How to get rid of spam in SMS on Xiaomi Redmi: from standard settings to secret chips

Every Xiaomi Redmi owner is facing a flood of annoying messages, from bank scams to microloans. According to Kaspersky, in 2023, Android users were receiving an average of 12 spam text messages per month — a figure that is growing, compounded by the fact that standard blocking methods often work selectively, skipping some messages.

In this article, we will discuss all available ways to combat spam on Redmi – from hidden features MIUI You'll find out how to use the little-known operator services:

• 🔍 Set up a built-in filter MIUI lock-in
• 📱 Use third-party applications with artificial intelligence
• 📡 Connect blocking services at MTS, Beeline, MegaFon, Tele2
• 🛡️ Protect yourself from phishing SMS with fake links

Important: The methods work for all Redmi models (from Redmi) 9A Up to Redmi Note 12 Pro+) firmware MIUI 12-14. For older versions (MIUI 11 and below) some functions may not be available.

1. Built-in SMS filter in MIUI: How to turn on and set up

Xiaomi manufacturer integrated into the shell MIUI A powerful tool for combating spam is a built-in message filter, which runs on a database of known spammers and analyzes the content of SMS messages:

1. Open the Messages app (the envelope icon on the desktop).
2. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner → select Settings.
3. Go to the Spam filter section (or Block and Filter in newer versions).
4. Activate the Spam Filter Switch.
5. Enable the option to Block messages from unknown senders (recommended).

Once activated, all suspicious messages will automatically move to the Spam folder. It is important to check this folder once every 1-2 weeks, as sometimes legitimate SMS (for example, from banks or services) get there.

Enable spam filter in message settings|

Activate the blocking of unknown senders|

Add fraudster numbers to the blacklist manually|

Check the Spam folder once a week-->

If the filter is not spammy, update the database:

1. In the same section of the Spam filter, find the item Update the spam database.
2. Wait for the download to be completed (internet required).

⚠️ Note: In some regions (e.g. India or China) filters are available MIUI It can block text messages from local services. If you're traveling, temporarily turn it off.

2. Blacklist: How to Block a Specific Number Permanently

If you get sick of the same number (for example, scammers with fake messages from Sberbank or the Russian Post), add it to the blacklist.

This can be done in two ways:

Method 1: Through the "Messages" app

1. Open the dialogue with an unwanted number.
2. Slip on three dots in the top corner. → Lock down.
3. Confirm the action (optionally, you can note Report Spam).

Method 2: Through phone settings

1. Go to Settings. → Annexes → Communications → Blocking and filtration.
2. Select the Blacklist. → Add a number.
3. Enter the number in the format +79XXXXXXXXX or 89XXXXXXXXX.

Limitations of the method:

• 🚫 It does not work for SMS with switched numbers (for example, on behalf of Sberbank or Gosuslugi).
• 🔄 Fraudsters often change numbers, so you will have to update the list regularly.

Operator services of spam blocking: what MTS, Beeline, MegaFon and Tele2 offer

Russian mobile operators provide free and paid services to filter unwanted SMS, their main advantage is that the blocking occurs at the network level, so spam does not even reach your phone.

Advantages of operator services:

• 🛡️ Block spam before hitting the phone (saves battery power).
• 🔄 Automatically update the database of spammer numbers.
• 📊 Some operators (for example, MTS) provide a monthly report on blocked messages.

⚠️ Note: Operators do not block SMS from banks and government services, even if they contain advertising.

4. Third-party applications for blocking SMS: top-5 solutions for Xiaomi

If embedded tools MIUI If you don't have any operator services, install a specialized application. We tested the 5 best programs for Xiaomi Redmi that effectively filter spam:

1. SMS Filter (from developers) MIUI)

The official application from Xiaomi, which is more integrated into the system than the standard filter.

• 🤖 Uses machine learning to analyze text text.
• 📊 Keeps statistics of blocked messages.
• 🔒 Can block messages with specific keywords (e.g., microloan, win").

Download: Google Play (free of charge).

2. Truecaller

A well-known call identification app that also blocks spam SMS.

• 🌍 The spammer database is updated by the community (more than 300 million users).
• 🔍 Recognises fake numbers (spoofing).
• 📱 Easy to configure - just turn on the option SMS Block.

