Spam calls and messages from unknown numbers are one of the most annoying problems for smartphone owners. Honor 9Despite its age, it remains a popular device, but its firmware data-i="34">(depending on the version) does not always effectively filter unwanted contacts. In this article, we will analyze all available blocking methods - from built-in functions to third-party applications, and also reveal nuances that are not written about in standard instructions. EMUI 5.1/8.0 (depending on the version) does not always effectively filter unwanted contacts. In this article, we will analyze all the available blocking methods - from built-in functions to third-party applications, and also reveal nuances that are not written about in standard instructions.

The peculiarity Honor 9 is that its interface differs from “pure” Android. There is no universal solution here: for example, blocking via Settings → Security does not work on all firmware versions. We tested all methods on real devices and identified those that are guaranteed to work. You will also learn how to bypass operator restrictions and why some numbers continue to “leak” even after blocking.

Important: if you use two SIM cards, the blocking process may differ for each slot. More on this in a separate section.

1. Built-in blocking via call history

The fastest way is to block a number directly from the call history. This method works on all versions EMUI for Honor 9, but has a limitation: it does not block SMS from this number.

Instructions:

  • 📱 Open the application "Phone" (handset icon).
  • 🔍 Find the desired number in the call log and tap on it.
  • ⚙️ In the window that opens, click on the three dots in the upper right corner → "Block".
  • ✅ Confirm the action in the pop-up window.

To check the list of blocked numbers, go to Settings → Security → Number blocking. Here you can manually add new numbers or delete old ones. Please note: in EMUI 5.1 this path may be called Settings → Advanced → Blocking.

⚠️ Attention: Built-in blocking does not work for hidden numbers (where “Unknown” or “Private” is displayed instead of numbers). They will require third-party software.

The number has appeared in the blocked list|Calls from it have stopped|SMS continue to arrive (if so, see section 3)|Repeat for the second SIM if you use two cards-->

2. Blocking through EMUI security settings

A more reliable method is to use the section "Security" in the settings. It allows you to block both calls and SMS, as well as set up filtering by keywords.

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Open Settings (gear on the desktop).
  2. Go to section Security → Blocking numbers (in some versions EMUI the path may be Advanced → Privacy → Blocking).
  3. Tap "Add" and select the source:
    • 📞 From logs — select a number from the history.
    • 📝 Manually —enter the number in format +79XXXXXXXXX or 89XXXXXXXXX.
    • 📋 From contacts — blocking an existing contact.
  • Activate the switches "Block calls" and "Block messages".

    • In the same section you can configure SMS filtering by keywords. For example, if you add the word “win” or “credit”, all messages with these words will be automatically sent to spam. However, this functionality is unstable on Honor 9 With Android 7.0 —sometimes the filter is triggered with a delay of up to 10 minutes.

    EMUI version Path to blocking Supports SMS filter?
    EMUI 5.1 (Android 7.0) Settings → Advanced → Privacy → Blocking Yes (with delay)
    EMUI 8.0 (Android 8.0) Settings → Security → Blocking numbers Yes (instantly)
    EMUI 9.0+ (if updated) Settings → Applications → Phone → Lock Yes + advanced settings
    ⚠️ Attention: If after updating firmware, the "Lock" section has disappeared - reset the settings of the "Phone" application in Settings → Applications → Phone → Storage → Reset. This will return the standard options.

    3. SMS

    If you are bothered not by calls, but by spam messages, you can block the number directly in the standard application "Messages" (Messages). This method works regardless of call blocking.

    How to do it:

    • 💬 Open the application "Messages".
    • 🔍 Find the dialogue with the unwanted number and tap on it.
    • ⚙️ Click on the three dots in the upper right corner → "Details" → "Block".
    • ✅ Confirm the action. Now messages from this number will be automatically deleted.

    To manage the list of blocked SMS, go to Settings → Advanced → Spam filter (in some versions EMUI this section may be called Settings → Message blocking). Here you can:

    • 📥 View blocked messages (they are stored for 30 days).
    • 🗑️ Clear spam history.
    • 🔄 Enable/disable automatic filtering based on Huawei.
    💡

    If spam comes from different numbers, but with the same text (for example, “Your winnings are 100,000 rubles!”), add the key phrase to the SMS filter. To do this, in the spam filter settings, select "Add keyword" and enter the text without quotes.

