How to permanently block calls from unknown numbers on Xiaomi Redmi: from built-in tools to hidden MIUI chips

Spam calls from unknown numbers have become a modern scourge: scammers, intrusive marketers and robot auto-callers are poisoning the lives of Xiaomi Redmi owners several times a day. According to the Anti-Spam Commission, in 2026, there are an average of 18 spam calls per subscriber in Russia per month - and this figure is growing. Fortunately, the MIUI ecosystem offers several layers of protection that not all users know about.

In this article, we will analyze not only standard methods of blocking through Settings. → Blacklist, but also hidden functions (for example, filtering by number prefixes), and consider how operators (MTS, Beeline, Tele2) and third-party applications like Truecaller or GetContact can complement protection. MIUI (12 to 14) and Redmi models from budget Redmi 10A up to the flagship Redmi K60 Pro.

It is important that you use two SIM-maps, locking settings can be duplicated or conflicted, and we'll talk about that too. And at the end of this article, you'll find a comparative table of all methods, evaluating their effectiveness and their effect on the battery.

1.A built-in blacklist in MIUI: How it works and where to find it

The basic call blocking tool in Xiaomi Redmi is a blacklist built into the standard Phone app, which allows you to add numbers manually or automatically block unknown contacts, but many users do not know that there are hidden options here, such as filtering by keywords in the caller’s name.

To open the blacklist:

• 📱 Open the Phone app (the tube icon on the home screen).
• 🔍 Click on three dots in the upper right corner → Select Settings.
• 🚫 Go to the section Blocking numbers (or Blacklist in older versions) MIUI).
• ➕ Click Add a number and enter an unknown number or select from the call log.

MIUI 14 has a "Block Unknown Numbers" feature that automatically cuts off all incoming numbers from numbers that are not in your phone book, but beware: this option can block important calls (such as from couriers or banks) to activate it:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Phone → Lock numbers.
2. Turn on the switch to Lock unknown numbers.
3. Set up exceptions by adding numbers to the White List that must always pass.

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If you are not getting a taxi or delivery call after blocking unknown numbers, check the settings of the White List, and you can add number prefixes (for example, +7495 for Moscow services) or entire comma ranges.

2. Spam filtering through settings SIM-maps: secret section MIUI

Few people know, but Xiaomi Redmi has a hidden settings section SIM-This is a map where you can enable operator-level spam filtering, which works independently of the blacklist and does not overload the processor, as the lock is on the mobile network side.

Instructions for MIUI 12-14:

1. Open the Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
2. Choose yours. SIM-card (if two of them).
3. Scroll down and find Spam Filtering or Spam Protection (name depends on operator).
4. Turn on the option and select the filtering level: Medium (recommended) or Strict (can block legitimate calls).

This method has two key advantages:

• 🔋 Does not consume battery power (blocking occurs on the operator’s server).
• 🛡️ It works even if the phone is turned off or in flight mode (calls do not reach the device).

There are, however, downsides:

• ⚠️ Operators may sell spam call data to third parties (this is stipulated in the user agreement).
• 📵 Filtering only works for voice calls, SMS-Spam is blocked separately.

3. Third-party apps: Truecaller vs GetContact vs Should I Answer?

If the built-in MIUI tools fail, third-party apps come to the rescue, and we tested the three most popular services and compared their performance on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro+ with MIUI 14.

To install any of these applications:

1. Open the Google Play Store.
2. Enter the name of the application in the search.
3. Click Set and Confirm Permissions (access to contacts, call logs, SMS).
4. Launch the application and follow the configuration instructions.

An important nuance for Xiaomi: after installation, check if MIUI blocks the application in the background.

• 🔧 Go to Settings. → Annexes → Application management.
• 🔍 Find the installed application (for example, Truecaller).
• 🔄 Enable Auto Start, Background Activity and Show Notifications.

✅ Allow access to contacts and call logs

✅ Enable "Spam Blocking" in the application settings

✅ Activate Cloud Protection (Sync with Database)

✅ Add bank numbers to "Exceptions"

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⚠️ Attention: apps like Truecaller collect your contacts and call history to form a shared database. If you're worried about this, use Should I Answer? -- it works locally, without sending data to the server.

4. Blocking by prefixes and regular expressions: for advanced users

If you get calls from certain regions or networks (like +7926xxx or +375xx), MIUI has a hidden prefix lock option, which requires manual configuration but produces 100% results.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Phone → Lock numbers.
2. Click Add number, but instead of the full number enter only its beginning, for example: +7926 - will block all the numbers of MegaFon. +37529 - will block Belarusian numbers Velcom. +7499 - will block Moscow stationary numbers.

Save the changes. Now all calls from these prefixes will be automatically reset.

Regular expressions (regex) can be used to make the settings even more flexible, but this method requires technical knowledge, such as blocking all 5-digit numbers (typical for spam robots) by:

^\d{5}$

To apply regex:

• Install the Tasker or MacroDroid app.
• Create a task with the condition "Incoming call" and add a filter for regular expression.
• Set up the "Defy" action.

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Prefix blocking is the most reliable way to get rid of massive spam calls from certain regions or operators, but be careful: if you block a bank’s prefix (for example, +7495 for Sberbank), you will not be able to receive important notifications.

5. Double. SIM-How to set up a lock on both lines

If you have two Xiaomi Redmis installed SIM-maps, the default lock settings only apply to the main line. SIM, needle:

Method 1: Separate settings

• 📞 Open the phone. → Settings → Number locking.
• 🔄 At the top of the screen, select SIM-map, SIM 1 SIM 2).
• 🔄 Repeat the lock settings for each card separately.

Method 2: Sync with Google Contacts (if you use one account)

1. Open Google Contacts.
2. Create a Spam group and add any unwanted numbers.
3. In the phone settings (Phone → Lock numbers), select the option to Block contacts from groups and specify the Spam group.

⚠️ Attention: if one of the SIM-Cards activated call forwarding service, lock may not work. Check the forwarding settings for *#62# and disable it if you don't need it.

Alternative methods: from activating the Do Not Disturb mode to changing the number

If spam calls have become unbearable, consider drastic measures:

• 📵 Do Not Disturb Mode: Enable it on a permanent basis, but add only trusted contacts to the exceptions. → Notifications and status bar → Don't disturb.
• 🔄 Change of number: if you are being pursued by the same spammer, contact the operator for a new number (paid service, ~200–500 ₽).
• 🛡️ Virtual SIM: Services like Tinkoff Mobile or SberMobile offer virtual numbers to register on sites – they can be easily changed or blocked.
• 📞 Voice mail: configure forwarding of unknown calls to the operator’s voice mail (for example, MTS has this information *111*085#).

To activate voicemail on Xiaomi Redmi:

1. Dial *#61# and press "Call".
2. If the service is not active, contact the operator or activate through your personal account.
3. In the phone settings (Phone → Settings → Voicemail), specify the access number (for example, +74957770850 for MTS).

7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

Many Xiaomi Redmi users have problems blocking spam, and here are the most common mistakes and solutions:

If after all the manipulations spam calls continue to arrive, check:

• 🔄 Has the phone software been updated recently (sometimes lock settings are reset after updates).
• 📵 Are you connected to public Wi-Fi networks (some spammers use VoIP calls over the Internet).
• 🛠️ Are there any malicious apps installed on the phone (check through Settings) → Security → Scanning).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions