How to permanently block unwanted calls on Xiaomi phone: from blacklist to hidden MIUI features

Spam calls from scammers, intrusive advertising calls, or just unwanted contacts can turn smartphone use into a nightmare. Xiaomi, Redmi, and POCO phone owners have several tools in their arsenal to combat this problem, from built-in MIUI features to third-party applications with advanced capabilities. But how exactly do they work? And why does standard lock sometimes fail?

In this article, we’ll look at 7 proven ways to block unwanted calls on Xiaomi devices, including hidden settings that the manufacturer does not advertise. You’ll learn how to set up a Blacklist, use the built-in Defender, connect a cloud database of spammers and even block calls by keywords. And for those who encounter particularly persistent subscribers, instructions for working with applications like Truecaller and GetContact, which recognize scammers before answering a call.

Important: The methods work on all current versions of MIUI 12-14 (including HyperOS), but some features may not be available on older models (e.g. Redmi 4A or Mi A1). If your phone is released before 2018, check the availability of options in advance.

1. Standard MIUI Blacklist: How to Add a Number Manually

The most obvious way is to use the built-in Blacklist that every Xiaomi phone has, which blocks not only calls, but also SMS from selected contacts.

1. Open the phone application (pipe icon).
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner → Settings.
3. Select the Blacklist.
4. Tap Add to the blacklist and enter the number manually or select from the log.

Now, calls from this number will be automatically reset and the log will be marked "Blocked," but there are limitations to this method.

• 🔹 Does not block hidden numbers (for example, with a changed caller) ID).
• 🔹 Does not work for mass spam calls from different numbers.
• 🔹 Not synced with the cloud (when you reset your phone, the list will be cleared).

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If the spammer number starts with +7 9xx or 8 9xx, add both options (with “8” and “+7”) to the blacklist – so the lock will work.

For the POCO F5, Redmi Note 12 and later, MIUI 14 has an option to block the template, which allows you to disable all numbers starting with a certain combination (for example, +375 for Belarusian spammers).

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Phone → Blacklist.
2. Slip on the icon of the gear at the top → Blocking according to the template.
3. Add a number mask (e.g. +37529*).

Xiaomi Defender: Cloud-based spam numbers

Xiaomi's Defender (or Security) feature not only scans the device for viruses, but also filters incoming calls through a cloud database, which is updated daily and contains millions of fraud and spammer numbers to enable:

1. Open the Protector app (shield icon).
2. Go to the Security tab.
3. Press Spam Protection. → Calls.
4. Activate the spam call filter.

Now all numbers from the database will be automatically blocked or marked as suspicious (depending on the settings).

• 🔹 It works for hidden numbers (if they are in the database).
• 🔹 Updated without your participation.
• 🔹 You can set up notifications about blocked calls.

But there’s a caveat: Xiaomi Defender’s base is focused primarily on the Chinese and Indian markets, so Russian/Ukrainian/Belarusian spammers can slip through, in which case a combination of other methods will help.

3. Blocking by Keywords in Contact Name

Few people know, but MIUI has a hidden feature that blocks calls by keywords in the subscriber's name, for example, if spammers call from numbers like Sberbank, Gift Card or Operator, they can be blocked automatically.

1. Open the phone → Settings → Lock numbers.
2. Select Keyword Block (on some firmwares the option is hidden – see spoiler below).
3. Add words by comma (e.g.: credit, winnings, operator, bank).
4. Save the changes.

Now, all calls that have these words in their contact name or number will be blocked, a method that is particularly effective against mass mailings with changed names.

Important: Don’t use too general words like “Moscow” or “Service” – this can block legitimate calls, and the optimal way to add 5-10 specific phrases characteristic of spam.

4 Third-Party Apps: Truecaller, GetContact and ACR

If Xiaomi's built-in tools fail, third-party apps will come to the rescue.

For maximum protection, we recommend combining Truecaller (for spam recognition) and the built-in Blacklist (for final blocking).

Download and register at Truecaller|

Enable the option “Block Spam” in the application settings |

Manually add numbers that Truecaller skips |

Turn off Shared Contacts (if you don’t want to share data)-->

Note: Some apps (like Truecaller) require permission to access contacts and call logs, and if you're embarrassed, use alternatives like Should I Answer? that work without syncing contacts.

5.Blocking hidden and international numbers

Spammers often use hidden numbers (Unknown, Private Number) or international codes (+375, +380, +1). MIUI has separate settings for such cases:

1. Open the phone → Settings → Lock numbers.
2. Activate the option to block hidden numbers.
3. For international calls, select Region Lock and select Unwanted Countries.

If you don’t have an option (e.g., on the Redmi 9A with MIUI 12), use the workaround:

• 🔹 Install Call Blocker from Google Play.
• 🔹 In the application settings, select Block Private Numbers.
• 🔹 Add the prefixes of international numbers manually (e.g, +375, +380).

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Blocking hidden numbers can interfere with legitimate calls (such as from a bank or delivery service).

6. Operator setting: Antispam services from MTS, Beeline, MegaFon

Mobile operators offer their own spam filtering services, and they work at the network level and block calls before they even reach your phone.

The advantage of carrier services is that they do not depend on the phone model and work even on older Xiaomi (for example, Redmi 3S).

• 🔹 Spam Numbers are Updated Slower Than Truecaller.
• 🔹 Does not block calls from messengers (WhatsApp, Viber).
• 🔹 It may conflict with the built-in lock. MIUI.

If you have connected the operator service, but calls still pass, check the settings in your personal account on the provider's website - sometimes the filter needs to be activated additionally.

Extreme measures: number change and two-tier lock

If spam calls have become unbearable and all of the above methods do not help, radical solutions remain:

1. Change of phone number: an extreme measure, but sometimes the only effective one: operators allow you to change the number for free 1 time per year (check the terms with your provider).
2. Two-level lock, a combination of: 🔹 Built-in Blacklist. MIUI. 🔹 Truecaller applications with maximum filtering settings. 🔹 Antispam services from the operator.

Use the second number.

⚠️ Warning: Before changing the number, export contacts from the phone (Contacts) → Settings → Import/Export and check if important services (banks, instant messengers, government services) are linked to it. Some accounts (such as WhatsApp or government services) will require re-verification.

FAQ: Frequent questions about blocking calls on Xiaomi