    4. Third-party applications for advanced blocking

    Built-in tools Honor 9 do not always cope with modern spam, especially if a robot calls with a spoofed number. In this case, specialized applications will help. We tested the top 3 solutions compatible with Android 7.0/8.0:

    Application Features Cons
    Truecaller Spammer database of 300 million numbers, blocking hidden calls, identification of strangers. Requires access to contacts, sometimes makes mistakes in identifying spam.
    Hiya Minimalistic interface, blocking by category (scammers, robots, collectors). Advertising in the free version, no Russian-language support.
    Should I Answer? Works offline, users they themselves mark spam numbers. Small database for Russia, notifications are sometimes late.

    How to set up Truecaller (recommended for Honor 9):

    1. Download the application from Google Play.
    2. When you first start, allow access to contacts, call log and SMS (optional).
    3. Enable options:
      • 🛡️ "Blocking spam" (in settings applications).
      • 🔍 "Identification of strangers" (shows the name of the caller).
      • 📵 "Block hidden numbers".
  • Manually add numbers to the blacklist via section "Blocking".
    • ⚠️ Attention: Applications like Truecaller consume additional battery due to background synchronization of the spammer database. On Honor 9 with a 3200 mAh battery, this can reduce the operating time by 5-10%.

    Truecaller|Hiya|Should I Answer?|Built-in tools|I don’t use-->

    5. Blocking unknown numbers through a telecom operator

    If spam comes from different numbers, but from the same source (for example, banking offers or operator services), you can use the services of a mobile provider. Most Russian operators provide free or paid services. spam blocking.

    How to connect:

    • 📞 MTS: send an SMS with the text STOP to the number 111 or call *111*777#.
    • 🟢 Beeline: dial *110*789# and follow the instructions.
    • 🔴 MegaFon: send an empty SMS to 000105 or call 0500.
    • 🟠 Tele2: dial *155*1# to block advertising calls.

    The service is usually activated within 24 hours. Please note:

    • ✅ Blocked only commercial mailings (banks, insurance, loans).
    • ❌ Does not work for scammers and personal numbers.
    • 💰 Some operators charge a fee (for example, 3-5 rubles/day).

    To disable the service, use the same commands, but with the word CANCEL or OFF (for example, for MTS: SMS with the text CANCEL STOP on 111).

    What to do if the operator does not block spam?

    If calls continue after connecting to the service, try:

    1. Complain to the operator's support through your personal account or by phone (indicate specific numbers).

    2. Use the combination: operator blocking + Truecaller.

    3. SIM card to a new operator (sometimes spam databases are tied to the number).

    6. Blocking hidden and international numbers

    Numbers with hidden identification (displayed as “Unknown”, “Private” or “Anonymous”) are one of the most complex categories Built-in tools Honor 9 they are not blocked, but there are workarounds.

    Method 1: Through Truecaller

    • Open Truecaller → Settings → Blocking.
    • Activate the option "Block hidden numbers".
    • Additionally enable "Blocking international numbers"if spam comes from abroad.

    Method 2: Through USSD codes (does not work on all operators)

    Some providers allow you to block hidden calls through service commands:

    • For MTS: dial *111*789*1# and call.
    • For Beeline: send an SMS with the text BAN ANONYMOUS to 3662.

    Method 3: Through the "Firewall" application (requires root)

    If you have root accessinstall AFWall+ (Firewall). It allows you to completely block incoming calls from unknown sources at the system level. However, this method is risky for Honor 9 - incorrect settings can lead to loss of the network.

    ⚠️ Attention: Blocking hidden numbers via USSD codes may result in you not being able to receive calls from taxi, delivery or bank services (they often use hidden identification before activation), check whether your work depends on such calls.

    7. SIM cards

    If your Honor 9 has two SIM cards installed, number blocking is configured separately for each slotThis often causes confusion, since it is not always clear in the interface which SIM changes are applied to.

