Why Yandex determines numbers better than standard Xiaomi applications
Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones often face a problem: incoming calls are displayed as unknown, even if the number is in the database of popular services. The built-in definition in MIUI works every time - databases are updated rarely, and identification is limited to regional operators. Yandex offers a more advanced solution: its service determines not only the names of subscribers, but also the type of organization (bank, delivery service, fraudsters), plus integrates with Yandex.Phone and Yandex.Mail for synchronization of contacts.
The main advantage is that Yandex database is updated in real time and contains more than 500 million numbers in Russia and the CIS, while the standard Xiaomi determiner relies on outdated data from operators. In addition, Yandex automatically blocks spam calls, saving you time. But to work, you need to properly configure the application and give it the necessary permissions in MIUI, we will discuss this in detail later.
Important: the numbering function in Yandex works only for users from Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and other CIS countries. If your smartphone is tied to a European or Asian region (for example, the global firmware Xiaomi.eu), the service may not show the names of the callers.
Preparation of the Xiaomi smartphone: what settings to check before installation
Before installing Yandex with a number determinant, make sure your Xiaomi meets the minimum requirements:
- 📱 Android version: 10 or newer (on) MIUI 12-14 stable).
- 🔄 Firmware region: Russia or CIS (check in Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI).
- 📶 Internet: stable connection to mobile network or Wi-Fi (Yandex databases are downloaded online).
- 🔒 Permissions: the ability to install applications from unknown sources (if downloaded) APK).
Pay special attention to the firmware region, if you have a global version of MIUI (e.g. MIUI Global), the determinant may not work.
⚠️ Note: On Xiaomi’s global firmware (without reference to Russia), Yandex does not show the names of callers. → Additionally. → Region on "Russia" or install Russian-language firmware.
Also check if the battery optimizer is blocking the background work of the applications.
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Find Yandex in the list and select Battery Limitation.
- Set up a No Limits mode.
Step-by-step: how to install and configure the Yandex determinant
The most reliable way is to install the official Yandex app with Alice, which has a number detector built in.
- Download the app: 📲 From Google Play: Link. 🌐 From the official website: yandex.ru/mobile (Choose the version for Android).
- Install and open the app. Allow access to the app on the first run: 📞 Contacts (for synchronization). 📞 Call log (to determine incoming calls). 🔔 Notifications (to see names in the call line).
Activate the detector.
- Open Profile → Settings → Definition of numbers.
- Turn on the caller name switch.
- Activate Spam Blocking (optional).
- Return to Yandex Settings and activate Show Names on the lock screen.
To accelerate the identification of numbers:
- 📶 Turn off traffic savings for Yandex in Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Transfer of data → Saving traffic.
- 🔄 Clear the app cache (once a month): Settings → Annexes → Yandex → Clear the cache.
- 📱 Use the Lite version of Yandex if your smartphone is weak (e.g. Redmi) 9A).