Where is the blacklist on Xiaomi’s phone?

Intrusive spam, advertising calls and fraud are common to smartphone owners every day. Owners of MIUI-enclosed Android devices or the new HyperOS often wonder where exactly the functionality to protect against unwanted contacts is hiding. Unlike some other vendors, Xiaomi has built powerful filtering tools right into the Phone and Messages system app without requiring third-party software installation.

But finding these settings the first time is not easy, because developers periodically change the structure of the menu in new versions of firmware. A blacklist is not just a list of blocked numbers, it is a set of security measures, it allows you not only to ignore calls, but also to hide notifications, block SMS and even stop calls from hidden numbers.

In this article, we will take a look at all the ways to manage locks: how to add a subscriber manually, how to set up smart filters and where to see the history of blocked calls. Xiaomi system settings allow you to flexibly manage incoming traffic, turning your smartphone into a reliable shield from information noise.

Standard path through the phone application

The fastest and most reliable way to get to lock settings is to use the regular call app, and that's where the main contact management interface is located. Open the green handset on your desktop or app menu. In the upper right corner, you'll see a three-dot icon or a gear, depending on the shell version.

Clicking on this item will take you to the drop-down menu, where you select Lock Settings or Antispam. In some regions and versions of MIUI, this section may be called "Block," and this is where the blacklist is activated, which starts working immediately after the first number is added.

⚠️ Warning: Don't confuse the usual locking of a contact in the address book with system anti-spam. If you just blocked the number in the contacts, the caller can hear the beeps and the notification of the missed will still appear.

For those who prefer visual instructions, we have prepared an action checklist that will help you avoid confusion in the menu items, especially if you have a global or Chinese version of firmware installed.

Once you log in to this section, you'll see a control panel that not only adds numbers, but you can also adjust the rules of how the system behaves when a call arrives, for example, you can choose whether the phone will drop the call immediately or just silently ignore it, leaving the caller with the impression that the caller is not picking up.

Use of the Application Security

In the Xiaomi ecosystem, the central element of access rights management and filtering is the system application Security, which has a characteristic green icon with a shield, which has deeper access rights to the system than a regular call, and allows you to configure complex filtering scenarios.

When you start an app, look for the Antispam icon, which is usually located in the toolbox or at the bottom of the screen, and inside this section is the Blacklist tab, which displays the complete history of all blocked communications, including calls and calls. SMS-It's a convenient way to check who tried to reach you.

There is an advanced functionality available inside the Antispam menu, you can set up a lock on keywords in SMS. This is especially important for combating advertising mailings that come from different numbers but contain the same text. Smart filters will analyze the content of the message and block it, even if the number is not in your blacklist.

It also has Quiet Hour, which allows you to automatically activate lock-down mode for all those who enter at certain times of the day, which is useful when you are in an important meeting or sleeping, and you don't want even important contacts to bother you with sound.

Adding numbers to the blacklist manually

So let's look at the process of adding a particular unwanted subscriber, and you can do this in a number of ways, but the easiest way is through a call log, find the number you want to block in your log history, and click on it and hold your finger, or click on the arrow to the right of the number to open the details.

In the menu that opens, select the option to Block or Blacklist. The system will immediately apply the rule, and further calls from this number will be ignored. This action is irrevocable until manually unlocked, so be careful when choosing a contact.

If the number is not saved in contacts or is not in history (for example, you want to block it proactively), use manual input. In the Blacklist menu, click Add (usually a plus) select Add Number and enter data manually, which allows you to create a protective barrier before the fraudster even calls.

The hidden number lock is a special feature in the blacklist settings menu, which includes a special switch to block hidden numbers, activate it, and you will prevent any calls where the subscriber has hidden his ID. Be careful: this method is often used by banks and delivery services, so only enable the function during periods of active spam.

Blocking messages and keywords

Spam attacks not only through calls but also through SMS. Advertising can be annoying and take up space in memory. The Messages app also has a built-in filter that syncs with the system blacklist. However, for fine-tuning, it is better to use the Antispam menu.

One of the most useful features is keyword filtering, and you can add words like “credit,” “winning,” “promotion,” or the names of specific services to the list of prohibited words, and when the system (detects) these words in the body of a message, it will automatically move the SMS to the Spam folder without notifying you with sound or vibration.

To add a keyword:

• 📝 Go to Security» → «Antispam» → Settings (cogs).
• 📝 Select “Keyword Filter” or “Keyword Block».
• 📝 Click “Add” and type in the desired word or phrase.
• 📝 Save the changes, the system will start scanning incoming messages.

⚠️ Warning: Don't use too general words to block.If you block the word "code," you may miss important ones. SMS Confirmation codes from banks or social networks, as they often contain the phrase “your confirmation code».

The effectiveness of this method depends on how unique the trigger words are. Check the Spam folder in the message app regularly to make sure that important emails have not been filtered incorrectly.

Comparison of locking methods on Xiaomi

Users are often lost in the abundance of settings. To structure knowledge, let's compare the basic ways to manage unwanted contacts. Each method has its advantages and use cases. Understanding the difference will help you choose the best defense strategy.

Here's a table that shows you the differences between the methods, and it's going to help you quickly navigate which tool to use in a particular situation.

As you can see from the table, the system application Security provides the most complete functionality, combining the capabilities of a simple blocker and a smart analyzer. The use of third-party applications is often redundant, as they require unnecessary permissions and consume more battery resources.

However, if you need a database of scam phone numbers that is updated by the community, the built-in functionality may not be enough, in which case Xiaomi allows you to integrate third-party databases, but this requires an Internet connection and transfer data about the caller to the servers of trusted service providers.

Frequent problems and their solution

Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the blacklist seems to be on, but calls still pass. This can be due to several factors: First, check whether the contact is not given special priority or not added to the "Favorites" with special rights. In some scenarios, a re-calling (when the second call is made within 3 minutes) may ignore the lock if the corresponding option is enabled.

Second, make sure that the Phone and Security app have all the permissions you need. Go to Settings → Apps → All apps. Find the system call and check the Permissions section. There should be access to contacts, phone and, preferably, location (for smart identifiers).

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If the locked number still passes, try removing it from the blacklist, restarting the phone and adding it again. Sometimes the cache of system services can cause filtration malfunctions.

Also, a problem can be a crowded smartphone memory, where if the storage is packed, the system processes may not work properly, free up some space by deleting old photos or app cache, and check the blocker again, and the stability of the system directly affects the operation of background security services.

In rare cases, network resets help. This won't delete your personal data, but will return your communication settings to factory settings. The path to this feature: Settings → Connection and Sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks and Bluetooth. After the reboot, check if the blacklist is working correctly.

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Xiaomi’s blacklist works at the core level of the system, so it is more effective than third-party applications, but requires an up-to-date firmware version for the correct operation of spam number databases.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions