Spam calls from scammers, intrusive loan offers and advertising robots are the problems faced by every second owner of a Xiaomi smartphone. 2026 The number of unwanted calls has increased by 32% Compared to last year, Russia has entered the top-10 countries by number of spam calls, MIUI Offers several built-in tools to combat this scourge – from basic settings to hidden features.
In this article, we will discuss 5 proven methods to block unknown numbers on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO – from standard options in the phone menu to third-party apps and operator settings. We will focus on the nuances for different versions of MIUI (12 to 14) and smartphone models. You will learn how to filter not only hidden numbers, but also suspicious international calls, and learn how to set up a whitelist for important contacts.
Before you get to the instructions, check the firmware version: Settings path → About phone → MIUI version. This will help avoid confusion – some features may be missing on older builds or require a pre-update.
1. Built-in locking of unknown numbers in MIUI
The easiest way to weed out spam is to use the standard MIUI functionality. Depending on the firmware version, the path to settings may vary slightly, but the overall algorithm is maintained. Consider the universal manual for Xiaomi based on MIUI 13/14:
- Open the Phone app (the tube icon on the home screen).
- Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Settings.
- Go to the section "Number Lock" (or "Spam and Lock" on some models).
- Activate the switch to Lock Unknown Numbers.
- For additional protection, enable the option to filter spam calls (requires an Internet connection).
An important nuance: on smartphones with MIUI 12 and below, this section may be called the Blacklist, and the option to block unknown numbers is sometimes hidden behind an additional menu. If you do not find the right item, update the firmware or use alternative methods from the following sections.
Is the option "Block Unknown Numbers" enabled?
Is the spam call filter activated?
Are important contacts added to the exceptions?
Is the firmware updated to the latest version?-->
This method blocks up to 85% of spam calls, but has a limitation: it does not work with numbers that masquerade as local (for example, scammers often substitute city codes +7 495, +7 812).
2.Setting up a whitelist for important contacts
If you want your phone to accept calls from only saved contacts, use the whitelist feature, which is for those who receive a lot of business correspondence and want to avoid accidentally blocking important calls.
- 📱 Open the Settings. → Annexes → Phone. → Number locking.
- 🔄 Select Lock Mode → Contacts only (or Whitelist on older versions).
- ✅ Add numbers from Contacts, Call Log or enter manually.
- 🔔 Remember to save the changes – some Xiaomi models reset settings after reboot.
Warning: In this mode, you risk missing important calls from new customers, delivery services or doctors, and we recommend combining the whitelist with other blocking methods, such as application for identification of numbers.
Every day.
Several times a week
Nearby
Very rarely.-->
| Locking method | Efficiency | Cons | It's good for MIUI. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blocking of unknown numbers | 85% | Do not block fake local numbers | 12–14 |
| Whitelist | 99% | Risk of missing important calls | 11–14 |
| Third-party annexes | 90–95% | Requires access to contacts | Anybody. |
| Operator settings | 70–80% | Paid services from some providers | Anybody. |
3.Use of third-party applications to block spam
Built-in tools MIUI They don't always cope with modern spam methods. For enhanced protection, we recommend installing specialized applications.-3 solutions for Xiaomi in 2026 year:
- Truecaller is a market leader with a database of 500 million numbers, recognizes fraudsters by the first digits, supports the Russian interface and integrates with the Xiaomi Phone as a system application.
- GetContact is an alternative with a focus on privacy, showing callers' names even for unsaved numbers, blocking them. SMS-Disadvantage: Free version limits the number of blocks per month.
- Who's calling? (from Mail.ru) -- optimized for Russian operators, recognizes bank fraudsters and collectors, works without the Internet after the first synchronization.
To make these applications work effectively, give them permissions to:
- Settings → Applications → Permissions → Phone (access to calls).
- Settings → Applications → Permissions → SMS (to block messages).
- Settings → Battery and Performance → Autostart permissions (to keep the application running in the background).
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Before installing third-party apps, check their Google Play rankings and reviews for the past 3 months – scammers often masquerade as anti-spam services.
Attention! Some applications (e.g. Truecaller) may conflict with the built-in MIUI lock. If standard settings stop working after installation, reset the Phone app cache via Settings → Applications → Application Management → Phone → Clear cache.
4. Locking at the operator level
If software methods don't work, you can use your mobile operator, all major providers offer free or paid spam filtering options, and consider the capabilities of popular carriers:
- 📡 MTS: Spam Protection (free of charge) USSD-code *111*789# Or in a private office, locking it down. 90% scam.
- 📡 Beeline: Antispam option" (30 RUB/month. Connects through *110*789#. Additional filtering SMS.
- 📡 MegaFon: Spam filter service (free for All Inclusive rates) activated in the app or on command *105*789#.
- 📡 Television2: "Protection from fraudsters (included in the packages "My body"2"). Customization through USSD *220*1#.
Operator filters work at the network level, so they block calls before they reach your smartphone, which reduces battery load and does not require the installation of additional applications.
⚠️ Attention: Network filters sometimes mistakenly block legitimate calls from banks or delivery services. If you are waiting for an important call, temporarily disconnect the service through the operator's personal account.
To check the status of the block, send USSD-*789# request – most operators send a response with the current anti-spam settings.
5. Hidden MIUI settings for power users
If standard methods do not help, you can use hidden functions. MIUI, available through the engineering menu or ADB-These are the ways that advanced users can take risks with the stability of the system.
How to open an engineering menu on Xiaomi
A more secure method is to use ADB (Android Debug Bridge).
- Turn on USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (tap 7 times on build number, then go back to Additional Settings → For Developers).
- Connect your phone to your PC and execute the command: adb shell settings put global block_unknown_callers 1 This will force the blocking of unknown numbers at the system level.
Warning: Misuse of ADB can disrupt your phone.Before experimenting, back up through Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset.
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Hidden MIUI settings allow you to block calls even on custom firmware, but require technical knowledge. For most users, standard methods from sections 1-3 are enough.
6. Additional measures: how to reduce the number of spam calls
In addition to technical solutions, simple rules of behavior will help to reduce the flow of unwanted calls:
- 🔍 Do not publish your number in the public domain (social networks, forums, ads). Scammers collect databases through parsing public pages.
- 📋 Use the second number to register on sites and services. SIM (For example, from Tinkoff Mobile or Yota, they cost from 50 rubles / month.
- 🚫 Avoid "free" services that require a phone number, often a contact trap.
- 🔄 Regularly (every 3 months) update your spam application databases. Truecaller does this through Settings. → Updating the base.
If spam calls are targeted (for example, after your data is leaked), consider changing the number. Operators offer this service free of charge when documenting the threat (for example, screenshots of fraudulent SMS).