How to block calls from an unknown number on Redmi: a complete guide

Constant calls from scammers, intrusive marketers and simply hidden numbers have become a real scourge for owners of modern smartphones. This problem is especially acute among users of Xiaomi i Redmidevices, whose shell MIUI (or new HyperOS) has its own specific features of working with contacts. The situation is aggravated by the fact that many users are not aware of the hidden blocking functions available directly in the “dialer” of their gadget.

In this article we will look in detail at how to block calls from an unknown number to Android Redmi, using both built-in system tools and the capabilities of mobile operators. You will learn where to look for the necessary switches in the menu, how “black lists” work and what nuances exist when blocking anonymous callers in different firmware versions. This guide will help you take back control of your phone and get rid of information noise.

Before moving on to complex settings, it is worth understanding the nature of such calls. Often, a number is identified as “Unknown” not because the caller technically hid it, but because of errors in the operator’s database or call routing features. However, for the user the result is the same - there are no numbers on the screen, and it is impossible to decide whether to pick up the phone or not without the risk of running into spam. Fortunately, protection algorithms in modern smartphones have become much more effective.

Built-in blocking function in the “Phone” application

The easiest and most effective way to stop unwanted calls is to use the native capabilities of the shell MIUI. The developers Xiaomi integrated a powerful anti-spam module directly into the standard calling application. To activate protection, you do not need to download third-party software, just configure the existing interface correctly.

Go into the application Phone and pay attention to the three dots or the gear icon in the upper right corner of the screen. Clicking on them will take you to the call settings menu. Here you need to find a section that may be called “Antispam”, “Blocking” or “Blacklist”, depending on your firmware version and region. This is where the main levers for controlling incoming traffic are hidden.

Inside this section you will see the “Block unknown numbers” switch. Activating this feature will cause any call not stored in your phonebook to be automatically rejected. The caller will hear a beep or a busy message, and a notification about the blocked call will appear on your screen in the corresponding log.

⚠️ Attention: Enabling total blocking of unknown numbers may cause you to miss an important call from a courier, doctor or potential employer whose number you do not already have in your contacts. Use this function with caution.

For more flexible settings, the system offers the “Block hidden numbers” mode. Unlike the previous option, this filter allows calls from regular mobile and landline numbers, even if they are not in the address book, but only cuts off those where the subscriber deliberately hid his ID. This is a softer and safer option for everyday use.

Setting up a blacklist and spam filters

In addition to simple blocking, the security system Redmi allows you to create complex filtering rules. The Blacklist is not just a list of blocked contacts, but an entire access control tool. You can configure it to block not only specific people, but also entire groups of subscribers based on certain criteria.

The following categories for blocking are often available in the black list menu:

• 🚫 All unknown numbers — complete isolation from everyone who is not in your contacts.
• 🚫 Hidden numbers —blocking only anonymous calls.
• 🚫 Numbers from other regions —useful if you often receive calls from scammers from other cities or countries.
• 🚫 Numbers containing a specific sequence of numbers —for example, you can block all numbers starting with a specific operator code.

It is also worth paying attention to the “Smart Antispam” function. It uses cloud databases to identify spammers. If the number is flagged by other users as "Advertising", "Scammer" or "Taxi", the phone will prompt you to reject the call or put it into silent ringing mode. This function requires an Internet connection to update the database.

Do not forget to regularly check the log of blocked calls. Sometimes false positives end up there, and an important contact may end up in isolation without your knowledge. In the black list settings, there is usually an “Exceptions” or “White List” button, where you can add contacts, calls from which should always go through, even if they fall under the blocking rules.

Using USSD codes and operator services

If the built-in tools of your smartphone are not enough or you want to block calls at the network level, contact the services of your mobile operator. Blocking on the operator's side is often more reliable, since the call is terminated before the signal reaches your device, saving battery power.

The largest Big Four operators in Russia provide protection services against spam and hidden numbers, often on a paid basis or as part of packages. Below is a table with current services and commands for their activation:

Operator	Service name	Activation command	Cost
MTS	Black list	*111*442#	1.5 rub./day
Beeline	Black list	*110*771#	3 rub./day
MegaFon	Black list	*130#	3 rub./day
Tele2	Black list	*130*0*number#	3 rub./day

To block hidden numbers (when the subscriber not defined) some operators have separate options. For example, MegaFon there is an Anti-AON service, which allows you to block incoming calls from subscribers who have hidden their number. Activation of such services may vary depending on the region, so it is better to check the exact information in your personal account or with the support service.

Remember that operator services operate regardless of your phone settings. If you activate the lock on both your smartphone and your operator, this will create a double level of protection. However, in the event of a false blocking, you will have to deal with it through the operator's support service, since the call simply will not reach the device.

Third-party applications for enhanced protection

Although the standard tools MIUI are quite powerful, sometimes more advanced functionality is required, which is offered by specialized applications from Google Play. apps such as Truecaller, Kaspersky Who Calls or Yandex.Phone have huge databases of numbers and machine learning algorithms for identifying spam.

