Spam calls from unknown numbers have become a modern scourge: scammers, intrusive marketers and automated robots distract, annoy and create security risks. Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones have several tools in their arsenal to combat this problem at once, from built-in MIUI functions to third-party applications and operator settings. But how to choose the most effective method? And why standard locking sometimes does not work?
In this article, we will discuss 5 Proven ways to ban calls from hidden and unknown numbers on Xiaomi, including little-known firmware chips MIUI 14/15 and nuances for different models (from Redmi Note) 12 before the flagship Xiaomi 14 You will learn how to configure filtering at the system, operator and even cloud services level, and how locking on two different platforms is different. SIM-maps and how to circumvent the limitations of some firmware versions.
1. Built-in locking of unknown numbers in MIUI
Xiaomi’s MIUI firmware has a built-in call filtering mechanism that works at the system level and doesn’t require additional apps to be installed.This method is suitable for most models, from the Redmi 9 to the Xiaomi 14 Pro, but there are nuances depending on the firmware version.
To activate the lock:
- Open the phone application (pipe icon).
- Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Settings.
- Go to the section “Number Lock” (or “Spam and Block in New Versions”).
- Activate the switch to Lock Unknown Numbers.
- You can also enable the option to filter spam calls if available.
⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO X5 Pro) this section may be called Protection and Privacy. If you do not have the option to Block Unknown Numbers, update your firmware to the latest version MIUI 14/15 Or use alternative methods from this article.
Is the option "Block Unknown Numbers" enabled?
Is spam filtering activated?
Has the firmware been updated to the latest version?
Checked out exceptions for important contacts?-->
MIUI 15 has a Smart Lock feature that analyzes subscriber behavior: if the number is ringing for the first time and is not saved in the contacts, the system offers to block it automatically.
- Go to Settings → Privacy → Lock numbers.
- Choose Smart Lock and activate the slider.
- Adjust filter sensitivity (recommended Medium for balance between protection and false positives).
2.Use of the application "Security" (Security)
The Security app (or Global Firmware Security) is Xiaomi’s “Swiss knife” for protection, which not only scans viruses but also filters calls. Unlike the standard blocker in the Phone app, it offers advanced settings, including creating a blacklist by template.
Instructions for setting:
- 📱 Open the Security app (shield icon).
- 🔍 Go to the section "Number Lock" or "Call Protection" (name depends on version).
- 📞 Enable the option to Block Unknown Numbers and Filter Spam.
- ⚙️ In additional settings, you can add numbers manually or download the spammer database from the Xiaomi cloud.
Important: The Security app has a Cloud Lock feature that synchronizes the spammer list between Xiaomi devices through your Mi Account, which allows you to automatically receive updated fraudulent number databases. To activate it, go to Settings → Cloud Lock and enable synchronization.
How does cloud locking work in MIUI?
| Locking method | Advantages | Deficiencies | It's good for MIUI. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard lock in the application "Phone" | Easy to set up, does not require additional applications | Limited functionality, no cloud synchronization | All versions. |
| Security annex | Advanced settings, cloud spam database, blacklist by templates | It may conflict with some third-party blockers. | MIUI 12 and newer |
| Third-party applications (Truecaller, Hiya) | Large spam number database, additional functions (SMS-filtering) | Requires permission to access contacts and logs, can consume battery | All versions. |
3. Third-party applications to block calls
If the built-in MIUI tools can't handle the spam calls, third-party apps come to the rescue, the most popular among them are Truecaller, Hiya and Who Calls, and they use global databases of spammers and scammers, updated in real time.
Let’s look at the pros and cons of each:
- 🌍 Truecaller: The largest number database (over 300 million records), supports the identification of calls even without the Internet (offline database.
- 🛡️ Hiya: A good alternative to Truecaller with less battery consumption, supports geolocation locking (e.g., you can ban all international calls).
- 📱 Who calls: Russian-language app with an emphasis on CIS numbers. there is a function "Silent blocking" - the call is triggered, but without sound or vibration.
⚠️ Warning: When installing third-party blockers, be sure to check the permissions they request.For example, Truecaller requires access to contacts, SMS If you're embarrassed by this, use it. MIUI without third-party apps or set restrictions in Settings → Annexes → Permits.
Instructions for setting up Truecaller:
- Download the app from Google Play and complete the registration.
- Enable the option to block spam in the settings.
