How to blacklist a number on Xiaomi: all ways 2026

Spam calls, annoying SMS from banks or unfamiliar numbers that spoil the mood – this problem is faced by every second owner of Xiaomi. Fortunately, the manufacturer has provided several ways to block unwanted contacts directly in standard MIUI applications. But not all users know that the blacklist on Redmi, POCO or Black Shark can be configured not only through the Phone, but also through Messages, and using hidden system functions.

In this article, we will discuss all the current methods of adding numbers to the blacklist on Xiaomi smartphones (including models from 2023-2026), talk about the nuances of the function on different versions of MIUI (from 12 to 15), and share life hacks how to block not only individual numbers, but also entire ranges or spambots. If you are tired of intrusive calls, read on and choose the appropriate method!

1. Standard method: through the application "Phone"

The most obvious and quickest method is to use the built-in Phone app, which works on all Xiaomi devices, regardless of the model (whether it is Redmi Note 12 or Xiaomi flagship 14 Ultra) and the firmware version, the main advantage of this method is that the lock is immediately on calls and SMS.

To add a number to the blacklist:

• 📱 Open the Phone app (the tube icon on the home screen).
• ⚙️ Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Settings.
• 🔒 Go to the section Blocking numbers (or Blacklist in old versions) MIUI).
• ➕ Click Add a number and select a contact from the list or enter the number manually.

Once added, the number will automatically be blocked, and all calls from it will go to the Locked Log, and SMS will go to the Spam folder in the Messages app. Note that if you block a contact from the phone book, it will not disappear from the phone book, it will just stop bothering you.

2. Blocking through the "Messages" app

If you are not so much a caller as SMS-mailings (e.g. from banks, shops or scammers) can be blocked directly in the Messages app, a method that allows you to filter out spam before the message reaches the main chat.

Instructions:

1. Open the Messages app and find a dialog with an unwanted number.
2. Tap the avatar or contact name at the top of the screen.
3. In the menu that opens, select Block (or Add to the blacklist).
4. Confirm the action by pressing OK.

Unlike Phone locking, this method does not always block calls – only SMS. To close both channels, use both methods or follow the instructions in the next section.

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If you receive spam from short numbers (such as 1234 or 5678), you can block them through Messages, and then search the Spam filter section in the app settings and add the number manually.

3 How to block the number through system settings

Few people know, but MIUI has a hidden settings section where you can manage the blacklist centrally, which is useful if you want to:

• 🔄 See all the locked rooms in one place.
• 📊 Check the statistics of blocking (how many calls)/SMS was filtered out).
• 🔄 Import/export list (e.g. when changing phone).

To open this section:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and select Special Access.
3. Find Do Not Disturb or Block Numbers (name depends on the version of MIUI).
4. Here you will see a complete list of blocked numbers and can add new ones.

This method is particularly useful for POCO and Black Shark users, where the interface may differ from the standard Redmi. For example, on POCO F5, the path to lock settings looks like this: Settings → Memory and applications → Number Lock.

4. Blocking of unknown and hidden numbers

One of the most annoying problems is calling from hidden numbers (displayed as "Unknown" or "Private"). Unfortunately, standard MIUI tools do not allow you to block them directly, but there are workarounds:

If you choose to use Truecaller, please note that the app uploads your contacts to its servers to improve the database. To disable this feature, go to the app's settings and deactivate the Contact Exchange option.

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Hidden numbers are often used by fraudsters for phishing. Never give out personal data (card number, SMS codes) over the phone, even if the caller is an employee of the bank!

5. How to unlock a number on Xiaomi

If you accidentally blacklisted a number or changed your mind about blocking a contact, it's easy to get it back.

1. Open the phone → Settings → Lock numbers.
2. Find the number on the blocked list.
3. Touch the basket badge (🗑️) Swipe left (on some models).
4. Confirm removal by pressing OK.

After that, the contact will be able to call and write again, and note that if you have blocked the number through Messages, you need to unlock it there, in the application settings.

Make sure that this is the right contact.|Check your phone history (maybe the number is still spammy)|If you unlock a bank number, make sure it is an official short number (e.g. 900 for Sberbank)-->

6. Advanced Settings: Keyword Filtering

MIUI 14 and later introduced a feature to filter SMS by keywords, which is useful if you are flooded with messages with the same text (for example, "You won the prize!") to configure the filter:

1. Open Messages → Settings → Spam filter.
2. Activate the Keyword Filtering Switch.
3. Add words or phrases (e.g., “win,” “prize,” “pay urgently”).
4. Select the action: Move to spam or Block.

This feature only works for SMS and does not block calls, and it can also trigger legitimate messages (such as from delivery services), so use it carefully.

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To check which messages have been filtered, open the Spam folder in the Messages app, which stores the history of blocked SMS for 30 days.

7.What to do if the lock is not working

Sometimes users are faced with blocked numbers continuing to call or write.

• 🔄 Update the firmware: in older versions MIUI (Below 12) there were bugs with a lock. Check the updates in Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
• 📱 Problems with SIM-card: if the number is locked but calls are coming, try restarting the phone or reinstalling it SIM-map.
• 🤖 Third-party launchers: Some shells (like Nova Launcher) may conflict with system applications. MIUI.
• 📵 Double. SIM-If you have two cards: SIM, The lock can only work for the main card.

If nothing helps, try resetting your network settings:

1. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
2. Select Network Settings Reset (this won’t delete your data, only network settings).
3. After restarting, check the locking function.

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On root-access devices, the lock may not work because of the system files that have been changed, and in this case, use applications like Call Blocker with superuser rights.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the blacklist on Xiaomi

Important: on devices with global MIUI EU firmware (e.g. for the European market), the lock function may work differently than on Chinese or Russian versions. If you use custom firmware (e.g. Xiaomi.eu), check the settings in the Additional → Lock section.