To block text messages on a Xiaomi Redmi Note, open the Messaging app, open the conversation you want to block, tap the three-dot menu in the top-right corner, and select “Block & report spam”. This stops the sender’s messages and calls from reaching you, and you can also do it from the Settings app under “Blocklist” for a more centralized approach.
Why You Might Need to Block Messages
Unsolicited text messages are a common nuisance on any phone, and Redmi Note devices are no exception. You might be dealing with spam and phishing attempts, promotional messages from services you never signed up for, or simply a contact you no longer wish to hear from. Blocking messages on a Redmi Note is a straightforward process, but there are a few different methods depending on whether you want to block a single number, all unknown numbers, or specific keywords. The system-level blocklist on Xiaomi’s MIUI and HyperOS interfaces is particularly powerful because it also blocks calls from the same number, which is a feature many users don’t initially realize.
How to Block a Number from the Messaging App
The quickest method is directly from the conversation view. Here are the steps:
- Open the Messaging app on your Redmi Note.
- Tap on the conversation from the number you want to block.
- Tap the three vertical dots (⋮) in the upper right corner.
- Select Block & report spam.
- Confirm by tapping OK in the popup.
This action immediately moves the conversation to the “Blocked” folder and prevents future messages from that number from appearing in your main inbox. It also blocks the number from calling you, which is a feature built into the system’s blocklist. If you later want to unblock them, go to the same conversation or the Blocklist in Settings and remove them.
Using the Settings App to Manage a Blocklist
For a more comprehensive management of blocked contacts, use the main Settings app. This is especially useful if you want to add a number that hasn’t texted you yet, or if you need to review and unblock multiple numbers at once.
- Open Settings on your Redmi Note.
- Scroll down and tap on Apps (or “App management” on some versions).
- Tap on System app settings.
- Select Blocklist (sometimes listed as “Call blocking” or “Blocklist”).
- Here you can see all blocked numbers. To add a new one, tap Add to blocklist and enter the number manually, or pick it from your contacts or call log.
This blocklist is shared between the Phone and Messaging apps. So a number added here will be blocked from both calls and texts. This is a core feature of MIUI and HyperOS, and it works system-wide, not just within a single app.
Blocking Unknown and Hidden Numbers
If you’re being flooded with spam from different numbers, blocking them one by one is tedious. Redmi Note devices offer a way to block all unknown or hidden numbers at once.
- Open the Phone app (not the Messaging app).
- Tap the three-dot menu in the top right.
- Go to Settings > Call blocking (or “Blocklist”).
- Look for a toggle that says Block unknown numbers or Block hidden numbers.
Enabling this will automatically reject calls and, in most cases, messages from numbers that are not saved in your contacts or that hide their caller ID. Keep in mind that this can also block legitimate calls from businesses or clinics that use masked numbers, so use it with caution.
Blocking by Keywords (Spam Filter)
For SMS spam that uses different numbers but similar text, Redmi Note’s messaging app has a built-in spam filter that can block messages containing specific keywords. This is found in the Messaging app’s settings:
- Open the Messaging app.
- Tap the three-dot menu in the top right.
- Select Settings.
- Tap on Spam filter (or “Message filter”).
- Here you can enable the filter and add keywords. Any message containing those keywords will be automatically moved to the spam folder and won’t trigger a notification.
This is a powerful tool for recurring spam campaigns. However, be careful with overly broad keywords like “win” or “free” because they might catch legitimate messages from friends. It’s best to use specific phrases that spammers commonly use.
What Happens to Blocked Messages?
When you block a number, the messages don’t just disappear—they are moved to a separate folder. You can always review them if you think you might have missed something important.
- Open the Messaging app.
- Tap the three horizontal lines (hamburger menu) in the top left corner.
- Select Blocked (or “Spam”).
You’ll see all messages from blocked numbers. You can read them, delete them, or if you change your mind, you can unblock the number directly from here. The sender is not notified that they’ve been blocked, but their messages will show as “Delivered” on their end, which is a common point of confusion.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
Sometimes blocking doesn’t work as expected. Here are the most common problems and how to fix them:
- Messages still arrive: If you’re still getting messages from a blocked number, double-check that you actually pressed “Block”. Also, some third-party messaging apps (like WhatsApp) have their own block settings that are separate from the system’s SMS blocklist. This article covers SMS, not app-based messages.
- Blocked messages still show notifications: On some MIUI versions, there is a separate toggle to hide notifications from blocked messages. Go to Messaging > Settings > Notifications and make sure “Show notifications for blocked messages” is turned off.
- Can’t find the Blocklist in Settings: On newer HyperOS versions, the path might be slightly different. Try searching for “Blocklist” in the Settings search bar at the top. It will locate the exact menu for you.
- Blocking a number from a different country: If you’re trying to block an international number, make sure you enter it in the correct international format (e.g., +1 for US, +44 for UK). Otherwise, the system might not recognize it as the same number.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will the person know I blocked them?
No, the sender will not get a notification that they’ve been blocked. Their messages will still show as “Delivered” on their device, but you will never see them in your inbox. They might suspect it if they never get a reply, but there’s no direct indication.
Q: Does blocking a number also block their calls?
Yes, on Xiaomi Redmi Note devices, the blocklist is shared between the Phone and Messaging apps. When you block a number from the Messaging app, it is also added to the call blocklist, and vice versa. You don’t need to block them twice.
Q: Can I block a number that hasn’t texted me yet?
Absolutely. You can add any number to the blocklist manually through Settings > Apps > System app settings > Blocklist. This is useful if you know a specific number is a spam source but haven’t received a message from them yet.
Q: How do I unblock a number?
Go to the same Blocklist in Settings, find the number, and tap the “-” sign or “Unblock” button. Alternatively, go to the Messaging app > hamburger menu > Blocked, open the conversation, and select “Unblock” from the three-dot menu.
Q: Does the spam filter block messages with links?
By default, the spam filter does not block all messages with links, but it does identify common spam patterns. You can manually add keywords like “http” or “click here” to the spam filter’s keyword list to catch more of them, but this may also block legitimate messages from friends who share links.
Q: What if I’m getting spam from a shortcode (e.g., 5-digit number)?
Shortcodes are treated like regular numbers. You can block them the same way you would any other number. However, some carriers allow you to reply “STOP” to opt out of marketing messages. That’s often the quickest fix, but blocking also works.
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