Modern smartphones Xiaomiworking on shells MIUI or new HyperOSare equipped with powerful built-in security tools, which are often perceived by users as overly intrusive. Aggressive antispam is capable of blocking not only advertising calls, but also important calls from couriers, bank operators or delivery services, if their numbers are not yet included in global databases or are marked as suspicious by artificial intelligence algorithms. Many device owners are faced with a situation where the phone silently ignores an incoming call, and only a blocking entry remains in the log, which leads to loss of time and nervous breakdowns.
Disabling these functions requires a careful approach, since the security system is deeply integrated into the “Phone” and “Messages” system applications. Unlike pure Android, where settings are scattered across different menus, ecosystem Xiaomi (concentrates) filtering management in a single security center. This is done for convenience, but the interface can be confusing for an inexperienced user, especially after major firmware updates when menu items change their location or are renamed. It is important to understand that completely disabling protection opens the door to scammers, so the optimal solution is to fine-tune filters rather than completely deactivate them.
In this article we will examine in detail all the stages of configuring a system blocker, working with blacklists and managing permissions for third-party applications. You will learn to recognize system restrictions and carrier settings that also affect call throughput. We will look at the nuances of working in different versions of the operating system, since the logic HyperOS may differ from the usual MIUI 12-14. Critical
Setting up a built-in blocker through the Security application
The main tool for managing unwanted calls and messages in smartphones Xiaomi is the “Security” system application, which is often indicated by a green icon with a shield. This is where the central control center for all filters resides. To get started, you need to launch the application and find the “Antispam” section, which is usually located at the bottom of the screen or in the list of tools, depending on the interface version. Inside this section, all the key switches responsible for the device’s response to incoming signals are hidden.
The first thing that catches your eye is the list of blocked numbers and statistics, but we are interested in the settings menu, indicated by a gear in the upper right corner. Going to this menu provides access to detailed configuration. Here you can see the division into call blocking and SMS blocking. The system offers several levels of strictness: from a soft filter that passes contacts from the phone book, to a hard mode that filters out all hidden numbers. Keyword blocking is a separate powerful feature that allows you to filter out messages containing (certain) phrases such as “credit”, “winning” or “promotion”.
It is important to note that in new versions HyperOS the interface may be slightly changed, but the logic remains the same. If you can't find the item you're looking for, use the search inside the Security app or in your phone's general settings. Entering the query “antispam” or “blocking” will immediately return the necessary shortcuts. You should not ignore the “Update databases” section, since the relevance of the spam number databases directly affects the effectiveness of the filter. Regular updates ensure that new scam schemes will be recognized by the system.
Periodically check the “Blocked” folder in the Messages application - sometimes important confirmation codes from banks or services end up there.
Managing filtering in the Phone and Contacts application
In addition to the central application security, filtering settings are duplicated and expanded directly in the “dialer” - a standard application for making calls. This is done for quick access to blocking functions during a call or immediately after it. To get to the desired menu, open the Phone application, click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Settings. Next, you should go to the “Blocking incoming” or “Antispam” section, where the interface may differ depending on whether you are using the standard interface MIUI or Google Dialer.
In the standard interface Xiaomi the “Block hidden numbers” switch is available, which often causes missed calls from doctors, taxis or emergency services using corporate PBXs with a hidden identifier. Disabling this option instantly solves the problem, but opens the door for telemarketers to hide their number. Here you can also configure the “White List” - a mode in which the phone accepts calls only from contacts saved in your address book. This is a radical but effective method of combating spam for people who expect calls only from friends.
⚠️ Attention: Using the “Contacts Only” mode may result in you not being able to receive a call from a courier or support operator if their number is not saved in advance. Use this feature with caution.
If your device has Google Phone (blue tube), the logic changes. Here the “Spam and Call Screen” function is responsible for filtering. By going into the settings of this application, you will find the “Spam and Call Screen” item, where you can disable automatic blocking of suspected spam. However, even with blocking disabled, Google may mark calls in red as “Possible spam,” which psychologically forces the user to ignore the call. It is difficult to completely remove these tags in the Google stock application without root access, but you can disable the blocking itself in a couple of clicks.
