How to permanently block calls from unknown numbers on Xiaomi: 5 working ways

Spam calls from unknown numbers have become an epidemic: according to Kaspersky, in 2023, one in three smartphone owners in Russia received at least 5 fraudulent calls per month. Xiaomi smartphones based on MIUI offer several built-in tools to combat this, but most users use only basic functions, unaware of hidden opportunities. In this article, we will analyze all available methods of blocking, from standard settings to advanced tricks with ADB and third-party applications.

The MIUI feature is that the call lock system is integrated not only into the Phone app, but also into the Security menu, which allows you to create layered protection: for example, you can lock all numbers without an ID, while adding exceptions for banking services. We tested all methods on Redmi Note 12 Pro+, POCO F5 and Xiaomi 13T models with the latest firmware versions - the results are summarized in the comparison table below.

1. Standard lock through the application "Phone"

The most obvious, but not always effective, way to do this is to use a built-in blacklist, which is suitable for blocking specific numbers that are already bothering you, but is powerless against mass spam calls from random combinations, but it is worth starting with.

To add a number to the blacklist:

• 📱 Open the Phone app (the tube icon on the home screen).
• 🔍 Go to the Journal tab and find an unwanted number.
• ⚫️ Press the number. → Choose Block (or Blacklist in older versions) MIUI).
• ✅ Confirm the action in the pop-up window.

For mass blocking of unknown numbers:

1. Get on the phone. → ⋮ (three-point) → Settings → Number locking.
2. Activate the switch to Lock Unknown Numbers.
3. In the section of the Locking Rules, select All numbers without an ID.

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If calls continue to arrive after blocking, check the blacklist synchronization settings with your Mi Account. Sometimes reset the phone cache (Settings) → Annexes → Application management → Phone. → Warehouse → Cleaning the cache solves the problem.

2. Advanced settings in the "Security" menu

MIUI hides some of the locking features in a separate Security menu that many users ignore, and you can set up automatic filtering using a database of fraudulent numbers, as well as create rules for numbers with certain prefixes (for example, +375 for Belarus or +79 for Russian gray SIM cards).

Instructions for setting:

• 🛡️ Open the Settings. → Security → Locking down calls.
• 🔄 Enable the option of filtering spam calls (using the base Xiaomi and partners).
• 📊 In the section of the Locking Rules, add prefixes or number ranges (for example, +7495* for Moscow fraudsters).
• 🔔 Set up notifications for blocked calls (we recommend keeping the first 2 weeks on to evaluate effectiveness).

Important: Spam number databases are updated every 1-2 weeks, and if you get a call from new fraudulent numbers before they are added to the database, use manual lock or third-party apps (about them below).

3. Blocking through settings SIM-cards (for two sims)

If your Xiaomi supports two of your SIM-You can set up separate lock rules for each card, which is useful if one SIM is used for work (where it is important not to miss the call), and the second for personal purposes.

How to set up:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
2. Choose the right one. SIM-map, SIM 1).
3. Tap on Call Settings → Locking down calls.
4. Activate options: 🚫 Block all incoming numbers from unknown numbers 📵 Reject the call without notice (so that vibrations are not distracted)

⚠️ Note: When activating the lock at the level SIM-cards some operators (for example, MTS or Beeline) may reset the settings after the update USSD-Check them once a month.

4.Use ADB for deep customization (for advanced)

If the built-in methods don’t work, you can use the hidden Android settings available through ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which is suitable for power users and allows you to block calls at the system level, bypassing the limitations of MIUI.

Step-by-step:

1. 🖥️ Install. ADB-pc-tool.
2. 📱 On your smartphone, activate Developer Mode (7 times tap on the Assembly Number in Settings) → The phone).
3. 🔌 Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell settings put global block_unknown_callers 1 This will enable blocking of all unknown numbers at the Android level.
4. Use the following prefixes: adb shell content insert --uri content://call_log/calls --bind number:s:"+7912345****" --bind type:i:3 (substitute +7912345**** prefixed).

The advantage of this method is that locking works even if the caller hid his number through *31# or similar codes, but after resetting the settings or updating the firmware, the commands will have to be executed again.

5 Third-party apps: Truecaller vs Should I Answer?

The built-in MIUI tools don't always deal with modern scammers who use spoofing or virtual PBX calls. In these cases, specialized applications with cloud-based spam numbers help, and we tested two of the most popular solutions:

For installation:

1. Download the app from Google Play.
2. Give permission to access calls and contacts.
3. In the application settings, activate Spam Blocking and Show notifications.
4. Add the app to Auto Run (Settings → Applications → Permissions → Auto Run), otherwise it won’t work in the background.

⚠️ Note: Some antiviruses (such as Dr.Web) conflict with Truecaller by blocking its access to calls.

Disable Advertising in Settings|Add the bank number to the whitelist|Activate the lockdown SMS-spam|Set up automatic base update-->

6.Whitelisting: Only important calls are missed

If you’re fed up with spam calls that are so comfortable you’re willing to sacrifice, the opposite is to block all incoming calls except contacts, a method that’s suitable for those who don’t expect important calls from strangers (such as couriers or new customers).

How to set up:

• 📋 Open the Settings. → Annexes → Phone. → Number locking.
• 🔒 Activate the option to block all incoming contacts, except contacts.
• 📞 In the Exceptions section, add numbers that should come from outside the contacts (e.g. 112 or bank number).

The downside of the method is that you may miss an important call from a new number (such as a doctor or delivery service) to reduce the risk, use a combination of this method with Truecaller, which recognizes legitimate organization numbers.

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A whitelist is the most reliable way to block, but requires regular updates of contacts. SMS-notifications (banks, taxis, courier services).

7.Additional measures: operator lock and legal aspects

If spam calls don't stop despite the settings, you can contact your mobile operator, and most providers provide call filtering services:

• 📡 MTS: free service "Spam Protection" (activated by the USSD-code *111*777#).
• 📡 Beeline: "Antispam" (connects through a personal account or *110*789#).
• 📡 MegaFon: “Protection against fraudsters” (included in the MegaFon appendix).
• 📡 Tele2: “Spam filter” (free for subscription fees).

Legal aspect: according to the Federal Law № 230-FZ, operators are obliged to provide services to block spam calls. If your provider refuses to help, you can complain to Roskomnadzor through the official website.

To combat spam, you can register on the Nomorobo platform (works for the United States and partly for Russia) or leave a complaint on the website of the Central Digital Marketplace (Fixed Communications Regulatory Center).

FAQ: Frequent questions about blocking calls on Xiaomi