Blocking unwanted calls and messages is one of the most popular features of modern smartphones. Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices often face the question: where exactly is the blacklist of numbers hidden in MIUI and how to use it? Unlike standard Android solutions, the shell from Xiaomi offers advanced filtering tools, but their location varies depending on the firmware version and phone model.
In this article, we’ll look at all the ways you can access the blacklist, from the obvious ways in the Contacts menu to hidden security settings, how to add numbers manually, set up automatic spam blocking, and what to do if standard methods don’t work, and focus on the differences between MIUI 14 and MIUI 15, as well as the nuances for devices with global and Chinese firmware.
Official ways to access the blacklist in MIUI
The most direct way to block contacts is through the standard phone application. In most versions of MIUI, the algorithm looks like this:
- Open the phone application (pipe icon).
- Swipe on the three dots in the upper right corner (or swipe to the right on some models).
- Select the Settings item → Number locking.
- In the menu that opens, you will see a list of blocked contacts and the Add button.
On devices with MIUI 15 (such as Xiaomi 14 or Redmi Note 13 Pro+), the path may be slightly different:
Phone → ☰ (menu) → Settings → Spam and lock → BlacklistImportant: If you have a Chinese firmware version installed (for example, on Xiaomi 13 Ultra for the domestic market), the menu item may be called (Harassment Interception) or (Black List), in which case we recommend using a translator or changing the system language to English for ease of navigation.
Alternative paths: through "Contacts" and "Security"
If the standard method didn’t work (for example, due to custom firmware or regional features), try these options:
- 📱 Through the Contacts app: Open Contacts → ☰ → Settings → Number lock. You can add numbers directly from the address book.
- 🔒 Through "Security": Go to Settings → Annexes → Security → Number locking. This is the way to go. POCO F5 redmi K60.
- 📊 Call Manager: On some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T) Blacklist hidden in Settings → System system → Call manager. → Spam filter.
On dual SIM devices, the blacklist is separate for each slot, so you have to add it to each slot manually to lock the number for both SIMs.
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If you frequently receive spam from unknown numbers, turn on the "Block Unknown Numbers" option in the lock settings, which will automatically filter all calls from numbers not saved in your address book.
Hidden functions: SMS blocking and advanced settings
Many users do not know that the MIUI Not only can the phone be blocked, but SMS-For this purpose, the message:
- Open the Messages app (the envelope icon).
- Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner → Settings → Spam filter.
- Activate the Spam Filter switch and add numbers manually or from the log.
Advanced settings include:
| Function | Description | Where to turn it on |
|---|---|---|
| Keyword Blocking | Automatically filters SMS with specified phrases (for example, "winning", "credit") | Messages → Settings → Spam filter → Keywords |
| Blacklist for MMS | Blocks multimedia messages from selected numbers | Communications → ☰ → Settings → Lockdown MMS |
| Spam redirection | Spam SMS automatically moves to a separate folder | Messages → Settings → Spam filter → Spam folder |
| Blocking Regular Expressions | For advanced users: block numbers by templates (for example, all numbers with the prefix +375) | Requires activation via Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (5 clicks to unlock hidden settings) |
On devices with MIUI for Europe (EEA), some of these features may be limited due to local data protection laws, in which case the installation of alternative applications for blocking (about them in the next section) will help.
How to unlock hidden MIUI settings?
Blacklisting problems: why numbers are not blocked
Sometimes users are faced with the fact that the numbers added to the blacklist continue to annoyingly call or write.
- 🔄 Resetting settings: After the update MIUI lock settings may reset. Check the list after each major update.
- 📵 Application conflict: If you have third-party blockers installed (like Truecaller or Hiya), they can intercept lock control. Disable them or set up sync.
- 📡 SIM card problems: On some operators (such as Tele2 or Iota), the lock only works for those who are on a particular carrier. SIM. Try to change the SIM card slot.
- 🛠️ Firmware bug: B MIUI 14.0.4.0 was a well-known bug that caused the blacklist to ignore prefixed numbers. +7 Solution - Update to the latest version.
⚠️ Note: If you use Google Messages instead of the standard Messages app from Xiaomi, block SMS via the SMS MIUI In this case, set up spam filtering directly in Google Messages (Settings) → Spam and blocking).
Phone reboots after adding number to blacklist
Number added for both SIM-Cards (if you use Dual) SIM)
In the lock settings, the "Activated" switch is enabled
Third-party calling apps (such as WhatsCall) do not conflict with system locking
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Third-party applications for extended locking
If the built-in MIUI tools aren’t enough, consider these alternatives:
| Annex | Features | Link (Google Play) |
|---|---|---|
| Truecaller | Spammer database with 300 million numbers, blocking by category (banks, fraudsters), identification of unknown calls | Download |
| Hiya | Robobrae blocking, phishing protection, integration with system call | Download |
| Call Blocker | Flexible locking rules (time, geolocation, prefixes), backup lists | Download |
| Should I Answer? | Crowdsourcing database of spammers, rating of numbers according to user reviews, support for Dual SIM | Download |
When using third-party blockers, consider:
- 🔋 They can increase battery consumption (especially Truecaller with background database synchronization).
- 📥 Some apps require access to call history and SMS, which can be a privacy risk.
- 🔄 After removing the third-party blocker, restore the system settings MIUI, Otherwise, the lock may not work properly.
⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI For China (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Pro C), third-party blockers may not have access to system calls due to security policy restrictions, in which case the only way out is to manually add numbers to the standard blacklist.
Backup and transfer of the blacklist
If you change your smartphone or reset your settings, it's important to keep a list of locked numbers. In MIUI, you can do this in two ways:
- Through Mi Account: Activate Sync in Settings → Accounts → Mi Account → Sync. The blacklist will be linked to your profile and automatically restored to your new Xiaomi device.
- Manual export: Install the Mi Mover app (available in GetApps) and select the option "Data port" → The alternative is to use Titanium Backup (requires root rights).
To transfer the list to a device of another brand (for example, from Xiaomi to Samsung):
- Export numbers from the blacklist to the CSV file via the Call Blocker app.
- Import the file to a new device using a similar blocker.
Important: When resetting to factory settings (Settings → About Phone → Resetting), the blacklist is deleted without the possibility of recovery, if synchronization with Mi Account was not enabled.
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Synchronizing with Mi Account is the only official way to keep a blacklist when you change your Xiaomi device.