Blocking unwanted calls and messages on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones is a challenge that every user sooner or later faces. Spam, intrusive collectors or ex-acquaintances can turn life into a nightmare if you do not know how to effectively get rid of them. Unlike iOS, where blacklist functionality is limited, MIUI firmware (versions 12-14) offers several flexible ways to lock, from standard settings to hidden features of the Phone app.
In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of adding numbers to the blacklist on Redmi Note 10/11/12/13, Redmi 9/10/11 and other models with MIUI. We will pay special attention to the nuances: what to do if the number is not blocked, how to restore the list after resetting, and why some spam calls still pass, and you will learn how to circumvent the restrictions of MIUI to block hidden numbers or international calls.
If you are tired of calling from unknown numbers every day or want to get rid of an intrusive person forever, this guide will help you set up protection in 5 minutes. FAQ Answers to the most frequent blacklist questions on Xiaomi.
1. Method 1: Adding a number through a call log
The fastest method is to lock the number right from the call history. It works on all Redmi models with MIUI 12 and later, including the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ and Redmi K50.
- Open the Phone app (the tube icon on the home screen).
- Go to the magazine tab (watch icon in the bottom menu).
- Find the number you want to block in the list and tap it.
- In the window that opens, select Block (the icon of the prohibiting sign).
- Confirm the action by pressing OK in the pop-up window.
⚠️ Note: If the number is displayed as "Unknown" or "Hidden", this method will not work).
Once blocked, the number will automatically be blacklisted, and all subsequent calls and SMS from it will be ignored, and the subscriber will not be notified of the blocking - their calls will simply not reach you.
Number saved in contact?|This is not a bank/support number?|You don't expect an important call from this number?|It is not a number error (e.g., a number error, +7 instead of 8)-->
2. Method 2: Blocking through the blacklist settings
If you need to add a number manually (for example, you know a spammer number in advance) or manage already blocked contacts, use the built-in blacklist menu. MIUI 11.
Instructions:
- Open the Phone app.
- Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner (menu).
- Select the Blacklist item.
- Click Add (+ icon in the lower right corner).
- Enter the number manually or select from contacts/call log.
- Confirm the addition.
You can also use the same menu:
- 📋 Remove the number from the blacklist (swipe left or the button "Basket»).
- 🔍 Search for blocked numbers (useful if the list is large).
- ⚙️ Configure notifications about blocked calls (included in Settings) → Notifications).
⚠️ Attention: B MIUI 14 on some models (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro) the blacklist menu can be hidden behind an additional submenu. If you can't find an item, try the path: Phone → Settings → Number locking.
Through call log | Through blacklist settings |Through contacts |Third-party apps-->
Method 3: Blocking through contacts
If the number is already saved in your phone book, you can block it directly from the Contacts app, which is convenient when you want to “clean up” old unwanted contacts without deleting them completely.
Step-by-step:
- Open the Contacts app (the icon of a person’s silhouette).
- Find the right contact through search or scroll through the list.
- Slip on the contact to open his card.
- Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Lock.
- Confirm the action.
The advantage of this method is that locking works even if the number is changed in the contact later (for example, the subscriber changed the SIM card, but remained in your phone book), the system will block all numbers associated with this contact.
Note that if the contact is synced with a Google Account or Mi Account, the lock will only be valid on the current device.
| Method of blocking | Suitable for | Advantages | Deficiencies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Through the call log. | Quick lockdown after call | Instant result, no need to search for a number | It doesn't work for hidden numbers. |
| Through the blacklist settings | Manual addition of numbers | Managing the entire list, searching, mass action | Longer than a magazine lockdown. |
| Through contacts | Blocking of saved numbers | Automatic update when changing the number | Does not block new numbers of this subscriber |
4. How to block hidden and unknown numbers
One of the most common problems with Xiaomi Redmi is the inability to block calls from hidden numbers (shown as “Unknown”, “Private Number” or “+”). There is no direct option in the standard MIUI settings to block such calls, but there are workarounds.
