Constant calls from spammers, collectors or scammers hidden numbers can unsettle any smartphone owner. For ecosystem users Xiaomi this problem is especially acute, since the firmware MIUI has its own unique protection algorithms, which sometimes require manual adjustment. Blocking a subscriber who has not identified himself or is deliberately hiding his ID requires understanding exactly how the system processes incoming calls.
Unlike standard Android, the shell from the Chinese manufacturer offers built-in powerful filtering tools, but they are not always active by default. You don't have to install heavy third-party applications right away if the built-in functionality gets the job done. However, if calls continue, you need to go deeper into the settings black list and call routing rules.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the available methods: from simple actions in the “dialer” to setting up blocking profiles through the engineering menu and operator services. You will learn how to create a rule that will automatically reject any calls without identifying the number, preserving your peace of mind and battery power.
Built-in blocking capabilities in the Phone application
The fastest way to restrict access to unwanted callers is to use the standard application Phonewhich is pre-installed on all devices Redmi i Poco. The interface may differ slightly depending on the version MIUI or HyperOS, but the operating logic remains the same. To begin, open the application and go to the settings menu, usually indicated by three dots or a gear.
In the settings section, find the item Antispam or Blocking. Here the system offers flexible filtering scenarios. You can activate blocking of unknown numbers, which will prevent calls from those who are not in your phone book. This is especially effective against automated robot calls.
Pay attention to the function Blocking hidden numbers. In some firmware versions it is hidden in the "Blocking Rules" submenu. Activating this switch causes the phone to automatically reject calls where the attribute Caller ID is missing or is passed as "Anonymous".
If you are waiting for an important call from a doctor or courier, who may call from landline numbers without identification, temporarily disable this feature so as not to miss call.
After enabling the rules, all blocked calls will appear in a special log. You can check the history of dialing attempts at any time and, if it was an error, add the number to the white list. The system can also send a short signal or SMS notification to a busy subscriber that the call is rejected.
Setting up the Black List and filtering rules
To fine-tune the protection, you must refer to the advanced parameters of the black list. In the menu Settings → Antispam → Blacklist you will find a list of all blocked contacts. However, our goal is to create a rule for all unknowns, and not for specific numbers.
Click on the gear icon in the upper right corner of the antispam settings screen. The item Blocking settingsis available here. Select the "Block calls from unknown numbers" option. In the context of Xiaomi, “unknowns” often means not only hidden numbers, but also any new contacts that are not in the phone’s memory.
There is a caveat: if you choose a filter that is too strict, you may miss a call from a new client or employer. Therefore, it is recommended to use the Silent blockingmode if it is available in your software version. In this mode, the phone does not ring, but the call is recorded in the log, and you can call back later if the number turns out to be important.
☑️ Checking filtering settings
Also in this menu you can configure blocking by keywords in SMS, which often comes with spam calls. The system MIUI uses a local database to identify spam, which is recommended to be updated regularly via Wi-Fi.
Using operator codes to hide incoming messages
If smartphone software methods do not give the desired result, you can use the services of a cellular operator. Each major provider (MTS, Beeline, Megafon, Tele2) has anti-spam services and the ability to manage number identification. Blocking at the network level is often more effective, since the call simply does not reach your device.
To activate the Antispam service or a similar option, it is usually enough to send a USSD request. For example, some operators have a command *110*442# (the code may change, check in your personal account). After activating the service, all calls from hidden numbers will be automatically cut off by the operator’s network.
It is important to understand the difference between blocking incoming calls and hiding your outgoing ones. If you want your number not to be identified by your interlocutors, use the code #31# before dialing the number or activate the Anti-AON service in the tariff. But to protect against other people's spam, we need incoming filters.
Some operators offer paid subscriptions with extended functionality, where you can set up a white list of allowed numbers. In this mode, the phone will call only those on the list, and everyone else, including hidden ones, will receive a busy signal.
Third-party applications for enhanced protection
When the built-in tools are not enough, specialized applications from the store come to the rescue. Google Play. The leaders in this niche are Truecaller, Kaspersky Who Calls and NumBuster. These apps have huge databases that are updated by users in real time.
Installing such an application requires granting rights to access the call log and contacts. This is necessary for the identification algorithms to work. After installation, the application intercepts an incoming call before the system and checks the number with the database. If the number is marked as "Spam" or "Scammers", the call will be rejected automatically.