Installing a third-party “dialer” requires broad permissions, including access to contacts and call logs. After installation and configuration, the application will intercept the function of processing incoming calls. It will be able to determine the number even if it is not saved with you, checking the cloud database, and mark the call in red with the signature “Spam” or “Probable scammer.”

However, the use of such applications has its own risks associated with data confidentiality. By transferring your phone book to the developer's servers, you are actually participating in the creation of a global contact database. If absolute privacy is your priority, it is better to limit yourself to built-in blocking tools.

⚠️ Attention: Avoid installing little-known blocker applications with questionable reviews. They may not only not perform their function, but also become a source of advertising or malware that slows down your operation. Redmi.

For maximum efficiency, it is recommended to use a hybrid approach: enable basic blocking in the phone settings and install one proven application with a good reputation only for identifying numbers, leaving the function of rejecting calls to the system.

Features of blocking in different versions of MIUI and HyperOS

The interface and location of settings may differ significantly depending on the version of the operating system. Owners of older models with MIUI 12 or 13 can find the settings in one place, while users of the newest HyperOS will encounter an updated menu. Understanding these differences will save you time when searching for the right switch.

In versions MIUI 12-14 the path to the settings usually looks like this: Phone → Settings (three dots) → Advanced settings → Blacklist. Here the interface is more classic, with a clear division into the “Blocked” and “Settings” tabs. The function of blocking unknown people is often included in a separate toggle switch at the very top of the list.

In a new shell HyperOS (and later versions MIUI 14) the logic has changed. Now antispam settings are often combined with general security. The path may look like Phone settings → Passwords and security → Privacy → Special permissions → Display on top of other applications (for antispam operation), and the blocking rules themselves are located inside the "Security" application in the "Antispam" section.

What to do if the “Black List” item is not in the menu?

If you do not find the settings you need, you may have a global version of the firmware installed, where some functions are hidden, or a regional version (for example, Chinese), where the menu is different. Try entering the word “spam” or “blocking” in the search for your phone settings - the system itself will lead you to the desired section.

It is also worth considering that on some models Redmi with a simplified shell (Go or Lite series), the blacklist functionality may be reduced. In such cases, relying on applications from Google Play becomes practically the only way to organize high-quality filtering of calls without root access.

Do Not Disturb mode as a temporary measure

Sometimes there is no need to create permanent blocking rules, you just need to ensure silence for a few hours, for example, during sleep or an important meeting. For these purposes, the “Do Not Disturb” mode is ideal, which is found in every smartphone based on Android.

You can activate this mode through the notification shade or in the sound settings. Its main advantage is flexibility. You can set exceptions to keep the phone silent for all but selected contacts or repeat calls (if the same number rings twice within 3 minutes, the call will go through - this is an emergency feature).

To set exceptions for Do Not Disturb:

• 🌙 Open Settings → Sound and vibration → Do not disturb.
• 📞 Select “Calls” or “People”.
• ✅ Set to “Only selected contacts” or “No one”.
• 🔁 Activate the “Repeated calls” option if you are afraid of missing something urgent.

This method is good because it does not block calls forever, but only drowns them out for a while. Your call history will be saved and you can call back later. This is an excellent alternative to completely blocking unknown numbers if you don’t want to risk missing important information.

Frequent questions and problems when blocking

Despite the abundance of instructions, users often have specific questions related to the operation of blockers on Redmi. Below we have collected answers to the most popular of them in order to close the remaining gaps in understanding the process.

Why do calls still go through even though blocking is turned on?

This can happen for several reasons. First, check if the number has been added to the White List or Favorites. Second, make sure the Phone or Security app has all the required permissions in your system settings. Sometimes, after a firmware update, permissions are reset and the function needs to be reactivated.

Will the caller see that I have blocked him?

The caller will not receive a direct notification about the blocking. He will hear regular beeps, which may be cut off, or he will get an answering machine. However, experienced users can guess about blocking if the call is dropped after the first ring or always goes to voicemail.

Is it possible to block an unknown number, but leave the ability to write to me in instant messengers?

Yes, blocking calls does not affect the operation of instant messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber). These applications use the Internet channel rather than the operator's voice network. You can block a voice call from a number, but at the same time calmly correspond with him if you have his contact in the messenger.

How to unblock a number if I accidentally added it to the blacklist?

Go to the “Phone” application, open the settings and go to the “Blacklist”. There will be a list of all blocked numbers. Click on the desired number and select the “Unblock” option or the trash can/cross icon to remove from the list.

Blocking unknown numbers on Redmi —this is not a complex technical procedure, but a matter of correctly configuring the available tools. By spending 5-10 minutes studying the menu of your smartphone, you can protect yourself from dozens of unnecessary calls a month and keep your nerves intact.

⚠️ Attention: The menu interface and item names may vary slightly depending on the specific Redmi model and the installed firmware version. If you do not find the described item, use the search in the phone settings.