The problem of intrusive calls from spammers, collectors or just unpleasant interlocutors is familiar to every smartphone owner. In Xiaomi devices running on the shell of MIUI or the new HyperOS, the solution to this issue is built deep into the system, but it is difficult to find it the first time. Users often look for a separate application “Black List”, without realizing that the locking functionality is integrated into the standard set of system security utilities.
The location of the settings depends on the firmware version and the region for which the phone is released (Global, European or Chinese versions may have differences in the interface). However, the basic algorithm of actions remains the same for all models, from budget Redmi to flagship Black Shark. In this article, we will discuss in detail all possible ways to manage locks, look at the work of the built-in antivirus and answer frequent questions on filtering messages.
Sometimes standard tools are not enough, or the user accidentally removes the system components responsible for filtering. So it is important to understand not only where to click, but also how the mechanism of protection against unwanted contacts in the Xiaomi ecosystem works.
Searching through the Security App
The most reliable and versatile way to find lock settings is to use the system application Security. This is where all the device protection tools, including antivirus, memory cleanup and, of course, call blocker, are concentrated. This application is native to MIUI and usually has a green icon with a shield.
Once you start the program, you need to scroll down the screen or look carefully at the available icons. Depending on the version of the shell, the desired section may be called “Antispam”, “Block” or have an icon with your phone crossed out. If you do not see this item on the home screen of the application, click on the three dots in the upper right corner or on the gear settings to expand the full list of available tools.
⚠️ Warning: Do not delete the Security app, even if it seems useless to you. its removal may cause the system to block ads and calls to work incorrectly, as well as disrupt some system notifications.
Inside the Antispam section, you can not only add numbers manually, but you can also set automatic rules, like blocking all hidden numbers or calls with codes from other countries, which is the first step in protecting your personal space from information noise.
Configure via a standard call
For those who prefer not to go into system settings, there is a faster way directly through the Phone app, which is convenient when you urgently need to block the number from which an unwanted call has just been received. The interface may vary slightly depending on whether you use a Google caller or a standard MIUI Dialer.
To get to the menu, open the call app and find the menu icon (three dots or three bars), which is usually located at the top right of the screen. In the drop-down list, select Settings, and then find the section “Block inbox” or “Black list.” In some versions of the firmware, this item may be called “Call filter”.
- 📞 Open your call history and find an unnecessary number.
- 📞 Click on the information icon (the letter "i" in the circle) next to the number.
- 📞 In the menu that opens, select the option “Block” or “Add to the blacklist».
This approach allows you to respond quickly to spam. However, to fine-tune rules, such as creating a lock schedule or managing a list of allowed contacts, you still have to go back to the full settings menu through the security application.
Managing the list of blocked numbers
Once you have access to the lock menu, you will see a list management interface, and it is important to distinguish between a blacklist and a whitelist, and the blacklist will contain numbers that will block calls and messages, and the whitelist will contain contacts that will pass through any filters, even if they are subject to general lock rules (for example, locking all unknown numbers).
Adding a number manually through the Add button (usually a plus in the corner of the screen) will offer you several options: select from contacts, take from call history or enter a number manually, the latter option is especially useful if you need to lock a whole range of numbers or a number with a specific city code.
| Type of lockdown | Description of action | Where to find out. |
|---|---|---|
| By number. | Blocking a particular subscriber | Settings → Blacklist → Add |
| Contact. | Blocking a recording from the phone book | Contacts → Choice of contact → Lock down |
| Hidden numbers | Blocking Anyone Who Hided Their ID | Settings → Antispam → Block hidden |
| Foreign | Blocking codes of other countries | Settings → Antispam → Blocking by code |
To find out who tried to call you, you need to go to the lock log inside the Security app, which stores the full statistics of all rejected attempts.
☑️ Checking the lock settings
Work with SMS-spam and message filters
Blocking calls is only half the battle, and the flow of advertising can be just as annoying. SMS-In Xiaomi phones, the security app component is also responsible for processing messages. The filtering mechanism here works on the basis of databases that are periodically updated.
To activate protection against SMS-You need to find your message filtering settings in the Antispam menu, and you can turn on the Spam Filter option, which will automatically hide messages containing keywords specific to advertising (for example, “credit”, “winning”, “promotion”). The algorithm analyzes the text of the message and, if it finds matches, moves it to the Spam List folder».
⚠️ Be careful with aggressive filtering settings SMS. Too strict rules can cause you to miss important confirmation codes from banks or service providers if they contain “suspicious” keywords.
You can also manually blacklist senders, open a spammer message, click three dots in the dialog corner, and select Add to Blacklist, and then all messages from that number will silently deflect without disturbing you with a beep or vibration.
Use of third-party applications and integration
While MIUI’s built-in tools are powerful, some users prefer to use third-party solutions such as Truecaller, GetContact or Yandex.Phone, which have more extensive spammer number databases that are replenished by users around the world, but require proper setup to avoid conflict with the system blocker.
When installing a third-party app, Android will ask permission to use it as the main calling and SMS application. If you agree, the standard Xiaomi call will be replaced, in which case the blacklist settings will be in the interface of the new application, and not in the system settings of the phone.
What if a third-party app doesn’t block calls?
It is worth noting that using third-party databases can call into question the privacy of your phone book, as contacts are often uploaded to the app developers' servers for verification.
Frequent problems and their solution
Even when set up correctly, users can encounter situations where the blacklist stops working correctly, most often due to a system update or a security cache crash. If the blacklist numbers start to dial back, the first thing to do is check if the settings have reset after the Android or MIUI update.
Another common problem is calling from different numbers of the same bank or delivery service, in which case manual locking of each number is ineffective, which helps with the locking function by mask or code, if it is available in your version of firmware, or using identifiers that mark numbers like “Telemarketing”.
- 🔧 Clear the cache of the Security app through the storage settings.
- 🔧 Check if the phone is worth it in Do Not Disturb mode, which may have its own exceptions.
- 🔧 Make sure your antivirus and antispam database is updated to the latest version.
In rare cases, the problem may lie in the actions of the mobile operator. Some operators provide their spam blocking services, which may conflict with the phone settings. If nothing helps, try temporarily disabling the operator's services and checking the local blacklist.
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Tip: Check the Spam folder periodically in your messages and call block log, and sometimes important calls from couriers or doctors who have identified as spam are received there, and once a week, you should check this list.
Questions and answers
Will the caller see that he is on the blacklist?
Can I set up a blacklist on a schedule?
Where are the blocked SMS messages stored and for how long?
Are blacklist settings reset when you reset your phone?
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The blacklisting mechanism built into Xiaomi is a powerful tool that does not require additional software installation, the main thing is to properly configure filtering rules and regularly update spam databases for maximum efficiency.