Spam mailings and intrusive messages from unknown numbers have become a real scourge for smartphone users. Owners of popular line devices Xiaomi Redmi Note often face a situation where notifications of new messages tear up the screen, distracting them from important matters or work. Fortunately, the shell MIUIon which these phones are based offers powerful built-in tools for filtering incoming traffic, allowing you to effectively deal with this problem without installing additional software.
The blocking process may vary depending on the firmware version, but the general logic of the security system remains unchanged. You don't have to be a mobile communications expert to set up protection. It is enough to know where the necessary switches are located in the settings menu. In this article, we will analyze in detail all available methods, from standard settings to using third-party solutions, so that you can forget about annoying advertising emails forever.
Using the built-in Security application
The first and most reliable way to protect your smartphone is to use the system application Security. This is the central hub for managing antivirus, memory cleaning and, what is important for us, blacklist management. Developers Xiaomi integrated the blocking functionality directly into the system core, which ensures high efficiency of the filter even in the background without consuming extra energy.
To get started, you need to launch the application, which usually has a green shield icon on the desktop. Inside the interface you need to find the section responsible for blocking calls and messages. The user interface may vary slightly between models Redmi Note, but key controls remain in place. Going to this section gives access to filtering rule settings.
⚠️ Attention: On some global firmware versions, the blocking functionality may be hidden or require the installation of a regional plugin. If you don't see the buttons you need, check your system region in your phone settings.
Inside the lock menu you will find switches to activate anti-spam protection. Activation SMS filter allows the system to automatically analyze the content of incoming messages and compare them with a database of known spam mailings. This is especially useful for combating mass mailings from banks, delivery services and marketing agencies that use short numbers.
Periodically check the blocking log to make sure that important messages from couriers or support services are not mistakenly included in spam.
Manually setting up the Blacklist contacts
If automatic filters cannot cope with a specific annoying subscriber, the most effective method will be to manually add the number to Blacklist. This feature allows you to completely isolate unwanted contact, preventing not only messages from being received, but also incoming calls. The system simply rejects the connection, and the sender does not receive notification that he is blocked, although messages may arrive with the status "delivered" on his side.
To add a number manually, open the application Messages or go to the blocking settings through the app Security. Select the option to add the number to the blacklist. You can enter the number manually, select it from your call history or from your contacts list. This is convenient if you want to block a specific person, but maintain communication with other people around him.
Shell MIUI offers flexible settings for the blacklist. You can choose the operating mode: block only calls, only messages, or all at once. The function of blocking all unknown numbers, that is, those that are not in your phone book, is also available. Use this option with caution, as it may block important calls from couriers or new clients.
- 📞 Open the call history and click on the desired number to quickly block.
- 📱 Use contact search to add a name to the banned list.
- ⚙️ Set up exclusions for contacts from favorites so as not to miss urgent calls.
- 🚫 Activate Do Not Disturb mode for complete silence at night.
Blocking messages by keywords
One of the most powerful features of the security system Xiaomi is the ability to filter messages by content. You can set certain keywordss, upon detection of which the message will be automatically moved to the spam folder. This is an ideal tool for combating similar mailings that change sender numbers but use template texts.
To configure this filter, go to the blocking menu and find the "Keyword Filter" section. Here you can add words or phrases that are often found in unwanted messages. For example, the words “credit”, “winning”, “promotion” or the names of specific bookmakers and online casinos. The system will scan each incoming message for these markers.
Examples of keywords for blocking:- Free
- You won
- Cash loan
- Bet
- Confirm the card
It is important to understand that using too general words can lead to false positives. If you block the word "code", you may not receive an SMS with a confirmation code from your bank or service. Therefore, create a list of keywords as specifically as possible, focusing on the type of spam you receive most often.
⚠️ Attention: Keywords only work for SMS text messages. Messages from instant messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber) are not processed by this filter, since they use Internet channels and not the cellular network.
What to do if an important message ends up in spam?
Go to the "Blocked" or "Spam" folder in the Messages application. Find the message you need, open it and select the "This is not spam" or "Recover" option. The sender's number will be automatically added to the white list.
