Constant calls from annoying marketers, scammers and bots have become a real problem for smartphone owners. Users of devices based on Android, especially the popular shell MIUI from the company Xiaomi, are often faced with the need to quickly protect themselves from unnecessary noise. Fortunately, the security system Redmi offers built-in tools that do not require installation of additional software for basic protection.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the available methods for blocking unwanted calls. You will learn how to set up a standard blacklist, activate keyword filters and use special codes for complete silence. We will also discuss the nuances of forwarding and how to distinguish a real caller from an automated robot.
Properly setting your privacy settings will allow you to focus on important matters without being distracted by your phone vibrating every five minutes. Below are step-by-step guide that are relevant for most modern models of the line Redmi Note and flagship series.
Using the built-in Security application
The central element of protection in the ecosystem Xiaomi is a pre-installed utility Security. This is where the main settings for filtering incoming traffic are concentrated. To get started, you need to open this application, which usually has a green icon with a lightning bolt or shield symbol.
In the main menu of the utility, find the section Black list. This tool allows you to manually add numbers that you want to block permanently. After going to this section, click on the gear icon or three dots in the upper corner of the screen to access additional options.
Here you can activate the “Block calls from unknown numbers” mode. This feature automatically rejects calls from numbers that are not in your phone book. Be careful: enabling this option may cause you to miss an important call from a courier or doctor if they call from a new number.
⚠️ Warning: Enabling total blocking of unknown numbers may result in loss of communication with emergency services or new contacts that are not yet saved in the device memory. Use this function with caution.
Additionally, in the blacklist menu, settings for blocking by keywords in messages and hiding notifications about blocked events are available. This helps keep the notification panel clean and not see constant reminders about dialing attempts.
☑️ Setting up basic protection
Setting up a block through the Phone application
An alternative and often faster way to manage the list of restrictions is directly in the standard dialer. Open the application Phonethat you use to make calls. In the upper right corner of the screen there is an icon with three dots or a gear that opens a context menu.
Select the item Settings, and then go to the section Blocked numbers. The interface may differ slightly depending on the version MIUI, but the logic remains the same. Here you will see a list of already blocked contacts and a button to add a new one.
The system offers several blocking scenarios. You can block a specific number from your call history by simply tapping on it and selecting the appropriate option. A mode to block all incoming calls is also available, which turns your smartphone into an outgoing-only device.
It is important to note the “Block calls from hidden numbers” feature. Many spammers use number spoofing technologies or hide their ID. Activating this checkbox will significantly reduce the amount of junk traffic coming to your device.
Periodically check the “Blocked” folder in the call log. Sometimes important calls may end up there due to errors in the spam filter databases.
Blocking through forwarding codes and USSD requests
For those who prefer to use system commands Android or want to block calls at the operator level, there are special USSD codes. These commands work regardless of the phone model and firmware version, as they are processed by the mobile operator’s network.
The most common method is to activate unconditional forwarding to a non-existent number or to voicemail. By entering a command in the dialer, you redirect all incoming calls away from your device. To cancel the action, use the appropriate cancellation code.
*33*0000# - Activation of blocking of all outgoing messages (depending on the operator)#33# - Cancellation of blocking of outgoing ones
*35*0000# - Activation of blocking of incoming messages (requires a password)
#35# - Cancel incoming blocking
Please note that using such codes may require entering a PIN code, which by default is often set to 0000 or 1234if you have not changed it previously. If the code is not suitable, contact your operator's communication center to obtain the latest settings.
⚠️ Attention: Forwarding and blocking parameters via USSD codes may vary for different mobile operators (MTS, Beeline, Megafon, Tele2). Before entering commands, it is recommended to check their relevance in the operator’s personal account or support service.
This method is especially useful in situations where you need to urgently stop all calls, for example, during an important meeting or sleep, without putting the phone into airplane mode in order to remain accessible to the Internet and instant messengers.
Third-party applications for filtering spam
Despite the functionality of the built-in tools Redmi, specialized applications often have more extensive databases of spammers. The leaders in this niche are solutions from Kaspersky, Avast and specialized caller IDs like GetContact or NumBuster.
