Xiaomi blacklist: where is on the phone and how to use it

If you get annoyed by spammers, collectors or unwanted contacts, a blacklist on Xiaomi will be your reliable assistant. Unlike many Android smartphones, where this feature is hidden in the depths of settings, it is implemented intuitively in the MIUI shell - but not always obvious. In this article, we will discuss where to look for a blacklist on different versions of firmware, how to add numbers there (including hidden ones), and why sometimes locking does not work.

It's important to understand that the way the blacklist works on Xiaomi depends on the version of MIUI and the phone model. For example, on the Redmi Note 12 with MIUI 14, the path to settings is different from the POCO X5 with MIUI 13. We'll look at the universal ways and nuances for old and new devices. If you find that the lock is not working or the numbers are missing from the list, there are solutions to these problems in the article.

Where is the blacklist on Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions

In most cases, the blacklist on Xiaomi is hidden in the standard Phone app, but its location may vary depending on the MIUI version and regional firmware, and here are three main ways to get there:

• 📱 Method 1 (MIUI 12–14, Global/European firmware: Open the Phone app" → press three points (⋮) top-right → Choose "Settings" → Go to the "Blocking Numbers" or "Black List" section".
• 🌍 Method 2 (MIUI For China or custom firmware: Go to the "Settings" of the phone → section “Annexes" → "Application management" → Find the phone" → "Permits" → "Locking down calls".
• ⚙️ Method 3 (older versions) MIUI until 11): In the call, tap on the icon "Contacts" → "Settings" (cogs) → "Locking down calls".

If none of these methods worked, check to see if the blacklist is hidden due to regional restrictions, for example, some firmware in India has a lock feature in its own Security app, and it's also worth updating MIUI to the latest version, because new builds often simplify the interface.

How to Add a Number to the Blacklist on Xiaomi

Add a contact or number to a blacklist on Xiaomi in a number of ways, the fastest is from the call log:

1. Open the "Phone" application and go to the "Journal" tab.
2. Find the desired number, click on it and hold your finger for 1-2 seconds (or tap on the icon). ⓘ near-room).
3. In the menu that appears, select "Add to blacklist" or "Block".
4. Confirm the action by pressing "OK".

If you want to block a number that hasn’t called yet, do the following:

• 📞 Go to the Blacklist (how to find – see previous section).
• 👤 Press "Add" (badge"+" plus-plus).
• 🔢 Enter the number manually or select from "Contacts".
• ✅ Confirm the addition.

Some models (such as the Xiaomi 13 Pro) have the option to lock all unknown numbers, activate the "Block Unknown Numbers" switch in the blacklist settings, but be careful: this can miss important calls, for example, from couriers or banks.

Features of the blacklist on different models Xiaomi

The functionality of the blacklist may vary depending on the smartphone model and the version of MIUI. Below is a table with key features for popular devices:

On HyperOS devices (such as Xiaomi 14), the blacklist is integrated into the Security app, where you can configure spam filtering and block fraudulent calls at the system level. If your model does not support these features, consider installing third-party apps like Truecaller or Hiya.

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On some firmware, the blacklist syncs with your Mi Account account, so if you reset your phone to factory settings, the locked numbers will automatically reset when you log in to the same account.

Why Xiaomi’s blacklist doesn’t work: common problems

Sometimes users find that the number locking doesn't work, and here are the most common reasons and ways to fix them:

• 🔄 Added, but calls pass: Check if the lock is disabled in the settings. Go to the "Blacklist" and make sure the "Block Call" switch is active.
• 📵 All incoming calls are blocked: Do not disturb option may be activated" (DND). Open "Settings" → "Sound and vibration" → "Don't disturb and check for exceptions.
• 🔢 Hidden numbers are not blocked: Xiaomi’s standard blacklist does not have a hidden number lock feature (e.g., with a displayable number). ID Unknown or Private Numbers, which will require third-party software.
• 📱 After updating MIUI blacklist reset: This is a known problem with some firmware. Before updating, back up the list through Settings" → "System and device" → "Backup".

If the problem persists, try resetting the phone app settings:

1. Go to "Settings" → "Annexes" → "Application management".
2. Find the phone and select the storage.
3. Click on “Clear Data” (not “Clear Cache”!).
4. Reboot your phone and set up the blacklist again.

How to export and import a blacklist on Xiaomi

If you change your phone or want to save a list of locked numbers, you can export it to a file. Unfortunately, there is no direct export option in standard MIUI settings, but there are workarounds:

Method 1: Through MIUI backup

1. Open "Settings" → "About Phone" → "Backup".
2. Select Local Backup and create a new copy by ticking Application Data (includes a blacklist).
3. The backup file will be saved in the MIUI/backup/AllBackup folder, and you can copy it to your PC or your new phone.

Method 2: Manually via database file (root required)

If you have root rights, the blacklist is stored in the Phone application database.

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

Copy this file and replace it with a similar one on the new device (pre-backup!) Warning: Incorrect database editing can lead to the loss of all contacts!

For users without root rights, it is easier to use third-party applications, such as Blacklist or Call Blocker, which support export/import in.csv or.txt format.

Blacklist for SMS: how to block messages on Xiaomi

In addition to the phone, you can also block the phone and SMS-- messages from unwanted numbers:

1. Open the "Messages" app.
2. Find the dialog with the number you want to block and hold your finger on it.
3. In the menu that appears, select "Block" or "Add to the blacklist".
4. Confirm the action.

To manage the list of blocked SMS:

• 📩 Go to "Messages" → three-point (⋮) → "Settings" → "Blocking and filtration".
• 🔍 Here you will see all the locked numbers and can add new ones.
• 📵 Enable the “Filter Spam” option to automatically block messages with suspicious content.

Some firmware (e.g. MIUI for China) may not have SMS blocking, in which case install an alternative messaging app, such as Google Messages, which has a built-in spam filter.

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SMS blocking works regardless of whether you block calls, and if you blacklist a number through a call, it doesn’t mean that your message will be blocked, but you need to set up separately.

Third-party applications for extended lock on Xiaomi

If the standard blacklist on Xiaomi isn’t enough, consider installing specialized apps that offer additional features such as:

• 🛡️ Blocking by keywords (e.g., “credit”, “winning").
• 🌍 Databases of spammers and scammers (updated in real time).
• 📊 Statistics of blocked calls and SMS.
• 🔄 Automatically add numbers from community blacklists.

The best apps to block on Xiaomi:

Before installing a third-party blocker, check its permissions. Some applications request access to a call log, contacts and SMS, which may not be secure.

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If you use Truecaller, disable Shared Contacts in the app settings so that your address book is not transferred to the company’s servers.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the blacklist on Xiaomi

If your question is not covered in this article, check the relevance of the information for your Xiaomi model and MIUI version. Some features may differ depending on the regional firmware.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI For China (for example, Xiaomi Mi 11 with firmware) CN) The blacklist may not be in the standard settings, in which case use the Security app or install global firmware.