Blocked contacts on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones are not just a way to get rid of annoying calls, but also a tool to protect against spam, scams and unwanted messages. How do you find that blacklist if you want to add a new number, delete an old number, or just check who's locked, unlike an iPhone where the lock is integrated into your contacts' settings? MIUI This functionality is hidden deeper – and it’s not always obvious where to look for it.
In this article, we’ll break down all the ways you can view locked numbers on Xiaomi Redmi (including the Redmi Note models). 12/13, Redmi 10/11, POCO and others on the base MIUI 12–14). You will learn how to open the list through the standard Phone application, security settings, and how to export or import locks. Why some numbers are not blocked, how to check the lock in messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram) and what to do if the list suddenly cleared after the update.
If you’ve never blocked numbers before, but you suspect someone might have done it for you (for example, through parental controls), there’s a section at the end of the article on how to check for hidden locks without accessing the basic settings. And for those who like automation, we’ve added a bonus: how to set up auto-block spam calls through Google Messages or third-party apps like Truecaller.
Method 1: View through the Phone app (the fastest)
The standard Phone app on Xiaomi Redmi is not only a caller, but also a lock control center, where you can not only see the list of blocked numbers, but also quickly add new ones or delete old ones. MIUI, including the latest updates to 2026.
To open the blacklist:
- Run the Phone app** (an icon with a handset, usually on the home screen).
- Put three points on it (⋮) in the upper right corner or swipe left to open the side menu.
- Select the number lock option (some firmware may call it Spam and lock).
- The system may request confirmation by PIN-A code, fingerprint, or face is a standard security measure. MIUI.
In the list that opens, you will see all the locked numbers, as well as the history of the locks (if the function is enabled in the settings).
- 📤 Export List – Click on three dots in the corner and select Export (not available on all firmware).
Numbers added manually or automatically (spam)
Are there duplicates on the list?
Is the option “Block Unknown Numbers” enabled?
Are locks synchronized with your Mi Account?-->
Important: If you don’t see the Blocking menu, your firmware may have been modified (e.g. Global) ROM vs China ROM). Try the second method through security settings.
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If you block numbers frequently, add the “Block” label to the home screen: press the “Phone” icon» → «Labels» → «Number locking».
Method 2: Through Security Settings (MIUI Security)
If the first method didn’t work or you prefer to manage locks through central settings. MIUI, Please use the “Security” app»** (MIUI This method is universal for all Redmi models, including POCO Black Shark and allows you to configure additional locking options (for example, filtering). SMS).
Step-by-step:
- Open the settings (cog icon).
- Scroll down and select Security (or Passwords & Security in English).
- Slip on Number Block (may be in Privacy or Data Protection section).
- Enter the password, PIN Use biometrics if requested.
In this section you will see the advanced settings:
| Function | Description | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Blocking of unknowns | Automatically blocks numbers not stored in contacts | Turn on if a lot of spam from unfamiliar numbers |
| SMS filter | Blocks spam messages on the database MIUI | Useful, but may miss some messages |
| Synchronization with Mi Account | Keeps a list of locks in the cloud | Include so as not to lose data when resetting |
| Lock log | Shows the history of blocked calls | Useful for analysis of who tried to call |
If you don’t see locked numbers in this section, they may have been added through another app (like Truecaller or Google Phone), in which case, check the settings of these apps separately.
Why does “Security” not have a “Number Lock” clause?
Method 3: Checking through call log (hidden locks)
Sometimes numbers are blocked implicitly - for example, through Do Not Disturb features or third-party apps. If you suspect someone may have blocked a number without your knowledge (for example, through parental controls), check the call log for "gray" contacts.
How to do this:
- Open the Phone app and go to the Journal tab.
- Scroll down the list and look for gray-colored posts – these can be blocked or hidden calls.
- Task on such a call and check if there is an option to Unblock in the menu (three dots).
If there are no grey entries but you are sure the number is locked, try the following:
- 🔄 Call your Redmi from another phone – if the call doesn’t pass, the number is locked.
- 🛠️ Use the engineering menu (for advanced users): type in ##4636## and check the status of the locks in the Usage statistics section.
Through the phone app.
In the security settings
Use Truecaller or another app
I don't block numbers.
Another way.-->
Warning: If you find numbers in the log that you didn't block yourself, it may be due to a virus or unauthorized access. MIUI Security Scan or Malwarebytes.