Minus: requires registration by phone number.

3. SMS Blocker

A simple application with a minimalist interface, suitable for users who want to:

• 📋 Create your own filtering rules (according to words, numbers, regular expressions).
• 🔄 Export/import blacklists.
• 📈 View the log of blocked messages.

4. Hiya: Caller ID & Block

Truecaller's privacy-focused alternative, does not sell user data to third parties.

5. Messages by Google

Google’s official application with a built-in spam filter, with the advantage of integrating with other Google services (such as Gmail).

How do you choose an app?

• 🎯 If you need maximum control — SMS Blocker.
• 🌐 If the global spammer base is important, Truecaller or Hiya.
• 🔗 If you use other Google services – Messages by Google.

💡

Before installing a third-party app, check permissions on Google Play. If the program requests access to Contacts, Call Log or Locations without an obvious reason, this is a reason to be wary.

5. How to block phishing SMS with fake links

The most dangerous thing is not just spam, but phishing messages, which are disguised as notifications from banks, government services or popular services (for example, Wildberries, Ozon), the purpose of such SMS is to steal your data or money.

Signs of phishing:

• 🔗 The link leads to a website with an address other than the official one (for example, sberbank-security.ru instead of sberbank.ru).
• 💳 Ask to enter card details, password or code from SMS.
• ⏳ The message contains threats ("Your account is blocked!") or unrealistic promises ("You won an iPhone!").

How to defend yourself:

1. Never follow links from SMS. If the message is supposed to be from a bank, open the official application or site manually.
2. Official SMS from banks come from short numbers (for example, 900 for Sberbank, 5500 for Tinkoff).
3. Use phishing-protected apps like Truecaller, Kaspersky Internet Security, or Dr.Web Security Space.

If you have already clicked on a suspicious link:

1. Block the card immediately through a mobile bank.
2. Check your transaction history for unauthorized write-offs.
3. Change passwords from important services (email, social networks, banks).

💡

Banks and government services never ask for passwords, SMS codes or card details via email or messengers, and any such request is 100% fraud.

6. Hidden settings MIUI: How to Increase Protection Against Spam

V MIUI There are a few hidden features that help fight spam more effectively. They are not documented in the official certificate, but work on most Xiaomi Redmi devices.

1. Do not disturb mode for SMS

This feature allows you to block all notifications from messages, except for selected contacts:

1. Go to Settings → Notifications and Status bar → Do not disturb.
2. Select Allow Notifications → Communications.
3. Add only trusted contacts to the exceptions.

2. Keyword Filtering

In the Messages application, you can configure the blocking of SMS messages containing certain words or phrases:

1. Open the Settings. → Spam filter → Filter setting.
2. Add words to the list (e.g., “loan”, “win”, “domain renewal”).
3. Set Action: Block or Move to Spam.

3. Disconnect SMS from service numbers

Many spam emails come from short numbers (e.g. 1234, 5678) and can be blocked completely:

1. Enter the code in the phone app: ##4636##.
2. Select Phone Information → SMS settings.
3. Turn off the option to receive SMS from service centers.

⚠️ Note: Disabling service SMS may cause you to stop receiving notifications from banks or government services, and only use this method if spam from such numbers becomes unbearable.

Alternative methods: SIM-filter card and second number

If none of the above methods worked, consider radical measures:

1.Use of SIM-card-back

Some operators (for example, MegaFon) offer SIM-These cards filter messages before they reach the phone.

2. Connecting the second number for registration

Many spam mailings start after you leave your number somewhere (for example, when registering on websites or in stores).

• 📱 Buy a second. SIM-card (e.g. Tele2 with My Talk rate) and use it only for registration.
• 🔄 Attach only important services to the main number (banks, public services, work).

3. Virtual numbers for one-time registration

Services like SMS-Activate or OnlineSIM allow you to get a temporary number to receive SMS. This completely eliminates your main number from getting into the spammer databases. ₽ single-mail.

Warning: Some services (e.g. banks or government services) block registration from virtual numbers.

FAQ: Frequent questions about blocking SMS on Xiaomi Redmi