Many users of Xiaomi and Redmi smartphones encounter intrusive phone spam that distracts them from work and leisure. Calls from debt collectors, advertising agents and scammers become a real problem, especially when they come from unfamiliar numbers. Fortunately, the shell MIUI provides powerful built-in tools for filtering incoming calls without the need to install third-party software.
In this article we will look in detail at how to set up automatic blocking of subscribers who are not in your address book. You will learn about the intricacies of operation black list, the features of different firmware versions and ways to hide numbers that can bypass standard filters. Proper setup of your phone will allow you to forget about unnecessary noise and focus on important conversations.
Built-in anti-spam capabilities in MIUI
Brand smartphones Redmi equipped with a specialized “Security” application, which combines functions antivirus, cleaner and call manager. This is where the main functionality for managing incoming traffic is hidden. The system automatically analyzes the database of suspicious numbers, but for complete silence, manual configuration of blocking rules is required.
The menu interface may vary slightly depending on the version Android and the specific build MIUI or HyperOS. However, the operating logic remains the same: the system checks the incoming number with your phone book and applies the user-specified script. If the number is not found in contacts, the call may be rejected automatically or redirected to a special log.
⚠️ Attention: In some firmware regions (for example, Europe or India), blocking functions may be limited by local communications laws. If you do not find the menu items you need, check the device region in the settings.
Using standard tools is preferable to third-party applications, since they work at the system level and do not require permanent permissions to access your personal data. This ensures higher performance and confidentiality of your information.
Setting up a black list through the Security application
To start activating protection, you need to open a pre-installed system application. Find on your desktop or in the “Tools” folder an icon called Security (green shield). Launch it and wait for the initial system scan to complete, if required.
In the main application menu, scroll down the list of functions to the “Tools” section or immediately look for the item Black list. In new versions of the interface, this section may be located inside the Antispam menu. Clicking on this item will open the blocking control center, where the history of rejected calls and SMS is stored.
At the top of the screen you will see a gear icon or a settings button. Go to section Block settings. Here is a list of rules that can be activated. You need to find a switch that says “Block calls from unknown numbers” or “Block anyone not in your contacts.” Activate this toggle switch.
☑️ Checking the blocking settings
After activating the rule, all calls from numbers not saved in the phone memory or on the SIM card will be automatically dropped. The caller will hear short beeps or a busy message, and you will not receive any notification unless you configure display in the log.
Alternative method through the standard call log
If for some reason the “Security” application is not available or the interface seems too complicated, you can use quick access through the standard “dialer”. This method works on most models Redmi Note and Redmi K series.
Open the application Phone and go to the call history tab. In the upper right corner, find the menu icon (three dots or three bars). In the drop-down list, select Settings or Blocking numbers. The path may vary: sometimes you need to first go to “Advanced settings”.
In the blocking menu you will see a switch "Block unknown numbers". Enabling this option will activate the same system filter as through the security app. The only difference is in the entry point, but the end result is identical: the phone will ignore callers without a name in the contact book.
If you are expecting an important call from a courier or doctor from an unfamiliar number, temporarily disable this function so as not to miss the call.
It is worth noting that in some old versions MIUI this item could be called “Barring calls from hidden numbers”. Be careful when reading the description of the function so as not to block only those numbers that specifically hide their ID, while all other unknowns would continue to call.
Fine-tuning rules and exceptions
Global blocking of all unknown numbers is a radical measure that may have side effects. For example, you may miss a call from a clinic, from a delivery service, or from a new colleague whose number you have not yet saved. Therefore, the system offers flexible exception settings.
The function “White list”is often available in the blacklist menu. Adding a number to the white list ensures that a call from this subscriber will always go through, even if it formally falls under the blocking rules or is blacklisted by mistake. This is critically important for emergency services and close relatives.
| Rule type | System action | Recommendation for use |
|---|---|---|
| Block all unknown | Complete barring of calls without a name | For maximum silence if important calls are rare |
| Block hidden numbers | Banning only numbers without an identifier | Basic protection against anonymous scammers |
| Block by mask | Banning numbers with a specific code | To block spam from a specific region |
| White list | Allowing calls to specific numbers | Required for loved ones and emergency services |
It is also possible to set up a blocking schedule. You can set a rule so that unknown numbers are blocked only at night or on weekends. To do this, in the black list settings, find the item Schedule and set time intervals.
What happens to blocked calls?
A blocked call does not appear on the phone screen and does not make a sound. In some firmware versions, the call may be dropped after one ring, while in others, the subscriber immediately hears a busy signal. Information about the call attempt is saved in the blacklist log with a blocking mark.
Features of working in different firmware versions
The company Xiaomi regularly updates the software of its devices, and the location of the settings may change from version to version. Owners of devices with MIUI 12, MIUI 13, MIUI 14 and the latest HyperOS can observe differences in the icons and names of menu items.
On devices with global firmware (Global ROM), blocking functions are often integrated with databases of antivirus companies like Avast or AVG. This allows the phone to automatically flag scammer numbers in red before you even answer. On Chinese firmware versions (China ROM), these functions work through local databases, which may be less effective for users in other countries.
If you have updated your phone and cannot find the previous settings, use the built-in search. Go to the general Settings smartphone and enter the phrase “Blacklist” or “Blocking” in the search bar. The system itself will redirect you to the desired section of the menu, regardless of where the developers moved it in the new update.
⚠️ Attention: After a major firmware update, the blacklist settings may be reset to factory values. Be sure to double-check the activation of rules for blocking unknown numbers after updating the system.
Solving problems with blocking and false positives
Sometimes users encounter a situation where the setting is enabled, but calls still go through. This may be due to the fact that the number is saved in contacts under a different name, or the SIM card has identified it as known. Check your contact list for duplicates or entries with incorrect number format.
Another common problem is that calls go through instant messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber). The built-in blacklist Android blocks only regular phone calls over the cellular network. To protect against spam in messengers, you need to configure privacy within each specific application.
If an important call was accidentally blocked, it can be found in the Security application log. Open the black list, go to the “Blocked” tab and find the number you need. By clicking on it, you can select the option Unblock or Call, ignoring the ban rule for this particular case.
The built-in blacklist does not affect Internet calls through instant messengers - they require separate privacy settings within applications.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Will the caller hear that I have blocked him?
Usually a blocked subscriber hears short beeps or a message that the number is busy. In some cases, the call is simply dropped without a beep. The specific behavior depends on the telecom operator and forwarding settings on your device.
Is it possible to block unknown numbers on only one SIM card?
Yes, in the blacklist settings on dual-SIM smartphones Redmi you can often choose which SIM card to apply the blocking rule to. Look for switches next to the name of the operator or SIM slot.
Where are records of blocked calls stored?
The history of blocked calls and SMS is saved inside the application Security in the “Black List” section. These entries are not duplicated in the phone's regular call log, so as not to clutter it.
Are SMS from unknown numbers blocked when this feature is enabled?
By default, turning on blocking unknown numbers often activates the filter for SMS. However, in the blacklist settings there are separate checkboxes for “Call Blocking” and “SMS Blocking”, which can be configured independently of each other.
What if the block button is grayed out?
If the switch is grayed out, the Security or Phone app may not have the necessary permissions. Go to Settings → Applications → All applications, find the application you need, open “Permissions” and make sure that access to the phone and contacts is allowed.