How to permanently block SMS on Xiaomi 13: from spam to annoying contacts

Spam messages, promotional mailings from operators or annoying SMS from former colleagues – this is a problem faced by every second owner of Xiaomi 13, SMS-Messages clog device memory, distract notifications and sometimes contain dangerous links, MIUI 14 (and newer versions) offers multiple layers of protection, from built-in filters to manual keyword locks.

In this article, we’ll break down 5 proven ways to block SMS on Xiaomi 13 – from basic settings to little-known features that not all users notice.

  • πŸ” Set up an automatic spam filter through Security
  • πŸ“± Add a number to the blacklist directly from the message
  • πŸ”§ Use keywords to block topics (such as β€œcredit” or β€œwinning")
  • πŸ›‘οΈ Use third-party applications for extended filtering
  • πŸ“Š View statistics of blocked messages

Important: Some methods require administrator rights or additional permissions – we’ll explain in detail how to provide them without risking security.

Method 1: Built-in spam filter in MIUI

The easiest and safest method is to use built-in spam protection, which works at the system level. In Xiaomi 13, this feature is integrated into the Messages application and does not require installing additional software. The algorithm analyzes incoming SMS from a database of fraudulent numbers and automatically sends suspicious messages to the Spam folder.

To activate the filter:

  1. Open the Messages app.
  2. Slip on three dots in the upper right corner β†’ Settings.
  3. Choose Spam Protection.
  4. Activate the Spam Filter Switch.
  5. In the Filtration Level section, select High (recommended) or Medium.

πŸ”Ή How it works: The system compares sender numbers to the database of Xiaomi and carriers. If the number is marked as spam at least 3 times by other users, the message is automatically blocked.

πŸ’‘

If an important message gets into spam, open the Spam folder, select SMS and click on Don't Spam.

Method 2: Manually lock the number through the blacklist

If spam comes from the same number (e.g., a bank you don’t work with or a mobile phone operator), the easiest way to blacklist it is to ensure that all incoming SMS and calls from the specified number are blocked.

Instructions:

  • πŸ“± Open a message from an unwanted sender.
  • πŸ‘† Slip on the number at the top of the screen.
  • πŸ”˜ In the menu that opens, select Block β†’ OK.

πŸ”Ή Where is the blacklist stored? All locked numbers can be viewed and managed in the settings: Settings β†’ Annexes β†’ A challenge β†’ Blacklist.

⚠️ Attention: The number lock in Messages is not always synchronized with the blacklist of Calls. SMS, and calls, add the number to both sections.

Add a number to the blacklist in Messages|

Check synchronization in Settings β†’ Call β†’ Blacklist |

Delete the correspondence history with the number (optional)|

Reboot your phone to apply changes (recommended)

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Method 3: Blocking by Keywords

One of the most powerful but little-known features of MIUI is filtering SMS by keywords, such as automatically blocking all messages containing the words "credit", "win", "renew subscription" or "pay urgently", which is especially useful for dealing with scammers who constantly change numbers but use template phrases.

How to set up:

  1. Open Messages β†’ Settings β†’ Protection against spam.
  2. Choose a filter by keywords.
  3. Tap Add the keyword.
  4. Enter a phrase (for example, your account is blocked) and save.

πŸ”Ή Features of work:

  • πŸ“Œ The filter works even for a partial coincidence (for example, the word "credit" will block "microcredit" and "credit card").
  • πŸ“Œ Register is not important: "Credit" and "credit" will be treated equally.
  • πŸ“Œ You can add up to 50 keywords.

⚠️ Warning: If you add too generic words (e.g., "bank" or "payment"), you risk missing important notifications from legitimate services.

Advertising from operators|Fraudulent β€œwins"|Intrusive loan offers|Shop mailings|Other-->

Method 4: Third-Party Applications for Extended Filtering

If the built-in MIUI tools aren't enough, you can install specialized applications that offer advanced features such as:

  • 🌍 Global spam number databases (updated in real time).
  • πŸ“Š Statistics and reports on blocked messages.
  • πŸ”„ Automatically remove spam after a given period of time.
  • πŸ“§ Email integration to block phishing emails.

πŸ”Ή Top.-3 apps 13:

AnnexFeaturesCons
Truecaller300 million numbers, SMS and call blocking, stranger identification.Requires access to contacts, advertising in the free version.
SMS BlockerFiltering by regular expressions, backup of blockings.Interface in English, payment for premium functions.
HiyaBlock fraudulent numbers, integrate with Google Messages.Limited support for Russian-language spam databases.

