Blocked an unwanted number on Xiaomi Redmi, but forgot which one? Or want to check if an important contact was blacklisted by mistake? MIUI The list of blocked subscribers is hidden in an unobvious way, it is not in the main contact or call menu, and the access paths depend on the version of the shell (MIUI 12, 13 or 14) and even smartphone models (for example, on the Redmi Note 12 and Redmi 10 interface may differ).
In this article, 5 proven ways to find locked numbers, including hidden system settings and workarounds for older firmware versions, also how to restore a randomly deleted blacklist (this is possible, but requires a backup) and why some numbers may not appear in the standard interface. If you use third-party locking apps (such as Truecaller or Call Blocker), there are separate instructions for them.
1. Standard method: via phone settings (MIUI 12–14)
The easiest method is to use the built-in MIUI lock feature. It works on all Redmi (from Redmi 9A to Redmi Note 13 Pro+) and does not require root rights. Importantly, the path may vary slightly depending on the regional firmware (global, Chinese, European).
Instructions:
- Open the phone application (pipe icon).
- Press three points (⋮) top-right → Select Settings.
- Go to the section "Block numbers" (or "Black list" in old versions).
- Enter a password/pattern lock if requested (this is protection against accidental changes).
Here you will see two lists:
- 📵 Blocked numbers – manual lock through the menu.
- 🤖 Automatically blocked – numbers marked as spam by the system (works if the Spam Filter function is enabled in call settings).
⚠️ Note: If the list does not include the expected numbers, check if you are using dual numbers. SIM-The blacklist can be linked to a specific SIMKE – switch between them at the top of the lock screen.
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Some firmware (e.g. MIUI 13 for Redmi Note 11) hides the “Number Lock” section deeper: Phone Settings → Apps → App Management → Phone → Permissions → Number Lock.
2. via the Contacts app (alternative path)
If the standard method didn’t work, try Contacts, which is the method for MIUI 14 and newer models (Redmi 12, Redmi Note 13) where the phone interface is simplified.
Step-by-step:
- Open the Contacts app (a icon with a person's silhouette).
- Slip on your avatar or name in the upper left corner → Settings.
- Select Number Lock or Blacklist Management.
- Confirm access if required.
The difference is that you can only display numbers that are locked through contacts, not through a phone app, for example, if you block a caller directly from a call log, they may not appear on this list.
Why are numbers duplicated on blacklists?
3. Viewing blocked numbers through MIUI Security
The Security app (or MIUI Security) is another lock control center that collects data from all system services, including calls, SMS and even notifications, and is suitable for Redmi with global firmware (such as the Redmi Note 10 Pro or POCO X3 Pro).
How to find it:
- Open Security (Shield icon with tick).
- Go to the section Blocking or Privacy Protection.
- Select Number Lock or Black List of Calls.
The advantage of this method is:
- 🔍 Shows numbers that are not only manually locked, but also automatically (based on Xiaomi spam).
- 📊 There are statistics of attempts to call from blocked subscribers.
- 🔄 You can export the list to a file (click on three dots in the corner).
⚠️ Note: In Chinese firmware (China) ROM) The security section can be called Anquan Zhongxin, and you will need a Mi Account with a Chinese phone number attached to it.
4. Hidden system settings (for power users)
If standard methods fail, locked numbers can be stored in system files, a method that requires access to a root file manager or ADB. It is suitable for advanced users who are willing to work with technical details.
Where to look:
- 📁 File. /data/data/com.android.providers.contacts/databases/contacts2.db — table blocked_numbers.
- 📁 File. /data/data/com.miui.securitycenter/databases/blocked_numbers.db — alternative MIUI Security.
To view these files:
- Install a root-access file manager (such as Root Explorer or FX File Explorer).
- Follow these paths and open database files using the SQLite Editor app.
- Look for tables with the names blocked, blocklist or blacklist.
For users without root, there is a workaround through ADB:
adb shell content query --uri content://call_log/blockedThis command will display a list of locked numbers in the console. If the result is blank, try:
adb shell content query --uri content://com.android.contacts/blocked☑️ Preparation for work with ADB
5.Restore the Removed Blacklist
If you accidentally cleared the list of blocked numbers, it can only be restored from a backup. Xiaomi does not store the history of blacklist changes, but there are two ways to return the data:
Method 1: Through the Mi Cloud
- 🔄 Make sure that contact backup has been enabled (Settings) → Xiaomi account → Mi Cloud → Backup).
- 📥 Restore backup on your device (select a date when the blacklist was still up to date).
Method 2: Through Local Backup
- 💾 Connect Redmi to your PC and check the folder /MIUI/backup/AllBackup For files with the extension.bak.
- 🔧 Use the Mi. PC Suite to recover data from local copy.
| Method of recovery | Conditions required | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| Mi Cloud | Backups have been included | Restores all contacts, not just a blacklist |
| Local backup | The files.bak are saved on the device | It may not work on new versions of MIUI. |
| Third-party applications (e.g. Titanium Backup) | Root access | Hard for beginners. |
⚠️ Warning: If there are no backups, it is impossible to restore the deleted blacklist, the only way out is to manually lock the numbers again using call history or SMS clue-in.
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Check your backups regularly in Mi Cloud (every 1-2 months) and the blacklist is stored with your contacts, but it is not always restored correctly when you change your device.
6. Problems with displaying blocked numbers
Sometimes numbers are blacklisted, but not displayed in the interface. Common reasons and solutions:
Problem 1: Numbers don’t show up on the list, but locking works
- 🔄 Solution: Reboot the device - sometimes cache MIUI drop-off.
- 📱 Solution: Check if system contacts are hidden: Contacts → Settings → Display contacts → All contacts.
Problem 2: Blacklist is blank, but calls don't go through
- 📵 Reason: Blocking can be configured through the operator (the service "Black List" from MTS, Beeline, etc.).
- 🔧 Solution: Dial USSD-check-in: *111*085# (MTS) or *110*789# (Beeline).
Problem 3: Numbers are displayed, but locking is not working
- 🛠️ Solution: Reset the settings of the application Phone: Settings → Annexes → Application management → Phone. → Warehouse → Clear the data.
- 🔄 Solution: Update the firmware - in MIUI 12.5-14 were locking bugs on some models (Redmi) 9T, Redmi A1).