Daily calls from unknown numbers have become a real scourge for smartphone owners. The situation is especially annoying when the subscriber’s number is not displayed on the screen, but simply the words “Unknown” or “Hidden number” are on. These are not just annoying advertising mailings, but also potential fraudulent schemes, the purpose of which is to lure out personal data or money. Smartphone owners Honor and Huawei are often faced with the question of how to effectively counter such an invasion of personal space.
Fortunately, the operating system Androidon which Honor devices operate provides a wide range of tools for filtering incoming calls. From built-in blacklist functions to specialized operator codes, there are many methods to solve the problem. However, the effectiveness of each of them depends on the specific phone model, firmware version Magic UI or EMUI, as well as the conditions of your tariff plan.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the available methods of blocking anonymous calls. We will look at both standard system settings and less obvious methods, such as using USSD codes and third-party software. It is important to understand that a complete blocking may have side effects, for example, you may miss an important call from a doctor or courier using a corporate PBX with a hidden number.
Using the built-in blacklist in Honor settings
The simplest and most reliable way to protect yourself is to use the phone’s standard functions. In shells Magic UI and EMUI the developers have implemented a powerful call control module. To activate the lock, you need to go to the application Phone, which is usually located in the bottom panel of the screen. Next, click on the three dots in the upper right corner or the gear icon to go to the settings menu.
In the list that opens, you need to find the section Blocked numbers or Blacklist. The interface may vary slightly depending on the software version, but the logic remains the same. Here you will see a toggle for “Block calls from unknown numbers.” Activating this feature automatically rejects all calls where the subscriber ID is not transmitted to the network. This is for instant protection without installing additional software. Blocked numbers challenges." If you don't find the switch you need right away, try diving deeper into the security menu. The system will prompt you to choose an operating mode: block all hidden numbers or only those that are not in your phone book. Choosing the second option is often a more reasonable compromise between security and accessibility. effective method for instant protection without installing additional software.
It's worth noting that on some Honor models this option may be hidden inside the Call Screening section. If you don't find the switch you need right away, try diving deeper into the security menu. The system will prompt you to choose an operating mode: block all hidden numbers or only those that are not in your phone book. Choosing the second option is often a more reasonable compromise between security and availability.
⚠️ Warning: Enabling full blocking of unknown numbers may result in you missing a call from a bank employee, clinic, or delivery service, which sometimes use secure communication lines.
The settings menu interface may change after a system update. If you cannot find the item you need, check the latest documentation for your version of Magic UI on the official support portal.
☑️ Checking blocking settings
Blocking via operator service USSD codes
If the built-in functions of the smartphone for some reason do not work or are missing, you can always turn to the capabilities of your mobile operator. Anti-spam and anonymous call blocking services are provided at the network level, which means they work even if the phone is turned off or there is no SIM card in another device. To activate such services, special combinations of characters are used that are entered into the dialing field.
Each telecom operator has its own unique codes. For example, subscribers MTS often use a code *111*442# to activate the Antispam service. Y MegaFon a similar function can be activated through a combination *130#. In the case of Beeline the Black List service, connected via a USSD request *110*771#, is popular. It is important to enter the command exactly as indicated on your operator’s website and wait for a confirmation SMS message.
Using network filters has one undeniable advantage - the call simply will not reach your device, so the phone will not call and vibrate. This saves battery power and the user's nerves. However, it is worth remembering that most of these services are paid. Tariffing can be daily or monthly, so before connecting you should check the cost in your personal account.
- 📞 Enter the USSD code in the “Phone” application and press the call button.
- 💰 Check your account balance, since many antispam services are paid.
- 📩 Wait SMS confirmation of service activation from the operator.
- ⚙️ You can manage the service through the mobile application of your telecom operator.
What to do if the code does not work?
If after entering the combination you receive a connection error or a message about the lack of service, this may mean that your tariff plan does not support this function. Try contacting the operator's support service via chat or hotline to clarify the available blocking options.
Third-party applications for filtering calls
When standard tools are not enough, specialized applications from the store come to the rescue. Google Play. The leaders in this niche are Truecaller, Yandex.Phone and Kaspersky Who Calls. These apps use huge databases of numbers collected by the user community, which allows you to identify and block not only hidden, but also known spam numbers.
To install such a solution, you need to download the application, give it permissions to access contacts and call logs. After the initial setup, in the application menu you need to find the “Blocking” section and activate the checkbox next to the “Hidden numbers” or “Anonymous calls” item. The algorithms of these apps work very aggressively, cutting off up to 90% of unwanted traffic.
