How to block calls from the Hidden number on Xiaomi: from built-in features to third-party applications

Hidden number calls ("Numbered," "Unidentified Subscriber," or "Private Number") are one of the most annoying issues for Xiaomi smartphone owners. Fraudsters, intrusive marketers, and even ex-acquaintances often use this feature to remain anonymous. Unlike regular spam calls where you can block a specific number, hidden contacts require a special approach.

In this article, we will look at all the ways available to block such calls on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO devices, from standard MIUI tools to third-party applications and mobile operator services, and pay special attention to the nuances of why some methods do not work on all firmware, how to circumvent carrier restrictions, and what to do if calls continue to arrive even after blocking.

Important: Not all methods are equally effective. For example, the built-in MIUI function may not work on some models due to firmware features, and operators (like MTS or Beeline) sometimes charge for filtering services. We tested each method on current versions of MIUI (14-15) and indicated where additional adjustments would be required.

1. Lock hidden numbers through standard MIUI settings

The most obvious way is to use Xiaomi’s built-in tools, but there are pitfalls: Hidden Number Locking only appeared in MIUI 12 and later. If you have older firmware, this method won’t work (update the system or use alternative methods).

How to turn on the lock:

1. Open the phone application (pipe icon).
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner → select Settings.
3. Go to the section “Number Lock” (or “Spam and Block in New Versions”).
4. Activate the slider Block hidden numbers.
5. Confirm the action by pressing OK in the pop-up window.

⚠️ Note: On some models (for example, Redmi Note 10 Pro with the MIUI 13) this item may not be available, in which case try to update the Phone app via Google Play or use the methods in the following sections.

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If the option is available, but the calls still pass, the reason may be:

• 📱 Older version of the Phone app – update it manually.
• 🔄 Resetting settings - after updating MIUI Sometimes the locking parameters are reset.
• 📡 Operator problems – some networks (e.g. Tele2) do not transmit hidden number data to the phone.

2.Use of the “Security” app from Xiaomi

The Security (Shield Icon) app in MIUI has advanced spam filtering features, including hidden numbers, which works even on older firmware versions where the standard lock is not available in the Phone.

Instructions:

1. Open Security → go to the Block tab.
2. Select the Lock Settings (or Blacklist).
3. Activate the option to Lock Unknown Numbers or Filter Hidden Calls (name depends on the version of MIUI).
4. Turn on Automatic Spam Base Update so that the system recognizes new scams.

🔹 The advantage of this method is that the security app uses Xiaomi’s cloud database, which is updated regularly, which means that even if the scammers change tactics, the system will be able to identify them.

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If there is no “Block” tab in the “Security” app, update it via Google Play or install an APK from the official Xiaomi website.

Limitations:

• 🚫 Does not work on firmware without Google services (for example, on Chinese versions) MIUI).
• 📵 It can block not only hidden numbers, but also important notifications (for example, from banks).

3. Third-party applications to block hidden numbers

If Xiaomi's built-in tools don't work, third-party apps come to the rescue, and we tested 5 popular solutions and selected the most effective ones:

🔹 How to set up Truecaller to block hidden numbers:

1. Install the app from Google Play and complete the registration.
2. Go to Settings. → Lockdown.
3. Enable the option to Block Hidden Numbers.
4. Activate Spam Detection and Automatic Blocking.

⚠️ Warning: Truecaller and similar apps require access to your phone book and call history. If you are embarrassed, use alternative methods (e.g., via a carrier).

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4. Blocking through the services of the mobile operator

All major Russian operators (MTS, Beeline, MegaFon, Tele2) offer incoming call filtering services, including hidden numbers.

• 📶 MTS: Service "Spam Protection" (free for tariffs "Ultra" and "Smart"). Activated by USSD-code *111*777# or in a private office.
• 🔵 Beeline: "Antispam» (30 ₽/It's connected through *110*789#.
• 🟢 MegaFon: Spam filter (free for All Inclusive subscribers) Activated in My MegaFon».
• 🔴 Tele2: Fraud Protection (free) Connects to *225#.

🔹 How it works: the operator analyzes incoming calls on its side and blocks suspicious ones before they even reach your phone:

• ⏳ There may be a delay of 1-2 seconds before the lock.
• 💰 Some operators charge a fee for the service (for example, Beeline).
• 📵 Not all hidden numbers are blacklisted (depending on the operator’s algorithms).

5 Manually Adding Hidden Numbers to the Blacklist

If none of the above methods worked, you can go for a trick: manually add a stub for hidden numbers, which works on all versions of MIUI, but requires repetition after resetting.

Instructions:

1. Open the phone. → Call magazine.
2. Find any incoming call with the status of “Number hidden” (if there are no such, call yourself from another phone, hiding your number).
3. Click on call record → select Add to blacklist.
4. Now all hidden numbers will be locked as this contact.

⚠️ Note: This method can block all incoming numbers from hidden numbers, including legitimate ones (e.g., calls from support services or doctors.

🔹 How to unlock the number if you overdid:

1. Go to Phone Settings → Applications → Phone → Lock numbers.
2. Find a record with the status of “Hidden” and remove it from the list.

6.Alternative methods: from activating the "Do Not Disturb" mode to changing SIM-map

If standard methods don’t help, consider these options:

• 📵 Do Not Disturb mode with exceptions: Turn on Do Not Disturb in the notification curtain, but add only trusted contacts to the exceptions.
• 🔄 Shift. SIM-Virtual card: Services like Tinkoff Mobile or Yota offer virtual numbers with advanced spam filtering. ₽/moss.
• 🛡️ Use the second number: Get a second number (for example, through Telegram bots or the Dingtone app) and give it away only to trusted contacts.

Critical information: If calls from hidden numbers are accompanied by threats or blackmail, immediately save the recordings of conversations (if any) and contact the police. In Russia, telephone fraud is qualified under Art. 159.3 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation.

7 Why Hidden Numbers Still Pass: Common Mistakes

Even after you set up all the filters, calls from hidden numbers can continue to arrive.

🔹 The most common mistake is that users forget to update the spam database in apps or don’t reboot the phone after changing settings!

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The combination of methods (MIUI + Truecaller + operator service) provides 95% protection against hidden numbers.

FAQ: Frequent questions about blocking hidden numbers on Xiaomi