How to permanently lock hidden numbers on Xiaomi Redmi: the complete guide

Hidden numbers are one of the most annoying problems for Xiaomi Redmi smartphone owners. Calls with a changed identifier (Number hidden, Private Number or Unknown>) not only disturb the peace, but often turn out to be fraudulent or spam calls. Unlike regular numbers, they can not be blocked by standard methods through the call log. However, MIUI and Android have hidden features, third-party applications and operator services that will help solve this problem once and for all.

In this article, we will discuss 5 working ways to block hidden numbers on the Redmi Note 12/11/10 Pro, Redmi 9/8/7A and other models - from built-in tools to advanced solutions for tech-savvy users. We will focus on the nuances of working with MIUI 14/13 and circumventing the limitations of mobile operators. If you are tired of intrusive "unknown" calls, read on.

Why Standard Locking Doesn't Work with Hidden Numbers

In most smartphones, including Xiaomi Redmi, the call log lock feature (Settings → Number Lock) only works with identified subscribers. Hidden numbers (#31# before dialing) mask their ID at the network level, so:

• 📱 MIUI It doesn’t recognize them as unique – the system just doesn’t see the number to blacklist.
• 🔄 Operators don’t transmit data – even if you lock the “empty” number manually, the next hidden call will pass as a new one.
• 🛡️ Blocker apps don’t always help — many of them also focus on number rather than hidden status".

Important: MIUI 14 and later partially solved the problem of blocking hidden numbers through system settings, but this method does not work for all operators (for example, MTS and Beeline often works than Tele2).

Before you get to the solutions, check if you have an AntiAon service or a similar service for the operator — sometimes it automatically filters hidden calls. If not, read on.

Method 1: Blocking through the built-in MIUI settings

The easiest method is to use the hidden anonymous call blocking feature in the phone's settings.It works on all Redmis with MIUI 12 and above, but the path to the option may vary depending on the shell version.

Instructions:

1. Open the phone application (pipe icon).
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner → Settings.
3. Select Number Block (or Spam and Block in newer versions).
4. Activate the Block anonymous calls switch (may be called Hidden Numbers or Unknown Numbers).
5. Confirm the action if a request appears.

If this option is not available in your MIUI version, try an alternative path:

Settings → Applications → Application Management → Phone → Permissions → Additional settings → Blocking anonymous calls

Option included in the phone settings

Testing: Call from a hidden number (e.g. via *67)

Check the call log for missed calls

Make sure that the operator does not block the function.-->

Limitations of the method:

• ❌ It does not work for some operators (e.g. Yota or Tinkoff Mobile virtual operators).
• ❌ It can also block useful hidden calls (e.g. from banks or delivery services).
• ⚠️ After updating MIUI settings may reset.

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If you don't have the "Block Anonymous Calls" option, try resetting the Phone app to factory settings: Settings → Apps → Phone → Warehouse → Clear data. Sometimes this returns hidden features.

Method 2: Using blocking applications

If the system settings don't work, third-party apps will come to the rescue, and the best ones not only block hidden numbers, but also filter spam, fraudulent calls and other types of applications. SMS. We tested it. 5 Popular blockers on Redmi Note 11 Pro+ redmi 10C — top-3:

We recommend Hiya as the most balanced option.

1. Download Hiya from Google Play.
2. Launch the app and provide call permissions and SMS.
3. Go to Settings → Lock → Block hidden numbers.
4. Enable the option and set exceptions (e.g., allow hidden calls from banks).

⚠️ Note: Blocker applications consume additional battery and may conflict with system functions MIUI. If after installation there were lags or the phone became faster discharge, check the settings of the battery optimization for the application (Settings) → Battery → Choice of applications).

Method 3: Blocking through mobile operator services

Many carriers offer paid or free services to filter spam and hidden calls, which is the most reliable solution, since the blocking occurs at the network level, even before the call reaches your Redmi.

Instructions for popular operators:

• 📡 MTS: Connect the service "Spam Protection" (*111*254#). Cost — 3 Blocks hidden numbers and known scammers.
• 📡 Beeline: Activate Antispam" (*110*789#). Free for subscription fees from 300 rub.
• 📡 MegaFon: Service "Spam filter" (*105*497#). Cost — 1.5 rub.
• 📡 Television2: "Protection against spam" (*220*1#). Free for all subscribers.

How to check if the service is working:

1. Call from a hidden number to your Redmi (for example, from another phone, dialing #31# before the number).
2. If the call is not passed, the service is active.
3. If it passes, contact the operator support to clarify the settings.

⚠️ Attention: Operators may conflict with blocking applications. If calls from banks or delivery services stop working after connecting (they often call from hidden numbers), disable one of the filtering systems.

Method 4: Manually Adding an Empty Number to a Blacklist

This method doesn't work on all MIUI firmware, but some Redmi users have reported success, and the idea is to manually blacklist a stub instead of a number.

Step-by-step:

1. Open the call log and find any missed call with a hidden number.
2. Click on the record. → D.ETAILS (Details).
3. In the number field, enter 00000000 (10 zeros) or Private.
4. Click Block (or Add to Blacklist)
5. Repeat for 3-5 "empty" records - this will increase the chances of blocking.

The alternative is to make a contact with the Hidden Number and +000000000000, and then block it through the contact settings, which works about 30% of the time, as it depends on the firmware and operator.

⚠️ Attention: Some versions MIUI Automatically clear the "empty" records from the blacklist after rebooting. To avoid this, after adding plugs, turn off automatic optimization in the security settings (Settings) → Privacy → Special permits → Optimizing the battery).

Method 5: Advanced Methods (for Power Users)

If none of these things work, there are technical solutions that require root rights or ADB, but they give you 100% results.

Method 1: Change system files (Root required)

With a root-access file manager (such as Root Explorer), open the file:

/system/csc/others.xml

Find the line:

<CscFeature_ServiceCall_BarringAnonymous>false</CscFeature_ServiceCall_BarringAnonymous>

Replace false with true, save the file, and reboot the phone, and then all hidden calls will be blocked at the system level.

Method 2: ADB-team (without Root)

Connect Redmi to your PC, enable USB Debugging and execute the command:

adb shell settings put global block_unknown_callers 1

This command forcibly activates the blocking of unknown numbers, even if the option is hidden in MIUI.

⚠️ Warning: Incorrect editing of system files can result in bootloop ( looped boot) or loss of warranty.Before making changes, back up the partition /system through TWRP Or OrangeFox Recovery.

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If you are not sure about your ADB or root skills, you should use operator services or blocking apps. The risk of damaging your firmware is not worth getting rid of spam.

What do you do if nothing helps?

If all methods are powerless, radical measures remain:

• 🔄 Changing your phone number is an extreme option, but sometimes the only way to get rid of intrusive hidden calls (especially if they are related to data leakage).
• 📵 Use the second number - make an additional SIM-A card (such as Tele2 or Tinkoff Mobile) and use it to register on sites and services where there is a high risk of spam.
• 🛡️ Hardware blocker - devices like CPR Call Blocker connects to the phone line and filters calls before they reach the smartphone.

Also check if you have services that may reveal your number to spammers:

• 📌 Auto dial or Call Waiting – you can turn them off by command *#61#.
• 📌 Call forwarding - check by command *#62#.
• 📌 Number identifier – sometimes operators sell databases of subscribers who use this service.

FAQ: Frequent questions about blocking hidden numbers