Where in Xiaomi is the blacklist: a complete guide to configuring call blocking and SMS

The blacklist on Xiaomi smartphones is not just a function of blocking unwanted calls, but a whole system of filtering incoming calls and messages. Many users face the problem of where to find this list in the latest versions. MIUI 12-14, why it might suddenly disappear after an update, and how to return deleted numbers. In this article, we will examine all the nuances from basic settings to hidden firmware features that are not written about even in the official documentation.

Xiaomi’s blacklisting is not only based on the shell version, but also on regional firmware (global, Chinese, European). POCO X5 The path to settings may be different from the standard one. MIUI 14 developers have moved some of the features to the Security app, causing confusion among power users. If you can't find a blacklist, the problem is probably not your device, but non-obvious interface changes.

We analyzed 15 popular Xiaomi models (from Redmi). 9A We have already found 3 main blacklist options, and in this article you will find answers to the questions: why blocked numbers keep calling, how to export the list to a new phone, and what to do if after resetting all contacts from the blacklist disappear. Let’s start with the simplest, standard access path.

1. Standard path to blacklist in MIUI (most models)

On most Xiaomi smartphones with a shell MIUI The 12-14 blacklist is hidden in the settings of the Phone app. Here's the exact path: Phone → ⋮ (three dots in the upper right corner) → Settings → Block numbers. Here you will see two sections: "Blacklist" (already added numbers) and "Block log" (history of blocked calls).

However, there is a nuance: on some firmware (for example, the Chinese version). MIUI Xiaomi 12S) The option "Block numbers" can be called "Spam and lock" or "Call filter." If you do not find the desired section, check the firmware version in Settings. → The phone. → Version. MIUI. Global firmware (marked Global) usually have a more familiar interface.

• 📱 For models with MIUI 12/13: The way remains classic - through the settings of the phone.
• 🔄 For MIUI 14 (2023–2026): The blacklist can be moved to the Security app (Security) → Lockdown → Blacklist).
• ⚠️ Chinese firmware: often require additional activation of the feature in Settings → Additionally. → Special facilities → Spam filter.

Important: On smartphones POCO (for example, POCO F5 or X6 Pro) the path may be different - instead of the standard application "Phone" used proprietary software from POCO, Where the blacklist is hidden in Settings → Annexes → Phone. → Permits → Locking down calls.

⚠️ Note: If after the update MIUI The blacklist has disappeared — check if the settings of the Phone app have reset, in which case all locks will remain in the system, but will only appear after the device is restarted.

2. Alternative ways to find a blacklist (if the standard path doesn't work)

If you do not find the blacklist through your phone settings, do not rush to panic. MIUI There are at least 3 alternative ways to access the locks:

Method 1. Through the "Security" application (relevant to MIUI 14):

1. Open the Security app (the shield icon).
2. Go to the “Blocking” or “Privacy Protection” section.
3. Select “Black List” or “Call Filter”.

Method 2. Through settings SIM-maps (works on two-symbol models): Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Settings SIM-map → Locking down calls.

Method 3. Through search by settings:

Swipe down the main screen, type in the search bar “blacklist” – the system will show all possible ways.

If none of these methods worked, check if the lock function in Developer Settings is disabled.

1. Activate Developer Mode: Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 times).
2. Return to Settings → “Advanced” → “For Developers”.
3. Find the item “Disable call filtering” and make sure it is turned off.

3. How to add a number to the blacklist: step-by-step instructions

Adding a number to a blacklist on Xiaomi takes no more than 10 seconds, but there are a few nuances: for example, you can block not only specific numbers, but also entire prefixes (for example, all calls with a code). +375) or hidden numbers. Here's how to do it:

Step 1. Add through the call log:

1. Open the Phone app and go to the Journal tab.
2. Find the desired number, click on it and select “Block”.
3. Confirm the action in the pop-up window.

Step 2. Manual entry of the number:

1. Open the “Black List” (see Section 1).
2. Click "Add" (the "+" icon in the upper right corner).
3. Enter the number manually or select from the contacts.
4. Specify the type of lock: “Calls”, “Messages” or “Everything”.

Step 3: Block hidden numbers:

In the same Blacklist section, activate the Block Hidden Numbers switch, and all calls from unknown numbers (such as Unknown or Private) will be automatically rejected.

Make sure the number is entered without errors.|Check if it has already been added to the list.|Select the correct type of lock (calls/sms)|Save the changes (sometimes you need to click "Done")-->

On some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 11T or Redmi K50) There's an option called "Keyword Block," which allows you to automatically send spam messages that contain certain phrases (e.g., "you won a prize") to activate it: Settings. → Annexes → Communications → Spam filter → Keywords.

⚠️ Note: If you block a number through the Messages app, it will automatically be added to the blacklist for calls, but not vice versa. To synchronize locks, only use the settings of the Phone app».

4.How to Manage a Blacklist: Editing, Exporting and Recovery

A blacklist on Xiaomi is not a static set of numbers. You can edit it, export it to another phone, or restore it after a reset. Here's how it works:

Editing of numbers:

1. Open the “Black List” (see Section 1).
2. Click on the desired number and select “Edit”.
3. Change the type of lock or delete the number completely.

