How to Remove Unknown Number Locks on Xiaomi: A Complete 2026 Guide

Xiaomi MIUI-based smartphones actively filter spam calls and messages, but sometimes this feature works too aggressively. Do you miss important calls from couriers, banks or new customers because the system automatically blocks "unknown" numbers? In this article, we will examine all the ways to disable lock manually - from basic settings to hidden developer settings.

Compounding the problem, different versions of MIUI (12, 13, 14) and different models (Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Xiaomi 13T) can take different paths to setup, and we have compiled the latest instructions for all modern devices, including the Google Phone and the standard Phone app, and you will learn how to check the blacklist and why some numbers still don’t pass.

Why Xiaomi is blocking unknown numbers

The MIUI call filtering function works on three mechanisms:

• 📱 Built-in spam filter – analyzes numbers through the database of Xiaomi and partners (for example, Truecaller in some regions).
• 🔍 Cloud Checking – Compares the incoming number to global blacklists of scammers.
• 📵 Local rules – blocks numbers without an ID (hidden or prefixed like this) +79xxxx nameless).

By default, the system blocks:

• 🚫 Numbers labeled as spam by other users (even if you haven’t blacklisted them).
• 🔢 Numbers with non-standard prefixes (e.g. virtual PBX or international codes).
• 📞 Calls without a caller transfer ID (subscriber ID).

In MIUI 14, the algorithm has become stricter, with the system now able to block even numbers from messengers (such as WhatsApp or Telegram) if they are not stored in contacts, due to tightening security policies after a wave of fraudulent schemes in 2023-2026.

Method 1: Disabling the spam filter in the phone settings

The easiest way is to deactivate the built-in spam protection.

1. Open the phone application (pipe icon).
2. Press three points (⋮) in the upper right corner and select Settings.
3. Go to Block and Spam Filter (or Spam Protection in older versions).
4. Turn off the sliders: 🛡️ Spam Call Filter 📵 Blocking of unknown numbers 🔍 Checking numbers in the cloud (if any)

In MIUI 14, the path may be slightly different: Settings → Apps → Phone → Permissions → Spam filter.

Application opens"|Verified version. MIUI (at "Settings" → The phone")|Contact backup made.|It is assumed that the shutdown will increase the number of spam calls.-->

⚠️ Warning: Once the filter is turned off, you will start receiving all incoming calls, including fraudulent ones. +7495 (fake "bank" calls) and +375 (produced source of spam).

Method 2: Set up the Google Phone App

If you use Google Phone (set by default on some POCO and Xiaomi models for the European market), the algorithm is different.

1. Open Google Phone (the icon with the green handset).
2. Click on the profile icon (or three dots) → Settings.
3. Choose Spam and Calls → Spam filter.
4. Turn off the options: 📵 Filter spam calls 🔕 Blocking Unknown Numbers

Unlike the standard Phone app, Google Phone allows you to flexibly set rules, such as leaving spam filtering but allowing calls from unknown log numbers.

💡

If the filter is turned off, check the operator's settings. Some mobile networks (for example, MTS or Beeline) block spam at the level of the filter. SIM-Send the maps to shut down. USSD-team *111*765# (relevant).

Method 3: Checking the blacklist and exceptions

Sometimes the problem isn't with the spam filter, but with the number accidentally being blacklisted, to check and clean it up.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Phone → Lock numbers.
2. If you have the right contact, unblock it (swipe left or click Unblock).
3. Check the Exclusions section, where the option “Block all numbers except contacts” is activated.

In MIUI 13/14, the blacklist can be hidden to find it.

1. Go to Settings → System and Device → Additional → Privacy.
2. Select Security of the Rooms → Blacklist.

If the number is not locked at the phone level, but on the operator’s side, check the personal account on the mobile provider’s website. For example, Tele2 has the option “Spam Protection”, which works regardless of the smartphone settings.

Method 4: Reset the settings of the Phone application

If previous methods didn’t work, try resetting the app to factory settings, which will remove all user lock rules, but won’t affect contacts.

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the phone (or com.android.dialer) and open it.
3. Click Warehouse → Clear the data and Reset the settings.

⚠️ Note: After resetting, you will need to reconfigure: 🔄 Redirecting calls (if used). 📞 Quick dial-up. 🎵 Notification sounds for calls. Do not clear the contact information (com.android.contacts) app, which will delete all stored numbers!

If the reset didn’t help, try reinstalling the update for the Phone app:

1. In the same app management menu, click ⋮ → Remove updates.
2. Reboot the phone.
3. Update the app via Google Play (if available).

Method 5: Using Developer Mode (for experienced)

In rare cases, locking unknown numbers is set at the system level, and to disable it, you need access to the developer's settings.

First, activate the developer mode:

1. Go to Settings. → The phone.
2. Click on the MIUI version 7 times in a row (you will be notified “You became a developer”).

Now, follow the following steps:

1. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
2. Find the option Do not block unknown numbers (or Disable unknown caller filter in English firmware).
3. Activate it and restart the phone.

If you don’t have this option, try changing your system settings via ADB (PC required):

adb shell settings put global block_unknown_callers 0

⚠️ Note: Change of system parameters through ADB This can cause unstable phone operation. Before executing commands, back up through Settings. → Additionally. → Backup.

What to do if nothing helps

If after all the manipulations, the calls are still blocked, the problem may be:

• 📶 Operator Settings – some providers (e.g. Yota or Tinkoff Mobile) block spam at the network level. USSD-team or in a personal office.
• 🔄 Application conflict – if Truecaller, GetContact or other anti-spam services are installed, they may duplicate blocking.
• 📱 Phone firmware in some regional versions MIUI (For example, in China, the spam filter is hard sewn into the system.

For diagnosis:

1. Install an alternative call app (like Google Play’s Simple Dialer) and check if calls are going through it.
2. Temporarily disable all anti-spam apps and reboot your phone.
3. Try calling from another number – it may be the problem on the subscriber’s side (for example, his number is blacklisted by your operator).

1. Open the call log.

2. Find the number you want and click on it.

3. Select Add to Exceptions or Always Allow (depending on version) MIUI).-->

FAQ: Frequent questions about locking numbers on Xiaomi