Write an unknown number when calling Xiaomi: why and how to fix

The situation where the screen of a Xiaomi smartphone displays the words "Unknown number" or "Anonymous call" instead of a contact name or simply a displayed number, is familiar to many users. This is not only annoying, but often causes important calls from colleagues or delivery services whose numbers are not saved in the phone book, owners of devices with a MIUI shell and the new HyperOS face this more often due to aggressive privacy settings and built-in filters.

The reasons can be both the actions of the caller who hid his ID and the software failure of your device. Sometimes it is the result of third-party identifiers that conflict with the system "call." In this article, we will discuss in detail why the identification system stops working correctly, and how to return normal display of contacts.

You don't have to be a tech person to fix this problem. Most solutions come down to checking a few settings in the phone's menu or reinstalling Google component updates. Let's go through all the possible problem scenarios consistently so you can quickly get the connection back on track.

The main reasons for the failure of the subscriber identification

The first thing to understand is that the problem may be on the carrier’s side or the caller’s side. If the caller uses special services to hide the number (for example, the code #31# before dialing), then your phone will not physically receive the data for display, in which case the words “Unknown number” is a standard reaction of the Android system.

However, if you see this label, even from those whose numbers were previously determined or from organizations, you should look for the reason in the software part. Often the culprits are aggressive spam filters that mistakenly mark legitimate calls as hidden, and a failure can occur after a firmware update, when default settings are reset or when the algorithms of telephony operation change.

Another common cause is the conflict between Google’s system “caller” and third-party applications like Yandex, Kaspersky or Truecaller. If the access rights to contacts are not allocated correctly, the determinant application will not be able to match the incoming signal with the entry in your book, which is especially true for the budget models of Redmi and POCO, where memory cleaning can complete the background processes of the determinant.

⚠️ Note: If the "Unknown Number" sign appears only in certain subscribers, ask them to check their phone settings.

Setting up the number display in the system call

The first place to look is Google’s standard Phone app, which is pre-installed on all modern Xiaomi smartphones, which is responsible for receiving calls and displaying information on the screen, and a failure in its configuration often leads to the interface not asking for contact data correctly.

You need to open the call app and go to settings through a three-dot menu, and you should find the "Number Definition" or "Caller ID Identification" section here. Make sure the switch is active. In some versions of MIUI, this item may be called "Show name and photo for callers."

It is also worth checking the settings. SIM-Go to the settings. → SIM-Select an active SIM card and find "Additional Settings" and there may be a "Number Definer" option that you need to set to "Enable" or "Default Network".

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If you use two SIM cards, check the display settings for each separately, as they can work independently of each other.

It is important to note that once the settings are changed, you need to completely restart the device. Simply turning off the screen is not enough, since the communication module is initialized only when the system starts. If the problem persists after the restart, you may need to reset the network settings.

Working with number blockers and number detectors

Xiaomi owners often install third-party number detectors to protect against spam, but they can cause a conflict that causes the phone to write "Unknown Number." The system can block the application from accessing an incoming call for energy saving.

Check the list of installed applications. If you have Yandex, NumBuster or similar, make sure that they are given all the necessary permissions. Especially critical permissions to access Contacts, Phone and Notifications. Without this, the application will not be able to replace the standard call window with its interface with a name.

For proper work, perform the following actions:

• 📱 Go to Settings. → Annexes → All applications.
• 🔍 Find your number number number in the list.
• ⚙️ Click "Other permissions" and allow all items, especially "Display on top of other applications".
• 🔋 In the "Activity Control" section, select "No restrictions".

Often, removing and re-installing the detector application helps. When you first start up, Android will ask for confirmation to use it as the primary determinant, be sure to agree. If you use a MIUI-built determinant, make sure that it includes downloading data from the Internet.

Resetting Google Network Settings and Components

If the software settings are fine but the problem remains, there may have been a failure in the cache of system components, not only apps but also Google Play Services, which often solves the problem of blind calls.

To do this, go to the app menu, find Google Play Services and Google Phone. Select Memory and click Clear Cache for each. Don't worry, it won't delete your contacts or call history, just temporary files that may have been corrupted.

A more radical but effective method is to reset the network settings, which will return APN, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi settings to factory values, eliminating conflicts of communication protocols.

Once reset, the phone will reboot. You'll need to re-enter the Wi-Fi passwords. Make sure that the mobile Internet is on, because the number detector requires data to be sent to search the database.

Table: Comparison of methods of solving the problem

To make it easier for you to navigate the ways to fix the bug, we have compiled a comparison table that will help you choose the method that best suits your situation and level of technical training.

As you can see from the table, the first two are the safest, and you should try to reset the network if you don't do it, and in the rare cases where nothing works, you might need to reset the device completely, but that's the last resort.

Specificity of the work of the determinant in MIUI and HyperOS

Xiaomi’s shells have their own peculiarities, particularly the MIUI and the new HyperOS, which have a lot of background changes, and it’s designed to save as much battery as possible, so it can kill the number detector process as soon as you put the phone down or unlock the screen.

To prevent this, add the Phone app and your ID to the exclusion list. Go to Settings → Battery and Performance (or simply “Battery”), find the Application Management section and set the No Limits mode for the desired programs.

Xiaomi also has built-in Antivirus and Blocker. Check their settings.

• 🛡️ Open the Security app (green icon).
• 🚫 Go to "Blocker" → Settings (cogs).
• 📞 Make sure you don’t check “Block Hidden Numbers” if you want to see them.
• 📚 Check out the Blacklist – Important contacts may have accidentally got there.

⚠️ Note: Newer versions of HyperOS may have different security settings.Look for the Privacy Protection section in the phone's general settings.

Special attention should be paid to the function "Silent mode" or "Do not disturb." If it is activated, the phone can not only not call, but also do not display the name of the caller on the locked screen, showing only the time and date.

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Setting up power saving exceptions is a critical step for Xiaomi owners, without which the number detector will not work smoothly.

Frequent Questions and Answers (FAQ)

In conclusion, the problem with displaying Unknown Number is solved in 95% of cases by software methods. The key factor of success is comprehensive verification, from SIM card settings to permissions for determining applications. Don’t ignore system updates, as Xiaomi regularly releases patches that fix phone errors.

If none of the methods described helped, perhaps the problem lies in physical damage. SIM-In this case, it is recommended to contact the service center or replace the SIM card from the operator, saving the number.