The blacklist on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones isnβt just a feature to block unwanted calls; itβs a powerful tool to protect against spam, scams and annoying contacts that many users donβt use to the fullest. Unlike standard Android devices, Redmi phones have their own lock implementation with advanced settings hidden in the depths of MIUI.
The problem is that the manufacturer regularly changes the layout of this section depending on the version of the shell, where in Redmi Note 12 the blacklist is in one menu, in Redmi 10 it is in another, and in older models on MIUI 11 it is generally necessary to search through the Security app. We have collected current methods for all versions of the firmware, including hidden methods of access through the engineering menu.
What is a blacklist on Xiaomi Redmi and how does it work?
The blacklist in Xiaomi Redmi is a system mechanism for blocking incoming calls and SMS from certain numbers. Unlike the standard Android blocker, it works at the MIUI firmware level and has several key features:
- π Not only does it block calls, but it also blocks calls. SMS/MMS message
- π Filters spam numbers on the Xiaomi database (if synchronization is enabled)
- π± Works even when the Internet is turned off (blocking at the level of the communication module)
- π Can automatically add numbers from spam call logs
It is important to understand that the blacklist does not block numbers in messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram) β it works only with traditional calls and SMS. It also does not affect notifications from system applications or Google services.
The latest versions of MIUI 14/15 have introduced a Smart Lock feature that analyzes subscriber behavior, for example, if a number calls you 3 times in a row for 5 minutes, the system can automatically prompt it to be blocked.
Official way: where to find a blacklist in standard settings
The easiest method is through the standard Phone app, which is relevant for Redmi Note 11/12/13, Redmi 10/9 and other models on MIUI 12-15:
- Open the "Phone" application (pipe icon)
- Click on three dots in the upper right corner β select Settings
- Go to the section Block numbers or Blacklist (name depends on version)
- Here you will see all the locked numbers and can add new ones.
On some models (Redmi 8, Redmi 9A) the path may be different:
Phone β Magazine β Settings (cogs) β Blocking and Identification β BlacklistIf you can't find this section, check the version of MIUI in Settings β About Phone. On old firmware (MIUI 10-11), the blacklist could be hidden in the Security app.
Make sure the number is saved in the correct format (with country code)
Check if this contact has already been blocked.
Turn off sync with Google Contacts (may knock down settings)
Make a backup of contacts in case of failure-->
Alternative methods of accessing the blacklist
If the standard method doesnβt work (for example, after resetting or updating), try these options:
Through the Security app
This method is relevant for MIUI 11 and below:
- Open the Security app (shield icon)
- Go to the section Blocking or Privacy Protection
- Select Blacklist or Call Blocking
Through settings SIM-map
Some operators (MTS, Beeline) provide their own blocking tools:
β SIM- Maps and Mobile Networks β [Select SIM] β Additional settings β Call Lockβ οΈ Attention: Operator blocking may be charged for a fee. Please check with your provider before using it.
Through the Engineering Menu (for experienced users)
The dangers of the engineering menu
If standard methods do not help, you can try access through the hidden menu:
- Open the phone app.
- Enter the code ##4636##
- Go to the section Information about the phone
- Scroll down to the block of call locking
You can see the current lock settings in this menu, but it is not recommended to change them without special knowledge. Incorrect settings can lead to loss of the ability to call.
How to add a number to the blacklist on Xiaomi Redmi
Adding numbers to a blacklist can be done in several ways, and consider each of them:
Method 1: From the call log
- Open the phone app.
- Go to the Journal.
- Find the right number and click on it.
- In the menu that opens, select Block or Add to the blacklist.
- Confirm the action.
Method 2: Manually through settings
- Open the phone β Settings β Locking numbers
- Press Add Add Number
- Enter the number in the international format (for example +79123456789)
- Select the type of lock (calls, SMS or both)
- Save the changes.
Method 3: Import from a file
If you have a list of numbers in a text file, you can import them:
- Prepare a file with numbers (one number per line, format +79991234567)
- Keep it in your phone's memory.
- Go to the phone β Settings β Locking numbers
- Click on three dots in the top corner β Import/Export
- Select a file and confirm the import
β οΈ Note: When importing large lists (more than 100 numbers), delays in the communication module may occur.
π‘
To quickly block the spam number, it is enough during the incoming call to press the drop button and select "Block" in the window that appears.
How to remove a number from the blacklist
Deleting the numbers from the lock is done through the same section where you added them.
- Open the phone β Settings β Locking numbers
- Find the number in the list you want to unlock.
- Swipe left on the number or click on it
- Choose to Delete or Unblock
- Confirm the action.
If you want to delete all the numbers at once:
- In the lock section, click on the three dots in the top corner.
- Choose Delete Everything or Clear the List
- Confirm the action (a password may be required)
On some models (Redmi 7, Redmi 8A) for mass removal you need:
Settings β Applications β Application Management β Phone β Memory β Clear dataβ οΈ Warning: Clearing the phone app data will not only remove the blacklist, but also the entire call log.
Blacklist problems and their solutions
Sometimes users are faced with blacklists that don't work or behave incorrectly, and here are the most common problems and ways to solve them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Numbers are not blocked. | Conflict with another blocker | Disable third-party blocking apps (Truecaller, Hiya) |
| List resets after reboot | The phone app cache is damaged. | Clean the cache in Settings β Applications β Phone β Memory |
| Can't add a number. | The place in the system section is over | Remove unnecessary numbers or reset your phone settings |
| Blocking all incoming | Failure in the settings of the communication module | Perform a network reset in Settings β SIM-map β Resetting network settings |
If none of the methods worked, try resetting your phone to factory settings. Before doing so, be sure to back up your data via Settings β About Phone β Backup.
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Before resetting, check if the "Block Unknown Numbers" function is enabled in the settings. SIM-Sometimes she's in conflict with the blacklist.
Hidden blacklisting features in Xiaomi Redmi
Few people know, but the blacklist in MIUI has a few hidden features that can be activated:
- π Automatic Spam Adding: Includes incoming call analysis and automatic blocking of suspicious numbers on Xiaomi database
- π Block statistics: Shows how many calls were blocked in a day/week/month
- π Block Notifications: You can set up alerts for blocked calls (useful for tracking scammers activity)
- π Cloud Sync: Saves a blacklist in Xiaomi account for porting to other devices
To activate these functions:
- Go to the phone β Settings β Locking numbers
- Click on the three dots in the top corner β Additional settings
- Activate the necessary options
Redmi models on MIUI 14+ have a "White List" feature, a mirrored blacklist option that allows you to take calls only from selected contacts, which is useful in "Do Not Disturb" mode for emergencies.