How to view blocked contacts on Xiaomi Redmi Note 9: all ways

Have you accidentally blocked an important number on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 and now you can’t find how to unlock it? or just want to check which contacts are blacklisted? In this article, we’ll look at all the possible ways to view locked numbers, from standard MIUI features to hidden Android and third-party apps.

Xiaomi’s MIUI-based smartphones have a unique call management system where number locking can be done not only through the phone book but also through built-in security services. However, the interface often changes depending on the firmware version, making it difficult to find the right settings. We have compiled current methods for the Redmi Note 9 (including the Pro and Pro Max models), which run on MIUI 12-14 and Android 10-13.

Important: some ways require super-user rights, but most solutions are available without them, and if you're not sure what you're doing, use official methods to keep the system running smoothly.

1. Standard method: through phone settings

The easiest method is to use the built-in MIUI tools, which are suitable for most users and do not require additional software.

Open the Phone app β†’ tap the three dots in the top right β†’ select Settings β†’ go to Lock numbers. Here you will see a full list of blocked contacts with the ability to unlock them with one touch.

If this is not the case, try an alternative route:

  1. Go to the smartphone settings.
  2. Select the Applications β†’ Application management.
  3. Find the Phone app and open its settings.
  4. Slip on Number Blocking or Spam.

On some versions of MIUI, the list of blocked numbers may be hidden in the Security section.

  • πŸ”’ Go to Settings. β†’ Password and security.
  • πŸ“± Choose Number Blocking or Spam Protection.
  • πŸ” Scroll down to the Blacklist block.
πŸ“Š You often block numbers on your smartphone?
Yeah, it's spam.
Only scammers.
I never block.
I don't know how to do that.

2. View through the call log (hidden method)

Few people know, but Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 keeps information about blocked calls in the log, which is useful if you do not remember whether the number was blocked, but suspect that it was blacklisted.

Instructions:

  1. Open the Phone app.
  2. Go to the magazine tab (clock icon).
  3. Click on three points β†’ Settings β†’ Show blocked.
  4. The system will display all incoming numbers from the blocked numbers (they will be marked with a red exclamation point).

Note: This method only shows calls, not SMS. Other methods should be used to view blocked messages (see Section 4).

πŸ’‘

If the log does not have the "Show blocked" option, update the Phone app via Google Play. Older versions of MIUI may not support this feature.

3. Use of the application "Security" (MIUI Security)

The Security app (shield icon) in MIUI is the control center for smartphone protection, including number locking, where you can not only view the blacklist, but also set automatic rules for spam.

Step-by-step:

  • πŸ›‘οΈ Open the Security app (if it isn’t on the desktop, search through search).
  • πŸ“ž Go to the section Blocking numbers or Protection against spam.
  • πŸ” Click on the Blacklist – all blocked contacts will be here.
  • ✏️ To unlock the number, swipe it left or click on the basket icon.

The newer versions of MIUI 13/14 may have different interfaces. If you don't see the Blocking section, try:

  1. In the app Security tap on the icon βš™οΈ (setting).
  2. Select Show all functions.
  3. Activate the switch opposite Call Lock.
What to do if the Security app is not available?
On some firmware (e.g. global or custom) the application may be disabled. In this case, install it manually through Settings. β†’ Annexes β†’ Application management β†’ Established β†’ Three points. β†’ Find com.miui.guardprovider and turn it on.

4. View blocked SMS

The number blocking on Xiaomi affects not only calls, but also messages. If you need to check which SMS has been blacklisted, use the standard Messages app.

How to do this:

  1. Open Messages (the envelope icon).
  2. Slip on three dots in the upper right corner β†’ Settings.
  3. Select Blocking and Spam (or Blacklist).
  4. All the numbers that are blocked will be displayed here.

MIUI separates call blocking and SMS, which means that the number can only be locked for messages or only for calls. To fully unlock the contact, check both sections!

