How to unlock unknown numbers on Xiaomi Redmi phone: the complete guide

Are you missing important calls because Xiaomi Redmi automatically blocks hidden identity numbers? This problem is familiar to many owners of Xiaomi’s MIUI-based devices. The system by default filters incoming calls from subscribers who have hidden their number (displayed as “Unknown”, “Hidden Number” or “Private Number”) to protect the user from spam.

In this article, we’ll look at 5 proven ways to unlock unknown numbers on the Redmi Note 10/11/12, Redmi 9/10/13C and other models in the series, learn how to disable filtering through standard MIUI settings, set exceptions for individual contacts, use the Security app, and even bypass locking with an engineering menu, and explain why some methods may not work on newer versions of firmware and how to fix it.

Why Xiaomi Redmi is blocking unknown numbers

The automatic hidden number lock feature appeared in MIUI 10 and became more aggressive in later versions (especially MIUI 12-14).

• 🛡️ Spam protection: Xiaomi has integrated fraudulent numbers (including partners like Truecaller) into the firmware database, and automatically blocks suspicious calls.
• 📞 Hidden Number Filtering: 70% of hidden-identification calls are robots or scams. MIUI By default, send them to spam".
• 🔄 Updates to the security policy: B MIUI 13+ Extended number checks through Xiaomi cloud, which increased the number of false positives.

The problem is that the system does not distinguish between deliberately hidden numbers (e.g., from support services) and fake numbers (used by fraudsters), which block even important calls, such as banks often calling from hidden numbers to confirm transactions, and courier services to clarify addresses.

Method 1: Disable the lock through call settings

The simplest method is to deactivate the filtering of unknown numbers in the phone menu, which works on all Redmi models with MIUI 11-14:

1. Open the phone application (pipe icon).
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner → select Settings.
3. Go to the section “Number Lock” (or “Spam and Block in New Versions”).
4. Turn off the slider opposite the Block Unknown Numbers (or Filter Hidden Numbers).
5. Confirm the action by pressing OK in the pop-up window.

If you don’t have a direct switch for unknown numbers on your menu, try an alternative path:

Settings → Applications → Application Management → Phone → Permissions → Disable “Spam Filtering”

Application opens"|Found a section "Blocking numbers"|Unknown number filter is disabled|Rebooted phone to apply changes-->

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI Global for the European market) the option of blocking hidden numbers can be hidden.

Method 2: Configure the Security application

The Security app (or Security in English) is responsible for filtering spam in MIUI, to unlock unknown numbers:

1. Open Security (the shield icon on the desktop).
2. Go to the section Blocking or Antispam.
3. Select the Locking Settings → Spam challenges.
4. Turn off the option to block unknown numbers.
5. Check if there are any numbers with the status of "Hidden" - delete them.

If your MIUI version doesn’t have a separate item for unknown numbers, try resetting your anti-spam settings:

Security → Antispam → Settings (cogs) → Resetting settings

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If calls still fail after blocking, check if a third-party spam filtering app (e.g. Truecaller or Hiya) is installed. MIUI.

Method 3: Adding exceptions to hidden numbers

If you don’t want to turn off filtering completely, but you need to allow calls from specific hidden numbers (such as a bank), use a whitelist:

1. Open Contacts → Click on + (Add New Contact).
2. In the Phone Number field, type *67 (this is the prefix for hiding the number on most networks).
3. In the name field, specify, for example, "Bank (hidden number)".
4. Keep in touch and add it to the favorites.
5. Return to Phone Settings → Lock numbers and add this contact to Exceptions.

Alternative method for MIUI 14:

Phone → Magazine → Spam → Settings (cogs) → Add to the white list

Note that this method does not work with all operators. Some networks (such as MTS or Beeline) may ignore the *67 prefix in the whitelist.

Method 4: Use of the Engineering Menu (for advanced)

If standard methods don’t work, you can try disabling filtering through the engineering menu, which is suitable for users with root rights or an unlocked bootloader, but can work without them on some firmware:

1. Open the Phone app and enter the code: ##4636##.
2. In the menu that opens, select Phone Information (or Phone Information).
3. Scroll down to the Set preferred network type section and find Call settings (may be called IMS Settings in newer versions).
4. Look for the option Block Unknown Calls or Spam filter – turn it off.
5. Reboot the phone.

Important: On devices with MIUI 13+ The engineering menu can be blocked. ADB-team (PC required):

adb shell settings put global spam_filter_enabled 0

⚠️ Attention: Incorrect actions in the engineering menu can disrupt the network. If the signal is lost after the changes, reset the network settings in Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting settings.

Method 5: Third-Party Applications for Unlocking

If the built-in methods don’t work, install one of the specialized applications:

• 📱 Truecaller: Allows you to manually unlock hidden numbers and configure filters.
• 🔓 Call Blocker: Lightweight application with whitelist function for unknown numbers.
• 🛡️ Should I Answer?: Filters spam, but allows you to add exceptions for hidden calls.

Instructions for Truecaller:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Register (you can register through a Google account).
3. Go to Settings → Lock → Locking → Locking.
4. Turn off the option to block hidden numbers.
5. In the Exclusions section, add numbers that must always pass.

Warning: Some anti-spam applications (such as Hiya) may conflict with the built-in MIUI lock system. If calls stop coming after installation, uninstall the application and use Method 1.

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Third-party applications are effective, but require constant database updates, and embedded MIUI tools are more reliable for long-term use.

What to do if nothing helps

If you have tried all the methods, but unknown numbers are still blocked:

1. Check operator settings: Some mobile networks (e.g. MegaFon) offer their own spam protection services. USSD-command, for example, *105*00# Megaphone).
2. Update your firmware: Newer versions of MIUI often fix lock bugs. Check for updates in Settings → About Phone → System Update.
3. Reset network settings: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting mobile network settings
4. Contact Xiaomi Support: If the issue has occurred after the update, report the bug via Settings → About Phone → Review.

The last option is to reset to factory settings. Before that, be sure to back up the data through Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI China (CN ROM) You may not have the option to disable unknown number blocking due to local anti-spam laws, and only a global update will help.

FAQ: Frequent questions about unlocking numbers on Xiaomi Redmi