How to permanently lock a number on Xiaomi, so that SMS does not come: working methods 2026

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) – 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:

  1. Open the phone application (pipe icon).
  2. Go to Recents and find the number you want (or manually enter it in the search bar).
  3. Click on the number β†’ select Block β†’ Confirm the action.

To manage the blacklist:

  • πŸ“± Go to Settings. β†’ Annexes β†’ Phone. β†’ Blacklist.
  • πŸ” You can add numbers manually or delete previously blocked numbers here.
  • βš™οΈ Enable the option to Block Unknown Numbers to automatically filter spam.

β˜‘οΈ What to check before blocking the number

Done: 0 / 4

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.

πŸ“Š How often do you receive spam SMS?
Every day.
Several times a week
Rarely.
Never.

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:

  1. Open the Messages app.
  2. Find a dialog with an unwanted number and open it.
  3. Click on three dots in the upper right corner β†’ Details β†’ Block.
  4. Confirm the action in the pop-up window.

Features of the method:

  • πŸ“΅ Blocking only. SMS, Calls from this number will be made.
  • πŸ”„ You can unlock the number at any time through Settings β†’ Blocking and spam.
  • 🚫 It does not work for group mailing (if spam comes from different numbers).

πŸ’‘

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:

  1. Open the Messages app.
  2. Go to Settings β†’ Blocking and Spam β†’ Spam settings.
  3. Activate the Filter Messages from Service Numbers Switch.
  4. Add numbers masks manually (e.g. 900* to lock all numbers starting at 900).

Advantages of the method:

  • πŸ›‘οΈ Blocks even numbers that cannot be added to the standard blacklist.
  • πŸ”„ Works for mass mailings from banks, operators and marketers.
  • πŸ“Š You can set up a whitelist for important service numbers.
How do virtual numbers work in spam?
Many scammers use virtual numbers (such as services like OnlineSIM or 5SIM) that cannot be blocked in the standard way, generating random combinations but often sharing prefixes (such as +7999 or 8800), a hidden feature of MIUI that allows them to be blocked by mask.

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 teamNotes
MTS*111*765# (challenge)Disables all advertising mailings
BeelineSend stop advertising to 5115It 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:

⚠️ 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:

  • πŸ€– Automatically detect spam from a database.
  • πŸ“Š Block statistics and reports.
  • πŸ” Keyword filtering (e.g., β€œwinning”, β€œcredit").

Top.-3 apps:

AnnexFeaturesReference
SMS BlockerBlocking Regular Expressions, Backing Up BlacklistGoogle Play
TruecallerCommunity spammer database, identification of unknown numbersGoogle Play
Messages by GoogleBuilt-in spam filter from Google, integration with MIUIGoogle Play

Warning:

⚠️ 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:

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Notifications β†’ Notifications Management.
  2. Find the application from which spam SMS comes (for example, SberBank Online).
  3. Turn off the Display Notifications switch or select No Sound.
  4. In the Notification Categories section, disable SMS or Messages.

Limitations of the method:

  • ❌ SMS They will still be in the app, but will not be distracted by notifications.
  • ⚠️ Can disable important notifications (e.g. confirmation codes from a bank).
  • πŸ”„ Doesn't work for the system. SMS (for example, from the operator).

πŸ’‘

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.

FAQ: Frequent questions about blocking SMS on Xiaomi

Can I block SMS from short numbers (e.g. 900)?
Yes, but the standard blacklist in MIUI doesn't do that. Use a hidden service number filtering feature (Section 3) or third-party applications like SMS Blocker that support mask locking (e.g. 900*).
Why do SMS numbers still come after blocking?
Probable reasons: The spammer number changes (virtual SIMs are used). SMS does not come from the number, but from an alphabetic identifier (for example, "SberBank"). Blocking is applied only to calls, but not to SMS (check the settings in Messages). Solution: use a combination of methods (blacklist + filtering by keywords).
How to unlock a number if it was blocked by mistake?
To unlock the number: For calls: Settings β†’ Apps β†’ Phone β†’ Blacklist β†’ Swipe the number left. For SMS: Messages β†’ Settings β†’ Block and spam β†’ Find the number and click Unblock. If the number does not appear in the list, check Archive in the Messages app – sometimes blocked SMS get there.
Will the lock work after the phone is reset to factory settings?
No, the blacklist and SMS lock settings are reset along with the firmware. To save the list of blocked numbers: Back up via Settings β†’ System and Device β†’ Backup. Use third-party applications (such as SMS Blocker) that support blacklist export/import.
Can I block SMS from all unknown numbers?
Yes, but it's risky. MIUI has the option to Block Unknown Numbers in your phone settings, but it will block all SMS from numbers not saved in your contacts, including: Service confirmation codes (Google, VK), Bank notifications (if the number is not saved), SMS from delivery services (SDEC, Russian Post), Recommendation: instead of completely blocking Unknown, use a whitelist in applications like Messagesages Google by.