How to permanently lock a number on Xiaomi: from a blacklist to secret settings

Spam calls, intrusive collectors, or former acquaintances all Xiaomi owners will eventually have to block an unwanted number. Unlike iPhones, where the lock function is hidden in contacts, MIUI smartphones offer several ways to solve the problem, but not all of them are equally effective: some numbers continue to name even after being added to the blacklist, and others are only partially blocked.

In this article, we will analyze all available methods of blocking on Xiaomi – from standard tools. MIUI You'll learn how to block not only calls, but also hidden functions that are not covered in the official documentation. SMS, And also what to do if the number continues to bother you despite all the efforts: MIUI 12/13/14 HyperOS.

Important: locking works differently depending on the phone model. For example, on the Redmi Note 10 Pro, the blacklist syncs with the Mi Account account, and on the POCO F5, this requires a separate setup, and we took these features into account and prepared universal instructions.

1. Standard blacklist in MIUI: how to add a number

The most obvious way is to use the built-in blacklist, which is available on all Xiaomi smartphones, regardless of the firmware version.

  1. Open the phone application (pipe icon).
  2. Go to the recent section and find the number you want.
  3. Click on the number β†’ select Block (or Blacklist in older versions).
  4. Confirm the action by selecting Block this number.

If the number is not in the call history, it can be added manually:

  1. Start "Settings" β†’ Applications β†’ Phone β†’ Lock numbers.
  2. Click Add the number and enter it manually.
  3. Specify the type of lock: Calls, SMS or both.

The number is saved in the correct format (with country code)

Sync with Mi Account enabled (if you need to block all devices)

Emergency number exceptions are disabled (in lock settings)

Checked that the number is not added to the contacts (otherwise the lock may not work)-->

⚠️ Attention: B MIUI 14 and newer blacklist by default does not block SMS From locked numbers. To enable this feature, go to Settings. β†’ Annexes β†’ Communications β†’ Block spam and activate the option to Block messages from blocked numbers.

2. Blocking through the Messages app: spam and SMS

If you're flooded with spam messages, the standard blacklist from the Phone section may not help, so use the built-in Messages app (the envelope icon).

  1. Open a spam message from an unwanted number.
  2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner β†’ Details.
  3. Choose Block and confirm the action.

For mass lockdown:

  1. Press your finger on the message β†’ select other spam SMS.
  2. Click on the icon of the basket with the cross (Delete and block).

HyperOS (firmware for new Xiaomi 14 models, POCO F6) has introduced an automatic spam filtering feature to enable it:

Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Messages β†’ Spam filter β†’ Enable β€œAutomatic Lock”

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If SMS continues to arrive after blocking, check operator settings. Some mobile networks (for example, MTS or Beeline) ignore the lock at the phone level and require a separate service "Antispam".

3. Hidden MIUI settings: blocking by keywords

Few people know, but MIUI has a feature to block calls and SMS by keywords. This is useful if spammers use different numbers but the same text messages (for example, "You won a prize").

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Phone β†’ Lock numbers.
  2. Choose Keyword Block (in some versions, this option is hidden in Additional Settings).
  3. Add words or phrases (e.g., β€œcredit,” β€œwinning,” β€œcollector”).
  4. Specify what to block: Calls, SMS, or both.

This feature works even for numbers that are not blacklisted, for example, if you add the word microloan, all SMS with that word will automatically be sent to the Spam folder.

How to get around the limit on the number of keywords
You can add up to 50 keywords to MIUI 13 and older, but if you need more, use the Mi Security app, which has an advanced spam filter that supports up to 200 phrases.

MIUI versionMax, key words.Support for regular expressionsSynchronization with Mi Account
MIUI 1230No.Yes.
MIUI 1350No.Yes.
MIUI 14100Yes (via Mi Security)Yes.
HyperOS200Yes.Yes.

Third-party applications: when embedded functions are not enough

If the standard instruments MIUI They are not able to handle it (for example, spammers use virtual numbers or IP-Telephony, try third-party apps. Best options for Xiaomi:

  • πŸ”’ Truecaller - blocks spam numbers based on a global database, supports caller identification even for unknown numbers.
  • πŸ“΅ Call Blocker – allows you to create lock rules by mask (for example, all numbers with a prefix) +375).
  • πŸ›‘οΈ Hiya – specializes in blocking fraudulent calls (supports Russian-speaking spammers).
  • πŸ“± Should I Answer? – analyzes the behavior of numbers and automatically blocks suspicious ones.

