How to permanently block hidden and unknown numbers on Xiaomi

Hidden and unknown numbers have become a real headache for owners of Xiaomi smartphones, with swapped numbers, fraudulent schemes and intrusive spam not only annoying, but also creating real security risks. MIUI They don’t always cope with these challenges – many users complain that hidden numbers keep getting through filters.

In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to block hidden and unknown numbers on Xiaomi devices, including little-known system settings, third-party applications and even methods at the carrier level. MIUI, What apps really work, and what to do if calls keep coming despite all the locks. Special emphasis will be on the unique firmware chips Xiaomi.HyperOS, which appeared in 2026 and allow you to fight hidden numbers more effectively than before.

Why is the standard lock in the MIUI It doesn't work with hidden numbers.

The main problem is how Xiaomi handles incoming calls with hidden identities, unlike regular numbers that can be added to the blacklist through Contacts. → Locks, hidden numbers (Unknown, Hidden Number, Private Number) don't have a unique ID. The system just doesn't know what to block.

Here are the key reasons for the ineffectiveness of standard methods:

• 📱 No ID: Hidden numbers do not contain data to be added to the blacklist. MIUI Blocks only specific numbers, not call types.
• 🔄 Caller swap ID: Scammers use Spoofing technology when a number is displayed as Unknown, but it is actually a regular number that changes with each call.
• 📡 Operator restrictions: Some mobile operators (especially virtual ones) do not transmit information about the caller, which is why they do not provide information about the caller. MIUI Cannot recognize the call as spam.
• 🛠️ Outdated spam databases: Xiaomi’s built-in spam number database updates less frequently than specialized apps like Truecaller.

Interestingly, the latest versions of Xiaomi.HyperOS (starting in 2026) introduced an experimental feature called Advanced Call Filtering, which attempts to analyze incoming call behavior, but it is disabled by default and does not work on all models, and we will explain how to activate it in one of the following sections.

Method 1: Blocking through standard settings MIUI

Despite the limitations, in MIUI There are a few built-in tools that can help reduce spam calls. Let's take a look at them in order.

Including a spam filter in the "Phone" application

The easiest way is to activate the built-in spam filter:

1. Open the phone application (pipe icon).
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Settings.
3. Go to Block and Filter (or Spam filter in newer versions).
4. Activate the switches: Spam filter (main filter) Block hidden numbers (if there is one) Show a spam warning (to see suspicious calls)

On some models (for example, Redmi Note 12 or POCO X5) This section might be called Security and Security. If you have Xiaomi.HyperOS, the path is: Phone. → Settings → Security → Call filter.

Enable spam filter in your phone settings|

Activate the option "Block Hidden Numbers" (if available)|

Update the spam number database manually|

Check the permissions for the "Phone" application"-->

Manual addition of "unknown" numbers to the blacklist

If, after a call from a hidden number, it appears in the log as an Unknown or Hidden Number, you can try to block it:

1. Open the call log.
2. Find the record with the hidden number and click on it.
3. Choose Block or Add to the Blacklist.
4. Confirm the action.

Unfortunately, this method doesn't always work -- some hidden numbers aren't saved in a log or are blocked for just one call. If calls keep coming after being blocked, move on to the next one.

⚠️ Note: On devices with Xiaomi.HyperOS, after blocking the hidden number, you may need to restart the phone to make the changes take effect.

Method 2: Using third-party applications to block

If embedded tools MIUI They can't do it, they can use specialized applications to help them, and they use their own spam databases and more flexible filtering algorithms.

2.1 Truecaller is the best solution for identifying hidden numbers

Truecaller is the most popular spam blocking app that can recognize even hidden numbers thanks to crowdsourcing technology (data is collected from millions of users).

How to set up:

1. Download Truecaller from Google Play.
2. Register (you can use Google or phone number).
3. In the application settings, activate: Spam Blocking Hidden Number Identification (in Settings section) → Challenges) Automatic database update

Blacklist.

Unknown.

Hidden.

Advantages of Truecaller:

• 🔍 Recognises up to 80% of hidden numbers (according to the company).
• 📊 Daily update of spam number database.
• 🛡️ The ability to create your own locking rules.

Disadvantages:

• 📱 Requires a lot of permissions (access to contacts, calls, SMS).
• 💰 There's an ad on the free version.
• 🔄 Sometimes it is wrong to block legitimate calls (e.g. from banks).

💡

If Truecaller doesn't block hidden numbers, try turning off the "Show Caller ID" option in the app settings and turning on "Block All Unknown Numbers." This is a radical method, but it works 90% of the time.

Alternative applications: Should I Answer? and Hiya

If Truecaller isn’t right for you, consider these options:

For maximum protection, you can use Truecaller along with Should I Answer? — they complement each other. However, keep in mind that several applications for blocking calls can conflict and reduce the performance of the phone.

Method 3: Locking at the operator level

If software methods don't work, you can block hidden numbers directly from your mobile operator, which is the most reliable way, because filtering happens before the call reaches your phone.

3.1 How to block hidden numbers from popular operators

Instructions for the main Russian operators (current for 2026):

• 📡 MTS: Dial it up *111*789# and follow the instructions. Or send them. SMS with the text Block Hidden by Number 111.
• 📡 Beeline: Dial *110*789#. Or activate the service "Antispam" through your personal account.
• 📡 MegaFon: Dial it up *105*789#. Or turn on “Spam Protection” in the mobile app.
• 📡 Television2: Dial it *220*1#. Or send it. SMS texted 2200.

