Pesky calls from spammers, collectors or ex-friends can turn a smartphone into a source of stress. Xiaomi Redmi owners have several tools to block unwanted numbers at once, from built-in MIUI functions to third-party applications and services of mobile operators. In this article, we will analyze all the current methods, including hidden settings and nuances for different versions of firmware.
It is important to understand that locking works in different ways: somewhere the number will be blacklisted forever, and somewhere it can be unlocked in a month, we will also explain how to get around the MIUI restrictions on the number of blocked contacts (in some versions the limit is 100 numbers) and what to do if calls continue to arrive after blocking.
1. Blocking through the standard application "Phone"
The fastest way is to use the built-in MIUI tools. The interface may vary slightly depending on the model (Redmi Note 12, Redmi 10, POCO X5, etc.), but the general logic is maintained.
Open the Phone app (the handset icon on the home screen). Go to the Log tab and find the number you want to block. Click on it, then tap on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Lock the number. Confirm the action, it's all done. Now calls and SMS from that number will automatically be deflected.
- ๐ฑ Suitable for: All Redmi models on MIUI 12โ14
- โก Speed: takes less than 10 seconds
- ๐ Limit: up to 100 blacklisted numbers (in some regions)
- ๐ This means that it blocks calls and SMS
If the number is not saved in the contacts, but it calls you often, you can block it directly from the notification of a missed call.
Number added to call log|The phone app has been updated to the latest version|In the settings enabled synchronization of the blacklist with the account Mi|Checked that the number is not saved in the contacts as "Importantยป-->
โ ๏ธ Note: Some firmware for Redmi based on Android 13+ After locking the number, you may need to restart the device to make the changes effective. If calls continue, check the Settings section. โ Annexes โ Permits โ Phone and make sure the app has access to contacts and call log.
2. Manage blacklist in MIUI settings
For those who prefer centralized management, MIUI has a separate blacklisted section, where you can not only add numbers, but also customize lockdown rules for unknown subscribers.
- Open the settings (cog icon).
- Go to the Applications โ Phone โ Lock numbers.
- Click Add a number and enter it manually or select from the log.
- Activate the option to Lock unknown numbers if you want to screen out all subscribers not saved in contacts.
You can also set exceptions in this section, such as allowing calls from unknown numbers if they are repeated within 5 minutes (good for delivery services or taxis), and displaying a history of blocked calls, which can be cleared in one click.
| Function | Description | Applicable to models |
|---|---|---|
| Prefix locking | Ban calls from numbers that start with specific numbers (e.g. 8-800 for spam) | Redmi Note 11/12, POCO F4 |
| Auto-delete from the magazine | Blocked numbers are automatically erased from history after 30 days. | All devices on MIUI 13+ |
| Synchronization with Mi Cloud | The blacklist is saved in the Xiaomi account and is restored after the reset | Requires authorization in Mi-account |
| Do Not Disturb mode | Additional filtering of calls by time of day | Configured in Settings โ Sound and vibration |
If you use two of them SIM-The lock will only apply to the one who is called, and to apply the rules to all SIMs, you have to add a number for each.
Through the Phone appยป|In the settings MIUI|Third-party annexes|Please call the operator.|I don't block numbers.-->
3. Blocking through the operator: MTS, Beeline, MegaFon, Tele2
If Xiaomiโs built-in tools fail (e.g., a spammer uses different numbers), you can connect the lock service from the mobile operator.
- ๐ก MTS: Blacklist service (free for subscribers of tariffs "Ultra" and "Smart"). USSD-code *111*77# or in a private office.
- ๐ก Beeline: option "Prohibition of incoming" (cost โ 3 RUB/Day. Connects via *110*789#.
- ๐ก MegaFon: Antispam service (free for All My fares) managed in the My MegaFon appยป.
- ๐ก Tele2: โSpam Protectionโ (on by default for new ones) SIM). Configured in the section "My servicesยป.
The advantage of this method is that the lock works even if the call goes to another one. SIM-card on a phone or other device with the same SIM. But there are downsides:
- โ Operators can charge a fee for the service (from 1 to 10 rubles per day).
- โ Not all numbers are locked instantly (sometimes up to 24 hours are required).
- โ Spammers often change numbers and they will have to be added manually.
