How to permanently block SMS from unwanted subscribers on Xiaomi: the complete guide 2026

Spam messages and intrusive emails from unknown numbers are one of the most annoying problems for owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones. Even after upgrading to the latest version of MIUI 14/15, many users continue to receive advertising, fraudulent offers and messages from bank bots. Unlike calls that can be easily reset, SMS spam requires a systematic approach: a single lock of a number often does not solve the problem, since scammers use hundreds of temporary SIM cards.

In this article, we will look at all the available blocking methods, from standard Messages features to hidden MIUI settings and third-party applications.

• 📱 Set up a built-in blacklist in the Messages app (including mass lock)
• 🔍 Google and Xiaomi’s Spam Filter (and Why It Doesn’t Always Work)
• 🛡️ Use Safe Mode to Block System Notifications for New SMS
• 📲 Install third-party apps with advanced features (and which ones won’t delete your data)

Special attention will be paid to the hidden MIUI Keyword Block feature, which allows you to automatically filter messages with certain phrases (for example, “you won”, “pay urgently”), which works even for numbers that constantly change.

1. Standard lock through the application "Messages"

The most obvious way is to use Xiaomi’s built-in Message tools, but many users make the mistake of blocking only the last number they receive instead of setting up system protection.

1. Open the Messages app and find a spam message.

2. Press and hold the message, then select ⋮ → Block.

3. In the window that appears, select Block the number and confirm the action.

But this method only works for known numbers. To block all future messages from unknown senders, go to: Settings → Spam and Lock → Enable Spam Filter

Make sure you have the latest version of the Messages app"|Activate the “Spam filter” option in the settings|Add bank and delivery numbers to exceptions|Check the Spam folder once a week for false positives.-->

⚠️ Warning: The spam filter feature in MIUI uses Xiaomi's cloud database, which is updated every 24 hours. This means that new spam numbers may slip up within a day of their appearance. If you receive messages with threats or fraudulent links, don't wait for the database to update, lock the number manually.

2. Massive locking of numbers through the blacklist

If you're flooded with messages from different numbers (like mass mailing services), it's not effective to manually block each one. MIUI has a hidden blacklist import/export feature that allows you to:

• 📤 Export the current list of blocked numbers to the.vcf file
• 📥 Import a list from a file (for example, if you downloaded a database of spam numbers)
• 🔄 Sync the blacklist between Xiaomi devices via Mi Account

To take advantage of this function:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Messages → Permissions → Additional → Blacklist.
2. Press ⋮ → Import/Export.
3. Select a file with numbers (the format should be.vcf or.txt with comma numbers).

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If you don’t have a ready-made list of spam numbers, you can download the current databases on the 4PDA or Xiaomi Community forums. Look for topics marked “[MIUI] Blacklist of spammers”.

⚠️ Warning: When importing a large list (more than 200 numbers), MIUI may temporarily slow down the Messages app. Once the process is complete, restart your smartphone to avoid lags.

3. Keyword Blocking (Hidden MIUI function)

One of the most effective, but little-known, methods is automatic keyword filtering, which allows you to block SMS messages that contain certain phrases even if they come from new numbers, such as blocking all messages that say "you won," "pay urgently," or "call back the number."

How to set up:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Messages → Spam and Blocking.
2. Select the filter setting → Keywords.
3. Add comma phrases (registration is not important) Examples: you win, pay urgently, call back the number, your account is blocked, free gift
4. Set the action: Move to spam or Delete automatically.

⚠️ Warning: Keyword blocking does not work for messages from banks and government agencies (e.g., SMS from the tax or pension fund). These messages always pass the filter, even if they contain suspicious phrases. To disable this exception, use the developer mode (instruction in the next section).

4.Using the Developer Mode for Extended Lock

If standard methods don't work, you can activate hidden MIUI settings through developer mode.

• 🔧 Disable Forced Notification of New SMS
• 📵 Block messages from system applications (e.g., Mi Pay or Mi Credit)
• 🔄 Set up automatic spam removal without notifications

Instructions for activation:

1. Go to Settings → About Phone → MIUI version.
2. Click on the MIUI version 7 times in a row until you become a developer!
3. Back to Settings → Additionally. → For developers.
4. Find the option to disable SMS notifications and activate it.

After that, all incoming messages will come in without sound or vibration, but will remain in the Inbox folder, to return notifications for important contacts:

1. Open the → ⋮ → Notification settings →.
2. Select Exclusions and add bank, family and other important sender numbers.

Once a day | Several times a week | Rarely but aptly | Never received | I don't know how to check-->

5 Third-party apps to block SMS: what works in 2026

If the built-in MIUI functionality is not working, you can install specialized applications, but it is important to choose those that:

• 🛡️ Do not require root rights (to avoid losing warranty)
• 🔒 Do not pass your SMS to third parties (check permissions!)
• 📱 Optimized for MIUI (some applications conflict with the proprietary shell)

⚠️ Warning: When installing third-party blockers, turn off the built-in spam filter in MIUI to avoid conflict, otherwise some messages may be duplicated or lost.

If you have chosen Truecaller after installation:

1. Go to Settings → Blocking → SMS.
2. Activate the option to block spam SMS.
3. In the Exclusions section, add bank and delivery numbers.

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The best solution for most users is a combination of the built-in MIUI filter + keyword blocking. Third-party apps should only be used if spam comes from hundreds of different numbers daily.

6. How to block SMS from banks and services (if they began to spam)

Sometimes legitimate services (banks, marketplaces, telecom operators) start sending too many advertising messages, and you can’t block them using standard methods, which can lead to missing important notifications (for example, about payment of a loan).

For bank SMS:

• 🏦 Unsubscribe from mailings through the bank’s personal account (section “Notification Management”).
• 📞 Call the hotline and ask them to turn off advertising SMS (they are legally required to do so).
• 🔗 Use short commands (e.g., send a SMS with STOP text or 0 to a bank number).

For telecom operators (MTS, Beeline, Tele2, MegaFon):

1. Send a text message with the text STOP to the number 111 (for MTS) or 5500 (for Beeline).
2. Go to the personal account on the operator's website and turn off all advertising mailings.
3. If the spam continues, write a complaint to Roskomnadzor - operators receive fines for non-compliance with the law on advertising.

⚠️ Warning: Some banks (e.g. Tinkoff or Sberbank) ignore STOP commands in SMS, in which case the only way is to call in support or unsubscribe through the bank's application.

7 What to do if spam comes from alternative channels (Viber, WhatsApp, Telegram)

Fraudsters often duplicate spam emails via instant messengers, and if you get annoying messages on WhatsApp, Viber, or Telegram, use these methods:

• 💬 WhatsApp: Open chat → ⋮ → More → Block. You can also complain to your account (Complain → Spam).
• 📱 Viber: Click on the sender avatar → Block the user. In the privacy settings, turn on only my contacts.
• 📌 Telegram: Open chat → ⋮ → Block the user. In Settings → Privacy → Calls, select No One for Unknown.

For mass blocking on Telegram:

1. Go to Settings → Privacy → Groups and Channels.
2. Select My Contacts in Who Can Add Me to Groups
3. Activate the option to filter spam in Settings → More

⚠️ Warning: On Telegram, scammers often create clones of official channels of banks or stores.

• 🔹 Presence of a blue checkmark (verification) at the channel.
• 🔹 Account creation date (fraudsters typically register them 1-2 days before the mailing).
• 🔹 Number of subscribers (official channels have thousands).

FAQ: Frequent questions about blocking SMS on Xiaomi