How to open a blacklist in a Xiaomi phone: all the ways and hidden features

Do you get annoying calls from spammers, collectors or unwanted contacts? Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi and POCO models) have a built-in blacklist that allows you to block any numbers, either manually or automatically. But finding this feature is not always easy: depending on the version of MIUI (12, 13 or 14), the path to settings may differ, and some options are hidden in the depth of the menu.

In this article, you will learn not only how to open a blacklist on Xiaomi, but how to use it effectively, from basic number additions to advanced features like blocking SMS or eliminating important contacts. We will also look at common problems, such as why blocked numbers still call, and how to reset the list if it stopped working.

If you're using Xiaomi on Android 13/14 with MIUI 14, part of the interface may have changed — we've taken that into account and provided up-to-date screenshots and paths. For older versions (like MIUI 11), we give alternative instructions.

Where is the blacklist on Xiaomi: 3 ways to open

Depending on the phone model and firmware version, the path to the blacklist may differ. Here are all the proven ways:

• 📱 Using the Phone app: the fastest method. Open the standard call app (pipe icon), tap three dots in the upper right corner and select Settings → Blacklist.
• ⚙️ Through System Settings: Go to Settings → Annexes → Application management → Phone. → Permits → Blacklist. This path works even if the phone icon is hidden.
• 🔍 Through a search by settings: pull down the notification bar, enter in the search bar “blacklist” and select the appropriate item.

On some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12 Pro or Redmi Note 11) into MIUI 13/14 The blacklist can be called "Blocked List" or "Block Calls." If you don't find it, check the Settings section. → PapaSSWORD & Security → Locking down calls.

Important: If you have an alternative launcher installed (like Nova Launcher), the standard Phone app may be hidden, in which case use the second or third method from the list above.

How to add a number to the blacklist: Step-by-step instructions

There are several ways to add a contact to the lock, and let's look at each of them:

1. From the call log: Open the Phone app and go to the Log tab. Find the number you want to lock and hold it with your finger for 1-2 seconds. From the menu that appears, select Add to Blacklist or Lock.
2. From Contacts: Open the Contacts app and find the contact you want. Tap three dots in the upper right corner and select Lock.
3. Manually through settings: Open the blacklist in any of the ways described above. Tap on "Add" (+ icon). Enter the number manually or select from contacts/login.

On MIUI 14, when you add a number to the blacklist, the system will prompt you to select the type of lock:

• 📞 Calls only – the number will not be able to call you, but SMS pass.
• 💬 Calls and messages – complete blocking (recommended for spammers).

Make sure the number does not belong to the bank/state office|

Check if this number is not in your important contacts.|

Save the number in notes in case of unlock |

Install a backup of contacts (in case of reset)

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On Xiaomi models with double SIM-A card (e.g. Redmi Note 10 Pro) is blacklisted separately for each card. SIMTo block the number on both cards, add it to the list twice by selecting the desired number. SIM when added.

Extended blacklist settings: what you can configure

In MIUI, blacklisting isn't just about blocking calls, but here are hidden features that many people don't know about:

One of the most useful features is exclusions, like blacklisting everyone but your loved ones, or allowing only bank calls.

1. Open the blacklist. → Exceptions.
2. Tap “Add” and select contacts that are allowed to bother you.
3. Activate the “Exclusions Only” option – now calls will only be made from selected contacts.

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If you get frequent calls from multiple numbers (such as collectors), turn on the “Unknown Number Block” feature and add only important contacts to the exceptions, which will reduce spam by 80%.

Why the blacklist doesn’t work: 5 reasons and solutions

Sometimes blocked numbers keep ringing, and here are the most common reasons and ways to fix them:

• 🔄 Resetting settings: after updating MIUI Or reset your phone, the blacklist may be reset. → Annexes → Phone. → Warehouse → Clear the data (do not click if you do not want to reset!).
• 📶 Problems with SIM-card: if the number is locked on only one SIM, He can call the second card. Add him to the list for both cards.
• 🤖 Conflict with other applications: Some programs (like Truecaller or GetContact) can intercept the lock.
• 📞 VoIP calls: numbers from messengers (WhatsApp, Viber) are blocked separately - in the settings of the applications themselves.
• 🔧 System Error: If the number still rings after blocking, restart your phone or update the Phone app via Play Market.

⚠️ Attention: on some firmware MIUI for China (e.g. China) ROM) The blacklist function can be disabled by default, so to activate it, install a global firmware version or use third-party applications like Blacklist.

If the problem persists, try resetting the phone app cache:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Phone.
2. Select "Storage» → «Clear the cache».
3. Reboot the phone.

How to export or drop the blacklist

If you change your phone or you want to keep a list of locked numbers, you can export it, and if the list is filled with wrong numbers, you can reset it to factory settings.

Exports of the blacklist:

1. Open the blacklist through the phone app.
2. Slip on three dots in the upper right corner and select Export.
3. Select the format (usually.vcf or.txt) and save the file to the Mi Cloud or memory card.

Import a blacklist to a new phone:

1. Copy the exported file to the new Xiaomi.
2. Open the blacklist and select “Import”.
3. Specify the path to the file and confirm the download.

Resetting the blacklist:

⚠️ Warning: Once reset, all locked numbers will be deleted without recovery.If you need some, export the list first!

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Phone → Storage.
2. Select “Clear Data” (Do not “Clear Cache!”).
3. Confirm the action. The blacklist will be empty.

Third-party applications to block calls: when they are needed

The built-in blacklist in MIUI covers most tasks, but sometimes additional features are required.

• 📊 Call statistics: which numbers are most often blocked.
• 🌍 Global spam databases: Automatic blocking of known scammers (like Truecaller).
• 🔔 Smart rules: locking by time (for example, at night) or by geolocation.

The best apps for Xiaomi:

To install a third-party application to block:

1. Download it from the Play Market (like Truecaller).
2. Launch and grant permissions to access calls and contacts.
3. In the application settings, activate the option “Call Lock”.
4. Turn off the built-in blacklist in MIUI to avoid conflict.

⚠️ Note: Some applications (such as Truecaller) may conflict with system locking MIUI. If after installation calls stopped working, disable one of the solutions.

Frequent questions about the blacklist on Xiaomi