How to view and manage the blacklist on Xiaomi Redmi 7: a detailed guide

Xiaomi Redmi 7, based on MIUI, offers a built-in blacklist feature called the “blacklist” that is useful for filtering spam calls, annoying SMS or blocking specific numbers, but many users have difficulty finding this section of the menu, especially after updating the firmware or changing the version of MIUI (10, 11 or 12).

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at where the Redmi 7 blacklist is stored, how to open it through standard settings and alternative methods (including Security Settings and the Phone app). You will also learn how to add/delete numbers, export the list and restore it after a phone reset. MIUI, which are not described in the official documentation – for example, why some blocked contacts may continue to appear in the call log.

Where to store the blacklist on Xiaomi Redmi 7: the official way

Most versions of MIUI for Redmi 7 have a blacklist integrated into the Phone app (tube icon), but its location may vary depending on the regional firmware and shell version.

1. Open the Phone app (green icon with white handset).
2. Press three points (⋮) top-right.
3. Select the Settings item → Number locking.
4. Here you will see a list of all blocked contacts and a history of blocking.

If you MIUI 12 or newer, the path may look different: Phone → Journal → ⋮ → Settings → Important: some firmwares don't call it a "Black List," they call it a "Block List" or "Blocked Numbers".

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If the menu doesn’t have a “Block Numbers” option, try updating the Phone app via Google Play – sometimes this solves the problem.

Alternative ways to access the blacklist

If the standard path doesn’t work, use one of these methods:

• 📱 Through Security Settings: Go to Settings → Annexes → Application management → Phone. → Permits → Number locking.
• 🔍 Search by system: Swipe down on the main screen, type in the search bar "blacklist" - the system will show direct access.
• 📞 Team team. USSD: Dial ##4636##, then select Phone Information → Menus. → Blocking calls (does not work on all firmware).
• 📁 File Manager: The blacklist is stored in the file /data/data/com.android.providers.contacts/databases/contacts2.db, But you need root to access it.

On MIUI 10 (older firmware versions for Redmi 7), the blacklist could be hidden in Settings → All settings → Privacy → Number Lock. If you use custom firmware (like LineageOS), the path will be different — usually through Settings → Calls → Lock.

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

Adding a contact to the lock takes a few seconds. Here are 3 ways to do it:

1. From the call log: Open the phone app → Find the number you want, click on it. In the window that opens, select Block (or ⋮ → Add to the blacklist).
2. From contacts: Open Contacts, find the one you want. Press three dots (⋮) → Lock down.
3. Manual: Go to the phone → ⋮ → Settings → Lock numbers. Press Add number and enter it manually.

Once added, the number automatically enters the lock list, and you can set additional parameters:

• 📵 Blocking calls – the number will not be able to call you.
• 💬 Lock down SMS — No messages from this number will be delivered.
• 🔔 Notifications – turn on/off alerts about blocked calls.

Redmi 7 blacklist issues and solutions

Redmi 7 users often encounter room locking bugs, and here are common problems and ways to fix them:

If the blacklist is gone after the MIUI update, try to restore it from a backup.

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → Backup.
2. Select the last copy made before the update.
3. Restore the phone and contact information.

How to export and import a blacklist

If you’re planning to drop your phone or upgrade to a new Xiaomi, it’s helpful to keep a list of locked numbers.Unfortunately, MIUI doesn’t provide a direct export feature, but there are workarounds:

Method 1: Through MIUI backup

The easiest method is to use built-in backup:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → Backup.
2. Create a new copy by selecting System Settings and Applications (make sure the box is opposite the Phone).
3. After resetting, restore the data from this copy.

Method 2: Manual export through ADB (for advanced)

If you have an ADB debugging bridge, you can extract the contact database:

adb backup -f blacklist.ab -apk com.android.contacts -obb

This command will create a blacklist.ab file with contact data, including a blacklist.

adb restore blacklist.ab

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Backup through Mi Account does not keep a blacklist!Use local copying or ADB.

Frequent questions about the Redmi 7 blacklist

We will discuss the 5 most popular questions that arise from owners of Redmi 7 when working with room locking.

Tips for Effective Use of the Blacklist

To make the lock work as efficiently as possible, follow these guidelines:

• 🔄 Regularly update the list: Spamers change numbers frequently.check the blacklist once a month and add new numbers.
• 📊 Use the statistics of calls: in the phone → Journal → Statistics can show which numbers are calling you most often (useful for spam detection).
• 🔒 Sync with Mi Account: Enable contact backup to the cloud (Settings) → Xiaomi account → Synchronization) so as not to lose the list when reset.
• 🚫 Block it. SMS-Spam: Don’t forget to enable the message blocking option for each number – it can be disabled by default.

If you often receive calls from unknown numbers, consider installing specialized apps like Truecaller or GetContact.They automatically identify spammers and prompt them to be blocked.However, remember that such apps require access to your contacts and call log, which can be a privacy risk.

⚠️ Note: When using third-party blockers, disable the standard function MIUI, Double locking can cause phone malfunctions.