Such apps work on the principle of crowdsourcing. Users around the world mark numbers as spam, and this information instantly becomes available to everyone else on the network. When a known scammer calls you, the application will warn you about it before you pick up the phone.
- 📱 Caller Identifier: Shows the name of the caller, even if he is not recorded in contacts, based on a database of other users.
- 🛡️ Automatic blocking: Independently drops calls from numbers flagged by the community as “Fraud” or “Advertising.”
- 📊 Statistics and reports: Allows you to view the details of blocked calls and send complaints about new spam numbers.
When installing such applications on Xiaomi you need to grant them advanced permissions. In particular, you will need access to call log, contacts, and the right to be displayed on top of other windows. Without this, the blocking functionality will not work.
Risks of using third-party identifiers
By transferring access to your phone book to a third-party service, you are actually loading the numbers of all your friends into their database. This may violate the privacy of your contacts.
Analysis of blocking types and their effectiveness
Different protection methods have varying degrees of effectiveness and affect the operation of the phone in different ways. Understanding these differences will help you choose the optimal protection strategy for your use case.
Below is a comparative table of the main blocking methods available to smartphone owners Redmi. It will help you quickly navigate the pros and cons of each approach.
| Blocking method | Protection level | Impact on the battery | Difficulty of setting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black list (manual) | Low (only known numbers) | Absent | Low |
| Blocking unknowns | High (risk of missing important ones) | Minimum | Average |
| Third-party applications | Very high (spam databases) | Average (background work) | High (permission settings) |
| USSD operator codes | Maximum (complete silence) | Absent | Medium (codes needed) |
The choice of method depends on your current situation. If you are being attacked by a specific aggressor, a manual blacklist is sufficient. If the flow of spam comes from different numbers, it is better to connect automatic filters or applications with cloud databases.
Combining the built-in MIUI blacklist and a lightweight third-party caller ID gives the best balance between protection and device autonomy.
Frequent problems and ways to solve them
Sometimes users encounter a situation where the setup is completed, but calls still go through. This may be due to the operating system Android or a settings conflict. Let's look at the main causes of failures.
The first reason is aggressive energy saving. The system MIUI is known for its strict control of background processes. It can kill the telephony process or blocker service to save battery power. To avoid this, you need to pin the application in memory.
To do this, open the menu of running applications (the “square” button or swipe up and hold). Find the Phone application window or your locker, hold it and click on the lock icon. This will prevent the system from closing the app automatically.
- 🔋 Autostart: Allow the blocker application to autostart in the battery settings so that it works immediately after turning on the phone.
- 🔔 Notifications: Check whether notifications about blocked calls are disabled in the system settings, otherwise you will not know about the attempts dialing.
- 🔄 Updating databases: Make sure that the spam databases in the application are updated regularly, otherwise new scammer numbers will not be recognized.
Another problem may be duplication of functions. If blocking is simultaneously activated in the operator's application, in settings Android and in a third-party application, conflicts may arise, leading to network failures or double beeps for the caller.
Why does a blocked subscriber hear beeps?
When you block a number at the smartphone level, the call is interrupted programmatically after how the operator's network connected you. Therefore, the caller may hear one or more beeps before the call is dropped. Complete silence for the caller is achieved only when blocked on the operator's side.
Is it possible to block a number starting with certain numbers?
Blocking by mask (for example, all numbers +7999...) is often not available using standard means. MIUI Blocking by mask (for example, all numbers +7999...) This feature requires advanced third-party applications that support regular expressions or prefix blocking.
Does blocking work while roaming?
The built-in blacklist works locally on the device, so it is effective when roaming as well. However, blocking services from an operator may not be valid abroad or may be charged differently, so it is worth checking the conditions with your communication provider.
How to unblock a number if I accidentally added it to the blacklist?
Go to the application Security -> Black list. In the blocked list, find the desired contact, click on it and select the “Unblock” option or the trash can icon to remove from the list.
Will the subscriber see that I have blocked him?
The subscriber will not receive a direct notification about the blocking. However, an indirect sign will be constant call drops after one ring or instant transition to voicemail. Some smart caller IDs may mark your number as “Unavailable” or “Dropping calls.”