☑️ Checking call settings
SMS message filtering configuration
Spam in the form of SMS messages is often even more annoying than calls, since it creates constant information noise and takes up memory space. In smartphones Xiaomi the standard “Messages” application is responsible for processing incoming messages, which also has a built-in filtering module. To access settings, open the app, tap the three dots or profile icon, and select Settings. We are interested in the “Antispam” or “Spam Filter” section, which can be hidden in the “Spam and Fraud Protection” submenu.
Here you will see a list of blocked categories. The system can recognize and filter out messages from unknown senders, messages containing links, or messages marked as spam by other users. Particular attention should be paid to the “Filter by keywords” function. By clicking on the appropriate item, you can add your own trigger words. For example, if you often receive promotional mailings from bookmakers, adding the word “bet” or “odds” to the blacklist will automatically send such messages to the blocking folder without bothering you with a notification.
It is worth noting the difference between blocking and deleting. In most cases, antispam does not delete messages permanently, but moves them to a special “Blocked” or “Spam” folder, accessible through the app menu. This is insurance in case the system made a mistake and blocked an important notification, for example, an authorization code from a messenger or bank. Checking this folder periodically is a good habit. New versions HyperOS also have smart sorting that automatically divides messages into “Personal”, “Transactional” (banks, services) and “Advertising”, which visually clears the main inbox list.
| Filtering type | Where located | What blocks | Risk of missing important things |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blocking hidden numbers | Phone / Settings | Calls without number identification | High (couriers, doctors) |
| Filter by keywords | Messages / Antispam | SMS with advertising by text | Medium (depends on the words) |
| Blocking foreign | Security / Antispam | Calls from other countries | Low (if there is no connection abroad) |
| Only from contacts | Phone / Blocking | All numbers outside the address book | Critical (for business) |
How does smart SMS sorting work?
The system analyzes the contents of the message and the sender. If a message contains codes, numbers and bank short numbers, it falls into the transactional category. If the text contains the words “promotion”, “discount”, “win”, the message is marked as an advertisement.
Third-party applications and settings conflict
Often users, not finding a satisfactory result in the standard settings, install third-party applications for blocking calls, such as Kaspersky Who Calls, Yandex with a identifier or Truecaller. The problem occurs when the built-in antispam Xiaomi and third-party blocker are active on the phone at the same time. They begin to conflict, interrupting each other, which can lead to the dialer freezing, double notifications, or, conversely, to complete blocking of all incoming messages, including allowed ones.
If you prefer to use a third-party solution, a system blocker Xiaomi It is recommended to disable it completely. To do this, in the “Security” application, you need to uncheck all the checkboxes in the “Antispam” section. You also need to check permissions. Go to Settings → Applications → All applications, find your blocker app and make sure it has permissions for “Read contacts”, “Access phone” and, most importantly, “Display on top of other applications”. Without the last permission, Caller ID may not pop up on the screen during an incoming call.
⚠️ Warning: Third-party applications require access to your phone book and call history. By transferring this data to third parties (application developers), you potentially risk the confidentiality of your contacts.
A special case is applications from telecom operators or antiviruses that are implemented at the system level. Sometimes they can intercept control of SMS. If you notice that messages no longer arrive in the standard Messages app, check to see if your operator's default SMS app is set. You can switch this in the Settings → Applications → Manage applications → Three dots (menu) → Default applications → SMSsection. The choice here should be either a standard application or a blocker that you trust.
Never keep two different blockers active at the same time - this is guaranteed to lead to incorrect operation of the phone and missing important calls.
Specifics of working in Do Not Disturb mode and schedules
Users often confuse settings antispam with Do Not Disturb (DND) mode. These are fundamentally different functions. Antispam filters the content (who is calling), and the Do Not Disturb mode regulates the time and method of notification (when and how it calls). If your phone is silent, but there are missed calls in the call log, or if the caller hears beeps, but your phone does not ring, perhaps the problem is not in the spam filter, but in the activated silence mode or schedule.
