Where in Xiaomi are stored blocked contacts: 5 ways to find a blacklist

Are you accidentally blocking an important number, or wanting to check who has been blacklisted on your Xiaomi? Unlike the iPhone, where blocked contacts are hidden in iCloud settings, on Redmi, POCO or Mi smartphones, that list can be in multiple places — and not always where you expect it to be. The problem is complicated by the fact that after resetting or updating MIUI, the block list sometimes “disappears” from the usual menu.

In this article, we’ll look at all possible locations where Xiaomi stores locked numbers, from the standard Phone app to hidden system folders. You will learn how to restore access to the blacklist even if it is missing from the interface, and what to do if contacts are blocked automatically (for example, through the functions of "Spam Protection"). MIUI (12 to 14) and smartphone models – from budget Redmi Note to flagship Xiaomi 13.

1. Standard method: Application "Phone" and "Contacts"

On most Xiaomi devices, the main blacklist is hidden in the Phone app, but the path to it may vary depending on the MIUI version and regional firmware.

1. Open the phone application (pipe icon).
2. Press three points (⋮) top-right.
3. Select the Settings item → Number locking.
4. This will show you a list of all blocked contacts. To unlock the number, click on it and select Remove from the blacklist.

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI Global for the European Region) may be called Spam and blocked or Blocked contacts. If you do not see this section, check the alternative paths below.

The Contacts app (address book icon) also has a duplicate section:

• 📱 Open Contacts. → Click on your avatar in the top corner.
• 🔍 Select Contact Management → Number locking.
• 📋 The same locked numbers will be displayed here as in the phone".

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If you don’t see blocked contacts in these menus, try updating the Phone and Contacts apps via Google Play. Sometimes interface bugs disappear after the update.

2. Alternative path: security settings

On Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 13/14, some of the locking functions are moved to the Security section, which includes not only numbers, but also messages/SMS.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Security.
2. Choose Number Blocking or Spam Protection.
3. The blacklist tab contains all the locked numbers, including those added automatically by the system.

Important: This can display numbers that are not only manually blocked, but also through the Spam Filter function in messages, and deleting them from this list will automatically unlock the number for calls and SMS.

3. Hidden system folders: where the data is physically stored

If the interface methods didn’t work (for example, after resetting the settings), you can try to find the file with the locked numbers manually, this will require root access or a file manager with superuser rights (for example, MiXplorer).

/data/data/com.android.providers.contacts/databases/contacts2.db


/data/data/com.miui.securitycenter/databases/blocked_numbers.db

These databases store:

• 📞 All blocked numbers (including those deleted from the interface).
• 📅 Date of addition to the blacklist.
• 🔄 Reason for blocking (manual or automatic).

⚠️ Note: Editing these files without a backup can result in the loss of all contacts.If you are not sure about your actions, use backup via Settings → System system → Backup.

4. Blocking through Google Contacts (synchronization)

If your Xiaomi has Google Account sync enabled, blocked contacts can be duplicated in the cloud, which is useful if you reset your phone to factory settings or changed your device.

1. Open Google Contacts in your browser.
2. On the left menu, select More → Settings.
3. Go to the Blocked Numbers tab.

This will show all the numbers locked at the Google account level, and their unlocking automatically applies to all devices associated with this account.

• 🔄 Synchronization can take up to 24 hours.
• 📱 On the smartphone should be included settings parameter → Accounts. → Synchronization of contacts.
• ⚠️ Numbers blocked through MIUI, They are not always duplicated on Google.

Is Contact Sync enabled in your Google account?|Updated Contacts and Phone applications"|Is the Internet connection checked?|Reboot your smartphone after the changes-->

5. Automatic lock: spam protection and Security App

Xiaomi is using built-in algorithms to filter spam calls, sometimes automatically locking numbers without your knowledge, to check and disable this feature:

1. Open the Security app (shield icon).
2. Go to Spam Protection or Call Blocking.
3. Check tabs: Autolock is the number that is locked by the system; Manual lock is the number that you added manually; Lock log is the history of blocked calls.

⚠️ Attention: B MIUI 14 Auto Lock feature may conflict with some banking applications (e.g. Sberbank or Tinkoff). SMS Check if your bank has a spam filter.

To disable the automatic lock:

1. In the same section Protection against spam, find the Autoblock switch.
2. Turn it off and confirm the action.
3. Reset the device.

6.Restore the blacklist after resetting settings

If you've done Hard Reset or updated your firmware, the list of locked numbers may disappear. Here's how to restore it:

1. Backup copy: 📱 Go to Settings. → System system → Backup. 🔄 Select the last copy made before the reset. 📋 In the recovery data list, find Contacts and Calls or Security Settings.
2. Through Google Account: 🔗 Make sure the same Google account is added to the new device. 🔄 Enable Contact Synchronization in Settings → Accounts. 📱 Wait. 10-15 Check the section of blocked numbers.

If you don’t have backups, try using third-party data recovery tools, such as:

• 🛠️ Dr.Fone (requires root).
• 📱 Mi PC Suite (official software from Xiaomi).
• 🔍 GT Recovery (works without root, but with limitations).

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The most reliable way to keep a blacklist is to back up regularly through Settings → System → Backup. Enable automatic backup on Google Drive or Mi Cloud.

7. Frequent problems and their solutions

Xiaomi users often face the following problems when working with blocked contacts:

If none of the methods worked, try resetting the phone app settings:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the phone and select the Warehouse.
3. Click Clear Data and Reset Settings.
4. Reset the device.

⚠️ Warning: This method will remove all settings of the Phone app, including call history. Before reset, export the story via Phone → Settings → Exports of history.

FAQ: Frequent questions about blocking contacts in Xiaomi