Xiaomi and Redmi have powerful built-in functionality to protect against unwanted contacts. Unlike many other manufacturers, the Chinese company does not hide these tools in the depths of third-party applications, but integrates them directly into the system shell of MIUI. This allows the user to effectively combat spam and intrusive calls without installing additional software. Understanding where this functionality is hidden is the key to calming your communication.
Device owners often search for a separate folder or app called a Blacklist, but there is no such isolated unit in reality. The lock mechanism is closely intertwined with the standard Phone application and system security settings. The menu localization may vary slightly depending on the firmware version (Global, EEA or CN), but the logic of the operation remains the same for the entire brand ecosystem.
This article will detail the algorithms for different versions of the interface, and you will learn not only to find hidden menus, but also to flexibly adjust the rules for filtering incoming calls, especially in the face of the increasing attacks of phone scammers and advertising robots, and competent setting will allow you to ignore the noise and focus on the really important conversations.
Access through the Security app
The most reliable and versatile way to manage blocked contacts in Xiaomi smartphones is using the system application “Security”. This is where the main tools for protecting the device, including antivirus, memory cleaning and, what we are interested in, a call blocker, are concentrated. When you first start, the application can request permission to work with contacts and call history – this is a prerequisite for correct filtering.
Inside the program interface, you need to find a section that is usually called "Antispam" or "Blocking." When you click on this icon, you go to the filter control center. This displays the statistics of blocked calls and SMS. To go to the blacklist settings, you need to click on the gear icon, which is usually located in the upper right corner of the screen, and this action will open the rule configuration menu.
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Check the statistics in the Antispam section regularly to make sure important calls are not blocked mistakenly due to too strict settings.
In the settings menu that opens, you'll see "Blacklist" or "Blocked," and clicking on it will open up a full list of numbers that you've added manually or identified as spam by the system. It's as simple as possible: on top of it is a list of numbers, and on the bottom are buttons to add new entries or import from history, and this approach allows you to centrally manage all restrictions.
- 📱 Open the Security app on the home screen.
- 🛡️ Select the Antispam section at the bottom or center of the menu.
- ⚙️ Click on the Settings icon (cog) in the upper right corner.
- 🚫 Go to the Blacklist to manage exceptions.
Blocking directly from call history
The fastest way to blacklist nuisance contact is directly from the Phone Call Log, which is ideal when you've just received a spammer call and you want to stop any further attempts immediately, you don't have to go anywhere or open any additional settings menus, just tap a few taps on the screen right after the call is over.
The algorithm is simple: open a standard caller and find the number you want in or out. Click on the information icon (usually the letter "i" in a circle or arrow) located to the right of the number or name. A contact card or detailed call information will open. At the bottom of the screen or in the three-point menu, you need to find the option "Block" or "Add to a blacklist".
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Once confirmed, the system will automatically enter the number into the lock database, and from that moment on, all attempts to communicate from this number will be interrupted, and the subscriber will hear horns or a message about employment, depending on your settings. SIM-card-and-operator. MIUI In some cases, a checkbox may appear when blocked, suggesting that you also delete your correspondence history with that contact, which is a useful feature for completely clearing the digital trail of an unwanted person.
Set up the rules of blocking in MIUI
The blacklisting functionality of Redmi and Xiaomi smartphones goes beyond adding numbers, offering flexible filtering rules that allow you to block entire categories of subscribers, such as setting your phone to automatically ignore all hidden numbers or calls from unknown identities, especially in the fight against automated callers.
To access these settings, you need to go back to the Antispam menu through the Security app and click on the settings gear, and here you will find switches for different scenarios. Blocking rules may include banning calls from contacts not saved in the phone book or blocking them by keywords in the phone book. SMS-The combination of these settings creates a powerful barrier to security.
| Type of rule | Description of action | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Hidden numbers | Blocks calls without a determinant | Turn on for maximum silence |
| Not contacts. | Only saved numbers are missing. | Dangerous for business and delivery services |
| Keywords | Blocks SMS with certain text | Used to filter advertising |
| First call. | Blocks repeat calls | Useful for aggressive spam |
How does smart locking work?
It is important to understand that turning on aggressive filters, such as locking all unknown numbers, can lead to missing important calls from couriers, doctors or emergency services if their numbers are not recorded in your book.So setting up rules requires a balanced approach and taking into account your lifestyle.
Import and export of blacklist
When you switch to a new smartphone or reset your settings, you need to restore the list of locked numbers. Fortunately, the MIUI shell allows you to export and import this data. The blacklist file is usually saved in.vcf or a special system format that can be transferred through a file manager or cloud storage.
To export, you need to go to the blacklist settings, find the menu (often hidden behind three dots), and select "Import/Export"; the system will suggest saving the file to internal memory. When importing on a new device, the procedure is similar: select a previously saved file, and the system automatically adds all the numbers contained in it to the lock database, which saves manual hours.
- 💾 Backup files are stored in a folder MIUI/antispam.
- 🔄 Import is possible both from the memory of the phone and from the phone SIM-Cards (if supported).
- ⚠️ When importing from unknown sources, check the list contents.
Features of work in different versions of MIUI
The interface and layout of elements can vary significantly depending on the version of the Android operating system and the MIUI shell. In older versions (MIUI 10-11), the settings were often scattered across different menus, while in modern versions (MIUI 13-14) everything is collected in a single security center. Global ROM users have more complete settings than in Chinese versions (China ROM), where some functions can be cropped or replaced with local services.
If you can't find the above, try searching by phone settings. Type the word "Block" or "Blacklist" in the search box, and the system will point the way to the desired menu. This is a universal method for any firmware version that works even when you radically change the design of the interface. It is also worth noting that on some models, the Security application may be called "Security" or have a modified icon.
Owners of European firmware (EEA) devices should be careful when updating. Sometimes, after a major update, the settings of the privacidad and the blocker can reset to factory values. Therefore, after each major system update, it is recommended to recheck the blacklist activation status and the availability of the necessary numbers in the exception list so that you do not miss an important call.
Frequent problems and their solution
Despite the reliability of the system, users sometimes face a situation where the blacklist stops working, the number seems to be added, but calls continue to flow, most often the problem lies in the access rights of the Security or Phone application, the system could automatically limit the background operation of these components to save energy, which prevents timely check of the incoming call.
To solve the problem, you need to go to the battery settings and find the appropriate application, make sure that it has a AutoRun permission and no background activity restrictions, and check if there is a Do Not Disturb mode that can intercept call management and ignore the blacklist settings. In rare cases, cleaning the cache of the Phone application helps.
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If the blacklist doesn’t work, 90% of the time the problem is solved by auto-run permission for system call apps and security in battery settings.
Another common problem is blocking yourself or important contacts because of a number mask error, for example, if you add a city code and the caller is identified with the country code, the filter may fail or block the extra one. Always check the format of the numbers being recorded: it is better to use an international format with a plus to avoid identification conflicts.