πŸ”Ή How to install and configure:

  1. Download the app from Google Play (like Truecaller).
  2. Grant permissions to access SMS, Contacts and Call Log.
  3. In the application settings, activate SMS Blocking.
  4. Add numbers or keywords manually or import from a global database.

⚠️ Attention: Applications for blocking SMS You need permission from the device administrator, install it only from official sources (like Google Play) and check reviews. Some blockers may collect your data themselves.

What if the app does not block SMS?
1. Check if the "SMS Lock" option is enabled in the application settings. 2. Make sure the application has all the necessary permissions (Settings β†’ Apps β†’ Permissions). 3. Restart the phone - sometimes changes only apply after the reboot. 4. If the problem persists, try another application (e.g. SMS Blocker instead of Truecaller).

Method 5: Blocking through operator settings

Many mobile operators (e.g. MTS, Beeline, Tele2) offer their own services to block spam SMS. These services work at the network level and do not depend on the phone settings.

  • πŸ“‘ Blocking occurs before a message hits the device (saves traffic and memory).
  • πŸ”„ Spam number databases are updated by the operator in real time.
  • πŸ†“ Often free for subscribers.

πŸ”Ή How to connect:

Operator.Connection methodcommand or reference
MTSSend SMS with STOP SPAM text to 111.Details.
BeelineDial *110*789# and follow the instructions.Reference
MegaFonSend 1 to 0001.Instructions
Tele2.Register in your personal account and activate Spam Protection.Personal office

πŸ”Ή Limitations:

  • ❌ Not blocking. SMS Banks and government agencies (even if they are spammy).
  • ❌ Can delay delivery of legitimate messages by 5-10 minutes.
  • ❌ It does not work for international rooms.

πŸ’‘ Tip: Combine this method with a built-in lock in MIUI maximum protection.

Additional Safety Advice

SMS blocking is only part of the protection against fraud, to minimize the risks:

  • πŸ” Do not follow links in messages, even if they come from "bank" or "public service.
  • πŸ“΅ Turn off previews. SMS in notifications: Settings β†’ Notifications β†’ Communications β†’ Showing content β†’ No.
  • πŸ”„ Update regularly MIUI β€” New versions improve spam filtering algorithms.
  • πŸ“‚ Archive the important ones SMS (For example, with confirmation codes in Google Drive or Mi Cloud.

⚠️ Attention: If you have received SMS Asking to transfer money, give a password or confirm a transaction you didn't commit is 100% fraud.

πŸ’‘

The most reliable way to protect is by combining the built-in MIUI lock, the blacklist and the operator service, and neither method gives a 100% guarantee, but together they minimize the risk.

FAQ: Frequent questions about blocking SMS Xiaomi 13

Can I recover accidentally deleted SMS after blocking?
If messages were deleted from the Spam or Recycle Bin folder, they can only be restored through a backup (if it was created in Mi Cloud or Google Drive. πŸ”Ή How to enable automatic backup: Go to Settings β†’ The phone. β†’ Backup. Select Mi Cloud or Google Drive. Activate Messages option.
Why does the locking not work for some numbers?
Probable causes: πŸ“± The number is added to the blacklist of Calls, not Messages (or vice versa). πŸ”„ The spammer uses an alpha number (for example, the spammer, INFO Instead of numbers, it is more difficult to block them. πŸ›‘οΈ The application for blocking does not have administrator rights. πŸ”Ή Solution: Check the settings in both sections (Messages and Calls) and update the databases in a third-party application (if you use it).
Can I block SMS from the bank if they become intrusive?
Technically yes, but highly discouraged. SMS often contain one-time passwords (OTP) If you block them, you can't do that: πŸ’³ Confirm payments in the Internet Bank. πŸ”‘ Restore access to the account. πŸ“± Receive notices of write-offs. πŸ”Ή Alternative: Unsubscribe from the bank's promotional mailings through your personal account or call support. Usually there is an option "Opt out of marketing messages".
How to block SMS-telecom operator?
Operators often ignore blacklists because their messages come from service numbers. SMS with the word STOP to the operator's short number (usually 111, 555 or 0001). Call customer support and ask to disable the promotional mailings. Use keywords in the Spam Filter MIUI (e.g. "promotion", "offer", "subscription"). ⚠️ Note: Advertising opt-out does not affect service notifications (e.g., subscription fee charges).
Will SMS lock work after the phone is reset to factory settings?
No, all lock settings (blacklist, keywords, filters) are reset. To avoid reconfiguring everything: Create a backup through Settings β†’ Additionally. β†’ Backup and reset. Export the blacklist to the file (if you use a third-party application. πŸ’‘ Tip: If you plan to reset, pre-take screenshots of the list of blocked numbers - this will speed up the reconfiguration.