When a phone is torn apart by spammers, obsessive telemarketers, or former colleagues, it is familiar to every smartphone owner. Xiaomi device owners who run on the MIUI or HyperOS shell often face the need to quickly limit the caller circle to keep calm and productive. Fortunately, the built-in functionality allows you to flexibly manage incoming traffic without installing third-party software.
In this article, we will discuss all the available ways to enable inbound calls ban on Xiaomi.We will look at the standard locking tools, operator forwarding settings and the specific features of the antivirus built into the system, understanding these mechanisms will allow you to create a reliable barrier to unwanted communication.
Before we get to specific actions, it's worth noting that calling bans can work on many levels, from simply resetting a call to completely unavailable to a subscriber online, depending on your ultimate goal: whether you want to simply ignore a particular person or become completely unavailable to everyone while you're on vacation.
Use of the built-in blacklist
The easiest and most effective way to cut off unwanted calls is to use the built-in Blacklist feature, which is integrated directly into the Security and Phone app in the MIUI shell, making it a higher priority over third-party apps.
To activate the function, you need to open the Security application (green icon with lightning) and select the Antivirus section or immediately go to the lock settings. Here the system offers several behavior scenarios: locking all unknown numbers, hidden numbers or selectively banning contacts. It is important to correctly configure the locking rules so that you do not miss an important call from the courier or doctor.
⚠️ Note: When you turn on Block All Incoming, the caller will hear the "busy" signal and you will not receive any notification.
The system allows you to create complex rules, such as blocking numbers that start with certain numbers, or hiding missed call notifications from a blacklist in a magazine, which is useful if you want to completely ignore the existence of certain people.
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Use Do Not Disturb mode for temporary silence, as it allows you to create a “white list” of favorite contacts who can reach even if you actively ban everyone else.
Set up redirection and unavailability
If you need to become completely inaccessible, but you don't want to turn off your phone, you can use the redirect function. Unlike a blacklist that resets a call, a redirection redirects the call to another number or voicemail, making your primary number formally occupied or redirected.
To set this option, go to the Phone app, click on the three dots in the corner of the screen and select Settings. Under Accounts for Calls (or simply your name). SIM-Find the optional settings. This is where the call forwarding menu is hidden.
- 📞 Always: All calls go to another number or voicemail.
- ⏳ If busy: Redirects will only work if you’re talking to someone else.
- 🕰️ Unanswered: The call will be forwarded if you do not pick up the phone after a certain time.
- 🚫 If not available: it will work when the phone is off or offline.
Using operator codes is another reliable method. You can activate a complete inbox ban by sending USSD-For example, for many operators, the *43# command checks the standby status, and shutting down all incoming ones is often done through service codes that can be found on your provider's website. This action takes place at the network level, so it works even when your smartphone is turned off.
What happens when you redirect to a paid number?
Do Not Disturb as a Filtering Tool
In modern versions of HyperOS and MIUI, Do Not Disturb (DND) mode has evolved into a powerful filtering tool: It doesn’t just block sound, it can completely ban incoming connections, leaving the phone in working order for other tasks.
You can activate this mode through the notification curtain or in the Settings menu → Sound and vibration → Don't bother. You can set a schedule here so that the ban is activated automatically, like at night or during meetings.
You can set up the system so that calls are only allowed from contacts on the Favorites list or when you call again (if the same number rings twice within 3 minutes), which is the perfect balance between silence and availability for emergencies.
| Setup parameter | Operation of the system | Recommended use |
|---|---|---|
| Locking everyone down. | Total silence, the screen doesn't light up. | Movies, sleep, important meetings |
| Only the chosen one. | Sound only for contact with an asterisk | Working hours, study hours |
| Repeated calls | Skipping the second call in 3 minutes | Night time (in case of emergency) |
| Visual notifications | The screen is silent, but it's lighting up. | When the phone is on the table in front of your eyes |
Blocking of hidden and unknown numbers
A separate category of unwanted calls is those where a subscriber hides his or her number. Xiaomi's security settings have a separate option for dealing with such calls. It's along the way: Settings → Applications → Application settings → Phone → Lock.
By switching on the Block Hidden Numbers switch, you are guaranteed to save yourself from anonymous spam, but it is worth remembering that some organizations (banks, delivery services, government agencies) may call from hidden numbers for security reasons or because of the peculiarities of their PBX.
It also has a feature that locks all numbers that aren't in your phone book, which is a radical but effective method for older people or during periods of active fraud, and will only accept calls from those you've kept in contact with.
⚠️ Warning: Enabling the lock on all unknown numbers may cause you to miss a call from a courier, taxi, or new customer whose number is not yet in your notebook.
☑️ Checking privacy settings
Third-party applications and spam databases
While Xiaomi’s built-in tools are powerful enough, cloud databases are often required to be fully protected. Built-in antivirus from Avast or AVL (depending on the firmware region) can detect spam, but third-party solutions can be more relevant to a specific region.
Popular applications like GetContact, Yandex.Calls, and Kaspersky Who Calls can work in conjunction with the system, not only identifying the name of the caller, but can also automatically drop calls with tags tagged "Spam" or "Crackers."
To integrate such an application, you need to give it the rights to manage calls. After installation, go to Settings → Applications → Application settings → Phone → Lock and select the source of blacklist updates. The system will suggest using the installed application database.
Using third-party databases has its own privacy risks, as you are actually sharing your contact list with the app developer.
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Combining the built-in MIUI blacklist and the anti-terrorism center cloud base (or equivalent) gives the best result in the fight against spam.