Most operators have a free service to block hidden numbers, but sometimes it is included in paid protection packages (for example, "Antispam Plus" from MTS).

⚠️ Attention: Operator-level locking may delay incoming calls to 2-3 If you care about connection speed (for example, for business calls), this method can be inconvenient.

How to check if the locking is working for the operator

To ensure that the service is activated:

1. Call from another phone, hiding your number (dial *31# before the number).
2. If the call fails, the lock works.
3. If the call came - contact the operator support and specify the settings.

Some operators (e.g. Yota or Tinkoff Mobile) do not allow the ability to block hidden numbers, in which case you can rely only on software methods.

💡

Operator-level locking is the most reliable method, as filtering occurs before a phone call reaches the phone, but it can conflict with some business services (e.g., calls from banks from hidden numbers).

Method 4: Hidden features of Xiaomi.HyperOS to block spam

In 2026, Xiaomi released a new firmware Xiaomi.HyperOS, which introduced additional tools to combat spam.These features are hidden in the depth of settings and are not documented, but they can significantly improve call filtering.

Activation of the extended call filter

This feature analyzes the behavior of incoming calls and blocks suspicious ones according to several criteria (frequency, time, lack of an ID).

How to turn on:

1. Open the phone settings.
2. Go to Applications → Application Management → Phone.
3. Press Warehouse and Cache → Data management.
4. Enable the Advanced Call Filtering (can be called Experimental Functions) switch.
5. Reboot the phone.

Once activated, the system will block:

• 📞 Calls with suspicious frequency (e.g. 3 calls in a row from different numbers).
• 🕵️ Numbers that hide their caller ID.
• 🌍 Calls from "gray" countries (based on geolocation).

4.2. Set up the locking rules through ADB (advanced)

If you are ready to dive into the technical details, you can manually set the rules of locking through the ADB (Android Debug Bridge.This method is suitable for users who have experience with the command line.

Instructions:

1. Install ADB Tools on your computer.
2. Turn on the debugging. USB on the phone (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI → Press 7 times, then additionally → For developers → Debugging by USB).
3. Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell settings put global block_unknown_callers 1 This command includes blocking all unknown numbers at the system level.
4. Use the following: Adb shell settings put global block_private_callers 1

To get it back, replace 1 with 0 in the commands.

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB It can disrupt your phone. Before experimenting, back up your data through Settings. → Additionally. → Backup and reset.

Method 5: Radical methods – complete blocking of unknown calls

If you're tired of spam, and you're willing to sacrifice convenience for silence, you can take radical measures, and these methods block all incoming calls from unsaved contacts.

Setting "Do Not Disturb" for Unknown Numbers

V MIUI There is a Do Not Disturb feature that can be configured so that it misses calls only from contacts:

1. Open Settings → Sound and vibration → Do not disturb.
2. Select Allow Calls from.
3. Just make contacts.
4. Activate the mode.

All calls from unsaved numbers (including hidden ones) will be automatically reset, and the method is that you can miss important calls, for example, from courier services or new customers.

5.2. The use of two SIM-spam filtering cards

If your Xiaomi has a slot for two SIM-You can use one card for personal contacts and the other for everything else:

1. Set the main one. SIM slot 1, and the second (for example, virtual operator) - slot 2.
2. In the phone settings (Settings) → SIM-Maps and mobile networks, turn off incoming calls SIM-2.
3. Hand out number two. SIM only those who can call from hidden numbers (e.g. banks or delivery services).

This approach separates important calls from spam, and the downside is the need to buy a second one. SIM-Cards and additional maintenance costs.

What to do if nothing helps: extreme measures

If you've tried all the methods, but spam calls keep pestering you, there are a few extreme solutions that require more effort, but are guaranteed to solve the problem.

Change of telephone number

The most radical, but also the most effective way is to change the number, which makes sense if:

• 📞 Your number has been accessed by spammers (for example, after a data breach).
• 💳 You often get calls from scammers posing as banks.
• 🏢 Your number is used for business purposes and has become a target for spam bots.

When changing number:

• 🔄 Only provide a new number to trusted contacts.
• 📋 Do not publish it in open sources (social networks, forums, ads).
• 🛡️ Configure all available locking methods on the new number.

Transition to a virtual PBX or second number

If changing the main number is not possible, consider the options:

• 📱 Virtual numbers (such as Zadarma or Mango Office) – you can configure forwarding and filtering.
• 💳 Bank virtual numbers – some banks (such as Tinkoff) offer additional numbers for security.
• 📡 Virtual Line apps (e.g. Google Voice if you have access to overseas services).

These solutions separate personal calls from potential spam, but require additional costs and customization.

6.3. Contact Xiaomi Support

If the problem is massive (for example, after a firmware update, all Xiaomi users in your region have encountered spam calls), it makes sense to report it to official support:

• 🌍 Through a support website.
• 📧 By e-mail: support@xiaomi.com (for global versions; or ru_support@xiaomi.com (for Russia).
• 📱 Through the official Mi Community (Bug Report).

In the letter, specify:

• The phone model and the MIUI/HyperOS version.
• Examples of spam numbers (if they are displayed in the log).
• Screenshots of lock settings.

Sometimes, after mass complaints, Xiaomi releases patches that improve spam filtering.

FAQ: Frequent questions about blocking hidden numbers on Xiaomi