Xiaomi has a useful feature called call-free password that allows you to limit outgoing calls, especially if you're using your phone by children, elderly relatives or want to protect yourself from random dialing, but many users are struggling to find settings, forget your password, or don't know how to reset it.
In this article, we will discuss in detail how the call ban on Xiaomi works, where to find settings, how to set or change the password, and what to do if the code is lost. We will pay special attention to models with MIUI different versions - from MIUI 12 to MIUI 14, as the location of options may vary.
If you’re looking for a way to limit calls on your device or unlock your phone after unsuccessful password attempts, here are step-by-step instructions that take into account all the nuances.
What is a call ban password and why is it needed
Xiaomi’s password-no-calling feature blocks dialing without entering a specific code. SIM-card PIN — This is about limiting outgoing calls.
The main cases when it will be useful:
- 👶 Children – so that the child can not accidentally call paid numbers or unknown contacts.
- 👵 Elderly relatives – to protect against scammers who can convince you to make a call to an expensive number.
- 🔒 Personal security – if your phone is stolen, the attacker will not be able to call you SIM-map.
- 💼 Corporate Phones – Restricting calls to personal numbers from a work device.
It is important to understand that the call ban password does not block incoming calls - you will still be able to receive calls, and it does not affect the operation of messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram) or Internet calls via VoIP.
Where is the call ban setting on Xiaomi
The path to function depends on the version of MIUI and the model of the smartphone. In new firmware (MIUI 13/14), the menu may differ from the older versions (MIUI 11/12).
For most modern Xiaomi (e.g. Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13):
- Open the phone application (pipe icon).
- Press three points (⋮) top-right → Select Settings.
- Go to the Call Ban or Call Block section.
- Select Set a Password or Change a Password.
On older models (Redmi 9, Mi A3) or firmware before MIUI 12, the path may be different:
- 📱 Settings → System applications → Phone. → Prohibition of calls
- 🔧 Settings → Additionally. → Security → Prohibition of calls (rarely)
If you don’t have one on your menu, it may be disabled at the operator level or not in the region, in which case you can try alternative locking methods (discuss them below).
What to do if there is no "Call Prohibition" clause?
How to set or change the call ban password
The password setting process takes less than a minute, but it takes attention — if you forget the code, it will be harder to unlock the phone.
Make sure that SIM-The card is active and not blocked
Open the application "Phone" → Settings → Ban calls
Select “Set Password” and come up with a 4-8 digit code.
Confirm the password by re-entering
Enable the option "Disable outgoing calls without password"
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When choosing a password, follow the rules:
- 🔢 Do not use simple combinations (1234, 0000, date of birth).
- 📵 Don't mix with PIN-code SIM-card-key.
- 📝 Write the code to a secure location (for example, a password manager).
Once activated, when you try to make a call, the system will ask for a password, and if you enter it incorrectly 3-5 times in a row, the phone can temporarily block the call function (usually for 30 seconds-5 minutes).
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If you're afraid to forget your password, set a reminder on your calendar with a prompt (e.g., "Calling Code: First digits of Mom's number").
What to do if I forget the call ban password
This is one of the most common problems, unlike a pattern lock or a pattern lock. PIN-code SIM, The call ban password is not tied to your Mi Account, so you can't reset it through the cloud:
Method 1: Reset by settings (if you know it) PIN SIM-map)
On some Xiaomi models, you can reset the call ban password if you know PIN-code SIM-map:
- Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
- Choose yours. SIM-map → Additional settings.
- Find the Reset password prohibition call (if any).
- Enter. PIN-code SIM-card-confirmation.
If this item is not, proceed to the next method.
Method 2: Reset all phone settings
This is a radical method that will delete all data from the device, including the call-free password.
- Go to Settings → About Phone → Backup and Reset.
- Select Resetting → Erase all data.
- Confirm the action (it may be necessary to enter the Mi Account password).
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Resetting to factory settings deletes ALL data, including photos, messages and installed applications. Use this method only as a last resort!
Method 3: Contact the communications operator
Some mobile operators (e.g. MTS, Beeline, Tele2) can reset the call ban settings on their part.
- Call the operator on another phone.
- Please provide your passport details and phone number.
- Ask to disable the function of banning outgoing calls.
The service can be paid (about 50-200 rubles) and not all operators provide it.
Method 4: Use Engineering Mode (for advanced)
On some Xiaomi models, you can reset your password through an engineering menu, which is only suitable for advanced users!
#4636## or #36446337#
Go to "Testing Phone" → "Network Settings" → "Resetting Call Password"⚠️ Warning: The wrong actions on the engineering menu can disrupt your phone. If you're not sure, don't use this method.
Alternative ways to limit calls to Xiaomi
If the system password for calling is not suitable (for example, it is not in your firmware), use alternative methods:
| Method | How it works | Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blocker applications (Truecaller, Call Blocker) | Block calls to certain numbers on the blacklist | Flexible settings, blocking spam | They don’t block all calls, just on the list. |
| Parental Control (Google Family Link) | Limits the phone’s functions for children | Time control, application blocking | Do not block calls directly |
| USSD-commands of the operator | Request from the operator to block outgoing | It works at the network level. | It may be paid, not at all rates. |
| On the plane mode | Shut down all networks, including calls | Simple and quick. | Blocking the Internet and SMS |
For a complete replacement of the system password, only a blocking application with the function of limiting all outgoing calls is suitable. For example, Call Blocker allows you to set a password for dialing numbers, but does not work on all MIUI firmware.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
When setting up call ban, users often encounter typical problems, and here are the most common ones and ways to solve them:
- 🔄 Password is not saved - check that you have enough free memory on the device (sometimes glitches occur because of this).Reboot the phone and try again.
- 📵 No password request comes when you call – make sure the function is enabled in the settings (Phone) → Prohibition of calls → Turn on the protection).
- 🔋 The phone locks after 3 wrong attempts - wait 5 minutes and try again.If the lock is permanent, reset (see section above).
- 🌐 Function not available after update MIUI — Sometimes after the update, the settings are reset.
On Xiaomi models with two SIM-The call ban password is valid separately for each card. SIM. If you have set the code only for the first card, the second card can be called without restrictions.
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If the password has been set up, it has stopped working. USSD-requests (e.g. *100# for balance check), disable call ban for 10 seconds and repeat the request.
Security: How to protect your phone from circumventing the ban
Call-free passwords are good protection, but they can be bypassed if the phone gets into the hands of an experienced user, to make it more secure:
- 🔐 Set a pattern lock or PIN-Lock screen code – this will make it difficult to access settings.
- 📱 Turn off the debugging. USB (Settings → For developers → Debugging by USB), So that you can not reset your password through the computer.
- 🔄 Update regularly MIUI — In new versions, vulnerabilities that allow to bypass protection are closed.
If you give a phone to a child, set up:
- 🕒 Screen time restriction in Google Family Link.
- 📴 Blocking the installation of applications without your confirmation.
- 📍 Location tracking via Find Device (Mi Cloud).
Remember, no security is 100% guaranteed, and if an attacker gains physical access to the phone, they can extract it. SIM-map or reset via Fastboot. So combine several security techniques.