To check if the service is connected, send USSD-request *111# (for MTS) or *105# (for Beeline) will indicate the status of the "Blacklistยป.
What if the operator does not block the number?
4. Third-party applications to block calls
If the standard means MIUI Not enough, third-party utilities will come to the rescue, and they offer advanced features: blocking by keywords in the Internet. SMS, Automatically adding spammer numbers from databases, recording conversations from unwanted contacts.-3 tested applications:
- Truecaller (free, premium) Uses a global database of spammer numbers with over 300 million records. Automatically identifies scammers and collectors. Minus requires access to contacts and call history.
- CallApp (free) In addition to blocking, it shows information about the caller (social network, place of work), there is a function "Silent mode" for unknown numbers.
- Blacklist Plus (paid, 299 rubles) Works without the Internet, supports blocking by regular expressions (for example, all numbers with the code 8-927-*).
Before installing, check the application permissions in Settings โ Apps โ Permissions. To work properly, you will need access to:
- ๐ Call magazine.
- ๐ Contact
- ๐ถ SMS (optionally)
- ๐ Microphone (if you need to record conversations)
After installation, be sure to disable the built-in lock in MIUI to avoid conflicts. Go to Settings โ Apps โ Phone โ Lock numbers and deactivate the option.
โ ๏ธ Note: Some antiviruses (such as Dr.Web or Kaspersky) may conflict with applications to block calls. If after installing Truecaller or analogues, calls stop coming at all, add the application to the exceptions of the antivirus or turn off protection while setting up the settings.
5. How to block a number through Google Contacts
If you use Google Contacts for sync, you can block numbers directly through the web version of the service, which is convenient because the changes apply to all devices associated with your Google account (including tablets and other smartphones).
- Open your browser and go to contacts.google.com.
- Sign in under your account.
- Find the contact you want to block or create a new one with an unwanted number.
- Open the contact card and click on three points โ Block the number.
After that, the number will be locked on all devices with this Google account, including Xiaomi Redmi.To unlock, go back to Google Contacts and delete the number from the Blocked section.
Importantly, this method only works for numbers stored in contacts. If a spammer calls from an unknown number, first add it to the address book labeled "Spam" and then block it.
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If you frequently receive calls from international numbers, you can create a Spam group in Google Contacts and add suspicious contacts to your contacts, then set the rule in MIUI settings: โBlock all spam numbers.โ
6. Hidden MIUI features: blocking by keywords and regular expressions
MIUI firmware has little-known advanced locking tools that are not advertised in the standard interface, such as configuring filtering by:
- ๐ค Key words in SMS (For example, โyou wonโ, โcreditโ, โdebtยป).
- ๐ Regular expressions (e.g., block all numbers starting with the +375 for Belarusian spammers).
- โฑ๏ธ Time of day (for example, block all calls from 23:00 to 8:00).
To activate these functions:
- Open the Phone app.
- Go to Settings โ Lock and Protection โ Locking Rules.
- Select Add rule and set the settings (e.g., โBlock SMS with text โcall backโโ).
To block regular expressions, you will need to enter a template in the format:
^89\d{9}$This example will block all Russian numbers starting at 89. Be careful - an incorrect regular expression can block important calls!
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Regular expressions are a powerful tool, but you need to be careful, so check the template on sites like regex101.com before using them to avoid blocking the numbers you want.
7 What to do if the lock is not working?
Sometimes even after being blacklisted, calls keep coming in, and here are the possible causes and solutions:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Calls are coming to the second SIM | The lock is applied to only one SIM-map | Add a number to the blacklist for each SIM separately |
| The number is displayed as "Unknown" | Spamer hides his number | Enable in the settings to Lock Hidden Numbers |
| Calls come from different numbers. | The spammer uses automatic call | Connect the operator lock service or use Truecaller |
| After the MIUI update, the lock was dropped | Synchronization error with Mi Cloud | Update your firmware to the latest version or restore the blacklist from the backup |
If none of these methods worked, try the last resort, resetting your network settings. โ SIM-maps and mobile networks โ Reset network settings. This will delete all stored Wi-Fi networks and mobile Internet settings, but can solve the problem with blocking.
In rare cases, the fault is corrupted firmware, and if your Redmi runs on custom firmware (like LineageOS), the lock may not work due to the lack of Google services, so you can reflash the device to the official MIUI.