How to permanently ban calls from unknown numbers on Xiaomi: the complete guide

Xiaomi smartphone owners (including Redmi and POCO models) face daily intrusive calls from unidentified numbers — from spammers, scammers and robots. According to Truecaller, in 2026, each user in Russia receives an average 12 spam calls per month, and in some regions this figure reaches 20. The problem is exacerbated by the fact that standard locking tools on MIUI often work inefficiently or require manual configuration.

This article will help to eliminate the problem completely, from basic methods through built-in functions to advanced solutions using third-party applications and operator settings. We tested all methods on the current MIUI 14/15 firmware (including HyperOS for new models) and selected only working options. Importantly, some methods require root rights or connection of paid services, we will warn you about this in advance.

1 Built-in Blacklist in MIUI: How it Works and Why It Doesn't Always Rescue

The most obvious way is to use a built-in blacklist in the Phone app, but there are critical limitations to this method:

• 📱 Numbers are blocked only after the first call - unknown subscribers will pass
• 🔄 List resets when settings are reset or flashed
• 📊 No statistics on blocked calls (unlike Truecaller)
• 🚫 Does not block SMS from the same numbers (separate configuration required)

To add a number to the blacklist:

1. Open the phone application
2. Go to the Call Journal → find the right number
3. Click on the number → select Block (or Blacklist on older versions)
4. Confirm the action in the pop-up window

An important nuance: on some models (for example, Xiaomi 13T or POCO F5), the path may be different - look for Settings → Lock and Protection → Blacklist. If you do not have an option, update the Phone app via Google Play.

2 Unknown Number Filter: Hidden MIUI Function

MIUI 14+ and HyperOS have a hidden option to automatically lock all numbers not saved in contacts, which works at the system level and does not require the installation of additional applications.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management
2. Find and select the phone application
3. Go to Permits → Additional Permits
4. Activate Unknown Number Filter (or Unknown Call Blocking)

Once activated, all incoming numbers that are not in Contacts will be automatically reset, and please note that this method blocks all unknown numbers, including important calls from delivery services, banks (if their numbers are not saved), or new acquaintances.

For more flexible settings, we recommend combining this filter with exceptions:

• ✅ Keep important service numbers (e.g. 112, 911, bank numbers) in contact.
• ✅ Use prefixes for temporary contacts (e.g., add temp_ before the name)
• ❌ Do not store numbers with suspicious prefixes (+79xx, +7495xxx, +375xx, etc.)

3. Operator settings: free and paid options

Russian operators offer their own solutions for blocking spam, and their advantage is that filtering occurs before a call reaches your phone, which saves battery life and traffic.

Important: operators only block numbers from their spammer database. New scams can slip. For maximum protection, combine this method with others in the article.

⚠️ Attention: Connecting paid services through USSD- codes can automatically charge money from your balance. Before activating, check the tariff in your personal account or with the operator at 0611 (MTS), 0674 (Beeline), 0500 (MegaFon), 611 (Tele2).

4 Third-party apps: Truecaller vs Should I Answer?

If the built-in MIUI tools fail, specialized applications come to the rescue, and we tested the two most popular solutions and compared their performance on the Xiaomi 13 Pro and Redmi Note 11:

Truecaller (free version with advertising):

• 🔍 Spammer database updated in real time (more than 500 million numbers)
• 📊 Shows statistics of blocked calls and SMS
• 🌍 Operates in 200+ countries, including Russia and CIS
• ⚠️ Requires access to Contacts and Call Log

Should I Answer? (Free of charge):

• 🛡️ Blocks calls before the first beep (saves battery)
• 📋 Allows you to create whitelists for important numbers
• 🔄 Regular updates to the fraud database (especially for Russia)
• 💰 Premium (199₽/year) removes ads and adds advanced filters

For installation:

1. Download the app from Google Play (links: Truecaller, Should I Answer?)
2. Launch and provide all requested permissions
3. In the settings, enable options: Block spam Filtering unknown Notifications of blocked

Whitelist

Should I Answer?

Settings → Exceptions

⚠️ Warning: Module apps for MIUI (e.g., MIUI AntiSpam from Xiaomi Market) often contain malicious code. Install antispam only from the official Google Play and check reviews before downloading.

5 Advanced methods: ADB- Commands and root access

For users who are ready to experiment, there are ways to lock at the system level, and these methods require debugging bridges (ADB) or root rights, but give 100% control over incoming calls.

Method 1: Blocking through ADB (no root)

This method is suitable for MIUI 12-15 and HyperOS, and disables notifications of incoming calls from unknown numbers at the system level.

adb shell settings put global block_unknown_callers 1

To return the standard behavior, do:

adb shell settings put global block_unknown_callers 0

Method 2: Editing system files (requires root)

To completely block all incoming numbers from unidentified numbers, you can edit the file /system/csc/others.xml (the path may vary depending on the model).

<CscFeature_ServiceCall_BlockUnknownNumber>false</CscFeature_ServiceCall_BlockUnknownNumber>

And replace false with true. After saving, restart the device.

💡

Before using ADB- command, enable USB Debugging in Settings → About Phone → MIUI version (click 7 once per line with the version, then go back to Additional Settings → For Developers).

Risks:

• 🔧 Misuse of ADB can lead to bootloop ( looped boot)
• 🔒 Root access strips of warranty and increases vulnerability to viruses
• 📱 Some models (POCO X5, Redmi A2) may not work due to manufacturer limitations.

6.Alternative solutions: second number and virtual SIM

If spam calls have become unbearable, consider drastic measures:

• 📞 Second physical number: Use the primary number only for important contacts, and the second for registration and public purposes. The cost of an additional SIM in MTS or MegaFon is from 50₽/month.
• 🌐 Virtual numbers: Services like Numo or Zadarma provide temporary numbers for calls and SMS. Suitable for online purchases and check-in.
• 🔄 Transferring a number to another operator: Some users note that after a change of operator, the amount of spam is reduced by 30-40%.

To set up the second number on Xiaomi:

1. Insert the second SIM- card into the tray
2. Go to Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks
3. Select the SIM- card name (e.g., "Worker" and "Personal")
4. In Call Settings, specify which SIM to use by default

💡

Virtual numbers don't protect against spam by 100%, but they reduce spam by changing frequently, and it's better to combine this with anti-spam applications.

7. Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

Many Xiaomi users have trouble setting up their call lock, and here are the most common errors and solutions:

If none of the methods worked, check:

• 📵 Are there any viruses on the phone (scan through Dr.Web or Kaspersky)
• 🔄 Is call forwarding enabled (check Settings → SIM-maps → forwarding)
• 📡 Is there a problem with IMEI (learn code: *#06#)

FAQ: Answers to popular questions