How to get a contact from the blacklist on Xiaomi: all working methods

The blacklist on Xiaomi smartphones is a useful feature for blocking annoying calls and messages, but sometimes users face the opposite problem: how to unlock a contact if it was added there by mistake or the situation has changed. Unlike other manufacturers, MIUI hides this option in an unobvious way, and in some cases (for example, after resetting), standard methods stop working.

In this article, we will look at all the current ways to remove numbers from the blacklist, from basic (via the phone menu) to advanced (using ADB and system files), pay special attention to the typical errors that can cause contact to stick in the lock, and explain why some methods do not work on all Redmi, POCO or Mi models.

1. Standard method: through phone settings

The easiest method is to use the built-in MIUI tools, which are suitable for most modern Xiaomi smartphones (starting with MIUI 12 and later) and does not require additional programs.

1. Open the Phone app (the tube icon on the home screen).
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Settings.
3. Go to the section "Block numbers" (or "Black list" in old versions).
4. In the list of blocked contacts, find the desired number and swipe it left or click on the basket icon.
5. Confirm the removal in the dialog box.

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI Global for the European market) section "Block" may be called Spam and Block. If you can't see this item, update the Phone app via Google Play.

The number is really locked (try calling from another phone)|

You have the latest version of the Phone app |

There are no duplicate entries in the settings (e.g. +7 and 8)|

Google Contacts sync is disabled (if used)

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If the number continues to be blocked after deleting, check:

• 📱 Duplicate contacts: Sometimes the same number is added to the blacklist several times (e.g. in formats). +79123456789 and 89123456789).
• 🔄 Sync: If sync with Google Contacts or Mi Account is enabled, the lock can be restored after a reboot.
• 🛠️ Updates: B MIUI 14+ The locking algorithm has changed – old methods may not work.

2. via the Contacts app (if the number is saved)

If you have a locked number in your phone book, you can unlock it directly through the Contacts app, which is convenient when you do not remember whether you added the number to the blacklist manually or system software did it (for example, after complaining about spam).

Instructions:

1. Open the “Contacts” and find the number you need.
2. Slip on the contact, then click Edit (pencil icon).
3. Scroll down to the Additional or More section.
4. Find the switch to Lock the contact and turn it off.
5. Save the changes.

💡 If you have multiple numbers in contact, check each individually – locking can only be applied to one of them.

On some firmware (e.g. MIUI for India), the lock option is hidden deeper.

1. Open the contact and click on the three dots in the top corner.
2. Select View in the blacklist.
3. Delete the number from there.

3. Use of Google Contacts (for synchronized accounts)

If your Xiaomi smartphone is linked to a Google account, the number lock can be duplicated in the cloud, which means that even after being removed from the local blacklist, the number will remain locked.

Method 1: Through the Web Version

1. Open contacts.google.com on your computer or phone.
2. Sign in under the same account as on your smartphone.
3. Find the contact in the list and open it.
4. Press three points. → Control of lockdown.
5. Uncheck the checkbox to block this number.

Method 2: Through the Google Contacts app

• 📲 Install the official Google Contacts app (if not available).
• 🔍 Find a blocked contact and open it.
• 🔗 Press three points. → Unlock.

⚠️ Note: After changes to Google Contacts, wait for sync (usually takes 1-5 minutes). If the number is blocked anyway, check the sync settings in your Accounts. → Google → Synchronization of contacts.

Through the Phone app |

Through Contacts |

Through Google Contacts |

I'm using third-party apps |

I don't block numbers.

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Advanced Method: via ADB (for power users)

If standard methods fail (for example, due to a MIUI failure or after a failed update), you can remove the lock via Android Debug Bridge (ADB).This method requires connecting the smartphone to your computer and basic command line knowledge.

What you need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB Tools.
• 📱 Xiaomi smartphone with enabled debugging USB (Path: Settings → The phone. → Version. MIUI → 7 times tap to unlock the developer mode, then additionally → For developers → Debugging by USB).
• 🔌 USB-cable (preferably original).

Step-by-step:

1. Connect your smartphone to your computer and confirm the debugging permission on the phone screen.
2. Open the command prompt (cmd on Windows or Terminal on macOS/Linux) and type:

adb devices

(Your device name should appear as a confirmation of your connection.)

1. Enter a command to view the blocked numbers:

adb shell content query --uri content://call_log/blacklist

1. Find the line with the desired number in the output and copy it id (for example, id=15).
2. Remove the lock by the command:

adb shell content delete --uri content://call_log/blacklist --where "_id=15"

(Replace 15 with the real ID from your output.)

⚠️ Attention: Misuse of the right ADB This can cause your phone to malfunction. If you're not sure what you're doing, skip this method or see a specialist.

💡

ADB is the only way to remove “sticky” locks that don’t disappear after resetting settings or updating MIUI.

5. Reset lock settings (extreme case)

If none of the methods worked and the number is still blocked, the problem may be in the damaged MIUI system files, in which case a partial reset that does not affect user data will help.

How to reset the lock settings:

1. Go to Settings → Memory → Backup and Reset.
2. Select Reset App Settings (not to be confused with a full reset!).
3. Confirm the action. The phone will reboot.

After the reboot:

• 🔄 Check the blacklist – it should be blank.
• 📱 Add the number again (if necessary) and make sure the lock is not restored.
• ☁️ Turn off blacklist sync with Mi Account (if enabled) to avoid adding again.

Important: This method removes all user-defined application settings (including saved Wi-Fi networks and permissions) but does not affect photos, messages, and installed programs.

6 Problems and Solutions: Why the Number Is Not Unlocked

Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the number is removed from the blacklist, but calls still do not pass.

💡 Useful tip: If you suspect that the lock is applied at the level SIM-Cards (for example, via operator service), temporarily insert the card into another phone and check if calls are making it through.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the blacklist on Xiaomi