Spamming from banks, marketers and scammers is one of the most annoying problems Xiaomi owners have, and even after installing antivirus and filters, messages continue to arrive, distracting from important matters, unlike calls that can be quickly dropped, SMS-mailings clog the device's memory and increase the risk of phishing. MIUI There are several built-in tools for blocking unwanted numbers, from the standard blacklist to hidden features that few people know about.
In this article, we will discuss 5 proven ways to permanently stop receiving SMS from specific numbers on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones. You will learn how locking works at the system, operator and third-party application level, as well as what pitfalls users expect when using each method. Particular attention will be paid to the hidden MIUI function, which blocks SMS even from virtual numbers (for example, 900 services) β it is not in the official documentation, but it works on all devices with firmware above MIUI 12.
1. Standard blacklist in MIUI: step-by-step instruction
The most obvious way is to blacklist a number through the built-in MIUI settings.This method works on all Xiaomi models, including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 and the flagship Xiaomi 14. The main advantage is that you do not need to install additional applications, and the lock is valid for both SMS and calls.
To block the number:
- Open the phone application (pipe icon).
- Go to Recents and find the number you want (or manually enter it in the search bar).
- Click on the number β select Block β Confirm the action.
To manage the blacklist:
- π± Go to Settings. β Annexes β Phone. β Blacklist.
- π You can add numbers manually or delete previously blocked numbers here.
- βοΈ Enable the option to Block Unknown Numbers to automatically filter spam.
βοΈ What to check before blocking the number
Important: The standard blacklist does not block SMS from short numbers (e.g., 900 services from banks or operators) and will require other methods described below.
2. SMS blocking via message settings
If spam is sent as an SMS (not via messengers like WhatsApp), you can block the number directly in the Messages app, which works independently of the blacklist on your phone and allows you to filter even those numbers that did not call.
Instructions:
- Open the Messages app.
- Find a dialog with an unwanted number and open it.
- Click on three dots in the upper right corner β Details β Block.
- Confirm the action in the pop-up window.
Features of the method:
- π΅ Blocking only. SMS, Calls from this number will be made.
- π You can unlock the number at any time through Settings β Blocking and spam.
- π« It does not work for group mailing (if spam comes from different numbers).
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If there is a link in spam text messages, never click on it! scammers often disguise phishing sites as notifications from banks or delivery services.
3. Hidden MIUI function: blocking SMS from virtual numbers
Few people know, but MIUI has a hidden feature that allows you to block SMS from short and virtual numbers (for example, 900 services, 8-800, or numbers with a non-standard format), this method is not documented in the official certificate, but works on all devices with MIUI 12 and later.
How to activate:
- Open the Messages app.
- Go to Settings β Blocking and Spam β Spam settings.
- Activate the Filter Messages from Service Numbers Switch.
- Add numbers masks manually (e.g. 900* to lock all numbers starting at 900).
Advantages of the method:
- π‘οΈ Blocks even numbers that cannot be added to the standard blacklist.
- π Works for mass mailings from banks, operators and marketers.
- π You can set up a whitelist for important service numbers.
How do virtual numbers work in spam?
Restriction: Some bank notifications come from short numbers, too, and check before activating if your bank uses these numbers for 3D-Secure or payment confirmation.
Operator-level locking: pros and cons
If spam comes from a communications operator (for example, mailings from MTS, Beeline or Tele2), you can block it at the level of the service. SIM-This method is effective for mass mailings, but it has its own nuances.
How to block:
| Operator. | Lockdown team | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| MTS | *111*765# (challenge) | Disables all advertising mailings |
| Beeline | Send stop advertising to 5115 | It lasts 3 months, then you need to repeat it. |
| MegaFon | *505*1# (challenge) | Blocking only. SMS-promotion |
| Tele2. | Send stop to 159. | Does not block service notifications |
Warnings:
β οΈ Note: Operator-level locking can disable all service notifications, including important ones SMS Before activating, check if your bank uses the operator number to confirm payments.
Alternatively, call in support of the operator and ask to block a specific number, for example, MTS can do this through the command *111*765*number#, but not all operators provide this option.
5. Third-party applications for blocking SMS
If the built-in MIUI tools don't work, you can use third-party apps that offer advanced features like:
- π€ Automatically detect spam from a database.
- π Block statistics and reports.
- π Keyword filtering (e.g., βwinningβ, βcredit").
Top.-3 apps:
| Annex | Features | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| SMS Blocker | Blocking Regular Expressions, Backing Up Blacklist | Google Play |
| Truecaller | Community spammer database, identification of unknown numbers | Google Play |
| Messages by Google | Built-in spam filter from Google, integration with MIUI | Google Play |
Warning:
β οΈ Note: Some applications (such as Truecaller) require access to your contacts and call history.This can create a risk of data leakage. β Annexes β Permits.
Tip: If you use Messages by Google, enable Spam Protection in the app settings. It automatically filters suspicious SMS without blocking them completely (messages go to a separate folder).
6. Radical-method: shutdown SMS-notifications for specific applications
If spam does not come directly, but through notifications from applications (for example, Vkontakte, AliExpress or banking programs), you can turn off the service. SMS-They're not going to be blocked by this. SMS, but prevent them from being displayed in the status line.
How to turn it off:
- Go to Settings β Notifications β Notifications Management.
- Find the application from which spam SMS comes (for example, SberBank Online).
- Turn off the Display Notifications switch or select No Sound.
- In the Notification Categories section, disable SMS or Messages.
Limitations of the method:
- β SMS They will still be in the app, but will not be distracted by notifications.
- β οΈ Can disable important notifications (e.g. confirmation codes from a bank).
- π Doesn't work for the system. SMS (for example, from the operator).
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If spam comes through messengers (Viber, WhatsApp), blocking SMS will not help, in this case, you need to block contact directly in the messenger application.