Why Yandex.Definition does not work on Xiaomi Redmi and how to fix it
You get calls from unknown numbers, and the standard MIUI detector does not recognize spammers? Yandex.The detector could solve the problem if not for the features of Xiaomi firmware. The fact is that MIUI aggressively blocks background activity of applications, and without it, Yandex service can not scan incoming calls. In this article, we will discuss how to properly configure the application, circumvent the limitations of the system and make it work on the Redmi Note 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10 and other models.
If you have installed Yandex.Definition, but it does not show the names of subscribers, the problem lies in three key settings: 1) no call permissions, 2) battery optimization for the application, 3) conflict with other determinants (for example, built-in MIUI or Truecaller).
We'll go through every item and give you a checklist to check.
By the way, if you have Xiaomi on Android 13/14 And with HyperOS, the process has changed a little bit, and we'll talk about that in a separate section, and for owners of older models, Redmi. 5/6) They have added ways to circumvent the restrictions through ADB.
Step 1: Installation and first activation of Yandex.Definition
Start by installing the official app from Google Play. Avoid third-party APKs - they may contain viruses or outdated versions without MIUI support.
- Open the app and click “Start Work”.
- Confirm the phone number via SMS (this is mandatory for the service).
- Allow access to contacts – without this, the determiner will not be able to compare numbers to the spam database.
⚠️ Note: If the application is immediately closed after installation or if it gives an error “Service is not available”, check the region of your Mi.Yandex.The detector works only for Russian numbers (+To change region: Go to Settings → Xiaomi account → Select "Russia" and restart your phone.
If the app is installed but does not specify the numbers when calling, proceed to the next step – setting permissions.
Step 2: Set up permissions for calls (the most important step!)
Without the right permissions, Yandex.Definition will not be able to analyze incoming calls. In MIUI, these settings are hidden deep and easy to skip.
- Open the “Settings” of the phone and go to the Applications → Application Management.
- Find “Yandex.Definition” in the list and tap it.
- Select "Permissions" and turn on: 📞 Calls (access to log and call management). 📇 Contacts (to compare numbers to your address book). 🔔 Notifications (to show the name of the caller on the lock screen).
Go back in.
Auto-start
Critical detail: in MIUI 12/13+, call permission may be hidden under the option “Additional permissions” → “Changing phone settings.” If not, update the Yandex app to the latest version.
Calls - on.|Contacts - included|Auto-start - on|Notifications - included|Battery optimization - offline-->
Step 3: Disable battery optimization (otherwise the determinant will not work)
MIUI by default limits the background activity of applications to save charge. For Yandex.Definition, it is disastrous - it must work constantly.
- Go to Settings → Battery and Performance → Battery Consumption Management.
- Select the Applications Selection and find Yandex.Definition.
- Set No Limits Mode (or No Limits in newer versions of MIUI).
HyperOS also has a new feature called “Personal Data Protection” that can block Yandex.Definition from accessing the call log to disable it:
- Go to Settings → Privacy → Protection of personal data.
- Find Yandex.Definition and disable all restrictions for it.
What if after all the settings, the detector still does not work?
Step 6: Additional settings for power users (ADB, root)
If the standard methods didn’t work and you’re ready to experiment, here are some advanced ways to do it:
Method 1: Disabling the system detector via ADB
This requires a computer with installed ADB-Drivers and Included Debugging USB - Instructions on the phone:
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.voiceassist
adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.incalluiThese commands will remove the system applications that are responsible for determining numbers, and be careful: after that, some call functions (for example, recording conversations) may stop working.
Method 2: Configure with Magisk (for root)
If you have root access, install the Disable Flag Secure module in Magisk, which will allow Yandex.Definition to display notifications on top of other applications (for example, while playing or watching videos).
⚠️ Attention: Use ADB or root can cause a loss of warranty on Xiaomi Redmi. ADB If you're not sure what you're doing, you better go to the service center.
💡
On most Xiaomi Redmi models, it is enough to set the permissions correctly and disable battery optimization. Advanced methods (ADB, root) are only needed if the standard methods did not work or you have custom firmware.
Alternatives to Yandex.Definition for Xiaomi Redmi
If you couldn’t get Yandex.Definition to work, here are 3 proven alternatives that are better adapted for MIUI/HyperOS:
| Annex | Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Truecaller | Large spammer database, works without root | Lots of advertising, collects user data |
| GetContact | Shows names even for messengers (WhatsApp, Viber) | Registration is required, sometimes MIUI is blocked |
| NumBuster | Lightweight, no advertising, supports offline base | Less data on Russian numbers |
If you choose Truecaller, be sure to disable the built-in MIUI detector as described in Step 4 to avoid conflict.