How to permanently block calls from hidden numbers on Xiaomi: the complete guide

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.

  • ๐Ÿ•ต๏ธ Phishing attacks: Attackers impersonate banks, government agencies or support services to lure personal data.
  • ๐Ÿ’ธ Imposing Paid Services: Operators or affiliate companies may call with offers to connect unnecessary options.
  • ๐Ÿ“Š Statistics: Some spammer systems record phone responses to identify active numbers for further attacks.
  • ๐Ÿ”Š 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.

โš ๏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:

  1. Open the phone application (pipe icon).
  2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner โ†’ Settings.
  3. Go to the section โ€œNumber Lockโ€ (or โ€œSpam and Block in New Versionsโ€).
  4. Activate the Block Hidden Numbers switch (may be called Filter Unknown Numbers).
  5. 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 Blocking

โš ๏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 โ€œBlock 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 Xiaomiโ€™s built-in tools fail, install third-party software.The best options for blocking hidden numbers are:

AnnexFunctionsConsReference
TruecallerSpammer database, hidden number blocking, call identificationRequires access to contacts, advertising in the free versionGoogle Play
HiyaBlocking hidden numbers, protection against phishing, minimalist interfacePaid features for extended protectionGoogle Play
Call BlockerManual lock on masks, log of blocked callsNo automatic update of the spam databaseGoogle Play
Should I Answer?Crowdsourcing database of spammers, blocking by categoryThe interface may seem overloaded.Google Play

For maximum efficiency, configure the applications as follows:

  • ๐Ÿ”ง In Truecaller: Settings โ†’ Lockdown โ†’ Block hidden numbers + Turn on Auto-Blocking Spam.
  • ๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ At Hiya: Settings โ†’ Protection โ†’ Block all hidden numbers and activate the Fraud Protection.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ In Call Blocker: Add the lock rule for the mask * (asterisk) in the Blacklist section โ†’ Add on the mask.

๐Ÿ’ก

If the blocking app doesnโ€™t 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

  • ๐Ÿ“ž Get a team on it *111*777# and follow the instructions.
  • ๐Ÿ’ฌ Send. SMS 777 to 111.
  • ๐ŸŒ Connect the service "Spam Protection" in your personal account on the MTS website.

Beeline

  • ๐Ÿ“ž Call *145# and select the option โ€œSpam Protectionยป.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Install My Beeline app and activate the function in the "Services" sectionยป.

MegaFon

  • ๐Ÿ“ž Dial it *105*444# for the connection of "Antispamยป.
  • ๐Ÿ’ฌ Send. SMS 444 to 0500.

Tele2.

  • ๐Ÿ“ž Call *225# and follow the voice prompts.
  • ๐ŸŒ Activate โ€œSpam 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:

  1. Open the Contacts app.
  2. Press + (add a new contact).
  3. In the Name field, enter the Hidden Number (or any other name).
  4. 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?
Hidden numbers can use different network codes, so there is no universal mask, and some operators ignore custom locking rules for numbers with suppressed Caller ID. However, in combination with other methods (for example, blocking applications), this method increases overall protection.

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:

  1. Install AFWall+ from Google Play.
  2. Provide root access (requires unlocking the bootloader on Xiaomi).
  3. Go to Rules and find the Phone app (com.android.dialer).
  4. Activate Custom Rules (User Rules) for it.
  5. Add the lock rule for incoming connections with an empty Caller ID: iif in call accept caller-id!= 'drop'
  6. Save the settings and restart the device.