Where is the blacklist in Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 and how to use it?

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 is still a popular device among users who value the balance of performance and price. However, even in 2026, many smartphone owners are faced with the need to block unwanted calls or messages — whether spam, annoying collectors or former contacts. Unlike modern models with MIUI 14+, where the lock interface is prominently placed, in the Redmi Note 5 (with MIUI version up to 12), the path to the blacklist is hidden deeper — and this causes confusion.

In this article, we will not only look at where exactly the blacklist is stored on your device, but also how to manage it: add numbers, check blocked contacts, and restore accidentally deleted records. MIUI, Not only do they block calls, but they also SMS/MMS If you're looking for a way to get rid of intrusive subscribers or just want to understand the intricacies of Xiaomi's lock system, read on.

Why is the Redmi Note 5 blacklist hard to find?

The main problem lies in the evolution of firmware MIUI. In the early versions (before) MIUI 10) The lock function was integrated into the standard Contacts app, but with output MIUI 11/12 Xiaomi has moved it to a separate Security menu, with the Redmi Note. 5 No official updates have been received above MIUI 12.5, What creates confusion: the interface is different from new models, and the paths to settings are not documented.

Additional difficulties:

• 📱 Different versions MIUI: On the same device, the interface may differ depending on the regional firmware (Global, China, EEA).
• 🔄 Updates "over the air": Some users manually stitched through the latest versions MIUI, What changed the menu layout.
• 📞 Duplicate functions: Blocking calls and SMS It can be configured through both Contacts and Security – but not always synchronized.

For example, if your Redmi Note 5 runs MIUI 11 Global, the path to blacklisting is one, and MIUI 12 China is a completely different one.

Method 1: Blacklist through the Contacts app

This is a classic method, running on most versions of MIUI up to 12.5.

1. Open the Contacts app (an icon with a person’s silhouette on a green background).
2. Slip on three horizontal stripes in the upper right corner (menu).
3. Select the Blacklist (or Blocked Contacts in English).
4. Click Add and select the contact from the list or enter the number manually.

If there is no Blacklist on the menu, try an alternative route:

1. Open any contact in the Contacts app.
2. Slap three points in the top right corner.
3. Choose Add to the Blacklist (Add to the Blocklist).

Open Appendix Contacts|There's a three-strip menu.|The "Black List" section is visible.|Add button is active-->

Important: In some firmware, the lock through Contacts works only for calls, but not for SMS. To block messages, you need to use the second method.

Method 2: Blacklist through the Security menu

Starting with MIUI 11, Xiaomi moved the advanced lock settings to the Security app (the shield icon), which is more reliable because it blocks both calls and SMS:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Security (or find the Security icon in the app menu).
2. Go to the Block section.
3. Select the Blacklist (Blacklist).
4. Click Add a number and enter the contact or enter the number manually.

Additional options are also available in this menu:

• 📵 Unknown Number Locking: Automatic Weeding of Calls from Hidden or Unidentified Numbers.
• 📨 Filtration SMS: Blocking spammy messages for keywords (configured in Settings) SMS).
• 🔍 Block Log: Viewing the history of blocked calls and messages.

Warning: If you manually remove the Security app (e.g., via ADB), you can only restore it by flashing the device.

⚠️ Note: On some Redmi Note 5 firmware (especially Chinese) locking through Security may conflict with settings SIM-If you add a number to the blacklist, you stop coming. SMS from the bank or operator – check the exceptions in the Security menu → Lockdown → Exceptions.

How to check which numbers are already on the blacklist

To see all the blocked contacts:

1. Open Security → Blocking → Blacklist.
2. All the numbers added will be displayed here, indicating the date of the lock.
3. To remove, tap the number and select Delete.

If the list is empty but you are sure you have added numbers, check:

• 🔄 Sync with Mi Account: Maybe the blacklist is tied to your Xiaomi profile. → Mi Account → Synchronize and enable the contact option.
• 📱 Double lock: Some firmware duplicates blacklist in Contacts and Security. check both places.

💡

If you don't remember if you've blocked a number, try calling it from another phone, and if the call is reset after 1-2 beeps, the number is blacklisted.

How to Restore a Deleted Blacklist

If you accidentally cleared the blacklist, you can restore it in several ways:

1. Through MIUI backup: Go to Settings → About Phone → Backup. Select the latest backup (if any) and restore Contacts and Security details.
2. Through Mi Cloud: Log into i.mi.com from your PC. Sign in and go to Contacts → Blacklist. Export the list to a CSV file and import it back to your phone.
3. Call log: Open Phone → Log. Find the number that was blacklisted and lock it again.

⚠️ Attention: Backup copies MIUI store a blacklist only if the option is enabled to sync contacts in the Mi Account. If sync was disabled, it is impossible to restore the list.

If none of these methods work, you only have to manually enter the numbers, so to avoid future data loss, export the blacklist regularly:

1. Open Security → Blocking → Blacklist.
2. Slip on the three dots in the top corner and select Export.
3. Save the file to a safe place (like Google Drive).

Hidden locking features in Redmi Note 5

In addition to the standard blacklist, Redmi Note 5 has additional tools to combat spam:

• 📞 Keyword Blocking: In Security → Lockdown → Settings can be added words (for example, "credit", "winning"), in the presence of which SMS It will automatically be blocked.
• 🕵️ Fraudster filter: In the same settings, enable the option Filtering fraudulent calls – the system will compare incoming numbers with the database of known scammers Xiaomi.
• 🔔 Quiet mode for unknowns: In Settings → Sounds and vibrations → Do not disturb you can set up an automatic sound switch off for all unsaved contacts.

The regular-expression lock feature (available in MIUI 12-based firmware) is particularly useful, for example, you can block all numbers starting with +375 (Belarus) or 8-800 (free numbers).

1. Go to Security. → Lockdown → Additionally.
2. Select the Locking Rules.
3. Add a template (e.g. ^\+375 for all Belarusian numbers).

💡

The regular expression lock feature allows you to flexibly configure the number filtering, but requires knowledge of the regex syntax.

Frequent problems and their solutions

When working with the blacklist on Redmi Note 5, users encounter typical errors:

If after all the manipulations the blacklist still does not work, try resetting the Security settings:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Security → Storage.
2. Click Clear Data (not cache!).
3. Restart the phone and set up the lock again.

Important: Clearing the Security app data will remove all lock settings, including the blacklist!

FAQ: Answers to popular questions