⚠️ Note: When using third-party applications, disable the built-in lock in MIUI, Otherwise, some numbers can be locked twice and others can be skipped.

To give the application the right to block:

Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Permissions β†’ Phone Rights β†’ [Select App] β†’ Allow Call Blocking

Built-in blacklist MIUI|Truecaller|Call Blocker|Hiya|Other|I don't block numbers.-->

5. Blocking through the operator: when nothing helps

If the number continues to bother you despite all the efforts, contact your mobile operator. Most providers have anti-spam services:

  • πŸ“‘ MTS: Spam Protection (free for subscribers) USSD-code *111*777#.
  • πŸ“‘ Beeline: "Antispam" (30 rubles / month) Connected via personal account or by number 067409111.
  • πŸ“‘ MegaFon: Spam filter (free) Activated via *105*456#.
  • πŸ“‘ Tele2: Β«Fraud protection” (on by default for new tariffs).

Important: operator lock works at the network level, so blocked numbers will not be able to reach even if you change your phone or phone. SIM-But there are some disadvantages to this method:

  • Some operators only block the numbers for 30 days.
  • Legitimate calls (e.g. from banks) may be blocked.
  • The service is paid (except for MTS and MegaFon).

To check if the lock is active, send USSD-request:

*111*777# for MTS


*105*456# for MegaFon




*110*09# for Beeline

6.How to unlock a number and manage a blacklist

If you accidentally block an important number or need to clear the blacklist, do the following:

  1. Open Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Phone β†’ Lock numbers.
  2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner β†’ Manage the blacklist.
  3. Select a number and click Unblock (or swipe left).

To export or import a blacklist (useful when changing phone):

  1. Go to Settings β†’ Mi Account β†’ Synchronization.
  2. Make sure that the blacklist synchronization is enabled.
  3. On the new device, log in to the same Mi Account – the list will automatically pull up.

If the synchronization is not working:

  • Check that both devices have the latest version of MIUI installed.
  • Make sure that mobile internet or Wi-Fi is enabled.
  • Reboot your phone and try again.

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Synchronizing a blacklist through Mi Account only works for numbers added through the standard Phone app. Numbers blocked through third-party apps (like Truecaller) are not synced.

7. Frequent problems and their solutions

Sometimes the lock on Xiaomi doesn’t work properly, so let’s look at the typical situations and how to fix them:

Problem.Reason.Decision
The number is blocked, but calls continueConflict with third-party applicationsDisable other blockers in Settings β†’ Apps β†’ Permissions β†’ Phone rights
SMS from the blocked number comesNot enabled SMS lock in settingsActivate the option in Settings β†’ Messages β†’ Block spam
The blacklist has been reset after the update.Synchronization error with Mi AccountLog in again and enable manual synchronization
You can't add a number to the blacklist.Number saved in contact.Remove it from your contacts before blocking.

If none of the methods worked, try resetting the phone app settings:

Settings β†’ Applications β†’ Phone β†’ Storage β†’ Clear data

⚠️ Warning: After the Phone application data is reset, all call records and lock settings will be deleted. Make a backup of the blacklist through Mi Account before performing this operation.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I block hidden numbers (with the definition of "Unknown")?
Yes, but not through the standard blacklist. Use the Truecaller or Call Blocker app, which has the option to lock all hidden numbers. In MIUI 14 and HyperOS, this feature appeared in the phone settings: Settings β†’ Phone β†’ Lock numbers β†’ Lock hidden numbers.
How to block a number on Xiaomi without adding to the blacklist?
If you don’t want the number to appear on the blacklist (for example, to avoid suspicion), use Quiet Mode for a specific contact: Open Contact in the Phone App. Click Edit β†’ Sound and Vibration. Select Quiet Mode (calls will come without sound or notifications).
Why does it still appear in the call history after the number is blocked?
This is a feature of MIUI: blocked calls are still recorded in the history, but are marked as Blocked. To hide them completely: Open call history. Click on three dots β†’ Settings. Activate the option to hide blocked calls.
Can I block numbers from a specific region (for example, all +375)?
Yes, but only through third-party applications like Call Blocker. In the standard MIUI settings, this feature is not. In Call Blocker: Add a lock rule. Choose Block by prefix. Enter a country code (for example, +375 for Belarus), note that this will block all numbers from this region, including legitimate ones.
How do I know if someone has blocked me on Xiaomi?
There is no direct way to check this, but there are indirect signs: Your calls are reset after 1-2 beeps. SMS is not delivered (without an error notification); Messengers (such as WhatsApp) do not display online status. To make sure, try calling from another number.