How to block a subscriber on a Xiaomi smartphone: all ways

Pesky calls from spammers, collectors or ex-friends can be a distraction. Xiaomi smartphone owners (including the Redmi and POCO lines) have several built-in tools to block unwanted subscribers, from basic functions in the contact menu to advanced security settings. In this article, we will analyze all the current ways, including nuances for different versions of MIUI (12 to 14) and explain how to avoid typical errors.

It is important to understand that locking at the phone level does not guarantee 100% protection: some spammers use number swapping or send messages through messengers. However, the combination of built-in tools and third-party solutions (we will also talk about them) will minimize the risks. If you are faced with aggressive harassment, consider contacting law enforcement: Xiaomi has a feature to save call logs for such cases.

1. Lock through the call log (the fastest way)

If an unwanted number has already called you, you can block it directly from the call log, which works on all Xiaomi smartphones regardless of the model and version of MIUI (except for the very outdated firmware).

Instructions:

1. Open the Phone app (the tube icon on the home screen).
2. Go to the magazine tab (watch icon in the lower menu).
3. Find the number you want to block and click on it.
4. In the window that opens, tap three points (⋮) top-right.
5. Select the item Block the number and confirm the action.

After that, the subscriber will not be able to reach you and their calls will be automatically reset. Please note that in some versions of MIUI (for example, 12.5), the lock point may be hidden behind the Detail or Action button.

Number added to blacklist (check Settings → Number lock)

Calls from this subscriber are not displayed in the log

Missed Call Notifications Disabled-->

2. Blocking through phone settings (universal method)

If you want to block a number in advance (for example, on the recommendation of friends or from the spammer database), use system settings, which is suitable for blocking both individual contacts and entire ranges of numbers (for example, all calls with the code +375 for Belarusian spammers).

Step-by-step:

1. Open the settings (cog icon).
2. Go to the Appendix section → Application management.
3. Find and select the phone app.
4. Tap on Number Block (in some versions of MIUI this item is called Blacklist).
5. Click Add Number and enter data manually or select from contacts.

Additional parameters can be set here:

• 🔄 Blocking Unknown Numbers – Automatically cuts off calls from hidden identifiers (such as Unknown or Private Numbers).
• 📵 Lockdown SMS — prohibits not only calls, but also messages from blocked subscribers.
• 🔍 Blocked log – shows the history of communication attempts from banned numbers (useful for gathering evidence).

3. Blocking through contacts (if the number is saved)

If you already have an unwanted number in your phone book, you can block it directly from your contact card, which is convenient if you want to save information about the subscriber (for example, name or notes), but at the same time interrupt communication with him.

How to do this:

1. Open the Contacts app.
2. Find the right contact and tap on it.
3. In the upper right corner, press three dots (⋮) and select Block.
4. Confirm the action in the window that appears.

An important nuance: if a contact is synchronized with a Google or Mi Account, the lock will only work on the current device, and to prohibit calls on all gadgets associated with the account, you will have to delete the contact or use third-party services (for example, Google Contacts).

4.Using built-in anti-spam (MIUI 13/14)

The latest versions of the MIUI shell (starting with 13) have a separate module Protect and Anti-Spam, which automatically filters unwanted calls and messages, which is based on Xiaomi database and user reports, so it is effective against mass spammers.

How to turn on and configure:

1. Open the Settings. → PapaSSWORD safety.
2. Choose Protection and Antispam (in some regions, call security may be called Security).
3. Activate the switches: 🛡️ Spam Call Filtering – Blocks Known Fraudulent Numbers. 📱 Protection SIM-Cards – prevents calls from fake numbers (spoofing). 🔔 Block notifications – shows how many calls have been filtered.

Blacklist.

MIUI 14 integrates anti-spam with Mi Security, which analyzes subscriber behavior, and if the same number tries to reach more than 3 times per hour, the system automatically prompts it to be blocked.

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If antispam is too aggressive (e.g. blocking important calls), add the numbers to the Whitelist in the same settings section.

5. Third-party applications for blocking (extended features)

Xiaomi’s built-in tools don’t always work well with intrusive subscribers, especially if they use different numbers or VoIP services (such as WhatsApp or Viber), in which case specialized applications will help:

Before installing third-party apps, check their permissions in Settings → Apps → Permissions. Some programs (like Truecaller) request access to contacts and call history - this is necessary for work, but can raise privacy concerns. Tip: use a separate Google account to sync contacts if you are afraid of leaks.

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Third-party apps are more effective than built-in tools for blocking mass spammers, but can conflict with MIUI. Before installing, back up your contacts!

6. Blocking in messengers (WhatsApp, Viber, Telegram)

If you are not only receiving calls but also messages in messengers, you need to set the lock separately in each application. Unlike phone numbers, the lock in messengers is only at the account level (for example, in WhatsApp) and does not depend on the MIUI settings.

Instructions for popular services:

• 📱 WhatsApp: Open a chat with a subscriber. Tap three dots (⋮) → More. → Block it.
• 💬 Viber: Hold your finger on the chat → Select Information. Scroll down and click Block User.

Telegram

1. Open the subscriber profile.
2. Press three points (⋮) → Block it.

Important: on Telegram, a blocked user will not see your status online and will not be able to send a message, but will be able to read your messages in shared chats. On WhatsApp, the lock also hides your last visit and status.

7. How to unlock a number on Xiaomi

If you accidentally block the right contact or change your mind, you can cancel the lock at any time, depending on how the number was banned:

Through the phone settings:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Phone → Number Lock.
2. Find the number in the list and swipe it left or click on the basket (🗑️).
3. Confirm removal from the blacklist.

Through the call log:

1. Open the phone. → Journal.
2. Press three points (⋮) → Settings → Number locking.
3. Select a number and tap Unblock.

In messengers: the process is similar to blocking (see section 6), but instead of Block, choose Unblock.

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Once unlocked, check if the number is in a spam filter (such as Avast or Kaspersky), which sometimes duplicates the system lock.

8. Frequent problems and their solutions

Even after the lockdown, some subscribers continue to annoy users, and let's look at typical situations and ways to solve them:

Problem 1: Calls pass despite blocking

• 🔄 Check if the subscriber is using another number or VoIP (for example, Skype calls).
• 📵 Make sure that the lock is included in the settings SMS (Some spammers send a message first and then call).
• 🛠️ Update. MIUI Up to the latest version - in old firmware there are bugs with a black list.

Problem 2: You can’t add a number to a blacklist

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi models for China (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro)+ 5G firmware CN-region) the lock function is disabled by default; to activate it, you need to change the region to Global or EEA through settings → Additionally. → Region.

Problem 3: Blocking is triggered by important calls

• ⚪ Add the numbers you need to the whitelist (in anti-spam or phone settings).
• 🔕 Disable the function of Blocking unknowns if you are waiting for a call from a new number.
• 📱 Check your locker app settings (for example, Truecaller may mistakenly label banks or delivery services as spam).

Problem 4: After resetting the settings, the lock flew off

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi's blacklist is tied to system settings, not Mi Account. When you reset your phone to factory settings, all locked numbers will be deleted. To avoid this, export the list through Settings. → Number locking → Exports (available in MIUI 14).

FAQ: Frequent questions