Why is the call from a locked number on Xiaomi: a full analysis of the problem

Why Xiaomi’s number locking sometimes doesn’t work

You blacklisted a number on Xiaomi, but it still gets through? This is a common problem that users of Redmi, POCO and Mi smartphones face. The reasons can lie in the settings of the phone, as well as in the peculiarities of mobile networks or applications. In this article, we will discuss 7 key reasons why the lock does not work, and give step-by-step solutions for each of them.

It's important to understand that locking numbers on Xiaomi doesn't work like it does on an iPhone or Samsung, and it's got a lot of mechanisms going on, from the built-in blacklist to the MIUI and the carrier, if you just add a number to the lock through the standard menu, it might not be enough. Then you'll learn how to completely cut off unwanted calls, including hidden nuances of settings and workarounds for particularly intrusive subscribers.

1. The number is blocked only in the “Phone” application, but not in the system

The most common mistake users make is to lock the number only in the call log, without synchronizing with the system settings, because MIUI divides the lock into two levels:

• 📱 Local lock – works only in the application “Phone” and does not affect SMS or.
• 🔒 System lock – blocks an Android-level number, including calls, messages, and even some messengers.

To check which type of lock you have:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find the phone app and open its settings.
3. Check the “Blocking Numbers” section – if there is your number, but calls still pass, then the lock is not system-wide.

If you only add a number to the log, you also need to block it through Settings → Security → Lock numbers, and you can also turn on the option “Block Unknown Numbers” that will cut off all calls without an ID.

2. the operator ignores your lock

Mobile operators (MTS, Beeline, MegaFon, Tele2) have their own locking mechanisms that can conflict with the settings of the smartphone. If you add a number to the blacklist on Xiaomi, but the operator does not block it, calls will be carried out bypassing system restrictions.

To check if the operator is to blame:

• 📞 Call from another phone to a locked number – if the call does not pass, the problem is in the settings Xiaomi.
• 📡 If the call passes, contact the operator and check if he supports the lock at the network level (the service "Blacklist" or "Antispam»).

💡

If the operator does not provide a lock service, try using third-party applications like Truecaller or Hiya – they block numbers at the application level, but require constant work in the background.

3. The number is disguised or replaced (spoofing)

One of the most insidious reasons is spoofing numbers, where the caller swaps his real number for another (for example, a bank or support number), in which case locking a particular number will not help, since the next call will come from a different identifier.

How to recognize spoofing:

• 🔍 The number appears as “Bank”, “Security Service” or other official source, but the call is clearly fraudulent.
• 📱 The number may change with each new call (for example, in the call log, +79991234567 → +79991234568).
• 🚨 The call is accompanied by a request to provide personal data or transfer money.

Solutions for protection against spoofing:

1. Enable the option to “Block suspicious numbers” in Settings → Security → Lock numbers.
2. Install the Truecaller app – it has a database of fraudulent numbers and recognizes spoofing.
3. If the calls come allegedly from the bank, contact the official support of the bank and check if there were any data leaks.

4. MIUI settings reset after update

After updating MIUI (especially large ones like 12 to 13), the lock settings may reset, because Xiaomi sometimes changes the structure of the system files responsible for the blacklist, and if calls started after the update, most likely your settings flew off.

How to restore the lock after the update:

1. Check the MIUI version in Settings → About the phone. If it changes, you will have to reconfigure the lock.
2. Export the blacklist before updating: Settings → Security → Number Block → Export.
3. If the lock is off, import the list back or add numbers manually.

If after the update, not only the locks, but also other settings (for example, permissions for applications) disappeared, MIUI may have failed. In this case, resetting the settings to factory will help, but this is an extreme measure.

5.Applications with administrator rights bypass the blocking

Some applications (especially those that request device administrator permissions) can bypass system locking.

• 📱 Messengers (WhatsApp, Viber, Telegram) – they can show notifications about calls even from blocked numbers).
• 🔄 Dual Apps for Dual Calls (for example, Dual Apps) MIUI).
• 🛡️ Antivirus or parental control apps (they may have their own call processing mechanisms).

How to check and fix the problem:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Special Access → Administrator Rights.
2. See which apps have administrator rights and disable suspicious ones.
3. In the settings of each messenger, check the “Block” section – it is possible that the number is blocked in the phone, but not in the application.

💡

If you use Dual Apps, locking numbers may not work in the cloned version of the Phone app, in which case lock the number in both instances.

6.Problems with SIM-map-mode

On Xiaomi smartphones with support for two SIM-Cards: Redmi Note 10 Pro, POCO X3 Pro, Mi 11, etc.) the lock may not work properly if:

• 📶 The number is locked for only one. SIM-map.
• 🔄 The phone settings are wrong. SIM default.
• 📱 One of them SIM-The card is inactive or is in the “Data Only” mode».

How to set up a lock for two SIMs:

1. Open the Settings. → SIM-maps and mobile networks.
2. Choose. SIM-the card you want to set up the lock for, and go to “Calling Settings».
3. Make sure that the number lock option is enabled for both SIMs.

If you use eSIM, check if lock settings conflict between the physical and virtual card.In some cases, a phone restart or reinstallation helps. SIM-map.

7. failure of Google or MIUI services

Sometimes calls are made due to a failure in the work of Google Play Services or MIUI system services.

• 🔄 Updates to Google Play Services.
• 📱 Cleaning the cache of system applications.
• 🔧 Restore the phone from a backup.

How to fix it:

1. Clear the cache of Google Play Services: Settings → Apps → App Management → Google Play Services → Clear the cache
2. Restart your phone to Safe Mode and check if calls are making it through. If not, the problem is in a third-party app.
3. Update MIUI to the latest version or roll back to the previous one if the failure occurred after the update.

💡

If the crash occurred after the Google Play Services update, try rolling back the app version through Settings → Apps → Google Play Services → Remove the updates.

⚠️ Warning: If after all the manipulations, the calls continue to pass, it is possible that your phone is infected with spyware that bypasses system restrictions, in which case only a complete reset or flashing will help.

FAQ: Frequent questions about locking numbers on Xiaomi