    How to block numbers for each SIM:

    1. Open Settings → Wireless networks → SIM cards.
    2. Select the SIM for which you want to set up blocking (for example, SIM 1).
    3. Go in Call settings → Blocking numbers.
    4. Add numbers to the black list (the process is similar to the standard one).
    5. Repeat steps for SIM 2.

    Important nuances:

    • 📶 If a call comes to SIM 1, and blocking is configured only for SIM 2 , the number will not be blocked.
    • 🔄 When changing SIM cards (for example, moved the card from slot 1 to slot 2) blocking settings will not be saved —they need to be reconfigured.
    • 📵 If you use Truecaller, it blocks calls for both SIMs at the same time (there is no separate setting).
    💡

    On Honor 9 no universal blocking for two SIMs. Always check which card the settings apply to, especially if spam is sent to only one number.

    8. What to do if the blocking does not work?

    Sometimes, even after adding a number to the blacklist, calls continue to arrive:

    Problem Cause Solution
    The number is blocked, but calls are getting through Reset the settings of the "Phone" application Go to Settings → Applications → Phone → Storage → Reset.
    Spam comes from new numbers The robot changes numbers automatically Use Truecaller with the "Block similar numbers" option.
    Blocking only works for calls SMS filter is disabled Enable Settings → Messages → Spam filter.
    Hidden numbers pass through The operator does not support blocking Install Should I Answer? with the "Block anonymous" option.

    If all else fails, try hard reset (but save the data first!):

    1. Go to Settings → System → Reset.
    2. Select "Reset network settings" (does not delete files, but resets call settings).
    3. If that doesn't help, do "Reset to factory settings" (will delete all data!).
    ⚠️ Attention: On Honor 9 c Android 7.0 after the reset, the "Lock" section in the settings may disappear. To get it back, update the firmware to EMUI 8.0 or use third-party applications.
    How to update EMUI on Honor 9?

    1. in Settings → System → Software update.

    2. Click "Check for updates".

    3. If available EMUI 8.0 or newer - download and install (weight ~1.5 GB, >50% charge required).

    4. After the update, the "Blocking" section will appear in Settings → Security.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about blocking numbers on Honor 9

    Can I block a number without saving it to contacts?

    Yes, Honor 9 you can block numbers directly from the call log or manually in the security settings, without adding them to the phone book. To do this:

    1. Open Settings → Security → Blocking. numbers.
    2. Select "Add manually".
    3. Enter the number in the format +79XXXXXXXXX or 89XXXXXXXXX.

    The number will be blocked without saving to contacts.

    How unblock a number if I made a mistake?

    To remove a number from the black list:

    1. Go to Settings → Security → Blocking numbers.
    2. Find the desired number in the list.
    3. Swipe left or click on the trash can ("Delete").

    If you use Truecaller, open the application → Blocking → Blocked numbers → swipe the number to the left.

    Why does the number still call after blocking?

    Probable reasons:

    • 🔄 The number is blocked only for one SIM card (check the settings for the second slot).
    • 📵 Blocking is applied only to calls, but not to SMS (or vice versa).
    • 🔄 Spammer uses different numbers from one server (you need to block by keywords).
    • 🛠️ Failure in the firmware (resetting the settings of the "Phone" application will help).

    Try using the combination: built-in blocking + Truecaller + operator service.

    Is it possible to block all incoming calls except contacts?

    Yes, but not through the standard settings Honor 9Options:

    1. Truecaller: enable. option Settings → Blocking → Allow contacts only.
    2. Do not disturb mode:
      • Open Settings → Sound → Do not disturb.
      • Select "Contacts only" in the "Who can disturb" section.
      • Activate the mode manually or according to a schedule.

    Please note: in the "Do not disturb" mode notifications will not arrive from other applications (WhatsApp, Telegram, etc.).

    How to block SMS mailings from banks and services?

    Banking and service messages are blocked differently than regular spam:

    1. Through the bank: find in SMS word "STOP" or "OTBOZ" and send it to the number from which the message came.
    2. Through Truecaller: add the bank number to the blacklist manually.
    3. Through an operator: activate the "Banning Advertising" service (see section 5).

    Important: blocking bank SMS may result in you not receiving confirmation codes for transfers or logging into your personal account. It is better to use filtering by keywords (for example, block messages with the word "promotion", but leave with "code").