How to permanently block calls on Xiaomi phone: from spam to annoying subscribers

Ear-stripping calls from operators, collectors or former acquaintances can turn even the most advanced Xiaomi into a source of stress. Fortunately, MIUI offers several built-in tools to block unwanted calls, from a basic blacklist to advanced spam filters. But not all users know that Xiaomi smartphones can block not only specific numbers, but also entire ranges (for example, all numbers with a code of 8-800), as well as connect operator services such as “antispam” from MTS or “Swindleware protection” from Beeline.

In this article, we will discuss 7 working ways to block calls – from standard functions MIUI 14/15 to little-known tricks with USSD-We will focus on hidden settings that Xiaomi does not advertise, for example, how to block all incoming numbers from unknown numbers or why some spam calls pass through the standard filter. 12/13, POCO X5/F5, Xiaomi 13/14 and older devices on MIUI 12.5+.

1. Standard blacklist in MIUI: how to add a number to the lock

The most obvious way is to use a built-in blacklist, which works on all Xiaomi smartphones regardless of the model and firmware version.

1. Open the phone application (pipe icon).
2. Go to the Call Journal section.
3. Click on the number you want to block and select ⋮ → Lock down.
4. Confirm the action in the window that appears.

You can also add the number manually:

1. In the phone app, tap. ⋮ → Settings → Number locking.
2. Select Add to the blacklist and enter the number.

• ✅ Pros: does not require the installation of additional applications, works offline.
• ❌ Cons: does not block numbers with a substituted Caller ID (For example, fraudsters masquerading as banks).
• ⚠️ Limitation: c MIUI You can’t block more than 500 numbers through a standard interface.

Make sure the number does not belong to an important contact (bank, customer service)

Check if the number is used for two-factor authentication (SMS)

Save the number in notes in case of unlocking

Reboot your phone after adding 10+ Numbers (sometimes the list is not updated immediately)-->

If you want to remove a number from the blacklist, go back to Settings → Lock numbers, find the contact you want, and swipe it left (or click on the cart).

2.Spam Call Filter in MIUI: How to Enable and Configure

Starting with MIUI 12.5, Xiaomi has integrated a spam filtering system that automatically detects fraudulent and advertising calls, but by default it is often disabled to activate:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Phone → Spam filter.
2. Switch the spam filter slider to the "On" position.
3. In the filter settings section, select the level of protection: Medium – blocks only obvious spam; High – filters more aggressively, but can block legitimate calls (for example, from courier services).

Once turned on, the incoming call will be marked "Suspicious" or "Spam" and to automatically reset these calls, activate the option to block spam calls in the same menu.

Important: the spam database is updated over the Internet, if you have mobile traffic or Wi-Fi disabled, the filter will work less efficiently, and Xiaomi collects data about spam calls anonymously, as specified in the user agreement.

Every day.

Several times a week

Rarely (1-2 times a month)

Never encountered it.-->

3. Blocking of unknown and hidden numbers

One of the most intrusive types of calls is from hidden numbers (displayed as "Unknown" or "Private Number"), which can be blocked separately in MIUI:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Phone → Lock numbers.
2. Activate the option to block unknown numbers.
3. (Optional) Enable Block numbers without Caller ID – this will block calls where the number is completely hidden.

After that, all incoming numbers from unknown numbers will be automatically dropped without audible signal.

⚠️ Note: some services (e.g. banks or Xiaomi support) may be calling from hidden numbers.

• 🔍 How to check: Call from a hidden number to your phone (dial *31# before the number) and make sure the lock is working.
• 📵 Exceptions: If you are interested in calling from a specific hidden number (for example, from an employer), add it to contacts under any name - the lock will only work on completely unknown numbers.

4. Keyword Blocking (for MIUI 14+)

Few people know, but new versions of MIUI 14 and 15 have a feature to block calls by keywords in the subscriber's name, for example, you can automatically reset all calls where the Caller ID has the words "Credit", "Bank", "Operator" etc. To configure:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Phone → Spam filter → Filter settings.
2. Choose the Block by Keywords.
3. Add words or phrases (separate commas) Example: credit, collector, winnings, operator, mts, beeline.
4. Save the changes.

Now, all incoming calls that have at least one of the words in their name will be automatically blocked, a feature that is particularly useful against:

• 🏦 Calls from “fake banks” (for example, Sberbank Security Service");
• 📞 Fraudsters Masquerading as Telecom Operators;
• 🎁 False Notifications of Winnings ("You Won an iPhone!").

Limitation: The feature only works if scammers don’t hide Caller ID. If the number appears as “Unknown”, keywords won’t help.

5. Third-party applications to block calls

If the built-in MIUI tools aren't enough, you can use specialized applications.

• 🛡️ Truecaller is the most popular spam number database (over 300 million users), automatically detects fraudsters and blocks calls.
• 🚫 Should I Answer? is a lightweight application with an open spam database.
• 🔒 Hiya not only blocks calls, but also SMS-Spam. Integrates with Android system settings.
• 📵 Call Blocker – allows you to create lock rules by mask (for example, all numbers with a code) +375 or 8-800-*).

To install any of these applications:

1. Download it from Google Play (or GetApps for Chinese firmware).
2. Give permission to access calls and contacts.
3. In the application settings, activate Call Blocking and set up filters.

⚠️ Note: Some apps (such as Truecaller) may conflict with the built-in spam filter MIUI. If standard locking functions stop working after installation, disable duplicate options in Settings → Annexes → Phone.

For maximum protection, you can combine a built-in MIUI filter with a third-party application, such as using Truecaller to block spam and a standard blacklist for personal contacts.

6.Operator call blocking services

If the problem with spam is systemic, you should connect the operator's blocking service, all major operators in Russia and the CIS offer similar services:

These services block calls at the network level, so they work even if the phone is off or in flight mode.

• ✅ Pros: do not load the phone, work on any device.
• ❌ Cons: Do not block calls from messengers (WhatsApp, Viber); Can delay legitimate calls (for example, from delivery services); Spam Numbers database is updated more slowly than Truecaller.

To disable the service, use the same USSD-code, but replace # with *0# (for example, for MTS: *111*789*0#).

💡

If you travel frequently, check if the operator locks in roaming, for example, MTS’s Antispam service may not filter local rooms abroad.

7. Hidden functions: geolocation and time locking

MIUI firmware for the Chinese market (and some global builds) have hidden geolocation and time-locking features, such as setting up automatic shutdown of all incoming calls:

• 🕒 Time: block calls from 23:00 to 8:00;
• 📍 By location: Turn off incoming inboxes when you are at work or at home.

To activate these functions:

1. Install the Mi Tools app (available in GetApps for Chinese firmware).
2. Go to the Secret Codes section and type in ##6484##
3. In the menu, select Call Blocking Settings.
4. Set up rules by time or location.

Warning: these features may not be available in global firmware, and they conflict with the standard spam filter – only use them if the built-in tools don’t help.

💡

The most effective strategy for blocking spam on Xiaomi is a combination of built-in MIUI filter + third-party application (like Truecaller) + operator service.

FAQ: Frequent questions about blocking calls on Xiaomi