Spam calls and annoying offers have become a real scourge for owners of modern smartphones. Users of the ecosystem Android, and in particular Xiaomiface dozens of unwanted challenges every day. This is not just annoying, but also interferes with the work process or relaxation in the evening. Fortunately, the system MIUI and HyperOS have a powerful built-in arsenal to combat telephone terrorism.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the ways to effectively cut off unnecessary calls. You'll learn how to use standard shell features, how to set up automatic blocking of hidden numbers, and which third-party utilities actually work. Understanding these tools will help you take back control of your device and hear only those calls that are important to you.
We will look not only at the basic settings, but also at the hidden features available through regional settings or special commands. The instructions are relevant for all modern models, including the Redmi i POCO. Let's turn your smartphone into an impregnable fortress for spammers.
Built-in blacklist in the Phone application
The easiest and fastest way is to use the functionality of the standard application Phone, which is pre-installed on all brand devices. It does not require the installation of additional software and works at the system level, consuming a minimum of resources. To access the settings, just open the application and click on the three dots in the upper right corner, then select Settings.
In the menu that opens, find the section Blocking or Blacklist. The main inbox management tool is hidden here. The system allows you to flexibly configure filters: you can block all unknown callers, hidden numbers, or add specific contacts manually. This is Basic protectionwhich must be activated for each user.
Please note that the interface may vary slightly depending on the firmware version. In older versions MIUI this item may be called “Antispam”, and in new versions HyperOS it is integrated deeper into the security menu. However, the logic of operation remains the same: you create rules, and the system automatically rejects calls that do not comply with them.
To add a number to the blacklist manually, go to the tab Black list and click on the plus icon or the “Add” button. You can enter the number manually, select it from your call history or from your contacts list. This is convenient when you are worried about a specific person or organization.
If you accidentally blocked an important number, go to the blocking log (clock icon in the blocking menu), find the call and click “Unblock”.
Automatic blocking of unknown and hidden numbers
One of the most useful features is the ability to automatically reject calls from callers who are not in your phone book. This is a radical solution, but it is ideal for those who expect calls only from friends, colleagues and delivery services whose numbers are already saved. Activation of this function occurs in the same menu Blocking.
Find the switch with the name Block unknown numbers or Block calls from strangers. When you enable this option, the phone will silently drop any calls from numbers not in your contacts list. The caller will hear a beep or a busy message, and you won't even see a missed notification on your screen.
⚠️ Attention: Enabling this feature may result in you missing an important call from a doctor, courier, or potential employer whose number you have not yet managed to save it. Use this mode with caution.
You should also pay attention to the blocking setting hidden numbers. Fraudsters often use number spoofing to hide their identity. In the blocking menu, find the item Block hidden numbers and activate it. This ensures that anonymous attackers will not be able to reach you.
For users who do not want to block everyone, there is a compromise option. You can set up to block only numbers that are not identified by your carrier or are marked as spam in the database. To do this, in the blocking settings, select the mode Smart blockingif it is available in your region.
Setting up a spam filter and MIUI antivirus
The shell MIUI and HyperOS has a powerful built-in security module developed in collaboration with antivirus companies such as Avast or AVL. This tool doesn't just block numbers from your blacklist, but also checks incoming calls against the global spammer database. To access these functions, open the application Security (green lightning icon).
In the application menu, find the section Blacklist or Antispam. Here you will see statistics of blocked calls and SMS. Clicking on the gear icon in the corner will take you to advanced settings. This is where you can enable Spam database update, which is critical for effective protection.
The system allows you to select the level of filtering aggression. You can set up blocking in the following categories:
- 📞 Advertising and Marketing —blocks calls from stores and survey services.
- 🎣 Fraud —screens out numbers flagged by other users as phishing.
- 🏢 Courier services —optional blocking if you are not expecting delivery.
- 🤖 Robots and auto-informers —blocking automatic calls.
It is important to regularly update databases, as spammers constantly change numbers. In the anti-slam settings, find the item Update databases and click it. It is also recommended to enable the option Automatic updateso that the phone itself downloads current lists of malicious numbers in the background.
☑️ Checking security settings
If you are using a device with Chinese firmware version (CN), functionality can be expanded through integration with local blocking services. In global versions (Global/EU), these functions may work slightly differently, relying on the databases of Google or Xiaomi partners.
Using third-party blocking applications
Sometimes built-in tools are not enough, especially if spammers use complex methods to bypass blocking. In such cases, specialized applications from the store come to the rescue. They have more flexible algorithms and huge communities of users that flag suspicious numbers in real time. Google Play. They have more flexible algorithms and huge communities of users that flag suspicious numbers in real time.
