How to Remove Unknown Number Locks on Xiaomi: A Complete 2026 Guide

Are you skipping important calls because Xiaomi automatically blocks numbers that are not in the phone book?This feature in MIUI is designed to protect against spam, but often prevents you from receiving calls from couriers, banks or new acquaintances. Unlike iPhone or Samsung, where lock settings are intuitive, on Redmi, POCO or Mi, the path to unlock is hidden in the depths of the system menus.

In this article, we will discuss the current 2026 ways to disable filtering of unfamiliar numbers, including hidden options for MIUI 12-15 firmware (including global and Chinese versions), we will discuss both standard methods through the Security menu, and alternative solutions for cases when system settings do not work, and also explain why after the software update, the lock can return and how to avoid this.

Why Xiaomi is blocking unfamiliar numbers

The automatic blocking of incoming calls from unknown numbers appeared in MIUI 10 as part of the spam protection system, and by default it is activated on all Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones released after 2018.

• 📞 No number found in contacts or call log
• 🔍 The number is not listed on the white list of system applications (e.g. banking services)
• ⚠️ Number marked by the community MIUI Spam (the database is updated through the cloud)

If at least one condition is met, the call is either reset automatically or sent to voice mail (depending on regional settings), and the user does not even see the notification of the missed call - only the entry "Blocked Call" remains in the log.

It is important to understand that the lock works on two levels:

1. System layer is a built-in MIUI function that filters calls before they even get into the Phone application.
2. Application layer – additional settings in the call itself (for example, “Spam Blocking” in Google Phone).

⚠️ Note: On devices with Chinese firmware (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro) CN) Unknown number blocking is harder, you can't turn it off through the standard menu, you'll need to install global software or manually edit system files.

Method 1: Disable the lock through "Security"

The most reliable method, which works on 90% of Xiaomi devices (including Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 11), is relevant for MIUI 12-15:

1. Open the Security app (the shield icon).
2. Go to Call Blocking (or Spam Protection on newer versions).
3. Slip on the lock settings (cog in the upper right corner).
4. Turn off the slider Block unfamiliar numbers.
5. Confirm the action by pressing OK in the pop-up window.

If the "Call Lock" item is not in the main menu, try an alternative path:

Settings → Applications → Application Management → Phone → Permissions → Call Blocking

Security app is open

Found a section "Call blocking"

"Block unfamiliar numbers" slider is off

Rebooted smartphone to apply changes-->

After disconnecting, check the efficiency:

• 📱 Ask a friend to call from an unknown number.
• 🔍 Make sure the call passes (the call should ring, not drop the call).
• 📝 Check the call log - there should be a record of the incoming.

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI 14 for POCO F4) After disabling the lock, you may need to reset the settings of the Phone application. → Annexes → Phone. → Warehouse → Clear the data.

Method 2: Set up a Google Phone Call

If your Xiaomi has a Google Phone app installed (a standard Google call), the lock can be duplicated to disable it:

1. Open Google Phone (the phone icon on a green background).
2. Slip on three dots in the upper right corner → Settings.
3. Select Number Lock.
4. Turn off the Unknown Numbers option.

If there are entries marked "Automatically locked" in the list of blocked numbers, manually delete them:

• 📋 Click on the number on the list.
• 🗑️ Choose Delete.
• ✅ Confirm the action.

💡

If you don’t get your calls back on Google Phone after you disable the lock, try resetting the app. Go to Settings → Apps → Google Phone → Storage → Clear the cache.

Important: Google Phone may conflict with the standard MIUI call. If all contacts are lost after the change, return the standard application:

Settings → Applications → Default → Application “Phone” → Select “MIUI Phone”

Method 3: Editing system files (for advanced)

If standard methods don’t work (e.g., on Xiaomi with Chinese firmware), you can manually edit system files, which requires root rights or an unlocked bootloader.

Instructions for MIUI 13-15:

1. Install a file manager with root access (such as Root Explorer or FX File Explorer).
2. Go to /system/priv-app/CallFilter/.
3. Find the CallFilter.apk file and rename it to CallFilter.apk.bak.
4. Reset the device.

Alternative method (without root, but with ADB):

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.miui.voiceassist


adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.callfilter

⚠️ Attention: Removal of system APK-files can cause unstable phone operation or errors when updating software. Before making changes, back up through Settings → The phone. → Backup.

Method 4: Using Third-Party Applications

If the system settings do not allow you to disable the lock, you can use third-party calls with their own filters.

To set a third-party call by default:

1. Install the app from Google Play.
2. Open Settings → Applications → By default → Phone App.
3. Select the installed call (e.g. Truecaller).

In Truecaller to unlock all numbers:

• 🔧 Open the Settings. → Lockdown.
• 🚫 Disable Spam Blocking and Block Hidden Numbers.
• 📱 In the Black List section, delete all numbers.

Standard MIUI

Google Phone

Truecaller

Drupe or other third-party

I don't know what it costs.-->

Method 5: Reset your network settings (if nothing helps)

In rare cases, blocking unfamiliar numbers is associated with incorrect operator settings.

• 📶 You've recently changed. SIM-map.
• 🔄 Updated firmware with errors.
• 🌍 Traveling abroad (roaming settings).

To reset network parameters:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
2. Choose yours. SIM-map.
3. Tap Network Settings Reset (or APN Reset).
4. Confirm the action and restart the phone.

After resetting, check that:

• 📶 B Settings → Mobile network → Access points (APN) Your operator’s parameters are set up.
• 📞 Incoming calls now pass without locking.

⚠️ Attention: Reset APN Delete the saved settings of the Internet and MMS. After the procedure, you may need to reconfigure the mobile Internet (options can be requested from the operator or downloaded from his website).

Why the lock is back after the MIUI update

Many Xiaomi users are faced with the fact that after updating the firmware, the lock of unfamiliar numbers is turned on again.

• 🔄 Security policy MIUI — after major updates (e.g., with MIUI 13 on MIUI 14) some privacy settings are reset.
• 📦 Update system applications – the caller and the module “Security” can be updated separately from the firmware, returning the lock.
• 🌍 Regional restrictions – on devices with firmware for China or India, the lock is forced on.

To prevent automatic activation:

1. After the update, immediately check the settings in Security → Call Lock.
2. Turn off automatic updates to system applications: Settings → The phone. → Updating the system → Settings (⚙️) → Auto-update of applications → Shut down.
3. For Chinese firmware, use Magisk modules (e.g. MIUI Block Call Disabler) that block the forced activation of the filter.

💡

If the MIUI update has returned, check the settings in the Security app first, not the call. That's where the main call filter switch is.

FAQ: Frequent questions about locking numbers on Xiaomi