Here are 3 working methods:
- 📱 Use third-party apps (like Truecaller or Call Blocker) that can filter hidden numbers using spam.
- 📞 Activate Do Not Disturb mode with exceptions. Go to Settings → Sound and vibration → Do not disturb, turn on the mode and add only trusted contacts to the exceptions.
- 🔧 Manual lock through USSD-code (not available for all operators *111*123# (for MTS or *105*123# (For Beeline, follow the instructions of the voice menu.
⚠️ Note: Blocking hidden numbers through MIUI If you are often called from hidden numbers, consider changing your SIM card to a carrier with better spam protection (for example, Tele2 with Antispam»).
Why don’t operators automatically block hidden numbers?
5. How to restore the blacklist after resetting settings
If you have performed a hard reset on your Redmi, the blacklist, like other user data, will be deleted, but it can be restored if sync with Mi Account or Google has been enabled beforehand.
Instructions for remediation:
- After the reset, log in to your Mi Account (or Google Account if you used it for sync).
- Open Settings → Accounts and Synchronization.
- Make sure that synchronization is enabled for the Phone and Contacts app.
- Wait 5-10 minutes – the blacklist should be restored automatically.
- If the list does not appear, check the backup in Settings → Additional → Backup and Reset.
If the sync has not been configured, you can only restore the list manually from screenshots, notes or exported files. In the future, we recommend that you regularly export the blacklist:
- Open the phone. → Blacklist.
- Slap three points in the top corner.
- Select Export and save the file to Google Drive or to your phone’s memory.
💡
To avoid losing the blacklist, enable automatic sync with Mi Cloud. Go to Settings → Mi Account → Sync and activate the option for the Phone app.
6 Why the lock doesn't work: common problems
Sometimes users of Xiaomi Redmi are faced with the fact that blocked numbers continue to call, the reasons can be different from errors in settings to the characteristics of the operator.
- 🔄 If a subscriber uses different SIM cards or switches numbers via VoIP, locking one number won't help. Solution: block the keywords in the phone. SMS Or use Truecaller.
- 📶 Network problems, sometimes because the blacklist is delayed on the operator's side, solution: reboot your phone or turn the plane on/off.
- 🔧 Resetting settings MIUI. After updating the firmware or reset, the sync may be lost. Solution: check the blacklist settings in your Phone. → Settings → Lockdown.
- 🚫 System constraints: on some models (e.g. Redmi) 9A) blacklist does not block SMS. Solution: Use third-party applications such as SMS Blocker.
If none of these methods worked, try the extreme, operator-level lock.
- Dial it. USSD-your operator code (for example *111# for MTS).
- From the menu, select “Services” → “Blacklist”.
- Add the number manually or follow the voice instructions.
⚠️ Attention: The lock at the operator level may be paid (for example, Beeline - 3 rubles / day!
💡
If the locked number still rings, first check if the blacklist settings have gone wrong after the MIUI update. Often the problem is solved by adding the number to the list again.
7.Alternative methods: applications to block spam
Built-in tools MIUI They don't always deal with modern spam attacks. If you need more protection, consider third-party apps.-3 Proven solutions for Xiaomi Redmi:
| Annex | Features | Pluses | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Truecaller | Blocking spam on a global database, identifying unfamiliar numbers | Large spammer database, working offline | Requires access to contacts, advertising in the free version |
| Call Blocker | Flexible rules of blocking (by prefix, keywords in SMS) | No advertising, supports regular expressions | Interface in English, fee for premium functions |
| SMS & Call Blocker | Call blocking and SMS, blacklisting/whitelisting, backup | Simple interface, free functionality | Sometimes skip spam from new numbers. |
To install any of these applications:
- Open the Google Play Store.
- Enter the name of the application in the search.
- Click Install and wait for the download to be completed.
- Launch the application and provide the necessary permissions (access to calls, SMS, contacts).
- Configure the locking rules according to the instructions in the application.
⚠️ Note: When using third-party blockers, disable the built-in blacklist in the MIUI, To avoid conflict, go to the phone. → Blacklist. → Settings and deactivate the option “Block calls».