How to permanently block hidden numbers on Xiaomi: from MIUI to operator

Hidden number calls are one of the most annoying issues for Xiaomi owners. Fraudsters, spammers, and pesky marketers often use the number-hiding feature to bypass standard blacklists. If you're tired of the constant "Unknown Subscriber" on the screen, this article will help you get rid of them completely - both with regular MIUI funds and with third-party tools.

It's important to understand that hidden numbers are locked differently than normal numbers. The standard blacklist in the phone doesn't work here, because the system just can't see the number itself. You'll have to use a combination of methods, from firmware settings to mobile operator services. We tested all methods on the latest versions of MIUI 14/15 (including Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 and Xiaomi 13) and selected only working solutions.

In this article you will find:

  • πŸ”§ Built-in settings MIUI Filtering hidden calls (including hidden functions)
  • πŸ“± Top.-3 applications with maximum blocking efficiency (compared to the)
  • πŸ“‘ Operator services from MTS, Beeline, MegaFon and Tele2 (free and paid)
  • ⚠️ Pitfalls that are not mentioned in other instructions (for example, why some numbers still pass)

1. Block hidden numbers through MIUI settings

MIUI firmware has built-in tools to combat hidden calls, but they are hidden deep in the menu, and the main disadvantage of this method is that it does not work on all operators (depending on support for Antispam service).

Instructions for MIUI 12-15:

  1. Open the phone application (pipe icon).
  2. Slip on three dots in the upper right corner β†’ select Settings.
  3. Go to Lock and Filter (or Spam in older versions).
  4. Activate the Hidden Number Filter (may be called Block Unknown Numbers) switch.
  5. Turn on the option to show notification of blocked calls to see how many calls have been stopped.

Update your firmware to the latest version (in Settings β†’ About phone)

Make sure that SIM-The card supports the service "Antispam" (list of operators below)

Restart your phone after changing your settings

Check if the "Do Not Disturb" mode is turned off in Settings β†’ Sound

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Why might this not work? Because the filtering of hidden numbers at the firmware level depends on the operator's support, for example, MegaFon and Beeline have stable functionality, and some virtual operators, like Tinkoff Mobile, may ignore it. If you keep calling after you turn on the option, move on to the next one.

How do you check if your operator supports MIUI filtering?
Lock the hidden test number through the settings (a friend can call you with a hidden ID). If the call fails, there is support. If it passes, the operator ignores the MIUI requests, and you need to use other methods.

2. applications for blocking hidden numbers: TOP-3 with comparison

If MIUI’s regular funds fail, third-party apps will come to the rescue, and we tested a dozen programs and selected the three most effective ones that are guaranteed to block hidden numbers (unlike many counterparts who just blacklist them, which doesn’t work).

AnnexEfficiencyPlusesConsReference
Truecaller95%Spamer database is updated in real time Blocks even numbers with a changed ID Integration with MIUI (you can make the main application calls)Requires registration of Advertising in the free versionGoogle Play
CallApp90%Automatic Detection of Hidden Numbers Blacklist with flexible settings No registration requiredSometimes skips calls with a swapped region Paid features (for example, recording conversations)Google Play
Should I Answer?85%Minimalist interface Works without the Internet (local base) No advertisingSmaller spammer database does not block numbers with dynamic IDGoogle Play

How to configure Truecaller for maximum protection:

  1. Install the app and register (you can google).
  2. In the settings, select Lock β†’ Block hidden numbers.
  3. Activate the option to Replace the standard call app (in Settings β†’ Additional).
  4. In the Spam section, enable Automatic Fraud Lock.

I don't use it.

Truecaller

CallApp

Should I Answer?

Other-->

Important: Truecaller may conflict with the Phone system application on some Xiaomi models (e.g. POCO F4). If SMS stops coming after installation, turn off the SMS management option in Truecaller settings.

3. Blocking through the operator: instructions for MTS, Beeline, MegaFon, Tele2

Mobile operators provide their own spam filtering services, including hidden numbers, and the main advantage of this method is that it is blocked at the network level, so the call does not even reach your phone, minus: the service can be paid or require additional options.

Instructions for popular operators:

  • πŸ“Ά MTS: Send. SMS with text 111 to number 1110 (free of charge) or connect the service "Spam Protection" through your personal account (my.mts.ru.
  • πŸ“Ά Beeline: Activate the Antispam service through USSD-team: *110*789#. Or in the personal account (beeline.ru) in the section "Services" β†’ SecurityΒ».
  • πŸ“Ά Megaphone: Connect the β€œSpam Protection” team *105*457#. Extended filtering is available for corporate clients (call for support).
  • πŸ“Ά Tele2: Stop-Spam service is connected via *225# or in the My Tele2 app. The first 30 days are free, then 1.5 rubles / day.

⚠️ Attention: Operators do not block all hidden numbers, only those that have been in their spam database. Fraudsters often change identifiers, so the effectiveness is ~70-80%. For 100% protection, combine this method with applications.

