How to blacklist a number on Xiaomi: all ways to block

Spam calls, intrusive SMS from banks or collectors, anonymous subscribers – all of these problems are faced by every smartphone owner. On Xiaomi devices (including Redmi and POCO), blocking unwanted contacts is implemented flexibly, but it is not always obvious where to look for the desired settings. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to add numbers to the blacklist on different versions of MIUI firmware (from 12 to 14), including nuances for blocking SMS and calls separately.

Xiaomi has two independent locking systems: at the phone app level and via Security, but in some regions (for example, for European firmware), the interface may differ, and we took these differences into account and prepared universal instructions that will be suitable for most models, from the Redmi Note 10 to the flagship Xiaomi 14.

Method 1: Adding to the blacklist through the Phone app

The fastest method is to lock directly from the call log, which works on all versions of MIUI and does not require additional settings.

1. Open the Phone app (the tube icon on the home screen).
2. Go to the magazine tab (watch icon in the lower menu).
3. Find the number you want to block and tap it.
4. In the contact card, click on three points (⋮) top-right.
5. Select Add to the blacklist (or Block in English firmware).

After that, the number will be automatically blocked for incoming calls and SMS. To make sure that the lock has worked, check the list of blocked contacts:

• 📱 Open the phone. → ⋮ → Settings → Blacklist.
• 🔍 All blocked numbers with date of addition will be displayed here.
• ⚙️ Click on the number to unlock or edit (for example, add a note).

Important: in MIUI 14 for European firmware, the "Blacklist" item may be called "Blocked numbers" and may be located in the "Call settings" section.

Method 2: Lock through the “Security” settings

If you prefer centralized lock management, use the built-in Security (shield icon) application, which is suitable for blocking not only calls, but also messages from unknown senders.

1. Launch the Security app.
2. Go to the Blacklist (or Blocklist) section.
3. Click Add (+) in the upper right corner.
4. Select the source: 📞 From the call log - to block the last incoming. 📋 Contacts – if the number is saved in the phone book. ✏️ Manually - to enter the number in the format +79XXXXXXXX.

Ready.

The advantage of this is that you can block it massively, for example, you can add multiple numbers from a log at the same time, or tick multiple contacts, and you can also set exceptions here:

• 🔔 Allow calls from Selected Contacts even in "Do Not Disturb" mode".
• 📩 Lock down SMS Unknown (included separately).
• 🔄 Automatically delete blocked messages after 30 days.

Method 3: Block SMS separate from calls

By default, MIUI blacklisted numbers are available for both calls and SMS. However, sometimes you only need to block messages, leaving the possibility of calls (for example, for bank notifications).

1. Open the Messages app.
2. Find a dialogue with an unwanted sender and tap on it.
3. Press three points (⋮) top-right.
4. Select Details (or Details).
5. Scroll down and click Block (or Block).

Now, messages from this number will be automatically deleted, so that you can manage the SMS lock centrally:

• 📱 Go to Messages. → ⋮ → Settings → Spam and blocking.
• 🔍 All the blocked numbers are displayed here. SMS.
• ⚠️ Please note: blockage SMS Does not affect calls – they must be blocked separately via Phone or Security.

Features of the blacklist on different versions of MIUI

The interface and functionality of the blacklist may vary depending on the firmware version, and below is a comparison table for MIUI 12, 13 and 14:

MIUI 14 also introduced a feature called Smart Lock, which analyzes incoming calls and messages using AI to enable it:

1. Go to Security. → Blacklist. → Settings (⚙️).
2. Activate the Smart Lock switch.
3. Select the level of aggressiveness of the filter: Low, Medium or High.

⚠️ Attention: MIUI 12 and older blacklist does not block calls via WhatsApp, Telegram or other messengers.

How to unlock a number on Xiaomi

If you accidentally blacklist a number or change your mind about blocking a contact, it takes no more than 10 seconds to unlock it, and you can do this in two ways:

Method 1: Through a call log

1. Open the phone. → Journal.
2. Find the blocked number (it will be marked with an icon) 🚫).
3. Slip it and select Remove from the blacklist.

Method 2: Through the Blacklist Settings

1. Go to the phone. → ⋮ → Settings → Blacklist.
2. Find the number in the list and swipe it left (or click on the basket). 🗑️).
3. Confirm removal.

Once unlocked, the number will be able to call you again and send you SMS. If the unlocked contact still can not reach you, check:

• 📵 Do not disturb (check in the notification curtain).
• 🔕 Have you added a number to the lock at the operator level (check with your mobile provider).
• 🔄 Have you reset your network after the update? MIUI (restart the phone).

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If the number still cannot reach after unlocking, try temporarily disabling the Spam Filtering function in the Phone application settings.

What to do if the blacklist doesn’t work

Sometimes users are faced with the fact that blocked numbers continue to call or send SMS.

1. The number is saved in contacts under a different name, check if there are duplicate entries for that number in the phone book, delete or combine them.
2. You use a third-party call app, and if you've installed alternative calls (like Truecaller or Google Phone), the MIUI blacklist may not work. Set up a lock in the app itself.
3. Reset after the update. After major MIUI updates (e.g. 13 to 14), the blacklist settings may reset. Check the list of blocked numbers and add them again.
4. Problems with SIM-If the lock only works for one of the slots SIM, Update network settings: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Settings SIM → Update settings.

If the problem persists, try resetting the phone app settings:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the phone and select the Warehouse.
3. Click Clear Data (this won’t delete the call log, but will reset the lock settings).

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g, POCO F5 The blacklist may conflict with the Dual Apps function. If you cloned the Phone or Messages, the lock will only work on the main instance.

Third-party applications for extended locking

The built-in MIUI tools cover most scenarios, but if you need additional features (like blocking keywords in an SMS or automatically adding spammers to a blacklist), consider third-party solutions:

• 🛡️ Truecaller – defines spam numbers by database, supports blocking by category (banks, scammers, advertising).
• 📵 Calls Blacklist – allows you to create lock rules by time (for example, block all calls from 22:00 to 8:00).
• 🔍 Hiya – specializes in blocking fraudulent calls with switched numbers.
• 📊 Blacklist Plus – keeps statistics of blocked calls and SMS, logistically.

Before installing, check the app's permissions - some calls require access to Call Log, SMS and Contacts. MIUI may also need to disable battery optimization for a third-party application to keep the lock running in the background:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select a locking app (such as Truecaller).
3. Press Background Limitation → No restrictions.
4. Turn on AutoRun.

Xiaomi regularly updates its security policy, so some third-party apps may stop working after MIUI updates.If the lock doesn't work after installation, check for updates for the app or try an alternative.

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Third-party blocking apps may conflict with the built-in MIUI blacklist. If standard lock settings stop working after they are installed, remove the third-party software or reset its settings.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the blacklist on Xiaomi