How to export or import a list of blocked numbers
If you change your phone or want to back up your blacklist, MIUI This allows you to export locks to a file, but this feature is not available on all firmware and may require additional actions.
Export instructions:
- Open the number lock in any of the above methods.
- Tap it on three points (⋮) In the upper right corner and select Export.
- Select the file format (usually.txt or.csv) and the location of the save (such as Downloads or Mi Cloud).
- Confirm the export. The file will contain numbers in format. +79991234567, lockdown.
For import:
- Copy the lock file to a new phone (e.g., via Mi Cloud or Google Drive).
- Open the number lock. → three-point (⋮) → Imports.
- Select a file and confirm the import, and the numbers will be added to the blacklist.
If there are no export/import options, use the following route:
- 📱 Screenshots – Take screenshots with a list and save them to the cloud.
- 📝 Manual input – transfer numbers manually (long but reliable).
- 🔧 ADB-commands - for advanced users (requires debugging by USB):
adb shell content query --uri content://call_log/calls --where "type=3"This command will display a list of blocked calls (type)=3 – the code of the blocked call in Android).
💡
Export locks only work for numbers added manually.Automatically blocked spam numbers (via via MIUI or Truecaller not included in the file.
What to do if the list of blocked numbers is empty or reset
Sometimes after the update MIUI If you reset your settings, the block list disappears:
- 🔄 Update of the firmware - some versions MIUI Resetting privacy settings.
- ☁️ Lack of sync with Mi Account – if the feature was disabled, the locks did not recover after resetting.
- 📱 Phone app crashes * rarely, but happens in conflict with other calls (e.g. Google Phone).
How to restore the list:
- Restore from backup: if you did backup through Settings → System system → Backup, restore data (select App Settings).
Warning: If the locks are lost after a hard reset, you can’t restore them without a backup. In the future, enable sync with Mi Account or regularly export the list manually.
How to check if the locks are synchronized with Mi Account?
Blocking numbers in messengers: WhatsApp, Telegram, SMS
The blocked numbers on a standard Xiaomi call are not always blocked in instant messengers. For example, if you blocked a contact on your Phone, it will still be able to text you on WhatsApp or Telegram. To completely cut off unwanted contacts, set the lock in each application separately.
How to block in popular messengers:
| Annex | How to block | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Open the chat room. → ⋮ → Lock down | Blocks calls and messages, but the number remains in contact | |
| Telegram | Open the profile → ⋮ → Block it. | You can block even without saving contacts. |
| SMS (standard) | Communications → ⋮ → Spam and blocking | Filtering spam through the database MIUI, but does not block handheld numbers |
| Viber | chat → Information → Lock down | Blocks only in the application, calls to the phone do not affect |
If you need to block the person completely (calls) + In all messages, do the following:
- Block the number in the standard call (see Method 1).
- Remove contact from WhatsApp/Telegram Block it in each application separately.
- For SMS Include spam filter in Settings → Communications → Spam filter.
Important: Blocking in messengers does not affect standard calls and SMS, And vice versa. To be completely isolated, you need to set up a lock on each service.
Frequent problems and their solutions
When working with locks on Xiaomi Redmi, users face typical problems, and here are the most common ways to solve them:
Problem 1: The number is blocked, but the calls still pass
- 🔹 Check if the number has been added to the Do Not Disturb mode exceptions (Settings) → Sound. → Don't disturb).
- 🔹 Make sure that the lock is applied to everyone. SIM-cards (if there are several of them).
- 🔹 Update the firmware - in older versions MIUI There were blockage bugs.
Problem 2: You can’t add a number to the lock (button is inactive)
- 🔹 Check if the number is a service number (e.g. 112 or 911).
- 🔹 Make sure you have administrator rights (some firmware requires you).
- 🔹 Try adding a number through Google Contacts (synchronize contacts with your Google account).
Problem 3: After resetting the lock settings, the locks are gone
- 🔹 Restore data from Mi Cloud (if synchronization was enabled).
- 🔹 Check backups in Settings → System system → Backup.
- 🔹 If nothing helps, use the export/import manually.
Problem 4: The lock is not working SMS
- 🔹 Include spam filter in messages → Settings → Spam filter.
- 🔹 Install a third-party application to block SMS (for example, SMS Blocker).
- 🔹 Check if the service is disabled. SMS-operator.
If none of these methods worked, try resetting the phone app settings**:
- Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Find the phone and select Warehouse → Clear the data.
- Warning: This will delete all call history, but can restore the locks.