Spam calls are one of the most common nuisances faced by Android users today. From robocalls and telemarketers to scam attempts, these unwanted interruptions can disrupt your day and pose potential privacy risks. Fortunately, Android offers several built-in and third-party tools to effectively block and filter spam calls.
This guide will walk you through multiple methods to block spam calls on your Android phone, covering built-in settings, Google’s spam protection, and third-party apps for enhanced control.
Why Am I Getting So Many Spam Calls?
Spam calls are often generated by automated dialers or from lists of phone numbers bought or scraped by marketing companies and scammers. These calls can:
- Waste your time
- Attempt to steal personal information (phishing)
- Trick you into subscribing to unwanted services
Blocking and reporting these calls reduces your risk and helps others avoid the same numbers.
Method 1: Use Google Phone App’s Built-In Spam Protection
Most modern Android phones (Pixel, OnePlus, Xiaomi, Motorola, etc.) come pre-installed with the Google Phone app, which includes a robust spam detection feature.
Steps to enable spam call blocking:
- Open the Phone app.
- Tap the three-dot menu (top-right) > Settings.
- Tap Caller ID & spam.
- Enable:
- See caller and spam ID
- Filter spam calls – this will silently block suspected spam calls.
📌 Your phone will no longer ring for known spam numbers. Instead, the call will go to voicemail or appear as a missed call in red.
Method 2: Manually Block Specific Numbers
You can manually block a number if you’ve received a spam call.
Steps:
- Open the Phone app and go to Recents.
- Tap the number or contact.
- Tap Block/report spam.
- Confirm by tapping Block.
You can also report the number as spam, which helps improve Google’s spam filter database.
Method 3: Use Your Phone’s Built-In Call Blocking Features (Brand-Specific)
Different Android manufacturers may offer their own spam blocking features.
Samsung (One UI):
- Go to Phone > Settings > Caller ID and spam protection.
- Enable Block spam and scam calls.
- Choose to:
- Block all spam and scam calls
- Only block high-risk scam calls
Xiaomi (MIUI):
- Go to Security > Blocklist.
- Turn on the blocklist and add spam numbers manually or block all unknown numbers.
Oppo/Realme:
- Open the Phone app > Settings > Block & Filter.
- Enable Block unknown or spam callers.
Method 4: Block Unknown or Private Numbers
If you want to block calls from numbers not in your contacts:
On Google Phone app:
- Go to Phone > Settings > Blocked numbers.
- Enable Unknown (block calls from unidentified callers).
⚠️ This may block genuine calls (like from hospitals or delivery drivers), so use with caution.
Method 5: Use a Third-Party Call Blocker App
If spam calls persist or you want more control, third-party apps offer advanced call filtering.
Popular apps:
| App Name | Key Features |
| Truecaller | Identifies callers, blocks spam & scams |
| Hiya | Real-time spam detection & call blocking |
| Call Control | Personal blocklists, spam filters, do-not-disturb mode |
| Mr. Number | Blocks calls based on category (scam, telemarketer, etc.) |
📌 These apps work best when set as your default phone or dialer app.
Example: Blocking with Truecaller
- Install Truecaller from the Play Store.
- Set it as the default dialer when prompted.
- Open the app > Tap Blocking.
- Enable Block top spammers, Block hidden numbers, etc.
Method 6: Register with DND (Do Not Disturb) or National Do Not Call Registry (India/US)
In some countries, you can reduce telemarketing calls by registering your number:
India:
- Send START 0 to 1909 via SMS.
- Or call 1909 to activate DND on your mobile number.
USA:
⚠️ DND doesn’t block scam calls or robocalls, only legal telemarketing.
Method 7: Use “Do Not Disturb” Mode for Whitelisting
To only allow calls from specific contacts:
- Go to Settings > Sound & vibration > Do Not Disturb.
- Tap Calls.
- Choose Allow calls from: Contacts only or Starred contacts.
- Turn on DND mode manually or set a schedule.
This effectively blocks all unknown or spam numbers while still allowing important calls.
Bonus Tip: Report Spam Calls to Your Carrier
Many telecom providers offer free spam reporting and blocking tools.
- Jio: Use the MyJio app to block/report.
- Airtel: Use Airtel Thanks app or dial 1909.
- Vi (Vodafone Idea): Use Vi app or SMS START DND to 1909.
Conclusion
Spam calls are an annoying yet manageable problem for Android users. By enabling Google’s built-in spam protection, blocking numbers manually, using Do Not Disturb wisely, or installing a third-party app like Truecaller, you can significantly reduce unwanted interruptions. For long-term peace of mind, keep your dialer app and phone system updated, and consider registering with your country’s Do Not Disturb registry.
With the right tools and settings, you can reclaim your phone and avoid the endless barrage of robocalls and scammers.