Xiaomi smartphone owners regularly face the need to block intrusive calls from spammers, collectors or former acquaintances. Unlike the iPhone, where the blacklist function is hidden in the depths of iOS, MIUI firmware offers several ways to add a number to emergencies, from standard tools to hidden features of the engineering menu. However, not all users know that locking works differently depending on the firmware version and phone model (for example, on the Redmi Note 12 and POCO F5 algorithms may differ).
In this article, we will discuss 5 current methods of adding numbers to the blacklist on Xiaomi devices, including little-known tricks to bypass the restrictions of the operator. +375) and why the lock doesn't work and how to fix it. MIUI 12, 13 and 14 – in the new builds, the menu interface has changed dramatically.
1. Standard method: through the application "Phone"
The most obvious method is to use the built-in Phone app (the handset icon), which works on all Xiaomi devices, including the budget Redmi A2 and the flagship Xiaomi 14 Ultra. The main advantage is that you do not need to install third-party programs, and lock is applied instantly.
Instructions:
- 📱 Open the Phone app and go to the Log tab (watch icon at the bottom of the screen).
- 🔍 Find the number you want to lock, and click on it. In the window that opens, tap three dots (⋮) top-right.
- 🚫 Select the item Block the number → The number will be automatically added to the blacklist.
- ✅ To check the list of blocked contacts, go to the phone settings → Number locking.
An important nuance: in MIUI 14, the number disappears from the call log after blocking, while in MIUI 12 it remains gray. If you need to save the history (for example, for evidence), use alternative methods from the following sections.
Check the version of MIUI in Settings → About the phone
Make sure the number is saved in the log (not deleted)
Turn off the Do Not Disturb mode if it is active
Sync contacts with Mi Account (optional)-->
2. Blocking through system settings (MIUI 13/14)
In the new firmware versions, Xiaomi has added a separate menu to manage the blacklist, which duplicates the functions of the Phone app, but offers advanced options. SMS-spammer-mail.
How to find this menu:
- Open Settings → scroll down to the App section.
- Select Number Lock (some models call it Spam and Lock).
- Tap Add to the blacklist → manually enter the number or select from the log/contacts.
- Activate the Block Messages Switch if you want to disable SMS.
Features of the method:
- 🔄 V MIUI 14 Here comes the function of Keyword Blocking – you can prohibit calls from numbers containing certain numbers (for example, all numbers with a number). +7999).
- 📊 The menu displays statistics of blocked calls for a week / month.
- ⚠️ Warning: If you reset your phone to factory settings, the blacklist will be cleared. To avoid this, export it to the file (Import/Export option in the same menu).
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If the number you are blocking belongs to a bank or delivery service, add it to the Exceptions in the Do Not Disturb settings, so you will not miss important notifications, but block spam.
3.Use of the Engineering Menu (for Advanced)
Few people know, but Xiaomi has a hidden engineering menu through which you can control the lock at the modem level.This method is useful if standard methods do not work (for example, after updating the firmware) or if you need to lock the number at the level SIM-cards, not phones.
Step-by-step:
- Open the phone app and enter the combination: ##4636##
- In the menu that appears, select Phone Information (or Phone Information).
- Scroll down to the Blacklist block.
- Enter the number in +7XXXXXXXXXX (required with country code!) and click Add.
Advantages of the method:
- 🛡️ The lock works even if the caller has hidden his number (Call). ID blocked at the network level).
- 🔧 You can add up to 100 numbers (versus 50 in the standard menu).
- 📶 Works regardless of firmware - suitable for devices with custom ROM (For example, LineageOS).
⚠️ Warning: Incorrect actions in the engineering menu can cause a mobile network to crash. Do not change other settings unless you are sure of their purpose!
What to do if the engineering menu is not opened?
4. Blocking through Google Contacts (synchronization)
If you use Google Contacts for sync, you can lock the number through the web version of the service – this is convenient when the phone is unavailable (for example, lost or discharged).
How to do this:
- Open contacts.google.com on your computer and log in.
- Find the contact you want to block and open your card.
- Press three points (⋮) → Lock the room.
- Confirm action. The lock syncs with the phone for 5-10 minutes.
Limitations of the method:
- ❌ Does not work for numbers not stored in contacts.
- ❌ It only blocks calls, but it doesn't. SMS (unlike the standard menu MIUI).
- ✅ But the lock is valid on all devices with this Google account, including tablets and other phones.
| Locking method | It works without the internet. | Blocking SMS. | Synchronizes with the cloud | Max. Number of rooms. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phone appendix | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. | 50 |
| MIUI settings | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. | 100 |
| Engineering menu | ✅ Yes. | ❌ No. | ❌ No. | 100 |
| Google Contacts | ❌ No. | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. | Unlimitedly |
Third-party applications: when standard methods are insufficient
If Xiaomi’s built-in tools don’t work (e.g. spammers use different numbers or swap Caller ID), third-party software will help. We tested 3 apps that reliably block calls even where standard methods are powerless.
Top.-3 lock-in:
- 🛡️ Truecaller – detects spam numbers from a database of 300 million records, blocks SMS Minus: requires registration and access to contacts.
- 🔒 Blacklist Plus – allows you to create mask lock rules (for example, all numbers with a code) +375) Works without the Internet.
- 📵 Should I Answer? — analyzes real-time numbers and warns about scammers. Supports Russian-language spammer database.
How to set up Truecaller on Xiaomi:
- Install the app from Google Play and complete the registration.
- In Xiaomi settings, go to Apps → Permissions → Autostart and enable Autostart for Truecaller.
- In the app itself, activate options: Block → Block spam Block → Block hidden numbers Settings → Integration with your phone
⚠️ Note: Some applications (such as Truecaller) may conflict with the built-in lock MIUI. If after installation, the standard emergency rules stopped working, disable third-party software or add numbers again.
Standard Phone application
MIUI settings
Engineering menu
Google Contacts
Third-party annexes (specify in the comments)
Don't block it.-->
Frequent problems and their solutions
Even after adding a number to the blacklist, Xiaomi users sometimes find that calls keep coming in. Let's look at the typical reasons and ways to fix them.
Problem 1: Calls pass despite blocking
- 🔄 Reason: The number is saved in several formats (e.g, +79123456789 and 89123456789).
- 🛠️ Solution: Add all possible room options, including international format, to the emergency.
Problem 2: Lock is reset after rebooting
- 🔄 Cause: Failure of the service com.android.phone (responsible for calls).
- 🛠️ Solution: Go to Settings → Annexes → Application management. Find the phone. → Warehouse → Clear the cache, restart the phone and add the numbers to the emergency.
Problem 3: You can’t add a number to an emergency (button is inactive)
- 🔄 Reason: Operator restrictions (for example, MTS or Beeline block access to certain functions).
- 🛠️ Solution: Try inserting SIM-map of another operator and try again. Use the engineering menu (section 3) or third-party applications.
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If the lock does not work on Xiaomi with two SIM-check which of them are used for the rules of emergency. In the locking settings you can choose SIM 1, SIM 2 or both.