Where to find a list of blocked contacts in Xiaomi: all ways for MIUI

Why you need a blacklist on Xiaomi and where to look for it

Blocked contacts on Xiaomi smartphones are not just a feature to get rid of annoying calls; they are a full-fledged security tool that filters not only incoming calls, but also SMS, notifications from messengers and even push messages from some applications. However, many users face the problem: where is this list stored at all and how to find it, if the MIUI interface is constantly changing with updates?

Unlike iOS or pure Android, where the blacklist is usually hidden in the phone’s settings, Xiaomi offers multiple access paths, from the standard Contacts app to the hidden menus of system utilities, and the location of the item may vary depending on the firmware version (MIUI 12/13/14), the smartphone model (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Black Shark 5) and even regional build. In this article, we will discuss all the current ways, from obvious to little-known.

We will focus on the hidden nuances, such as why some contacts are blocked automatically (Mi Security spam filter), how to restore the list after resetting, and what to do if the blocked number still passes, and how to export the blacklist for backup - this will come in handy when you switch to a new phone.

Method 1: Through the standard "Contact" application

The most obvious and versatile method is to use the built-in Contacts app (or Contacts in global firmware), which works on all Xiaomi devices, regardless of the MIUI version, but may differ slightly visually.

Instructions:

1. Open the Contacts app (an icon with a person’s silhouette on a green or blue background).
2. Slap three points (⋮) in the upper right corner or swipe left to open the side menu.
3. Select Blocked (or Blocked/Blacklist)
4. A full list of locked numbers will open before you, with the possibility of unlocking or adding new ones.

Important: In some firmware (e.g. MIUI 14 for Redmi Note 11), the item may be called Spam and Lock. If you don't see it on the menu, try updating the Contacts app via Google Play - sometimes hidden features appear after the update.

Update the Contacts app in Google Play|Reboot your smartphone|Check for system updates MIUI|Make sure you use a standard app instead of a third-party one (Truecaller, Google Contacts)-->

Method 2: Through phone settings (Section "Applications")

If for some reason the Contacts app doesn’t display a blacklist (for example, due to a crash or customized firmware), you can use system settings, which is especially useful for devices with MIUI 12 and later, where the lock is integrated into the application management menu.

Step-by-step:

1. Go to Settings → Applications.
2. At the top of the screen, select the Application Management tab.
3. Slap three points (⋮) in the upper right corner and select Special Access.
4. In the list that opens, find the number lock (or call blocking).
5. Here you will see all the locked numbers and you can add new ones manually.

The advantage of this method is that it displays not only numbers blocked through Contacts, but also those that were added by system utilities (for example, Mi Security after automatic spam filtering).

💡

If the menu "Special access" does not have the item "Block numbers", try to enter in the search by settings (Settings → Search) the request "Block" - the system will tell you the right way.

Method 3: Using the "Mi Security" application

Security (or Global Firmware Security) is the central hub for managing device security, including number locking, where all blocked contacts are collected, even those that were added automatically after spam complaints.

How to find the list:

1. Open the Security app (icon with shield and tick).
2. Go to Lock or Call Blocking (may be in the Antispam subsection).
3. The Blacklist tab will display all numbers, and the Journal tab will show the history of the locks.

This method allows you to automatically lock by keywords (e.g., “credit”, “winning”) or by whole categories (bank fraudsters, advertising).

Method 4: Through the call log (for quick check)

If you need to check if a particular number is locked without digging into the settings, you can use the call log, which won't show you the full list, but it will help you manage individual contacts quickly.

Instructions:

1. Open the phone application (pipe icon).
2. Go to the Journal (or Recents) tab.
3. Find the right number in the story and tap it.
4. In the menu that opens, select Block (or Block). If the number is already blocked, you will be able to unlock it.

The method is limited: it is only suitable for managing individual numbers. To see the entire blacklist, you still have to use one of the previous methods. But here you can quickly add a number to the lock right during an incoming call - you just swipe up the call notification and choose Block.

Through the “Contact” annex"|In the phone settings|In the annex “Security"|Right from the call log.|I'm not blocking at all.-->

Method 5: Through Backup (to restore the list)

If you reset your phone to factory settings or switched to a new Xiaomi but want to restore the old blacklist, you can use a backup.This method requires pre-preparedness, but is extremely useful for those who often change devices.

How to export and import the list:

1. Export: Open Settings → About Phone → Backup. Select Local Backup and create a new backup by ticking Contacts and Application Settings. The file will be saved to the MIUI/backup/AllBackup folder on internal memory.

Import:

• Transfer the backup file to the new device.
• Restore data through Settings → Additional → Restore and Reset → Local backup.

Important: The blacklist backup is tied to your Mi Account. If you are not logged in or have changed your account, the lock list will not be restored, and note that some numbers may be duplicated after recovery, and you will have to manually delete them.

Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after the number is blocked, Xiaomi users sometimes find that calls still pass, and here are the most common reasons and ways to eliminate them:

• 📞 Calls go through messengers: System-level locking does not work on WhatsApp, Telegram or Viber. You need to block contact separately in each application.
• 🔄 Resetting: After resetting, the blacklist is cleared. restore it through a backup (see Method 5).
• 📱 Double. SIM-If the number is blocked for one SIM, It can call the other card. Check the lock settings for each card separately.
• 🔧 Update MIUI: After major updates (e.g., with the MIUI 13 on MIUI 14) the list may be reset. Export it in advance.

Hidden problem: on some devices (for example, Redmi 10C with customized firmware), the lock only works for calls, but not for SMS. To block messages, you need to additionally activate the filter in the Messages application (Settings → Spam Block).

(1) Whether it is used in messengers.

(2) Have the settings reset since the update?

(3) Is the second not active? SIM-lock-out.-->

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI For example, the Redmi Note 11 Pro+ 5G) The lock function may be limited due to local regulatory requirements, in which case use third-party applications like Truecaller or Call Blocker.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions