How to permanently block a number on Xiaomi: from blacklist to operator services

Getting annoying calls from spammers, collectors or ex-friends? Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi and POCO) offer several ways to completely block an unwanted number, from built-in MIUI features to mobile operator services. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods, taking into account the features of firmware and Android versions.

It’s important to understand that simply adding a contact to a blacklist doesn’t always guarantee 100% lockdown, for example, scammers can call from different numbers, and some versions of MIUI have bugs with SMS filtering. We tested all methods on devices with MIUI 12-14 (Android 11-14) and identified the most reliable solutions, including hidden settings and third-party applications.

MIUI's built-in blacklist: how it works and why it sometimes doesn't block

The most obvious way to blacklist a number is through the standard Phone app, but there are some nuances to this method:

• 📱 It works only for calls (SMS is not blocked on all versions). MIUI).
• 🔄 After resetting settings or updating the firmware, the list may be cleared.
• 🚫 Do not block numbers with hidden identification (for example, "Unknown subscriber»).

To add a number to the blacklist:

1. Open the phone application (pipe icon).
2. Go to the Call Log, find the desired number and click on it.
3. Slip on three dots in the upper right corner → Add to the blacklist.
4. Confirm the action in the pop-up window.

To manage the entire list of blocked numbers:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Phone → Blacklist.
2. You can delete numbers, add new ones manually, or enable the option to Block unknown numbers (not always stable).

💡

If previously added numbers are missing from the MIUI blacklist, check sync with your Mi Account. Sometimes resetting the Phone app cache (Settings → Apps → Phone → Storage → Clear cache) helps to recover data.

2. Blocking messages (SMS) separately from calls

Unlike calls, SMS in MIUI is blocked through a different menu, so if you receive spam messages, do the following:

1. Open the Messages app (the envelope icon).
2. Find a dialog with an unwanted number, hold your finger on it → choose Block.
3. Confirm the lock in the window that appears.

To check all blocked SMS:

1. In the Messages app, tap three dots at the top → Settings → Spam and Blocking.
2. All blocked numbers and spam folders (it can be cleared) are displayed here.

Operator-level lock: secure, but not always free

If the built-in MIUI doesn't work, you can lock the number through a mobile operator, which works even when you change your phone or reset your settings, and each operator has different conditions:

Advantages of operator lock:

• 🛡️ It works on any phone, not even Xiaomi.
• 🔒 Blocks calls and SMS (unlike the other two). MIUI).
• 📡 It does not depend on firmware updates.

Disadvantages:

• ⏳ On some tariffs, the lock is valid for a limited time.
• 💰 It can be paid (for example, MegaFon).
• 📞 Identity must be confirmed (sometimes a passport is required).

4. Third-party applications: when MIUI fails

If standard methods don't work, try specialized applications, which offer advanced features: keyword blocking, database spam filtering, black call recording. Best options for Xiaomi:

• 🛡️ Truecaller detects spammers on a global database, blocks SMS and calls.
• 🚫 Blacklist Plus – supports lock schedule (for example, only at night), works without the Internet.
• 📵 SMS Blocker – focuses on filtering messages, there are black/white lists.
• 🔍 Call Control – blocks geolocation numbers (for example, all calls from another region).

How to set up Truecaller on Xiaomi:

1. Download the app from Google Play.
2. Register (you can register through a Google account).
3. In the settings, enable: Spam Block → Automatically; Number Definition → Always; Contact Synchronization (optional).

Blacklist.

Disable the built-in lock in MIUI|Check the permissions of the application (calls, SMS, contacts)|Create a backup copy of contacts|Update the application to the latest version-->

5. Hidden MIUI settings: locking unknown and international numbers

Xiaomi has hidden options in its firmware that allow you to block not only specific numbers, but also entire categories of calls.

• 🌍 International numbers (useful against fraudsters from abroad);
• 🕵️ Hidden numbers (where instead of numbers, "Unknown" is displayed»);
• 📞 All incoming except contacts (Selected Only mode»).

How to turn on the extended lock:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Phone → Incoming calls.
2. Activate options: Block unknown numbers; Block international numbers (if any); Contact only (blocks all but phone book entries).

To save the settings, restart the phone.

💡

The Contacts Only option blocks all incoming calls except those stored in the phone book, a radical method that is suitable if you expect calls only from acquaintances, otherwise you risk missing important calls (such as from a delivery service or a bank).

On some models (such as Xiaomi 12T or Redmi Note 11), these settings may be located elsewhere:

Settings → System and device → Additional → Call blocking

6.What to do if the number continues to call: virus check and reset settings

If the phone calls continue to arrive after all the manipulations, the problem may be deeper:

• 🦠 Virus software that replaces system settings (especially if the phone is rooted).
• 🔄 Conflict after update MIUI (for example, MIUI 13 on MIUI 14).
• 📱 Hardware failure (rarely, but occurs when the communication module is damaged).

Diagnostic activities:

1. Check for viruses with Malwarebytes or the built-in Security (Settings → Security → Scan).
2. Reset network settings: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Reset network settings This will remove stored Wi-Fi and mobile settings, but will not affect contacts.
3. Perform reset to factory settings (extreme case): Settings → The phone. → Resetting settings → Erase all data ⚠️ Note: Before reset, be sure to make a backup through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset: Once the factory settings are restored, all data (photos, messages, apps) will be deleted.

If the problem persists even after the reset, it is possible that the number is blocked at the level. SIM-Try the cards:

• 🔄 Insert SIM to another phone and check;
• 📱 Update the firmware through Settings → The phone. → Updating the system;
• 📡 Contact the communication salon for verification SIM hardware errors.

7.Alternative methods: second number, virtual SIM, forwarding

If blocking doesn’t help, consider radical ways to:

• 📞 Number Two: Buy an extra one SIM-card (for example, virtual in Telegram or WhatsApp) and give it only to verified contacts.
• 🔀 Redirect: Set up to redirect all calls to another number via USSD-Operator commands (e.g. MTS: *21*79XXXXXXXXX#).
• 🌐 VoiP Number: Use services like Google Voice or Skype to communicate by hiding your primary number.

Cons of these methods:

• 💰 Additional expenses (for example, for the second one) SIM).
• 📱 Discomfort (you need to carry two phones or constantly switch cards).
• 🔒 Risk of missing important calls when redirecting.

💡

If you encounter spam frequently, consider antispam tariffs (such as those on Tele2 or MTS) that automatically filter suspicious calls at the operator level.

FAQ: Frequent questions about locking numbers on Xiaomi