Modern Xiaomi smartphones, which run on the shell of MIUI or the new HyperOS, offer users advanced functionality to filter incoming calls. However, the interface of Chinese versions of firmware and global builds can differ, which often causes confusion when looking for the necessary settings. Users who have switched from other brands or changed models often wonder where exactly the classic determinant that was on the previous device disappeared.
Finding Caller ID depends on which application is installed to make calls by default. Xiaomi devices can use three main options: a standard Google Phone, a proprietary Mi Dialer or third-party solutions from carriers. Understanding the differences between these components is key to successfully configuring protection against unwanted calls.
In this article, we will discuss in detail how to activate and configure the number for all current versions of the operating system. You will learn how to properly connect the spam database, whether to trust the built-in tools and what alternatives exist if standard methods do not work. It is important to note that on some global versions of MIUI, the automatic number determination function can be disabled at the regional settings level.
Defining a number through a standard Google Phone
Most modern Xiaomi smartphones sold in Europe and the global market, by default use the Google Phone application. This solution is considered the most reliable and secure, as the database of numbers is updated in real time through the servers of the search giant.
In the window that opens, you need to find the Settings → Number Definition and Spam section. Here you should activate the slider "Detect Unknown Subscriber Numbers." Once you turn on this option, the smartphone will start checking incoming calls with a huge database, displaying the name of the organization or the reason for the call (for example, "Delivery" or "Telemarketing").
This method does not require additional software installation and minimal battery consumption, but it requires a stable Internet connection at the time of incoming call, without a network, you can not reconcile with the cloud database, and the number will remain unknown.
It's worth noting that Google Phone has powerful machine learning algorithms that automatically tag suspicious numbers, even if they're not already listed in the user complaint database, by analyzing the caller's behavior patterns, making filtering extremely effective against today's robotic calls.
Configure the native Mi Dialer determinant
In devices designed for Asian markets or older Xiaomi models, Mi Dialer can be installed, which has its own numbering engine, which is often integrated with local databases, and you can find the settings by opening the app and selecting the gear in the upper right corner.
In the settings menu, select Definition or Lock, where the system will prompt you to enable the function and possibly download database updates. Unlike Google, Mi Dialer sometimes allows you to save the database locally, which is useful in the absence of the Internet, although the relevance of such data may be lower.
☑️ Checking the Mi Dialer settings
Mi Dialer interface may vary depending on the version of MIUI. In some cases, the detector requires authorization in the Mi Account, which is necessary to synchronize blacklist and whitelist between devices of the same user.
⚠️ Note: When using Mi Dialer on global firmware, the number determination function may not work or require a change of region in the system settings. Changing the region to China or India may activate hidden features, but will lead to additional advertising in system applications.
If standard methods are not activated, try clearing the app cache through the Settings menu → Apps → All Apps → Phone → Clear the data. Often this helps to reset configuration errors that interfere with the service.
Use of Yandex.Directory and other services
For users in Russia and CIS countries, applications from local developers, such as Yandex or Kaspersky Who Calls, are an excellent alternative to built-in tools. These services have the most complete databases of fraudsters and organizations in our region.
Once you install an application, like Yandex with Alice, you have to give it permission to access contacts and call logs. In the settings of the application itself, you have to turn on the number detector function. The system integrates into Android and will intercept the incoming call, check the number with its database and display the subscriber's name on top of the call screen.
| Service | Type of database | Requirements | Payment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Phone | Global | Internet | Free of charge. |
| Yandex | Local (LPG) | Internet | Subscription. |
| Kaspersky | Anti-spam base | Internet | Partly paid |
| Mi Dialer | Systemic | Depends on the region. | Free of charge. |
The main advantage of third-party applications is the ability to manually add numbers to the database and more flexible configuration of categories (for example, block all hidden numbers or numbers with codes of other cities), but they require permanent permissions to access personal data, which can cause questions for users who care about privacy.
Why does the device not work after installation?
Problems with access and permissions in Android
Modern versions of Android (11, 12, 13, 14) have strict controls on how apps access telephony. If you have a caller that is silent when you call, you probably don't have permission to do that. → Annexes → All applications → [Your determinant] → Rights.
Phone, Contacts and, in some cases, SMS must be activated. Without permission, the app will not be able to physically "see" the incoming call and analyze the number.
Xiaomi is known for its aggressive energy saving policy, which can "kill" the background processes of the determinant. To prevent this from happening, find the app in the list, go to the Battery or Activity Control section and select "No Limits" or "No Limits" mode.
⚠️ Note: Do not grant reading rights SMS And contacts to dubious applications from unknown sources, and attackers can use that data to steal personal information or access confirmation codes from banks.
Another common problem is application conflict: if you have both a Google Phone and a third-party detector active at the same time, they can interfere with each other, and it is recommended that you leave only one active call processing mechanism.
Operator services for number determination
Do not forget that the number detector can be connected directly to your mobile operator (MTS, Beeline, MegaFon, Tele2). In this case, the identification occurs on the network side, and the subscriber's name can come in the form of an SMS or a pop-up message, regardless of the program installed on Xiaomi.
Operator services are often called "Number Defineer", "Anti-Detector" (to protect your privacy) or "Who called". USSD-This is a paid service, the cost of which varies from 1 to 3 rubles per day depending on the tariff.
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Tip: Before connecting a paid service operator, check whether it does not duplicate the functionality of an already installed free application. Often, the built-in tools of a smartphone cope with the task no worse than the services of cellular companies.
Operator solutions have the advantage of being independent of the phone’s operating system, which will work even on a button phone or without internet on a smartphone, but carrier databases may be less relevant than crowdsourcing databases like Yandex or Google.
Frequent errors and ways to fix them
Even when you set it up properly, it can crash, for example, the detector stops working after you update the system, in which case it helps to reset network settings or re-activate permissions, sometimes the problem lies in the crowded cache of the system application Phone.
If the numbers are not properly defined (for example, a city is being organized instead of a name), try to clear the ID app data and re-authorize. Also make sure that the number format in the database meets the international standard that your country uses.
For advanced users, there is a possibility of using ADB-commands to force activation of hidden determinant functions in Mi Dialer, but this requires a computer and debugging skills.
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For most Xiaomi users, the best solution is a bundle of Google Phone (for global versions) or Yandex (for Russia), as they provide the best balance between accuracy and usability.
Regularly update the app of the determinants through the store Google Play or GetApps. Developers are constantly replenishing the database with new numbers of scammers, and the current version of the software is the key to your protection.