- In the Settings → Block section, select Block all unknown numbers.
- Add important numbers (banks, delivery services) to the Exclusions so that their calls are not blocked.
Built-in MIUI tools
Truecaller
Hiya
Who's calling?
Other/not using-->
4. Locking setup at the operator level
Many mobile operators (MTS, Beeline, MegaFon, Tele2) offer their own services to filter spam calls. These services work at the network level, so they block calls before they reach your phone, the main advantage is the battery saving, since the smartphone does not waste resources on processing incoming calls.
How to connect the lock with popular operators:
- 📶 MTS: Send. SMS with the text of the PROTECTION to the number 111 or connect the service "Spam Protection" in your personal account.
- 📱 Beeline: Activate the Antispam service through USSD-team *110*789# or in the app "My Beeline».
- 🌐 MegaFon: Connect "Spam Protection" in the "Services" section of your personal account or on command *105*497#.
- 📞 Tele2: Antispam service is activated free of charge via the app or by 611.
⚠️ Note: Operators can block not only spam, but also useful calls (for example, from courier services or banks). Some operators also charge for extended filtration (for example, MegaFon charges 3 rubles a day for the premium version).
If you use two of them SIM-cards on Xiaomi, you have to do the lock setting separately for each operator. MIUI 14/15 You can link different lock profiles to each SIM-map:
- Open the Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
- Choose the right one. SIM-map and go to Call Settings.
- Activate Unknown Number Blocking for a specific operator.
5. Manually create a blacklist
If you get annoyed with calls from specific numbers (such as intrusive collectors or scammers posing as bank employees), you can add them to the blacklist manually, which works even on older versions of MIUI and does not require an Internet connection.
How to add a number to the blacklist:
- Open the Phone app and go to the Call Log.
- Find the number you want, click on it and select Block (or Blacklist).
- Now, call from this number will be automatically dropped.
To manage the blacklist centrally:
- Go to Settings → Privacy → Lock numbers.
- Here you will see all the blocked numbers and you can edit or delete them.
- To add a new number manually click Add and enter it in the format +79XXXXXXXX or 89XXXXXXXXXXXX.
Advice: If you are being chased by the same number from different SIM-cards (e.g., scammers use a lot of one-day cards), blacklist a template, for example, to block all coded numbers. +7900, enter manually +7900* (stars will replace any number).
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To quickly blacklist a number right when you call, swipe up the incoming call screen and select "Block." This feature works in MIUI 13 and later.
Additional measures: disabling notifications and redirecting calls
Sometimes blocking isn't enough -- spammer numbers keep bombarding your phone, leaving missed calls in the log, and you can take drastic measures to get them to the bottom of your phone.
- 🚫 Do Not Disturb Mode for Unknowns: C Settings → Sound and vibration → Don't disturb, choose Allow calls from contacts only.
⚠️ Attention: Redirecting calls to voice mail may be paid by some operators (for example, MegaFon charges 3 rubles per minute of conversation with voice mail.
If you frequently receive calls from international numbers, you can block them separately:
- Open the Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
- Choose. SIM-map and go to Call Settings.
- Activate the option to block international calls (not available on all firmware).
7 Problems and Solutions: Why the Lockdown Doesn't Work
Sometimes even after all the settings, spam calls keep coming in, and the reasons and ways to fix them are:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Calls from unknown numbers are blocked | Numbers are disguised as local (spoofing) | Use third-party apps with a spoofing number database (e.g. Truecaller) |
| The lock is triggered by a delay | Slow synchronization of the MIUI cloud base | Update your firmware or switch to a third-party blocker |
| The blacklist numbers are still calling. | The cache error of the phone application | Clear the cache in Settings → Applications → Phone → Memory |
| The lock on the second one is not working. SIM-map | Lock settings are only tied to the main SIM | Set up the lock separately for each SIM in Settings → SIM-cards |
If none of these methods work, try resetting your network settings:
- Go to Settings → SIM-cards and mobile networks.
- Select Network Settings Reset (or Mobile Network Reset).
- Confirm action. Once you restart your phone, reset the lock setting.
⚠️ Warning: Resetting your network settings will delete all stored Wi-Fi passwords and mobile internet settings. Save them in advance or prepare to re-enter them.
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If the lock doesn't work on Xiaomi with firmware below MIUI 12, upgrade the system or use third-party apps.In older versions, embedded tools often have critical bugs.