What is a blacklist on Xiaomi Redmi and why you need it?
Blacklist on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones is an integrated feature of the operating system MIUI, This allows you to block unwanted calls and SMS-Unlike standard Android tools, Xiaomiβs solution offers advanced settings, from spam filtering to creating whitelists for important contacts. The feature is especially relevant for users who encounter intrusive advertising, fraudulent calls or just want to limit communication with certain people.
Itβs important to understand that Redmiβs blacklist works at the system level, not on an individual application, which means that blocked numbers wonβt be able to reach you even through messengers like WhatsApp or Telegram if they use a standard call through a standard call. SIM-The feature is integrated with the Mi Cloud service, which allows you to synchronize the lock list between Xiaomi devices under one account.
In the latest versions MIUI (starting MIUI 12 and later), the blocking algorithms have become βsmarterβ: the system automatically detects spam calls based on Xiaomiβs database and user communities, but manually managing the blacklist remains the most reliable way to control them. Next, letβs look at where this list is stored in different Redmi models and how to use it.
Where is the blacklist in the standard "Phone" app
The most obvious way to find a blacklist is through the native Phone app (green tube icon).The interface may vary slightly depending on the version. MIUI, But the general pattern is the same. Here's the step-by-step instruction for the latest firmware:
- Open the phone app on the main screen.
- Slip on three dots in the upper right corner (menu).
- Select Settings (or Call Options in some versions).
- Scroll down to the section Blocking Numbers or Blacklist.
- You will see all the blocked numbers and add new ones.
On the Redmi Note models 12/13 redmi 10/11 s MIUI 14+ The path might look like this: The phone. β Journal β βοΈ Settings β Lockdown and identification β If you have an older version of the firmware (MIUI 11 or below), look for the Blocked Numbers section directly in the Phone menu".
Application opens"|Found a menu with three points|Selected section βSettings"|Checked item "Blocking numbers"|List of blocked contacts found-->
Please note that if you don't find this section, it's possible that the lock function is disabled in the system settings. To activate it, go to Settings. β Annexes β Application management β Phone. β Permissions and make sure the app has access to contacts and call logs.
Alternative ways to access the blacklist
Beyond the standard phone app, you can find a blacklist in other ways, which is useful if the interface is a good one. MIUI has been modified after the update or you are using custom firmware:
1. Through the "Contacts" appendix
In some versions MIUI The blacklist is duplicated in the Contacts app:
- π± Open Contacts (Icon with a Human Silhouette).
- π Slip on three horizontal lines (menu) in the upper left corner.
- π Select Contact Management β Blacklist.
- π You can view and edit blocked numbers here.
2. Through security settings
On devices with MIUI 13+ The blacklist is partially integrated into the security section:
- π‘οΈ Go to Settings. β PapaSSWORD & SECURITY (security).
- π΅ Choose Call Blocking or Spam Protection.
- π± Not only manual locks are displayed here, but also automatically blocked spam numbers.
3. Through system settings
For advanced users, there is a way through the general system settings:
- βοΈ Open the Settings. β Annexes.
- π Find and select the phone in the list of applications.
- π Go to the Warehouse. β Data management.
- ποΈ Here in the System Data section, information about blockings can be displayed.
Through the Phone app"|Through "Contacts"|Through security settings|Another option-->
If none of these methods worked, you may have your device disabled the firmware-level lock function, which may occur after you reset your settings or install unofficial versions. MIUI. In this case, resetting the settings of the application "Phone" or flashing the device will help.
How to add a number to the blacklist on Xiaomi Redmi
Adding a number to the blacklist on Xiaomi Redmi takes no more than a minute, but there are a few nuances to consider: consider all possible scenarios, from locking an unfamiliar number to adding a contact from the phone book.
Method 1: Blocking from the call log
The fastest method is directly from the history of calls:
- Open the Phone app and go to the Journal tab.
- Find the number you want to block and tap it.
- In the contact card that opens, click on the three dots in the upper right corner.
- Choose Add to the blacklist (or Block the number).
- Confirm the action in the window that appears.
Method 2: Manual number entry
If you want to block a number that is not in the log:
- Go to the blacklist through any of the methods described above.
- Click on the + (add) icon in the upper right corner.
- Enter the number manually or select from the contacts.
- Specify the type of lock: Calls, SMS or.
- Save the changes.
Method 3: Blocking through a message
If spam came in the form SMS:
- Open the Messages app.
- Find it. SMS from the unwanted number and hold it with your finger.
- In the menu that appears, select Block or Add to the blacklist.
- Confirm the lock for calls and messages.
π‘
If you block a fraudsterβs number, we recommend that you mark it as βSpamβ in the call log, which will help other Xiaomi users avoid calling from that number thanks to the cloud database. MIUI.
Important: the lock only works for standard calls and SMS. If an unwanted contact is texting you via messengers (WhatsApp, Viber, etc.), it should be blocked separately in each application. Also remember that blocked numbers are not notified of blocking - they simply will not be able to reach you.
How to Manage a Blacklist: Editing and Deleting Numbers
Managing the blacklist on Xiaomi Redmi involves not only adding but also editing existing records. You can temporarily disable the lock, change its type or completely remove numbers from the list.
