards (such as those from Tele2 or MTS) often have better spam protection, as operators are more active in filtering traffic.
β οΈ Warning: If you are a victim of fraud (for example, you were tried to lure money or card details), immediately:
- Block the card through a mobile bank.
- Call the bank hotline (the number is on the back of the card).
- Write a statement to the police through the website of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (section "Receiving appeals").
7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them
Many Xiaomi users are having trouble setting up call locks. TOP-5 mistakes and their solutions:
| Mistake. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The lock settings do not work after the update MIUI | Resetting user parameters when updating | Check the settings on the phone. β Spam and Block and Re-Application |
| Calls from hidden numbers still pass. | The operator does not transmit information about the blocking | Use Truecaller or contact operator support |
| Important calls are blocked (e.g. from a bank) | Too strict rules in not disturbing | Add bank numbers to exceptions or use Repeat Calls mode |
| ADB-commands are not applied | Not enabled USB debugging or outdated drivers | Check Adb Devices and Update Platform Tools |
| Truecaller does not identify spam | Obsolete database or regional restrictions | Update the app and check the region settings in your profile |
πΉ Advice for Xiaomi owners on Android 12 and below:
Old versions. MIUI (before MIUI 13) there is no separate Spam and Block section:
- Open the phone β Settings β Lock numbers.
- Enable Block Unknowns and manually add spam numbers.
- To filter by keyword (e.g., βcreditβ, βwinningβ), use the F-Secure Call Blocker app.