Spam and intrusive SMS messages from scammers have become a real problem for smartphone owners, especially when it comes to popular models like the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12. According to Kaspersky Lab, in 2023, one in three Android users encountered phishing mailings at least once a week. But unlike the iPhone, where SMS blocking is integrated into iOS, this process has its own nuances on MIUI (Xiaomi firmware).
In this article, you will find 5 proven ways to block unwanted SMS on the Redmi Note 12 – from standard tools. MIUI We'll look at how to weed out spam for keywords, block specific numbers, and what to do if messages continue to arrive even after blocking. MIUI 15, which allows you to automatically filter messages from unknown senders without notification.
Important: instructions are valid for all versions of the Redmi Note 12 (Pro, Pro+, 5G) based on MIUI 14/15. If your smartphone runs on an older version of the firmware, some menu items may differ - we will warn you about this separately.
1. Block SMS through the standard application “Messages”
The fastest way to get rid of spam is to use the built-in Messages app tools (or Messages in the global version of MIUI), which requires no additional software installation and works even without an Internet connection.
To block a number or word:
- Open the Messages app and find a dialogue with an unwanted sender.
- Tap the avatar or number at the top of the screen → select Details (or Details).
- Tap it on three points (⋮) top-right → Block (Block).
- Confirm the action by selecting Block the number or Block and delete (in which case all previous messages from that sender will be erased).
To block by keywords:
- 🔍 Go to Settings. → Spam and blocking in the application “Messages».
- 📝 Enable Spam Filtering and add words/phrases (e.g., “winning”, “credit”, “confirm data»).
- 🔔 Activate Blocked Message Notifications if you want to see filter notifications.
Number not saved in contact|The message does not contain important information|Synchronization of the lock with Mi Account (if necessary)|Exemptions for bank SMS are checked-->
⚠️ Attention: Blocking through the standard application does not work for service SMS (for example, from banks or government services). If you block the bank number, payment notifications will stop coming.
2.Setting up the spam filter in MIUI 14/15
Starting with MIUI 14, Xiaomi has added advanced SMS filtering tools that automatically sort messages into Important, Transactions and Spam, but by default this feature is disabled – it must be activated manually.
How to turn on automatic filtration:
- Open Settings → Applications → Messages → Spam and Blocking.
- Activate the Spam Filter Switch.
- In the Categories of messages, set up the rules: 💳 Transactions – SMS from banks (never blocked). 📌 Important – messages from saved contacts. 🗑️ Spam - all the others (fall into a separate folder).
Hide Spam Notices
MIUI 15 has a Smart Filtering feature that analyzes the content of SMS using AI. To enable it, go to Message Settings → Additional → Smart Filtering and activate the option. The system will automatically flag suspicious messages (for example, with links to phishing sites).
Daily | Several times a week | Rare (once a month) | Never-->
| MIUI version | Is smart filtering available? | Does it support blocking on regular expressions? | Synchronization of lock with Mi Account |
|---|---|---|---|
| MIUI 13 and below | ❌ No. | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes. |
| MIUI 14 | ❌ No. | ✅ Yes (manually) | ✅ Yes. |
| MIUI 15 | ✅ Yes (AI filtering) | ✅ Yes. | ✅ Yes. |
3. Use of third-party applications to block SMS
If built-in MIUI tools aren't enough, you can install specialized applications that offer advanced features like template blocking, white/blacklisting, and link analysis in security messages.
Top.-3 apps for Redmi Note 12:
- 🛡️ SMS Blocker blocks SMS by keywords, numbers, and even the sender's geolocation.
- 🔒 Truecaller — in addition to blocking calls, filters spam SMS based on a database of 300 million numbers.
- 📊 Messages by Google – the official application from Google with built-in spam filter and the ability to block by category (advertising, fraud).
How to configure Truecaller for maximum protection:
- Install the app from Google Play.
- Register (you can register through a Google account).
- Go to Settings → Blocking → SMS.
- Turn on the options: 📵 Block spam SMS 🔍 Filtering Unknown Numbers 🛡️ Check the safety references
⚠️ Note: Apps like Truecaller require access to your SMS and contacts, and if you store sensitive information, use them with caution or opt for offline solutions (e.g., if you are a sensitive person, SMS Blocker).
💡
Before installing a third-party blocker, back up your SMS via Settings → Applications → Messages → Backup. This will help restore important messages if the application starts filtering them incorrectly.
4. SMS blocking at the operator level
If spam comes from short numbers (e.g. 1234, 54321) or from service centers, the lock at the smartphone level may not work. In such cases, you need to contact the operator. Most Russian providers provide free spam filtering services.
Instructions for popular operators:
- 📶 MTS: Send a text message to STOP 1110, or call 0890 and follow the voice prompts.
- 📶 Beeline: Recruit a team *110*789# Or send an empty text to the 7890.
- 📶 MegaFon: Send 1 to 0001 or activate Spam Protection through your personal account.
- 📶 Television2: Dial it *220*1# Or send a stop spam to the 2200.
Once activated, spam SMS services will be blocked at the network level without reaching your phone.
- ⏳ Filtration can take up to 24 hours.
- 📵 Some service messages (e.g. from banks) may be blocked incorrectly.
- 💰 The service is usually free, but check the rates with your operator.
What if the operator does not block spam?
5. Reset Message Settings (if the lock does not work)
Sometimes standard blocking methods stop working due to crashes in the Messages application or conflicts with MIUI updates.
How to reset SMS settings:
- Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Find the Messages and tap him.
- Select Warehouse → Clear data and Clear cache.
- Reboot the phone.
If the problem persists, try:
- 🔄 Remove Messages app updates (in the same Application Management menu) → three-point → Remove updates).
- 📥 Install an alternative SMS client (e.g, QKSMS or Pulse SMS).
- 🔧 Update MIUI Up to the latest version (check in Settings) → The phone. → Updating the system).
⚠️ Attention: Clearing the Messages app data will delete all SMS history, including important messages. Before reset, back up via Settings → Annexes → Communications → Backup or export dialogs to.xml file.
💡
If the lock doesn't work again after the reset, the problem may be the firmware. Try flashing your phone over Fastboot or contacting Xiaomi's service center.
6. Additional measures: how to reduce the amount of spam
Even after the number is blocked, scammers can use new SIM cards or mailing methods to minimize the risk of spam:
- 🔐 Do not publish your number in the public domain (social networks, forums, ads).
- 📋 Use the second number to register on sites and services (you can buy a virtual number). SIM Or use the Redmi Note 12 with two cards).
- 🛡️ Enable two-factor authentication for important accounts (banks, mail), but configure it through the app (Google Authenticator), not via SMS.
- 📵 Unsubscribe from mailings – at the bottom of most advertising SMS there is an instruction (for example, “Send Stop to 1234»).
If you often encounter phishing (SMS asking you to click on the link), check the security addresses through the services:
- 🔗 Google Transparency Report
- 🛡️ VirusTotal
- 🔍 CheckPhish (specializes in phishing)
On Redmi Note 12 you can quickly check the link without clicking on it: just click on it with a long tap and choose Copy, and then paste into one of the services above.