Where is the blacklist on Xiaomi Redmi 4 and how to use it in 2026

You haven't checked the blacklist on your Xiaomi Redmi 4 for a long time, and now you can't find where it's hiding in the updated version of MIUI? Or suddenly you find that important contacts have been blocked, but you don't know how to get them out of there? This problem is familiar to many owners of the budget hit of 2017 - the smartphone is still in service, but the interface of the system has managed to change more than one major update.

In this article, we will not only show the exact location of the blacklist in different versions of the firmware, but also examine the hidden nuances: why contacts can be blocked automatically, how to circumvent operator restrictions, and what to do if the standard MIUI functionality suddenly stopped working, and also – current alternatives in the form of third-party applications that will save the situation if the native settings of Redmi 4 refuse to cooperate.

Why Redmi 4’s blacklist is “hiding”: 3 main reasons

On Xiaomi Redmi 4 (codenamed prada), the blacklist can disappear from the menu for several reasons — and it’s not always the system’s fault. Here are key factors to check before digging into the settings:

• 📱 Version MIUI: In firmware older than MIUI 9, the path to blacklisting has changed dramatically. If your smartphone is still on MIUI 8, look for it in one place, and MIUI 10+ in another.
• 🔄 Operator Updates: Some Russian operators (e.g. MegaFon or Beeline) are using their SIM- applications to intercept call blocking control, replacing the system blacklist with their own.
• 🔧 Settings Reset: After resetting to factory settings (Settings → Additional settings → Backup & reset), the blacklist may “reset” but the menu section itself will remain in place – it simply cannot be seen due to lost access rights.

Fun fact: on the Redmi 4 Pro, the blacklist was originally integrated into the Safety menu, whereas on the base version of Redmi 4, it could migrate to the Calls section, which is due to different firmware builds for regions.

The official way: where to look for a blacklist in MIUI

If your Redmi 4 runs on stock firmware (no custom modifications), then the blacklist is hidden in one of three places - depending on the version of MIUI.

Option 1: MIUI 8 (and older)

This is the oldest version that's still found on unupdated devices, and here's a blacklist hidden in the Calls menu.

1. Open the phone application (pipe icon).
2. Tap it on three points (⋮) top-right → Select Settings.
3. Scroll down to the number lock section.
4. Here you will see a list of blocked contacts and add for new ones.

Option 2: MIUI 9-10

In these versions, the developers moved the function to the Security section:

1. Go to Settings → All settings → Security.
2. Select the Black List (may be called Number Block).
3. The system will request a password or fingerprint confirmation (if configured).

Option 3: MIUI 11 and newer

With the release of MIUI 11, the logic has changed again, and the blacklist is now divided into two parts:

• 📞 Call blocking: Settings → Applications → Application management → Phone → Permissions → Number locking.
• 💬 Message blocking: Settings → Applications → Application management → Messages → Permissions → Spam.

Important: If you have a global version of MIUI (e.g. MIUI Global 12.5) installed, the path may be different from the Chinese or European build. Check the version in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version.

Alternative methods: if the standard blacklist does not work

What if you find a Blacklist section but it doesn't open, it gives you an error, or it just doesn't block numbers? Here are 4 workarounds for Redmi 4:

Method 1: Security Appendix

In older versions of MIUI, there was a separate Security app (shield icon) that duplicated the blacklist features:

1. Find the Security (or Security) icon on your desktop.
2. Go to the Block or Anti-spam tab.
3. You can add numbers manually or import from the call log.

If the app is not available, you can download it from the Mi App Store (search for “Security”).

Method 2: Settings SIM- cards

Some operators (such as Tele2 or Yota) offer their own locking tools:

• 📶 Open the Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
• Choose yours. SIM-map → Additional settings.
• Look for items like Operator Service or Call Blocking.

Careful: such locks may be paid! Before activating, check the tariffs on the operator's website.

Method 3: Third-party applications

If system methods don’t work, install one of the proven applications:

Critical detail: on Redmi 4 with MIUI 8, some third-party locking apps may conflict with System Security, causing phone malfunctions.

Method 4: Engineering menu (for advanced)

If you are ready for experiments, you can try to activate hidden settings:

##4636## → Phone Information → Settings menu (for some versions of MIUI)

Warning: This method does not work on all devices and can cause crashes. Use it at your own risk!

How to Restore a Deleted Blacklist on Redmi 4

Did you accidentally clear the blacklist or did it disappear after the update?

Method 1: Recovery from MIUI backup

If you’ve ever done a backup through Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset, try:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → Backup.
2. Select the latest backup (see the date before the incident).
3. Check the application settings and call data.
4. Click Restore and confirm.

Important: This method will overwrite your current call settings, so export important contacts first.

Method 2: Export of the call log

If there is no backup, but the blocked numbers have called you before:

1. Open the phone. → Journal.
2. Press ⋮ → Export Log (save the file in.vcf or.csv format).
3. Open the file on your PC and find the numbers you want to block again.

Method 3: Google Contacts (if synced)

If your contacts are synced to your Google account:

1. Go to contacts.google.com.
2. On the left-hand menu, select More → Re-establish contacts.
3. Please indicate the date when the blacklist was still in operation.

This will not restore the blacklist itself, but will return the numbers you may have deleted with the lock.

💡

If the blacklist is missing after the update MIUI, Try to roll back to the previous firmware version via Fastboot. Instructions for Redmi 4 are on the forum 4PDA (Look for the subject "Return" MIUI prada").

Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Working with a blacklist on Redmi 4 can come with unexpected problems. Here are 5 common mistakes and ways to solve them:

• 🔴 Failed to block number error: Often caused by conflict with the Truecaller or GetContact app. Delete them and try again.
• 🔴 No blacklist is saved after rebooting: Reset the Phone app cache to Settings → Apps → App management → Phone → Clear the cache.
• 🔴 The numbers are blocked, but the calls still pass: Check if the AntiAon service is activated from an operator (e.g., MTS). Turn it off via USSD- code *111*081#.
• 🔴 You can't blacklist: Make sure you have enough licenses. Some firmware requires you to unlock Root access (but it's risky!).
• 🔴 Blacklist item from the menu disappeared: This could be a bug after the update. Try resetting the Security app.

If neither method worked, consider flashing the device to a more stable version of MIUI. The Redmi 4 has a good track record of MIUI 10 Stable from Xiaomi.eu.

💡

Before any manipulation of the blacklist, check whether the Do Not Disturb (DND) function is activated – it can block the number lock, creating the illusion of a broken blacklist.

How to block SMS spam on Redmi 4

The blacklist on Redmi 4 blocks not only calls, but also messages — but the settings of these features are spread across different menus.

Method 1: Through the standard Messages application

1. Open the Messages app.
2. Tap three dots (⋮) → Settings → Spam filter.
3. Activate the Spam Filtering Switch.
4. To add a number manually, select the Blacklist from the same menu.

Method 2: Operator settings

Some operators have their own services to combat spam:

• 📱 MTS: Send a text message to the STOP number 1111.
• 📱 Beeline: activate the Spam Protection service via *110*789#.
• 📱 Television2: Use the command *155*1# to block advertising SMS.

Important: Operators can block all messages from unfamiliar numbers, including important notifications from banks or services. Set up exceptions in advance!

Method 3: Security App (for MIUI 9-10)

In some firmware versions, SMS filtering is integrated into the system application Security:

1. Open Security → Lock and filters.
2. Select the Message tab.
3. Add numbers or keywords (e.g., “winning,” “credit”).

💡

To check if the SMS lock is working, ask a friend to send you a test message from the locked number, and if the text doesn't come, everything is set up correctly!

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions