Hidden number calls are one of the most annoying issues for Xiaomi smartphone owners.Spammers, scammers and intrusive operators often use this feature to bypass standard blacklists. Unlike regular numbers, hidden contacts (Unknown, Private Number or No Caller ID) do not display the caller's ID, making them difficult to block through standard means.
In this article, we will discuss all the current ways to block such calls on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices (including models on MIUI 14/15 and HyperOS). You will learn how to use built-in system functions, third-party applications and even carrier services for full protection. Importantly, some methods require root rights or additional settings - we will explain each step in detail so that you can choose the best option.
Why Hidden Numbers Are Dangerous
Hidden numbers are not just annoying, they can be a tool for scammers.
- ๐ต๏ธ Phishing attacks: Attackers impersonate banks, government agencies or support services to lure personal data.
- ๐ธ Imposing Paid Services: Operators or affiliate companies may call with offers to connect unnecessary options.
- ๐ Statistics: Some spammer systems record phone responses to identify active numbers for further attacks.
- ๐ Psychological pressure: Constant calls without being able to identify the source create stress.
According to Kaspersky data for 2023, more than 40% of fraudulent calls in Russia and the CIS are made from hidden numbers, and standard blockers (like Truecaller) do not always cope with such calls due to the lack of an ID.
โ ๏ธ Note: If you answer a call from a hidden number, fraudsters can record your voice (such as the word "yes" or "hello") and use the record to authorize financial transactions!
Method 1: Built-in lock in MIUI/HyperOS
Starting with MIUI 12, Xiaomi added a hidden number filtering feature, but it's hidden in the back of the settings. Here's how to activate it:
- Open the phone application (pipe icon).
- Click on the three dots in the upper right corner โ Settings.
- Go to the section โNumber Lockโ (or โSpam and Block in New Versionsโ).
- Activate the Block Hidden Numbers switch (may be called Filter Unknown Numbers).
- Enable the option to Block all incoming from hidden numbers (if available).
Some firmware (e.g. HyperOS 1.0 for Xiaomi 14) may not have this item, so use an alternative path:
Settings โ Applications โ Application Management โ Phone โ Permissions โ Additional Permissions โ Call Blockingโ ๏ธ Attention: Built-in locks don't work for all carriers, like MTS and Beeline sometimes miss hidden calls because of the network infrastructure.
Is the โBlock Hidden Numbersโ feature enabled in the Phone app?
Is the firmware updated to the latest version of MIUI/HyperOS?
Is the smartphone rebooted after changing the settings?
Are the permissions for the phone application checked?
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Method 2: Using blocking applications
If Xiaomiโs built-in tools fail, install third-party software.The best options for blocking hidden numbers are:
| Annex | Functions | Cons | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Truecaller | Spammer database, hidden number blocking, call identification | Requires access to contacts, advertising in the free version | Google Play |
| Hiya | Blocking hidden numbers, protection against phishing, minimalist interface | Paid features for extended protection | Google Play |
| Call Blocker | Manual lock on masks, log of blocked calls | No automatic update of the spam database | Google Play |
| Should I Answer? | Crowdsourcing database of spammers, blocking by category | The interface may seem overloaded. | Google Play |
For maximum efficiency, configure the applications as follows:
- ๐ง In Truecaller: Settings โ Lockdown โ Block hidden numbers + Turn on Auto-Blocking Spam.
- ๐ก๏ธ At Hiya: Settings โ Protection โ Block all hidden numbers and activate the Fraud Protection.
- ๐ฑ In Call Blocker: Add the lock rule for the mask * (asterisk) in the Blacklist section โ Add on the mask.
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If the blocking app doesnโt work, check if it has permissions disabled in the MIUI settings. Go to Settings โ Applications โ Application Management โ [Blocker Name] โ Permissions and enable access to calls, contacts and SMS.
Method 3: Blocking through a communications operator
Mobile operators provide spam filtering services, including hidden numbers, and here's how to connect protection from popular providers:
MTS
- ๐ Get a team on it *111*777# and follow the instructions.
- ๐ฌ Send. SMS 777 to 111.
- ๐ Connect the service "Spam Protection" in your personal account on the MTS website.
Beeline
- ๐ Call *145# and select the option โSpam Protectionยป.
- ๐ฑ Install My Beeline app and activate the function in the "Services" sectionยป.
MegaFon
- ๐ Dial it *105*444# for the connection of "Antispamยป.
- ๐ฌ Send. SMS 444 to 0500.
Tele2.
- ๐ Call *225# and follow the voice prompts.
- ๐ Activate โSpam Protectionโ in your personal account on the Tele2 website.
Operators are usually free, but may have restrictions, such as MTS blocking up to 100 numbers per month, and Beeline only calls from the spammer database (hidden numbers are partially filtered).
MTS
Beeline
MegaFon
Tele2.
Other
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Method 4: Manually Adding to the Blacklist (Backway)
If your Xiaomi does not support direct blocking of hidden numbers, you can use a workaround method โ adding a stub to the contacts:
- Open the Contacts app.
- Press + (add a new contact).
- In the Name field, enter the Hidden Number (or any other name).
- In the Phone field, enter one of the following options: +00000000000 #31# (Switch Off Number Code) 67 (Alternative Hiding Code)
Phone. โ Settings โ Number locking
This method works because some hidden calls at the network level may match the masks entered, with an efficiency of around 60-70%, but does not guarantee 100% lock.
Why isn't this method perfect?
Method 5: Set up Firewall (for advanced users)
If you have root rights or an unlocked bootloader, you can use system tools to deep filter calls, and one of the most reliable ways is with the AFWall+ app.
Instructions:
- Install AFWall+ from Google Play.
- Provide root access (requires unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi).
- Go to Rules and find the Phone app (com.android.dialer).
- Activate Custom Rules (User Rules) for it.
- Add the lock rule for incoming connections with an empty Caller ID: iif in call accept caller-id!= 'drop'
- Save the settings and restart the device.