Type of lockdownWhere to look.Features
Calls.Phone Application β†’ Settings β†’ BlockingShows only voice calls
SMSApplication Messages β†’ Settings β†’ SpamDisplays blocked numbers and keywords
Universal.Security Annex β†’ Blacklist.Combines calls and SMS, but may not show all records

5. Hidden methods: ADB and system files (for advanced)

If standard methods don’t work, you can turn to system tools, which is suitable for users who are ready to work with ADB (Android Debug Bridge) or the file system of a smartphone.

Warning: Incorrect actions can lead to system failure, and we recommend that you back up your data before starting.

Method 1: through ADB (without root):

adb shell content query --uri content://call_log/calls --where "type=3"

This command will display a list of all blocked calls. To view blocked SMS, use:

adb shell content query --uri content://sms/blocked

Method 2: Through the blockednumbers.xml file (root required):

  • πŸ“ Use a root access explorer (such as Root Explorer).
  • πŸ” Cross the path: /data/data/com.android.providers.contacts/databases/contacts2.db.
  • πŸ”Ž Open the database and find the table. blocked_numbers.

Install Xiaomi drivers on PC| Enable debugging over USB in the developer settings | Download the ADB Tools | Connect the phone to the PC in file transfer mode-->

6. Third-party applications for blacklist management

If the built-in MIUI tools don't suit you, you can use third-party programs that offer advanced features like blacklist backup or keyword blocking.

Top.-3 Apps for Xiaomi Redmi Note 9:

  • πŸ“± Truecaller – defines spam numbers and allows you to manage the lock through the cloud.
  • πŸ”’ Blacklist Plus – Supports lock schedules (e.g., only at night).
  • πŸ›‘οΈ Call Blocker – lightweight solution with the ability to export the list.

How to use them:

  1. Install the app from Google Play.
  2. Give permissions to access calls and SMS.
  3. Import the current blacklist from the system (if you have such an option).
  4. Manage numbers through the application interface.

πŸ’‘

Third-party applications may conflict with the built-in MIUI lock. Before using, disable standard protection in the Security settings to avoid duplication.

7. Recovery of deleted records from the blacklist

If you accidentally cleared the list of blocked numbers, it can be restored – but only if two conditions are met:

  1. You have a backup of the data (created through Settings β†’ About Phone β†’ Backup).
  2. You use a Mi Account with contact synchronization.

Instructions for remediation:

  • πŸ”„ Go to Settings. β†’ Accounts and synchronization β†’ Mi Account.
  • πŸ“₯ Select Recover Data and specify the date when the blacklist was still up to date.
  • βš™οΈ After recovery, check the list in Security β†’ Number locking.

If you don't have a backup, try using data recovery software like Dr.Fone or EaseUS MobiSaver, which scans your phone's memory for deleted records, but success is not guaranteed.

πŸ’‘

To avoid future data loss, enable automatic blacklist synchronization with Mi Cloud: Settings β†’ Mi Account β†’ Sync β†’ Number Lock.

FAQ: Frequent questions about locking numbers on Xiaomi

Can I block the number so that he doesn’t know?
When blocked through standard MIUI tools, the subscriber receives no notifications; their calls will be reset automatically, and SMS will be sent to spam without warning.
Why would a blocked number still call me?
This happens for three reasons: The number is locked only in the Message app, not in the Phone (or vice versa); you use a third-party call app (like WhatsApp or Skype) where the lock is not configured; there was a failure to sync the blacklist with the Mi Cloud; try restarting the phone.
How to block all numbers with unknown ID?
MIUI has a built-in feature for blocking hidden numbers: Open Security β†’ Lock numbers. Activate the option to Lock hidden numbers. You can also enable International Call Blocking (helpful from scammers).
Will the lock work after resetting the phone to factory settings?
No, the blacklist is stored in the phone's memory and will be deleted when reset. To save it: Back it up through Settings β†’ Additional β†’ Backup. Or export the list manually (like Truecaller). After reset, restore the data from the backup.
Can I block numbers by keywords (e.g., β€œbank”, β€œcredit”)?
Yes, but only for SMS. To do this: Open Messages β†’ Settings β†’ Blocking and spam. Select Keyword Blocking. Add phrases that need to be filtered (e.g. urgent, winnings). This feature is not available for calls - only lock by number.