Modern smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO, running on the MIUI and HyperOS shells, receive hundreds of messages every day, a significant part of which are intrusive advertising or outright spam. This creates not just information noise, but also a real security threat, since phishing links are often distributed through SMS messages. Device owners are faced with the need to quickly and effectively limit the flow of unwanted correspondence in order to save time and nerve cells.
The solution to the problem lies in the competent configuration of the built-in system tools or the installation of specialized software. SMS blocking on Android devices of the Xiaomi brand it is implemented quite flexibly, allowing you to create complex filtering rules. You don’t have to be an expert in IT security to set up your gadget so that it filters out junk automatically.
In this guide, we will look at all the available protection methods: from standard Messages settings to advanced scenarios through the Security application. You'll learn how to create personal blacklists, block entire ranges of numbers, and recognize dangerous emails. It is critical to understand that no method is 100% guaranteed, so a comprehensive approach to setting up filters is the most effective solution.
Using the built-in spam filter in the Messages app
The first and most logical step is to activate the built-in security mechanisms that come pre-installed in the standard messaging application. Depending on the shell version MIUI or HyperOS, the interface may differ slightly, but the functional core remains unchanged. The system uses databases to identify known advertising numbers.
To get started, you need to open the Messages application and go to settings, which are usually hidden under the icon with three dots or a gear in the upper corner. Here you are interested in the “Spam Filter” or “Antispam” section. By activating the “Spam Filter” switch, you launch a mechanism for pre-checking incoming data. The smartphone will begin to automatically hide messages from numbers marked as spam by other users.
However, the standard settings are often not strict enough for aggressive marketing. In the same menu, it is recommended to enable the “Block messages from unknown numbers” option if you are not expecting important messages from people who are not in your address book. This is a radical but effective method that completely cuts out all external noise.
- 📱 Open the settings of the Messages application through the three-dot menu.
- 🛡️ Go to the "Spam Filter" section and activate the main switch.
- 🚫 Enable the option to block messages from numbers that are not in your contacts.
- 📂 Check your Spam folder regularly to make sure that important emails do not end up there by mistake.
It is worth noting that filtering algorithms are constantly updated, but they may miss new scam schemes. Therefore, you should not rely solely on the automatic filter. It is better to combine it with manually adding numbers to the blacklist.
Setting up a blacklist through the Security application
The central node for managing bans in the ecosystem Xiaomi is the “Security” system application. This is where the most powerful tools for managing incoming traffic, including calls and SMS, reside. This module works at a deeper level of the system than the regular messages application, which allows you to block notifications before they even appear on the screen.
To access these settings, look on your desktop or in the “Tools” folder for an icon called “Security” (green shield). Inside the interface, select "Block". Here you will see statistics of blocked events and a list of rules. By clicking on the settings gear in the upper right corner, you will be taken to the configuration menu.
In the “Black List” section, you can manually add numbers from which spam comes. This is especially true in cases where you receive annoying messages from specific short numbers or mobile phones of advertising agents. You can add a number from your call or message history, or enter it manually. After adding, all messages from this source will be silently ignored by the system.
⚠️ Attention: When adding a number to the blacklist through the Security application, messages from it are not just hidden, but may not arrive at all or may not save delivery history. Make sure that you do not block the number of the bank or delivery service from which you are expecting a confirmation code.
The black list functionality allows you to create entire ban groups. This is convenient if spam comes from different numbers of the same operator or area code. You can block a prefix, which will automatically filter out all numbers starting with a certain combination of numbers.
Blocking by keywords and patterns
One of the most effective strategies for combating mass mailings is filtering by text content. Advertisers often use certain trigger phrases such as “win”, “credit”, “promotion” or the names of specific bookmakers. The system Xiaomi allows you to create rules that block any message containing a specified set of characters.
To configure this mechanism, return to the “Blocking” menu of the “Security” application. Find "Keyword Settings" or "Keyword Filter". Here you are asked to create a new template. Enter a word or phrase that is guaranteed to indicate spam. For example, if you are constantly offered “Loans”, enter this word.
The system allows you to use logical operators, although in the mobile interface this is often simplified to a list of phrases. If the message contains any of the entered phrases, it will be moved to the blocked folder. This frees you from having to manually block each new number from which the newsletter came.
☑️ Setting up a keyword filter
It is important not to overdo it with the number of keywords. Too general terms may block important notifications. For example, blocking the word “card” can hide a message from the bank about blocking your card.