Exports of the blacklist:

Unfortunately, MIUI It does not provide an integrated function of export locks, but there is a workaround:

1. Install a file manager with access to system folders (e.g. MiXplorer).
2. Cross the path. /data/data/com.android.phone/files/.
3. Find the file. blacklist.xml And copy it to a memory card.
4. To import to another phone, place the file in the same folder and restart the device.

Recovery after discharge:

If you have made a reset, the blacklist can be restored from a backup. MIUI:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → Backup.
2. Select the last copy and click “Restore”.
3. Make sure that the “Application Settings” option is enabled in the reservation settings.

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If you change Xiaomi phones frequently, link your Mi Account to the device, in which case the blacklist will automatically sync between devices via the cloud (starting with the cloud). MIUI 13).

5. Common blacklist problems and their solutions

Even after you set up the blacklist correctly, Xiaomi users face unexpected problems: blocked numbers keep calling, the list itself clears, or the feature doesn't work at all.

Problem 1: The locked numbers still ring.

Causes and solutions:

• 📵 Added number to SMS lock only: Check that the All type is selected (calls) + message).
• 🔄 Reset the Phone app settings: Reboot your phone or clear the app cache.
• 📱 Double. SIM-Card: Make sure the lock is applied to the correct SIM (Each card has a separate blacklist).
• 🛠️ Firmware error: On some versions MIUI 13 for Redmi Note 11 there is a bug that locks only after the “Smart Assistant” function is disabled in call settings.

Issue 2: Blacklist is empty after update

This is a typical situation when moving from MIUI 12 on 13/14. The data is not lost, but it is not accessible through the interface:

1. Install a third-party locking app (like Truecaller) and import data from the system file blacklist.xml.
2. Make a rollback to the previous version MIUI (If the update is recent).

Problem 3: You can't add a number to a blacklist.

If the "Add" button is inactive:

• 🔒 Check if there are restrictions in Family Control settings (relevant for children’s accounts).
• 📲 Remove the cache of the Phone and Contact apps in Settings → Annexes → Application management.
• 🛡️ Turn it off. VPN Antivirus – they can block access to system functions.

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If after all the manipulations, the blacklist does not work, check whether the Spam Filtering function is disabled in the operator settings. At some tariffs, mobile operators (for example, MTS or Beeline) intercept locks at the network level, ignoring the phone settings.

6. Hidden functions of the black list: what can MIUI, but not public

Few people know, but in MIUI There are hidden blacklisting opportunities that are not documented in the official certificate:

1. Geolocation locking

Starting with MIUI 13, you can block calls from certain countries or regions:

1. Open the “Black List” in the “Security” app.
2. Select "Filter by Region".
3. Mark the countries you want to block calls from (e.g., “Everybody except Russia”).

2. Automatically add spam numbers Xiaomi collaborates with spam number databases (e.g. Truecaller or Hiya) to activate this feature: Settings → Annexes → Phone. → Identification and blocking of spam → Turn on.

3.A blacklist for Wi-Fi calls

If you use Wi-Fi Calling, the number lock will work for Internet calls, but you need to:

1. Enable Wi-Fi Calling in the settings SIM-map.
2. Make sure that the “Black List” has the option “Block VoIP calls”.

4. Lock logs MIUI Maintains a hidden log of all blocked calls and SMS to see: → Annexes → Phone. → Warehouse → Data data → Calllog.db file (root access or file manager with superuser rights required).

7. Blacklist on other Xiaomi devices: smart watches, routers, tablets

The number lock function is not only on Xiaomi smartphones, for example, on the Mi Band 7 or Xiaomi Watch smartwatches. S3 You can set up notification filtering, and on Xiaomi Mi Routers, you can block unwanted devices on the network.

Smart watches and fitness bracelets:

On the Mi Band or Xiaomi Watch blacklist in the classic sense, but you can:

• 📴 Disable notifications from specific applications (e.g., calls from unknown numbers).
• 🔕 Set up “Do Not Disturb” for sleep or appointments.
• 📱 Synchronize locks with your smartphone (if the watch is connected to your Mi Account).

To set up filtering: Mi Fitness app → Device profile → Notifications → Call filter.

Xiaomi routers:

On the routers Xiaomi Mi Router 4A/5/6 There is a “Device Blacklist” feature that blocks access to the network for specific devices. MAC-This is useful if you want to restrict access to Wi-Fi for other people's gadgets.

How to set up:

1. Open the router web interface (192.168.31.1).
2. Go to “Device Management» → «Blacklist».
3. Add in. MAC-The address of the device you want to block.

Xiaomi Tablets (Pad) 5/6):

On Xiaomi tablets, the blacklist works the same way as on smartphones, but with one caveat: if you use the tablet for calls (with the help of the phone). SIM-The lock will only be valid for calls over the mobile network. For VoIP calls (for example, via WhatsApp or Skype), you need to configure the lock in the applications themselves.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions About Xiaomi’s Blacklist