Setting up filtering for unknown numbers
Spam often comes from numbers that were not previously in your contact history. For such cases, Redmi Note provides a function for blocking messages from hidden or unknown subscribers. Activating this option creates a kind of “shield” that allows only those senders who are already saved in your phone book to pass through.
This method is radical, but effective. It completely eliminates the possibility of receiving advertising SMS from new numbers. However, when switching to this mode, you must be prepared for the fact that the first message from a new contact (for example, from a repairman or a new colleague) may not reach you on time. You will have to periodically check your spam folder or temporarily disable the filter when waiting for important calls.
The setting is located in the same block management section. Look for the item “Block messages from unknown numbers” or something similar in meaning. After activation, the system will compare the sender's number with your contact database. If there are no matches, the message is sent to quarantine.
Third-party applications for fighting spam
If built-in tools MIUI are not enough, the market offers many third-party solutions. Applications like Truecaller, Kaspersky Who Calls or Call Blocker have extensive databases of spam numbers that are updated by a community of users in real time. They can identify scammers even before the message arrives on your phone.
Installing such an application requires granting it rights to access your calls and messages. This is necessary so that the app can intercept incoming traffic and analyze it. After installation, you will be able to enable synchronization with the global spam database, which will significantly increase the level of protection of your Xiaomi Redmi Note.
| Application | Main function | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Truecaller | Number identification | Huge database, name definition | Requires a lot of permissions |
| Call Blocker | Black list | Simple interface, free | Lots of advertising in the free version |
| Kaspersky Who Calls | Antispam | Reliability, antivirus base | Paid advanced features |
| Sms Blocker | Keyword filter | Flexible rules setup | Outdated design |
When choosing third-party software, pay attention to reviews and the number of installations. Do not download suspicious utilities with unclear names, as they themselves can become a source of data leaks or additional spam. The official store Google Play conducts moderation, but you should not let down your guard.
☑️ Checking the protection settings
Features of working with SIM cards of different operators
It is worth considering that some operators cellular networks offer their own anti-spam services. For example, MTS, Beeline, MegaFon i Tele2 have Antispam services that filter traffic at the network level, before the signal reaches your Redmi Note. Connection to such services is often paid or included in certain tariff plans.
Using operator network filters has its advantages: they do not consume the battery of your smartphone and do not require installation of applications. However, their settings are less flexible than those of the phone's built-in tools. You cannot set your keywords or fine-tune the blacklist through the operator’s website as conveniently as in the phone menu.
It is recommended to combine both methods. Enable basic operator protection to cut out obvious garbage, and set up a personal blacklist on your phone for those who still get through the network filter. This two-level approach ensures maximum cleanliness of your inbox.
⚠️ Attention: Operators' terms and conditions for providing antispam services may change. Before connecting a paid option, check the tariffs in your personal account or via the USSD command to avoid unexpected charges.
The combination of the built-in MIUI filter and the operator's network protection gives the best result in the fight against spam.
Frequently asked questions and problem solving
Even with proper configuration, users may encounter nuances in the operation of the blocking system. Below are answers to the most popular questions that will help you better control the flow of messages on your device.
Why do I still receive SMS after adding a number to the blacklist?
This can happen if the sender uses different numbers for mailing or changes them dynamically. Also check if you have accidentally disabled the locking service in the Security app. Sometimes rebooting the phone after making changes to the settings helps.
Is it possible to block messages from short numbers (5 digits)?
Yes, the built-in filter MIUI can block short numbers as well. To do this, in the filtering settings you need to activate the option to block service messages or add a specific short number to the blacklist manually.
Will the sender see that I have blocked him?
When blocking an SMS, the sender usually does not receive any notification. The message may appear as "delivered" on your phone, but it won't arrive on your phone and trigger a notification. The phone simply ignores the data packet.
How to recover a message if it accidentally ended up in spam?
Open the Messages application, go to the menu (three dots or the settings icon) and select the "Blocked" or "Spam" folder. Find the message you need, click on it and select the recovery option. In the future, messages from this number will be sent to your inbox.
Does a large number of blocked messages affect the phone's memory?
No, blocked messages are stored in a special database, which takes up a minimum amount of memory. However, if you haven't cleaned out your spam folder for years and tens of thousands of messages with attachments have accumulated there, this could theoretically take up space, but in practice this rarely happens.