One of the most popular solutions is the application Truecaller. It identifies the caller's number before you even pick up the phone, showing the name or a "Spam" flag. To install, download the app, grant the necessary permissions to access contacts and calls, and then enable the blocking feature in the app settings.
Other decent options include Call Blocker, Should I Answer? and NumBuster. The principle of their operation is similar: they check the number with the cloud database and automatically drop the call if it is marked as unwanted. Here is a comparison of popular solutions:
| Application | Database type | Paid version | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Truecaller | Global, custom | Yes (Premium) | Name detection, SMS blocking |
| Should I Answer? | Open, communities | No (Donation) | Does not require access to contacts, privacy |
| Call Blocker | Local + cloud | Yes (Pro) | Simple interface, mask blocking |
| Yandex (with Alice) | Yandex databases | Yes (Plus) | Identification of organizations, integration with the ecosystem |
When installing third-party applications, the system Android will ask for permission to use it as the default calling application or to access the call log. This is necessary for the blocker to work correctly. Without these permissions, the application will not be able to intercept incoming calls.
⚠️ Attention: By providing access to contacts and calls to third-party applications, you trust them with your personal data. Carefully read the privacy policy of the selected service before installation.
Activation of the "Anti-identifier" service with the operator
If software methods do not give the desired result, you can use the services of your cellular operator. Major market players, such as MTS, Beeline, MegaFon i Tele2, offer anti-spam services. These solutions work on the network side, so there is no load on the smartphone processor at all.
Each operator has a different name for the service: “Spam Protection”, “Black List” or “Antispam”. The connection is usually made through a USSD command, in your personal account on the website or in the operator’s mobile application. For example, to activate protection, it is often enough to send a short command or press one button in the application.
The advantage of operator solutions is that they can block calls before they even reach your phone. You won't even see a missed call notification from a blocked number. However, advanced features such as detailing blocked calls or setting up white lists may incur a subscription fee.
To check the available options, go to your operator's application and find the section Services → Security. There you can activate filtering of robocalls and numbers from scam databases. This is a reliable way to complement the protection of your smartphone.
Secret command to check the lock status
Many Xiaomi devices use the code ##828# or ##668#, which opens a hidden testing menu, but the use of these codes requires caution and is not recommended for beginners without understanding the consequences.
What to do if calls continue: advanced methods
There are situations when spammers change numbers faster than the databases are updated, or use call ID substitution (Spoofing). In such cases, standard methods may not be effective. Then you have to resort to more radical measures, such as the “Do Not Disturb” mode with exceptions.
Activate the mode Do not disturb in the notification shade or through the settings Sound and vibration. In the parameters of this mode, configure exceptions so that the phone rings only when there is a repeated call from the same number within 3-5 minutes. This will allow you to get through in an emergency, but will eliminate one-time spam attacks.
You can also use the function Silent unknown calleravailable in pure Android and some versions of MIUI. When this option is enabled, calls from numbers that are not in your contacts will not make a sound, but will simply appear in the missed log. You decide whether to call them back later.
If the problem is widespread and related to a specific topic (for example, calls from banks offering loans), it is worth filing a complaint with Roskomnadzor or your telecom operator. Collective complaints help block entire pools of numbers at the network level.
Combining a built-in blacklist, a third-party application and an operator service provides maximum protection against 99% of unwanted calls.
Is it possible to block a call if the number is hidden (No Caller ID)?
Yes, it's possible. In the application settings Phone → Blocking you need to activate the item Block hidden numbers. This function can also be enabled through the service commands of the telecom operator, for example, by dialing a special USSD code, which depends on your tariff plan.
Why after blocking do I still see a notification about call?
It depends on the type of blocking. If a number is manually added to the blacklist, the call may appear in the log as "Rejected" or "Blocked" but without a ringing tone. If the complete invisibility mode is enabled (through the Do Not Disturb mode or deep system settings), the notification may not appear at all.
Does blocking numbers affect the operation of SMS from these subscribers?
By default, call blocking does not always block SMS. In the Antispam applications menu Security there is a separate tab for filtering messages. Make sure that the appropriate rules are activated there so as not to receive spam mailings in text form.
Are blocking settings reset when updating the system?
Usually the blacklist and blocking settings are saved when updating the firmware MIUI or HyperOSas they are stored in the contact database and system settings. However, with a full reset to factory settings (Hard Reset), all blocked numbers will be deleted and will have to be entered again.
How to unblock a number if I did it by accident?
Go to the application Phone → Settings → Blocking → Black list. Find the desired number in the list, click on it and select the option Delete or Unblock. After this, calls from this number will go through again.