However, third-party solutions have a disadvantage - they consume more battery resources and can slow down the smartphone. In addition, some features are only available with a paid subscription. For basic blocking of unknown numbers, the free version with advertising is often sufficient.
| Application | Protection type | Memory consumption | Availability of a free version |
|---|---|---|---|
| Truecaller | Global database + AI | High | Yes (with advertising) |
| Kaspersky Who Calls | Anti-virus database | Medium | Yes (limited) |
| NumBuster | Social database | Low | Yes |
| Call Blocker | Local rules | Minimum | Completely free |
When choosing an application, pay attention to user reviews specifically for your model Xiaomi. Sometimes, due to aggressive battery optimization in MIUI, third-party blockers may not work on time if they are not added to startup.
Features of working in Do Not Disturb mode
Mode Do not disturb (DND) is a powerful tool that is often underestimated. It can be configured so that the phone allows calls only from contacts in the phone book, and all others, including hidden numbers, are blocked at the system level.
To activate, go to Settings → Sound and vibration → Do not disturb. In the Exceptions or Repeated Calls section, select the Contacts Only option. Now, when you enable this mode (manually or by schedule at night), anonymous calls will not disturb you.
The advantage of this method is that it does not require the installation of additional software and works stably. The downside is that you have to manually turn the mode on and off if you haven't set up an automatic schedule. However, for many users this is an ideal solution for weekends or night time.
How to set up a schedule for Do Not Disturb mode?
In the mode settings menu, find the "Schedule" or "Automatic turn on" item. Set the time, for example, from 23:00 to 07:00. During these hours, the phone will ignore all but selected contacts, regardless of whether the number is hidden or not.
Don't forget to check the "Repeat calls" setting. If it is active, then if the same number (even hidden) calls twice within 15 minutes, the second call will go through. For complete silence, it is better to disable this function.
Solving problems with bypassing blocking
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where, despite all the settings, calls from unknown subscribers continue to arrive. This may be due to the fact that spammers use number substitution technologies (spoofing), posing as legitimate organizations or local numbers.
In such cases, only a combination of methods will help: enabling a strict filter in the phone application + activating the service with the operator + Do Not Disturb mode with permission only for contacts. It is also worth checking whether some number pattern has been accidentally added to the white list.
⚠️ Attention: If you use a corporate SIM card or a number linked to banking services, make sure that blocking hidden numbers will not block access to important notifications from bank security services, which sometimes call from short or hidden numbers.
Another reason for missed calls may be access rights. Go to Settings → Applications → Phone → Permissions and make sure that the application has full access to call control. Without this right, the blocking function may not work correctly.
Maximum protection is achieved only with an integrated approach: smartphone settings filter basic spam, and operator services cut off calls at the network level before they reach the device.
If the problem persists after all the manipulations, there may be a failure in the system. Try clearing the Phone application cache through the app settings menu or resetting your call settings to factory settings.
⚠️ Attention: The menu interface and item names may vary depending on the version of MIUI (12, 13, 14) or the new HyperOS. If you do not find the specified button, use the search in the settings by entering the word “Blocking” or “Antispam”.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can I block a number if it changes every time?
It is impossible to block each new number manually. For such cases, use the "Block all unknown numbers" function or activate the "Antispam" service from the operator, which uses databases to automatically detect spam, even if the number has changed.
Will the subscriber see that I have blocked him?
When blocking through the phone settings, the subscriber usually hears long beeps, and then a reset, or a message about that the subscriber is unavailable. He will not receive an exact notification about the blocking, but he can guess by the nature of the beeps.
Will SMS be received from blocked hidden numbers?
Blocking calls does not always mean blocking SMS. To stop messages, you need to activate the filter for SMS in the same "Antispam" menu and add a rule for blocking messages from unknown senders.
How to unblock a number if I blocked all unknown people by mistake?
Go to the Phone application → Settings → Antispam → Blacklist. There you can disable the "Block unknown numbers" switch or remove specific entries from the list if the blocking was individual.
Does blocking affect the operation of the Internet and other applications?
No, call blocking only affects voice communications and SMS. The operation of the mobile data, instant messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram) and other applications remains fully functional and does not depend on the blacklist settings.