How to blacklist a number on Xiaomi Redmi: All ways (MIUI 12-14)

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.

  1. Open the Phone app (the tube icon on the home screen).
  2. Go to the magazine tab (watch icon in the bottom menu).
  3. Find the number you want to block in the list and tap it.
  4. In the window that opens, select Block (the icon of the prohibiting sign).
  5. 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:

  1. Open the Phone app.
  2. Slip on the three dots in the upper right corner (menu).
  3. Select the Blacklist item.
  4. Click Add (+ icon in the lower right corner).
  5. Enter the number manually or select from contacts/call log.
  6. 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:

  1. Open the Contacts app (the icon of a person’s silhouette).
  2. Find the right contact through search or scroll through the list.
  3. Slip on the contact to open his card.
  4. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Lock.
  5. 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 blockingSuitable forAdvantagesDeficiencies
Through the call log.Quick lockdown after callInstant result, no need to search for a numberIt doesn't work for hidden numbers.
Through the blacklist settingsManual addition of numbersManaging the entire list, searching, mass actionLonger than a magazine lockdown.
Through contactsBlocking of saved numbersAutomatic update when changing the numberDoes 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?
Hidden numbers are often used by banks, delivery services and government agencies; automatic locking can lead to the skipping of important calls, and operators prefer to give users a choice: block such calls manually or through third-party services.

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:

  1. After the reset, log in to your Mi Account (or Google Account if you used it for sync).
  2. Open Settings → Accounts and Synchronization.
  3. Make sure that synchronization is enabled for the Phone and Contacts app.
  4. Wait 5-10 minutes – the blacklist should be restored automatically.
  5. 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:

  1. Open the phone. → Blacklist.
  2. Slap three points in the top corner.
  3. 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.

  1. Dial it. USSD-your operator code (for example *111# for MTS).
  2. From the menu, select “Services” → “Blacklist”.
  3. 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:

AnnexFeaturesPlusesCons
TruecallerBlocking spam on a global database, identifying unfamiliar numbersLarge spammer database, working offlineRequires access to contacts, advertising in the free version
Call BlockerFlexible rules of blocking (by prefix, keywords in SMS)No advertising, supports regular expressionsInterface in English, fee for premium functions
SMS & Call BlockerCall blocking and SMS, blacklisting/whitelisting, backupSimple interface, free functionalitySometimes skip spam from new numbers.

To install any of these applications:

  1. Open the Google Play Store.
  2. Enter the name of the application in the search.
  3. Click Install and wait for the download to be completed.
  4. Launch the application and provide the necessary permissions (access to calls, SMS, contacts).
  5. 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».

FAQ: Frequent questions about the blacklist on Xiaomi Redmi

Can I block the number so that the subscriber does not know about it?
Yes, Xiaomi Redmi locks are quiet: the subscriber receives no notifications; their calls will be reset automatically and SMS will not be delivered; from the subscriber side, it looks like “busy” or “out of range”.
How to block a range (for example, all numbers with +375)?
In standard MIUI settings, there is no such feature. But you can use the Call Blocker app: Install and open the app. Go to Blacklist → Add Rule. Select Prefix Blocking and enter a prefix (e.g. +375). Save the rule. This will block all calls from Belarusian numbers.
What if the blacklist is reset after the MIUI update?
After major updates (e.g., with the MIUI 13 on MIUI 14) Blacklist settings may go off. To restore: Check if sync with Mi Account is enabled (Settings → If sync has been disabled, try restoring the list from backup (Settings) → Additionally. → Restore and reset. If nothing helps, add numbers manually again. In the future, export the blacklist to a file before updating (see Section 5).
Can I block SMS but leave the possibility of calling (or vice versa)?
The standard MIUI blacklist blocks both calls and SMS at the same time. Use: SMS Blocker to selectively block messages only. Do not disturb (Settings → Sound → Do not disturb) – you can allow calls from contacts, but block SMS. Full flexibility (for example, block SMS, but receive calls) can only be achieved through third-party applications.
How do I know how many numbers are on my blacklist?
To view the full list of blocked numbers: Open the Phone app. Tap three points → Blacklist. At the top of the screen will show the total number of blocked numbers (for example, "3 numbers"). Here you can view the history of blocked calls (if the appropriate setting is enabled).