However, using third-party software requires careful attention to privacy. By giving the application access to your phone book, you are actually uploading the contacts of your friends and colleagues into the service's general database. If the issue of privacy comes first for you, you should carefully study the privacy policy of the selected application before installing.
| Application | Blocking hidden | Spam number database | Paid functions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Truecaller | Yes | Huge (worldwide) | Yes (Premium) |
| Yandex.Phone | Yes | Big (RF and CIS) | No (free) |
| Kaspersky Who Calls | Yes | Medium (antivirus) | Yes (as part of protection) |
| Call Blocker | Yes | Custom | Yes (advertising) |
When installing caller ID applications, disable synchronization of contacts with the service cloud if you want to maintain maximum privacy for your friends.
Do Not Disturb mode as a radical measure
In situations where a spam attack becomes unbearable, and other methods do not help, you can use the "Do not disturb"mode. This tool is built into any version of Android and allows you to create a strict filter for all incoming events. When this mode is activated, the phone will ignore calls and notifications, except for those that you yourself specify as exceptions.
To configure this mode to block anonymous users, go to Settings → Sounds and vibration → Do not disturb. In the "Calls" section, select the "From Contacts Only" or "Favorites" option. In this case, all calls from numbers that are not in your address book, including hidden ones, will be automatically rejected by the system, and the phone screen will remain dark.
This method is good for its versatility, but has significant drawback: it blocks everything. You won't hear a call from a new client, a teacher from your child's school, or an emergency call if you don't have their numbers saved. Therefore, it is recommended to use the Do Not Disturb mode either temporarily or by setting up an exception list with the utmost care.
Features of working on different versions of Magic UI and EMUI
Users of Honor devices should take into account that the interface and functionality may vary significantly depending on the version of the shell. On older models with EMUI 9 or EMUI 10 lock settings are often placed in a separate application “Phone Manager” (shield icon). There you need to go to the “Black List” section and click on the settings gear.
On newer devices with Magic UI 4.0, 5.0 and higher, as well as on smartphones with Google services, the call management logic has become closer to “pure” Android. Here, settings can be found directly in Google's Phone app. In this case, the path will be as follows: three dots → Settings → Blocked numbers → "Unknown numbers" switch.
Sometimes after a major system update, the settings are reset to factory values. If you are sure that you turned on blocking before, but calls are coming in again, check this section again. It is also worth paying attention to the fact that some operators may forcefully disable the blocking function at the network level if it conflicts with their services.
⚠️ Attention: On Honor smartphones released after 2020 without Google services, the set of pre-installed applications may differ. Look for analogues of standard apps in the AppGallery store.
Analysis of the reasons for the appearance of hidden numbers and prevention
Understanding the nature of anonymous calls helps to better protect yourself. Most often, such calls are made by robot dialers (robocalls), which use number substitution technologies (spoofing). Fraudsters disguise themselves as banks, security services or government agencies in order to instill trust or fear in the subscriber.
Another reason may be technical failures on the operator’s side or the use of corporate PBXs, which by default hide the office number for outgoing calls. This is why blindly blocking all anonymous people is not always the best solution. It makes more sense to combine methods: use detection applications to flag spam and a manual blacklist for specific aggressive numbers.
Prevention also involves being careful with your phone number. Do not leave it on dubious sites, in winning applications or on message boards unnecessarily. The less your number appears in open sources, the less likely it is to be included in call databases.
An integrated approach that combines phone settings, operator services and digital hygiene provides maximum protection against spam and scammers.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
May Will the subscriber find out that I have blocked his hidden number?
No, when a call is blocked, the subscriber on the other end of the line usually hears standard beeps or a message that the subscriber is busy/unavailable. He does not receive any special notification about being blacklisted.
Will he receive SMS from blocked hidden numbers?
Depends on the blocking method. Honor's built-in blacklist most often only blocks voice calls. SMS messages may continue to arrive. To block them, you need to separately configure the message filter in the Messages application or use the antivirus functions.
Why is the blocking button for unknown numbers inactive (gray)?
This can happen for several reasons: an outdated version of the Phone application, the application does not have administrator rights, or a conflict with an active call forwarding service. Try updating the application or restarting the device.
How to unblock a number if I accidentally added it to the blacklist?
Go to the blacklist settings (Phone → Settings → Blocked numbers). There will be a list of all blocked contacts and numbers. Click on the cross or delete icon next to the desired number to return it to the ability to call you.
Does blocking work if the phone is turned off?
The built-in smartphone lock only works when the phone is turned on. If the device is turned off, the call will simply go to voicemail or be dropped. Blocking at the operator level works regardless of the state of your phone.