Spam calls and intrusive offers from marketing agencies have become a real scourge for smartphone owners. This problem is especially acute for ecosystem users Xiaomi, where the density of advertising calls sometimes reaches dozens per day. Device owners Redmi often face a situation where the phone is ringing off the hook with calls from unknown numbers, which is not only distracting, but also violates personal space. Fortunately, the shell MIUI and modern versions Android provide powerful tools for filtering unwanted traffic.
In this article we will analyze in detail all available methods of anti-spam protection: from built-in system functions to the use of third-party databases. You will learn how to set up automatic blocking of hidden numbers, how to effectively manage the blacklist, and what nuances exist in the operation of anti-virus modules Xiaomi. The correct configuration of these parameters can turn your smartphone into a safe haven where only really important subscribers will get through.
The review will begin with basic settings, which are available out of the box without installing additional software. We'll go through all the security and phone book menus to make sure no loopholes are left open for spammers. We will also pay attention to the specifics of the work of telecom operators, who can offer their own solutions for blocking.
Using the built-in antivirus and MIUI call filter
The first and most effective tool in the user's arsenal Redmi is the pre-installed “Security” application. This is not just an antivirus, but a whole system optimization combine, which includes an advanced call blocking module. To access these settings, you need to find the green shield app icon on your desktop or in your Tools folder. Inside the interface, we are interested in the section Antispam, which is usually located at the bottom of the screen or in the menu of additional tools.
After entering the antispam menu, the system will offer to configure filtering rules. Here you can activate call blocking from hidden numbers, which is especially important for those who often receive calls from scammers who mask their ID. Keyword blocking in contact notes is also available, although this works less frequently for incoming calls. The main emphasis is on the spammer database, which MIUI regularly updates through cloud services.
It is important to note that blocking algorithms may differ depending on the firmware version and device region. In global versions Android functionality may be slightly reduced compared to Chinese versions due to differences in data protection legislation. However, basic functions remain available everywhere.
⚠️ Attention: When you enable aggressive filters, there is a risk of missing important calls from courier services or doctors, who may call from landline or mobile numbers not yet included in the spam database. It is recommended to periodically check the log of blocked calls.
For fine-tuning, go to the section Black list directly from the antispam menu. Here you will see switches for different categories of subscribers: “All unknown numbers”, “All foreign numbers” or “Numbers not from the phone book”. Activating the option Block unknown numbers ensures that the call will only go through if the number is saved in your contacts. This is a radical but effective method for a period of silence.
Setting up blocking through the standard Phone application
If you don’t want to delve into security settings, you can use a faster route through a standard dialer. The application interface Phone (Google Dialer or MIUI Dialer) contains hidden menus that allow you to control filtering on the fly. Open the app and click on the three dots in the top right corner to bring up a drop-down menu. Select the item Settings, and then find the section Blocked numbers.
In this menu there is a simple switch “Block unknown/hidden numbers”. Activating it will instantly enable the filter at the calling system level. However, it is worth understanding the difference between “unknown” (the number is not defined) and “hidden” (the CLI is hidden by the subscriber). In some firmware versions these concepts are combined, in others they are separated. For maximum protection, it is better to check both parameters if they are available separately.
Also in this section you can manually add specific numbers to the blacklist. This is convenient for targeted blocking of annoying collectors or annoying friends. Just click on the plus sign or add button and enter the phone number. The system will remember it and automatically reject any future call from this ID.
If you use Google Phone, turn on the "Spam Filter" feature, which automatically identifies and rejects suspicious calls using the Google database.
A feature of the new versions Android on Redmi is integration with caller ID services. When there is an incoming call, the system can highlight the number in red with the “Probable spam” mark. The user can configure the application so that such calls are dropped automatically without sounding. This is achieved through additional settings in the menu Caller ID and spam.
Manual management of the Blacklist and adding exceptions
Managing the blacklist requires a careful approach so as not to block yourself from important services. In the menu Antispam → Blacklist you can view the history of all rejected calls and SMS. This is a critical feature to ensure that notifications from banks or doctor's appointments are not filtered. The log usually stores data for the last 30 days, after which it is automatically deleted to save space.
Adding numbers to exceptions (White List) is a strategically correct step when using strict filters. If you have enabled blocking all unknown numbers, be sure to whitelist emergency numbers, work contacts who may be calling from corporate PBXs (often identified as unknown), and close family members. To do this, in the black list menu, find the tab Exceptions and add the necessary contacts.
- 📞 Add to the exceptions the numbers from which confirmation codes come (SMS from banks, government services), since filters can also block text messages.
- 🛡️ Clear your blocked call log regularly to avoid filling up your security app cache.
- 📝 Use notes when manually adding a number to the blacklist to remember the reason for blocking (for example, “intrusive window advertising”).
There is also the ability to import and export block lists. This will come in handy when changing your phone or resetting to factory settings. The list file is usually saved in .vcf or a special format MIUI in the root of the internal memory. Restoring the list takes a matter of seconds and eliminates the need to manually enter dozens of spam numbers again.
☑️ Setting up ideal protection
It is worth mentioning the “Repeat call” function. Some users are afraid that if they block unknown numbers, then the person who made a mistake or called urgently will never be able to get through. There is often an option in the blocking settings to allow a call to go through if the same number rings repeatedly within a short period of time (e.g. 3 minutes). This is a compromise between silence and availability.
