Why is the number blacklisted and how to fix it?
The blacklist on Xiaomi smartphones is not just a feature to block unwanted calls, but also a tool to protect against spam, scammers and intrusive subscribers. However, sometimes important contacts fall into this list by mistake: colleagues, relatives or even bank numbers. Unlike iOS, where lock management is hidden in the depths of settings, MIUI offers several ways to solve the problem, from basic to hidden.
The main reasons why a number may be blacklisted without your knowledge: automatic locking by Xiaomi security system (for example, when sending mass SMS), sync error with the Mi Account cloud, or even childish pranks if a child used the phone. In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of removing the number from the lock, including rare chips that are not written in the official instructions.
Important: If you’re using a Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 or other MIUI 14/15 model, some menu items may be slightly different, as we’ll warn you separately, and note that those that are removed from the blacklist will only be automatically unlocked after you reboot your phone or force your contact list to be updated.
Method 1: Remove via the standard “Phone” application
The most obvious and quickest method is to use the built-in Phone app (the handset icon on the home screen), which works on all Xiaomi models, including Redmi, POCO and the Mi line, regardless of the MIUI version.
- Open the Phone app and go to the Contacts tab (or the Journal if the number is not saved).
- Find the blocked contact in the list or use the search bar at the top.
- Tap on the contact to open his card, then tap on three dots (⋮) top-right.
- In the drop-down menu, select Remove from the blacklist (on some firmwares, the item may be called Unblock).
- Confirm the action in the dialog window.
If the contact does not appear in the main list, check the tab Blacklist inside the Phone: Phone app. → ⋮ (menu) → Settings → Blacklist. Here you'll see all the locked numbers and be able to manage them directly.
☑️ Preparation for number removal
⚠️ Note: Some models (e.g. Xiaomi 13 Ultra) may require a forced update of the contact list after unlocking the number. → ⋮ → Update or just restart your phone.
Method 2: Through MIUI Security Settings
If the standard method didn’t work (for example, due to a bug in the Phone app), try to delete the number through the system security settings.This path is universal for all devices on MIUI 12 and later, including the Redmi K50 and POCO F4.
Instructions:
- Open Settings (the gear icon on the main screen).
- Go to the Appendix section → Permits → Blacklist.
- Enter a password or pattern lock if the system requests confirmation.
- Find the desired number in the list and swipe it to the left (as in messengers) or tap on the basket icon.
- Confirm removal.
This method is especially useful if the number was locked not through the Phone app, but through system protection (for example, after several failed attempts to enter the unlock code), and you can see numbers that are automatically blocked by Xiaomi’s system as potentially dangerous.
Method 3: Use of the Security App
Security (or Security in English) is the heart of MIUI protection, and it's where all the tools for blocking management, including the blacklist, are concentrated, and it's suitable for users who have had their number blocked as spam or fraudulent.
How to delete the number:
- Launch the Security app (shield icon with tick).
- Go to the Blacklist or Block tab (the name may vary).
- Select Calls or Messages section depending on the type of lock.
- Find the number in the list and swipe it left or click on the removal icon.
- Confirm the action.
In the same application, you can configure automatic spam blocking. If you want the system to no longer block numbers on its own, turn off the option Autoblock fraudsters in the Security settings → Settings → Blocking calls.
What to do if the Security app is not available?
Method 4: Unlock via Mi Cloud (if the number is synchronized)
If you use Mi Account and your contacts are synchronized with the cloud, the blocked numbers can be duplicated in a cloud blacklist, in which case deleting the number on your phone may not work, and you will have to unlock it through the web interface.
Step-by-step:
- Open your browser on your computer or phone and go to i.mi.com.
- Sign in with your Mi Account (the same as on your phone).
- Go to Devices → Select your smartphone → Blacklist.
- Find the number in the list and click Delete.
- Update your phone contact list: Contacts → ⋮ → Update.
This method is relevant for users who often reinstall firmware or use multiple Xiaomi devices under the same account. If the number is still locked after deleting, try logging out of Mi Account on the phone and re-entering, this force synchronizes the data.
⚠️ Note: If you delete a number from a cloud blacklist, it will be unlocked on all devices associated with this Mi Account.
Method 5: Resetting the blacklist through the engineering menu (for advanced)
If standard methods do not help, and the number is still blocked, you can use the MIUI engineering menu. This method requires caution, since incorrect actions can lead to malfunctions of the phone.
Instructions:
- Open the Phone app and enter the combination: ##4636##.
- In the menu that opens, select Phone Information (or Phone Information).
- Scroll down to the Call Blocking or Call Blocking section.
- Click Clear Blacklist (or Clear Blacklist).
- Confirm the action and restart the phone.
This method will completely reset all blocked numbers, so only use it if you need to unlock multiple contacts at the same time, and after the reset you will have to manually restore the locks for spammers.
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If the engineering menu doesn’t open, try entering the combination through the standard Calls app, not through the keyboard in messengers. Some firmware (e.g. MIUI EU) may need to pre-enable the developer mode (Settings → About Phone → MIUI version – tap 7 times).
Frequent problems and their solutions
Even after removing a number from the blacklist, there can be problems, and let's look at the most common situations and ways to solve them:
| Problem. | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The number is deleted, but the calls are not going through. | The cache of the application Phone is not updated | Reboot your phone or clear the cache: Settings → Apps → Phone → Clear the cache |
| The number is blocked by the operator | Subscriber in the blacklist of the mobile operator (MTS, Beeline, etc.) | Call the operator or check your personal account on the site |
| Blacklist is empty, but calls don't go through | Number locked in SIM-map | Check the settings. SIM: Settings → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Locking down calls |
| After the MIUI update, the blacklist was dropped | Sync failure with Mi Cloud | Log in to Mi Account and update your contacts |
If none of these methods worked, check to see if the phone has a side of a call blocking app (like Truecaller or Call Blocker) that may have its own separate blacklist that doesn’t appear in the system settings.
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Before you try radical methods (setting resets or engineering menus), make sure that the problem is not on the carrier's side. SIM-cards, and you can unlock the number only through the personal account of the mobile provider.