Using Google Messages as an alternative
Many users prefer to replace the standard application MIUI with “Google Messages”. This application has a more intelligent filtering system, which is based on Google's huge database. It better recognizes business messages and separates them from personal communications and spam.
To activate protection, install or update the Messages app from Google Play Store. Once installed, make it your default SMS app. Go to settings (three dots in the corner) and select “Anti-spam protection”. Turn on the “Filter spam and fraudulent messages” switch.
The advantage of this method is that Google updates the database of spam numbers in real time around the world. If a number is flagged as fraudulent in Japan or the US, it will most likely be blocked from you as well. In addition, the Google Messages interface more clearly visually separates personal chats and advertising mailings.
What is the difference between MIUI Messages and Google Messages?
The standard Xiaomi application is deeply integrated into the system and works better with the call blocking functions through the antivirus. Google Messages offers smarter text categorization and better message search, but may be less flexible in manually setting up blacklists.
However, it is worth considering that Google Messages may consume a little more battery resources due to constant synchronization with analytics servers. For older smartphone models, this can be a noticeable disadvantage.
Third-party applications for enhanced protection
If the built-in tools are not enough, specialized blocking applications come to the rescue. The market leaders remain Truecaller, Should I Answer? i Call Blocker. These applications have their own, often larger databases of numbers, which are replenished by a community of users.
After installing such an application, you will need to give it broad access rights: reading SMS, managing calls and accessing contacts. This is necessary so that the app can analyze the incoming stream in real time and interrupt the connection or hide the notification when the number matches the database.
A feature of such applications is the ability to set the “Contacts Only” or “Silent Mode” mode for unknown numbers. In this case, the phone will behave as if it was turned off for everyone who is not in your address book.
| Application | Protection type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Truecaller | Online database + AI | Huge database, caller name detection | Requires many permissions, has advertising |
| Should I Answer? | Community database | Open source, no advertising, privacy | Smaller database compared to Truecaller |
| Call Blocker | Local filter | Lightweight, simple interface | Fewer automation functions |
Using third-party software is always a compromise between convenience and privacy. When transferring the history of your messages to a third-party server for analysis, you must trust the application developer.
Specifics of blocking short numbers and services
Short numbers from which confirmation codes, news from operators and advertisements for services come are a separate category of problems. It is difficult to block them using standard methods, since they change frequently or are common gateways. This is where USSD commands and operator personal accounts come to the rescue.
Each mobile operator (MTS, Beeline, Megafon, Tele2) has an Antispam service that filters advertising mailings at the network level, even before they reach your Androidsmartphone. Usually this service is paid or shareware (requires connection through the operator's application).
It is also useful to know the commands for unsubscribing. Often there is an instruction at the end of the advertising SMS, for example, “STOP” or “STOP”. Sending a reply with this text to a short number should legally stop the mailing, although spammers often ignore these rules.
Use the command *100# or similar for your operator to check the connected paid subscriptions and disable them if you do not need them.
Do not ignore the opportunity to set up filters in your personal account on your operator's website. There you can create a white list of senders or completely block incoming messages from service numbers, leaving only personal ones.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to block SMS from a specific contact without blocking his calls?
Yes, this is possible. In the “Security” application -> “Blocking” -> “Blacklist” you can add a number and in the rule settings indicate that only SMS are blocked, and calls go through. Or in standard contacts, select a number and check the box to block messages only, if the interface allows separate management.
Where do blocked messages go, and can they be restored?
Blocked messages usually end up in a special “Spam” or “Blocked” folder inside the “Messages” or “Security” application. They are stored there for a certain time (usually 30 days), after which they are deleted automatically. You can go to this folder and restore the desired message by moving it to your inbox.
Why do I continue to receive spam, even after blocking the number?
Senders often use number substitution technologies (spoofing) or change numbers with each mailing. In this case, blocking a specific number does not help. You need to use keyword filtering or activate the anti-spam service of your telecom operator.
Does blocking SMS affect the operation of banking applications and two-factor authentication?
If you block a bank short number or service number, confirmation codes will not be sent. Be extremely careful when mass blocking short codes. It is better to use a “smart” filter that lets through messages from known senders, or manually check the spam folder while waiting for the code.
Do you need root access to completely block SMS on Xiaomi?
No, modern versions MIUI and HyperOS provide sufficient Tools for blocking without obtaining superuser rights. root access may only be required for very specific scenarios, for example, to send a full programmatic delivery report to a scammer, but for general protection they are not needed and even reduce the security of the device.