Editing the blocking parameters
For each number in the blacklist, you can configure individual parameters:
- Open the blacklist through the βPhoneβ or βContactβ app.
- Slip on the number you want to edit.
- In the window you will see three switches: π Blocking calls β prohibits incoming and outgoing calls. π¬ Blocking messages β filtering SMS from this number. π Notifications β allows you to receive notifications about blocked calls (default disabled).
Set up the settings as you wish and save the changes.
Temporary shutdown of the lock
If you need to temporarily unlock a number (for example, for an important call) without removing it from the list:
- π Find the number in the blacklist and tap it.
- π Turn off the switches to Block calls and Block messages.
- β³ After the conversation, do not forget to turn on the lock again.
Complete removal of the number from the blacklist
To permanently remove the number from the lock:
- Open the blacklist and find the number you want.
- Swipe left on the record or click on the basket in the upper right corner.
- Confirm the deletion in the dialog window that appears.
What happens when you remove a number from the blacklist?
It is worth noting that when you reset your phone to factory settings, the blacklist is cleared. If you want to save the locks, pre-export them to the file or sync with Mi Cloud. β Xiaomi account β Mi Cloud β Sync and make sure that the Contacts and Calls option is enabled.
What to do if the blacklist doesnβt work
Sometimes users of Xiaomi Redmi are faced with a situation when the blacklist ceases to function: blocked numbers continue to call, or the function disappears from the menu. The reasons can be different from a failure in the firmware to conflict with third-party applications.
1. Verification of the permissions of the "Phone" application
Most often, a non-working blacklist is associated with the lack of necessary permits:
- π§ Go to Settings β Applications β Application Management β Phone.
- π Open the Permissions section and make sure it is included: π Contacts (to access the phone book). π΅ Call log (to block calls). π¬ SMS (message-filter). π Storage (to keep the block list).
- π If permissions are disabled, turn them on and restart the device.
Resetting the settings of the "Phone" application
If the permissions are fine but the feature still doesnβt work, try resetting the settings:
- π§ Go to Settings. β Annexes β Phone. β Warehouse.
- π§Ή Click Clear Data and Clear Cache.
- π Reboot the phone.
- π After the reboot, check if the blacklist appears on the menu.
π‘
Resetting the Phone app will delete your call history, but will not affect contacts saved to your Google or Mi Cloud account.
3. Firmware update
In some versions MIUI (especially in beta firmware, the blacklist may not work properly due to bugs:
- π Check for updates: Settings β The phone. β Updating the system.
- π₯ If an update is available, install it.
- π§ After the update, reset the settings of the Phone application as described above.
4. Verification of conflicting applications
Third-party call blocking apps (e.g. Truecaller, Call Blocker) may conflict with Xiaomi's built-in blacklist.To check this out:
- π‘οΈ Temporarily disable or remove third-party blockers.
- π Reset the device.
- π Check the standard blacklist.
If none of these methods worked, it may be that the problem is that you can damage the system files, and only reset the phone completely to factory settings (be sure to back up the data) or flash it through Fastboot.
Where is the blacklist file stored in your phoneβs memory?
For power users who want to manually edit or reserve a blacklist, itβs helpful to know where exactly the lock data is stored. At Xiaomi Redmi, this information is recorded in a system database, but it can be exported for backup.
The blacklist file is located along the following path in the device memory:
/data/data/com.android.providers.contacts/databases/contacts2.dbThis database stores a blacklist table that contains all the locked numbers, but it's not possible to access it without root permissions, and for root users, you can use apps like SQLite Editor or Root Explorer to view or edit the list.
An alternative way to back up is through Mi Cloud:
- π₯οΈ Go to Settings. β Xiaomi account β Mi Cloud.
- π Make sure that the synchronization of Contacts and Call Log is enabled.
- π± Once synced, the blacklist will be available on all devices linked to your Mi Account.
π‘
If you need to transfer the blacklist to another Xiaomi phone, just log in under the same Mi Account and enable sync. All locks will automatically be downloaded to the new device.
Important: Manual editing of system files without root rights can cause the Phone application to crash or data loss. We recommend using only official backup methods through Mi Cloud or third-party applications with appropriate permissions.
| Backup method | Root is required. | Difficulty | Reliability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Synchronization with Mi Cloud | β No. | β Low. | βββββ Tall. |
| Exports via the βContactβ appendix | β No. | ββ Medium | βββ Medium |
| Manual file export contacts2.db | β Yes. | βββ Tall. | ββββ High (if performed correctly) |
| Third-party applications (such as Super Backup) | β No. | ββ Medium | βββ Medium |
Frequent questions about the blacklist on Xiaomi Redmi
Can I block the number so that he doesnβt know?
How to block all unknown numbers on Xiaomi Redmi?
What to do if you update after the update MIUI blacklist?
Can you block numbers with a specific prefix (for example, all numbers with a specific prefix)? +375)?
How do I know if I have been blocked by Xiaomi Redmi?
β οΈ Note: If you use two of these SIM-cards on Xiaomi Redmi, the blacklist is separate for each number. SIM, Add it to the blacklist twice β for each card separately.
β οΈ Note: When using locking features via Mi Cloud, make sure that your device is enabled with mobile network or Wi-Fi sync. Without internet, changes to the blacklist may not be saved between devices.