Where is the blacklist in Xiaomi: the complete guide to setting up call and message blocking

On Xiaomi smartphones, the blacklist is not just a feature to block unwanted contacts, but a whole system to filter calls and messages. However, finding it is not always easy: depending on the version of MIUI (12, 13, 14 or 15) and the device model, the path to settings may differ, and even more difficult is the case with Mi Band smartwatches or Mi TVs, where the blacklist is hidden deep in the menu or is not available as a separate option.

Many users face the problem of having a blacklisted contact continue to call and still receive messages, often because of Google Contacts sync settings or duplicate phone book entries. In this article, we’ll look at all the possible places where a blacklist might be hidden on Xiaomi devices, including rare models like POCO or Black Shark, and how to check if a number is actually locked.

If you use Xiaomi with custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), the standard instructions may not work, in which case the contacts are blocked through Android settings, not MIUI.

═══

Blacklist in the standard annex “Telephone” (MIUI 14/15)

On most modern Xiaomi smartphones (e.g. Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13T) the blacklist is hidden in the Phone app.

Open the Phone app → click on the three dots in the top right → select Settings → go to Lock numbers. Here you will see two subsections:

• 📞 Blocked numbers – a list of manual locks;
• ⚙️ Blocking settings – filters for spam and unknown numbers.

In MIUI 15, the interface has changed slightly: instead of “Blocking Numbers”, you can display Spam and lock. If you don’t see this section, update the Phone app via Google Play – sometimes the feature is hidden due to an outdated version.

⚠️ Note: If you are using duality SIM-cards, blacklist is separate for each slot, and you can check this in the lock settings, there will be an association with the slot. SIM1 or SIM2.

To add a number to the blacklist:

1. Go to the Call Journal;
2. Click on the number you want to block.
3. Choose Block (or Add to Spam)
4. Confirm the action.

No number in the call log after blocking |

No messages from the number come to SMS-attachment|

Calls from a blocked number are automatically reset |

The number appears in the list of blocked in the settings-->

═══

2. Alternative ways of blocking in MIUI

If the standard blacklist doesn’t work (for example, calls still pass), try these methods:

Method 1: Through the "Messages" app

Open Messages → Find a dialog with unwanted contact → Click on three dots → Details → Block. This method blocks not only calls, but also SMS.

Method 2: Security App (Security App)

In some firmware (especially POCO and Black Shark), the blacklist is duplicated in the Security app:

1. Open Security (Icon with Shield)
2. Go to Call Locking;
3. Add the number manually or select from the magazines.

Method 3: Through Google Contacts

If you sync contacts with a Google Account, blocking through the web version of Google Contacts will also work on Xiaomi.However, this method does not work stable on devices with MIUI 12 and below.

Standard blacklist on the phone |

Blocking through "Messages" |

Annex "Security" |

Google Contacts |

I don't block numbers.-->

═══

3.The blacklist on the Mi Band and Watch smartwatches

Xiaomi smartwatches (such as Mi Band 7, Xiaomi Watch S3) are not blacklisted in the usual sense, but you can limit notifications from specific contacts through the Mi Fitness or Xiaomi Wear app:

Open companion app → go to Notifications → Notification filter → add contacts to exceptions. This will not block phone calls, but at least eliminate vibrations on the clock.

The Mi Band also has a Do Not Disturb feature that disables all notifications except for your favorite contacts to configure:

1. In the Mi Fitness app, go to the Device Profile;
2. Select "Do Not Disturb" mode;
3. Activate the option to Allow notifications from the chosen ones;
4. Add the necessary contacts to the list of exceptions.

⚠️ Warning: On Mi Band 6 and older, the blacklist only works for notifications, not incoming calls.If you need to block the number completely, do it on your smartphone.

═══

4.The blacklist on Mi TV and Mi Box TVs

On Xiaomi Mi TVs (such as Mi TV Q2 2023) and Mi Box S consoles, there is no default blacklist for calls – these devices do not support voice calls. However, if you use video calling apps (such as Zoom or Google Duo), the lock is configured within the services themselves:

For Zoom:

1. Open the app on Mi TV;
2. Go to Contacts;
3. Find the right contact. → Lock down.

For Google Duo:

Blocking is done via the web version of Google Duo or on a smartphone, as there is no separate interface for managing contacts on the TV.

If you are concerned about spam calls through your TV’s built-in microphone (for example, when using Google Assistant), disable the voice assistant: Settings → Device → Voice Assistant → Disable.

💡

On Mi TV 5 and later, you can completely turn off the microphone in your privacy settings if you don’t use voice search, which will prevent any unauthorized listening.

═══

5 Why the blacklist doesn't work: Common mistakes

If the blocked number keeps calling or texting you, check these points:

Duplicate contacts

If the number is saved in both Google Contacts and the local phone book, the lock can only work for one entry. Delete duplicates through the Contacts app → Contact Management → Find and combine duplicates.

2. Incorrect room format

Blacklisted MIUI It's format sensitive. If you add a number as +79123456789, and the call comes from 89123456789, the lock will not work. +7 and 8) to ensure that all options are blocked.

3. Conflict with blocking applications

If you use third-party apps like Truecaller or CallApp, they can intercept lock control, disable them or configure sync with the system blacklist.

4.The MIUI update resets the settings

After major updates (e.g., from MIUI 13 to MIUI 14), system settings are sometimes reset. Check the blacklist after the firmware upgrade.

⚠️ Note: On some models POCO (for example, POCO F5) After resetting to factory settings, the blacklist is not restored from the backup. Save the list of locked numbers separately (for example, take a picture of the screen).

═══

6.How to export and import a blacklist

MIUI does not provide a built-in tool for exporting blocked numbers, but there are workarounds:

Method 1: Manual transfer

Take a picture of a screen with a list of locked numbers or write them down in notes. After resetting the device, add the numbers manually.

Method 2: Through Backup (Root only)

If you have root access, you can copy the lock database file:

adb pull /data/data/com.android.providers.blockednumber/database/blockednumbers.db

After reflashing, return the file back:

adb push blockednumbers.db /data/data/com.android.providers.blockednumber/database/

Method 3: Third-party annexes

Applications like Blacklist Plus or Call Blocker allow you to export lock lists in.csv format.

═══

7.The blacklist on custom firmware devices

If you use an alternative firmware (like LineageOS, Pixel Experience or ArrowOS), the MIUI system blacklist will not be available.

1. Android's built-in lock

Go to Settings → Apps → Phone → Lock numbers. The interface may vary depending on the version of Android.

2. Google Contacts

As mentioned earlier, blocking through the web version will work on any firmware if you are logged in to a Google Account.

Third-party blockers

Apps like Should I Answer? or Hiya offer advanced spam filtering features that are independent of firmware, but may require additional permissions.

⚠️ Note: On some custom firmware (e.g. Havoc-OS), number locking may conflict with Magisk modules. If calls are not blocked, try disabling phone-related modules (e.g., Magisk modules, ViPER4Android).

💡

On custom firmware, the MIUI blacklist doesn’t work – use standard Android tools or third-party apps.

═══

FAQ: Frequent questions about the blacklist in Xiaomi