Third-party applications for advanced filtering
Standard tools are not always enough, especially if spammers constantly change numbers or use ID substitution technologies (spoofing). In such cases, specialized applications from Google Playcome to the rescue. The leaders in this niche are Truecaller, NumBuster and Kaspersky Who Calls. These applications have global databases generated by the users themselves, which makes it possible to identify even the latest numbers of scammers.
Installation of such an application requires broad permissions to access the phone book and call log. This is necessary for correct operation of number identification and automatic reset. After installation and initial synchronization of the database, the application takes on the function of a call manager. When there is an incoming call, it checks with its server and, if the number is marked as spam, blocks it or displays a warning on the screen.
⚠️ Attention: Installing third-party caller ID means transferring your contacts to the developer’s servers. Please review the app's privacy policy carefully before installing, especially if you have sensitive data in your phone book.
Many of these apps have paid premium versions that offer advanced features: region blocking, number blocking (masks), and complete silence for strangers. For example, the mask blocking function allows you to block all calls starting with certain codes, which is useful for combating bots calling from specific ranges.
Why may Truecaller not work on some Redmi?
In some versions of MIUI, aggressive power saving can “kill” background processes of third-party applications. To avoid this, go to the battery settings, find the blocker application and set the “No restrictions” mode to work in the background.
It is important to remember about compatibility. Simultaneous use of the built-in filter MIUI and a third-party application can lead to conflicts when the call is blocked twice or, conversely, goes through due to a priority error. It is recommended to choose one primary protection method. If you trust the database Xiaomi, disable the rights to process calls from third-party applications, leaving them only the name detection function.
Services of telecom operators as an additional barrier
Do not forget that the fight against spam is also carried out at the level of cellular operators. Major market players (MTS, Beeline, Megafon, Tele2) offer their own anti-spam services. They work on the network side, meaning the call is cut off before it even reaches your smartphone. This saves battery power and does not load the phone's processor.
Connection of such services is usually paid or included in certain tariff packages. Activation occurs through the operator’s personal application, USSD command or call to a short number. The advantage of operator solutions is that they see all network traffic and can block mass calls more effectively than a local application on the phone.
| Operator | Name of service | Principle of operation | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| MTS | Antispam | Base analysis and blocking on the network side | From 2 rubles/day |
| Beeline | Protection from spam | Identifier + blocking by category | Free / Options |
| Megafon | Anti-spyware / Antispam | Filtering unwanted contacts | 3 rubles/day |
| Tele2 | Black list | Manual and automatic blocking | From 1.5 rubles/day |
Operator services often have more flexible settings via the web interface. You can choose which categories of calls to block: marketing, surveys, scams, or all unknown numbers. This is a great way to relieve the load on your smartphone by transferring the filtering task to the powerful servers of the telecom operator.
The combination of the built-in MIUI filter and operator services provides a double level of protection, almost completely eliminating the likelihood of a spam call.
Radical measures: Do Not Disturb mode and silence
B situations where absolute silence is required, for example, during an important meeting or sleep, you can use system mode Do not disturb. Unlike simple silent mode, this tool completely ignores incoming calls and notifications. You can configure it in the notification shade or in the section Settings → Sound and vibration → Do not disturb.
The secret to the effectiveness of this mode lies in its flexible configuration of exceptions. You can allow repeat calls or calls from selected contacts, leaving everyone else behind. To access these settings, click on the gear in the Do Not Disturb mode menu. Here you can set an automatic turn-on schedule so that the phone itself switches to quiet mode at night.
An even tougher method is to switch the phone to airplane mode and then turn on only Wi-Fi if you need the Internet, but do not need calls. However, this will also disable the mobile network completely. A more elegant solution is to use the function Only selected ones in the call settings, which is available in some menus of specialized sound profiles.
⚠️ Attention: In Do Not Disturb mode, alarms usually continue to work, but checking this fact before an important event will not be superfluous, since the settings may get confused after updating the system.
Remember that using radical measures requires discipline. If you forget to turn off Do Not Disturb in the morning, you could miss a critical call from your employer or school. It is recommended to use automatic scheduled rules to minimize the human factor.
Configure the Do Not Disturb mode to automatically turn on from 23:00 to 07:00 so that night calls from bots or drunken acquaintances do not wake you up.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Will I receive SMS from blocked numbers?
By default, turning on call blocking does not block SMS. To stop text messages, you need to separately activate the SMS filter in the menu Antispam and add the number to the black list for messages. Some settings allow you to block everything at once, but this needs to be checked in a specific interface.
Will the caller know that he is blocked?
No, the subscriber will not receive direct information about the blocking. For him, the call will look like a normal one: there will be beeps and then a reset. However, if the call is dropped instantly (with or without the first ring), an experienced user can guess that the number is on the blacklist.
Is it possible to recover the blocked call log after resetting the phone?
If you have not backed up your Security app settings to the cloud Xiaomi Cloud or Google Drive, then it is impossible to restore the log locally after resetting to factory settings. The data is stored only in the device memory.
Why does the built-in caller ID not see some spam numbers?
Databases are updated with a delay. If the scammer's number is new and has not yet been marked as spam by other users, the system will not be able to recognize it. In such cases, manually adding to the blacklist and using third-party applications with more recent databases helps.
Does blocking calls affect the speed of the smartphone?
Minimally. The process of checking the number against the database takes milliseconds and practically does not load the processor. However, installing heavy third-party applications with constant background scanning may slightly increase battery consumption.