4. Hidden MIUI features: how to block numbers through the engineering menu

MIUI has hidden settings that allow you to filter incoming calls more rigidly, and this method is suitable for power users because it requires an engineering menu, and we don't recommend using it unnecessarily, because incorrect changes can disrupt the phone.

Instructions for Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO:

  1. Open the phone app and dial the combination: ##4636##.
  2. In the menu that appears, select Phone Information (or Phone Information).
  3. Scroll down to the Set radio band block (don't change anything here!).
  4. Go back and select Call Blocking (or Call Blocking).
  5. Activate the option Block Unknown Callers (also known as Reject Hidden Numbers).
  6. Save the settings and restart the phone.

πŸ’‘

If the engineering menu doesn't open, try entering the combination through the standard Phone app, rather than through the keyboard in messengers. 10C) may be required SIM-slot-card.

Warnings:

  • ⚠️ Once activated, all hidden numbers will be blocked without exception (including important calls from banks or delivery services).
  • ⚠️ On some firmware (MIUI Global for Europe) the engineering menu may be blocked. ADB-teams (described below).

5. ADB Blocking: for Advanced Users

If you’re ready to dive into the technical details, you can lock hidden numbers through ADB (Android Debug Bridge) – a technique that works on all Xiaomi models, but requires connecting the phone to a computer and basic command line knowledge.

Step-by-step:

  1. Download and install ADB Tools on PC.
  2. On the phone, activate the Developer Mode (in Settings β†’ About the phone tap 7 times on the MIUI version).
  3. Enable USB debugging in Settings β†’ Additional β†’ For developers.
  4. Connect your phone to your PC and type in the command line: adb shell settings put global block_unknown_callers 1
  5. Reset the device.

To cancel the lock, use the command:

adb shell settings put global block_unknown_callers 0

⚠️ Attention: After application ADB-All hidden numbers will be locked at the system level, which may interfere with some services (such as taxi or courier calls.

Alternative methods: from SIM-card to second number

If none of these things worked, consider alternatives, which are less convenient, but sometimes the only way out.

  • πŸ“± Second second SIM-map: Use one SIM For personal calls, and the second (with no incoming tariff) for registrations and services. SIM.
  • πŸ”„ Call forwarding: Set up a redirect of all hidden numbers to another phone or voicemail (a service available from most carriers).
  • πŸ›‘οΈ SIM-Anti-spam card: Some operators (e.g. Yota) offer SIM-cards with built-in spam protection.The cost: from 200 rubles / month.
  • πŸ“ž Voicemail: Activate Voicemail and set up an automatic response for hidden numbers (the call will be reset after 1 beep).

πŸ’‘

The most reliable method is a combination of operator lock (network layer) + This is a truecaller app that protects against 99% of hidden calls.

Frequent problems and solutions

Even after you set up the lock, Xiaomi users have a lot of problems, and we've collected the most common cases and ways to solve them.

Problem.Reason.Decision
Calls from hidden numbers still pass.The operator does not support network level filteringUse the Truecaller app + ADB-lockdown
After the lock, SMS stopped coming.Conflict between system application and TruecallerTurn off the option β€œSMS Management” in Truecaller
The engineering menu is not working.MIUI firmware for Europe/ChinaUse ADB or third-party apps
Important calls are blocked (bank, delivery service)Filtration settings are too tightAdd bank numbers to Truecaller's whitelist

If none of the methods worked, check:

  • πŸ”„ Update the firmware to the latest version (Settings) β†’ The phone. β†’ Updating the system).
  • πŸ“‘ Make sure that SIM-The card is not blocked (call *100# to check the status).
  • πŸ› οΈ Reset network settings (Settings) β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks β†’ Resetting network settings).

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions

Can I block hidden numbers without apps?
Yes, but the efficiency will be lower. MIUI (Filtering of hidden numbers) + It's a service of anti-spam from the operator. ~70% protection. 100% application-free results will have to be used. ADB-team.
Why did WhatsApp calls stop working after being blocked?
This is because of the conflict between system lock and VoIP calls. Solution: Open Settings β†’ Apps β†’ App management. Find WhatsApp and let it call in the background. In Truecaller settings, add WhatsApp to exceptions.
How to unlock a number if it has been blocked incorrectly?
The method depends on the method of blocking: MIUI: Settings β†’ Blocking and filtration β†’ List of blocked.Truecaller: Open the app β†’ Lockdown β†’ Locked numbers. ADB: Enter adb shell settings put global block_unknown_callers 0.
Does the hidden number locking work on Xiaomi with two? SIM-map?
Yes, but you'll have to duplicate the settings for each. SIM separately. MIUI: Open the Settings. β†’ SIM-maps and mobile networks. SIM-map β†’ Locking calls. Repeat steps for second. SIM. In Truecaller, the lock is effective on both SIM simultaneously.
Can I return blocked calls (listen to them)?
No, blocked calls are not saved in the log and cannot be restored. If it is important for you to fix such calls, configure the option in Truecaller to Log blocked (in lock settings).