You can check the settings through Settings → Sound and vibration → Do not disturb. Automatic schedules are often set up here, for example, “Bedtime” or “Meeting”, which can be turned on automatically based on geolocation or time of day. In this mode, you can set exceptions: for example, allow calls only from "Favorites" or repeat calls (if the same number rings a second time within 3 minutes, the phone will ring, as it may be an emergency). This is a smart feature that shouldn't be turned off completely.
It's also worth mentioning Pocket Mode and Theater Mode, which can block the screen and sound. While they rarely block calls themselves, they can hide the incoming call interface, creating the illusion of blocking. If the screen lights up but you can't see who's calling, check your settings Lock screen and make sure call notifications aren't hidden in privacy mode. HyperOS These settings have become more flexible, allowing you to display the caller's name even on a locked screen.
Problem solving: when settings are not saved
Sometimes users encounter a bug when, after rebooting the phone, everything settings antispam are reset, or filters stop working. This may be due to aggressive battery optimization typical for MIUI. The system can “kill” the background process of updating the spam number database, considering it unnecessary to save battery. To fix this, find the Security app (or your locker app) in the list of installed ones, go to Battery Usage and select the No Limits mode. This will allow the service to work in the background constantly.
Another reason may be a full cache in the Phone or Messages application. Clearing the cache often solves problems with filters not working correctly. Go to Settings → Applications → All applications → Phone → Memory → Clear cache. It is important not to confuse the cache with data: clearing the data will reset the dialer settings, including call history (although contacts are usually saved in the account), so be careful. After clearing the cache, it is better to restart the phone.
⚠️ Attention: The interface and menu location may vary depending on the firmware version (Global, Russia, China) and Android version. If you do not find the item described, use a settings search by entering the keyword “spam” or “blocking.”
As a last resort, if software methods do not help, you can try resetting the network settings. This won't delete your personal files, but it will reset your mobile network and Wi-Fi settings to factory settings. Path: Settings → Connection and sharing → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile networks and Bluetooth. This action may help if the problem lies in erroneous operator settings that conflict with the system blocker.
Why are settings reset after an update?
Major Android or MIUI updates are often changed system application database structure. When migrating data, some user configurations may be lost or replaced with standard ones to avoid conflicts between the new system and the old settings.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to completely remove the system antivirus and antispam on Xiaomi?
Complete removal of the system application “Security” is impossible without obtaining root access and using special scripts to decontaminate the system (remove system garbage). However, this is not necessary and may interfere with the operation of the phone. It is enough to simply disable all switches within the application, and it will stop interfering in your life, consuming a minimum amount of resources.
Why are calls from Sberbank or other official organizations blocked?
Official numbers often change or are used for mass calls, which is why they end up in spam filter databases as “intrusive advertising.” They can also call from hidden numbers. The best solution is not to disable the filter completely, but to add short bank numbers (for example, 900) to the “White List” or simply save them to contacts with a name, then the smart filter will let them through.
Does enabled antispam affect battery consumption?
System antispam Xiaomi optimized and consumes a negligible amount of energy since it operates at a low system level. However, third-party applications with constant network monitoring and a database in the cloud can significantly increase battery consumption, especially if they have constant geolocation or an active call screen enabled.
How to recover a deleted spam message if there was a code?
Go to the “Messages” application, click on the menu (three dots or a person icon) and select “Blocked” or "Spam". If a message has been permanently deleted (you have cleared this folder), it cannot be restored using standard means. However, if you have enabled synchronization of SMS with your account Mi Cloud or Google, you can try to restore the backup copy of messages, but this is a complex procedure that requires resetting the phone.
Does antispam work if the phone is roaming?
Yes, System antispam works at the device level and does not depend on the SIM card or country. Number databases are stored in the phone's memory or downloaded via the Internet. However, keep in mind that when roaming, incoming calls may incur charges, so spam filtering when traveling becomes even more important to save money.