Spam calls and annoying messages from unknown callers have become a real problem for mobile device users. If you're still using a smartphone running an operating system Android 6.0 Marshmallow, you may have noticed that the standard interface doesn't always offer an obvious block button right in the call log. However, this does not mean that you are defenseless against annoying marketers or scammers.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the available methods of limiting communication on this version of the operating system. You will learn how to use the hidden capabilities of the built-in phone applicationphone application
Before moving on to complex settings, it is important to understand the security architecture in Marshmallow. Unlike newer versions of Android, here the management of contacts and calls can be divided into different menus depending on the manufacturer's shell, be it pure Android MIUI or TouchWiz. Therefore, we will look at universal ways to solve the problem.
Using a built-in blacklist in a standard application
Many users do not even suspect that the blocking function is already built into their device. In most stock applications Phone on Android 6, this option is hidden in the additional menu. To access it, open the dialer application and look for the icon with three dots or vertical bars, usually located in the upper corner of the screen.
After pressing the menu button, a list of actions will expand. You need to find an item that may be called Settings, Call options or Call blocking. The interface may differ, but the logic remains the same: the system offers to manage incoming connections. If you see Black list or Blocked numbers, you are on the right track.
Inside this section, two options are usually offered: add a number manually or select it from the call history. The second method is much more convenient, as it allows you to instantly block the person who just bothered you. Just click on the cross next to the number or select Block number in the context menu of a specific call.
โ ๏ธ Attention: On some smartphone models released before 2016, the manufacturer could programmatically disable this function in the standard dialer, even if the system kernel supports it. In this case, proceed to the section on third-party applications.
If you do not find the blocking option in the menu, try long pressing the number in the call log. Sometimes the context menu with the blocking function is called by a long tap, and not through the settings.
Setting up the blocking through the system settings menu
If the phone application does not have the necessary options, you should look into the general system settings. Android 6 provides a centralized hub for managing security and communications. Go to the main menu of the device and select section Settings. Here we are interested in the category associated with sound or directly with calls.
Depending on the firmware version, the path may look like Sound and vibration โ Do not disturb or a separate item Calls. The Do not disturb section often hides a powerful filtering tool. You can set a rule so that your phone will only accept calls from contacts saved in your address book.
This is radical but effective method. By activating the mode Only selected ones or Contact, you automatically send all unknown callers into silence. The phone will not ring or vibrate when there is an incoming call from an unfamiliar number, although the call itself will technically go through (the subscriber will hear beeps).
- ๐ Go to
Settingsyour smartphone. - ๐ Find the section Sound or Notifications.
- ๐ซ Select item
Do not disturband configure exceptions for contacts. - โ Activate the mode to weed out all external spam.
Use of third-party applications for filtering
When the built-in Android 6 tools are not flexible enough, the store comes to the rescue Google Play. There are many specialized utilities that take on the function of forwarding and blocking unwanted subscribers. Such applications often have their own databases of spam numbers, which allows you to block calls even before the phone rings.
One โโof the most popular solutions are Call Blocker, Should I Answer? various anti-virus systems with an anti-spam module. When installing such software, you will need to grant it rights to manage calls and access contacts. This is necessary so that the application can intercept the incoming signal and check the number against its black list.
After configuration, the application will work in the background. You will be able to see statistics of blocked calls in the log of the app itself. Some of them allow you to create complex rules, for example, block all numbers starting with a certain area code, or hide calls from hidden numbers (Unknown).
Access rights required for the blocker to work:- android.permission.READ_CALL_LOG
- android.permission.PROCESS_OUTGOING_CALLS
- android.permission.READ_CONTACTS
โ ๏ธ Attention: Be careful when granting rights to third-party applications. Download blockers only from a trusted store Google Play and read reviews to avoid installing malware that can steal your data.
โ๏ธ Choosing a reliable blocker
Blocking contacts through the address book
Another method that is often overlooked involves directly editing the contact card if the attacker's number is already stored with you or you want to. save it specifically for blocking, you can use the call redirection function inside the subscriberโs card.
Open the application Contact and find the desired entry. Click on the edit button (usually a pencil icon). Scroll down the page to additional settings. In some Android 6 shells there is a checkmark Send calls to voicemail or the ability to set a special one. ringtone Mute.
Although this is not a complete technical blocking (the connection is still established), for the user the effect is almost identical: the phone does not make sounds or vibrate. This is a useful life hack if you do not want to install unnecessary applications, but. cแบงn isolate a specific person.
Blocking service from a mobile operator
If software methods seem complicated or unreliable to you, there is always the option of contacting your mobile operator. Large companies provide services like Antispam or Black listthat work at the same level. network. This means that the call is blocked even before it reaches your smartphone.
To activate such a service, it is usually enough to send a USSD request or use the operatorโs personal account. The advantage of this method is that it does not consume your phoneโs battery and does not require installing an additional one. software. In addition, such services often update databases of spam numbers automatically.
| Operator | Name of service | Cost (approximate) | Connection command |
|---|---|---|---|
| MTS | Black list | 1.5 rub/day | *111*442# |
| Beeline | Black list | 3 rub/day | *110*771# |
| MegaFon | Black list | 3 rub/day | *130# |
| Tele2 | Black list | 2 rub/day | *220*0*number# |
Blocking on the operatorโs side is the most reliable way, since the call does not reach your device at all, saving battery power and nerves.
Frequently asked questions and problem solving
Despite the simplicity of the described methods, Android 6 users often have specific questions related to the operating features of older versions of the system. Below we have collected answers to the most popular of them.
Why can a blocked number still get through?
This can happen if the subscriber calls from another number or uses the number hiding function (CLIR). In the case of a hidden number, the standard black list may not work if the option to block unknown callers is not activated in the settings. Also check if you have disabled the blocker application in the battery settings.
Is it possible to block SMS from a specific number on Android 6?
Yes, most modern call blocking applications can also filter SMS messages. This feature is less common in the standard messaging app. You will need to go to the application settings Messages and find the blocking section or install a third-party SMS filter.
Will the subscriber know that he is blocked?
The system does not send direct notifications. However, an indirect sign may be that when calling, the subscriber immediately hears short beeps or gets an answering machine after the first beep. If you use blocking through an operator, the signal may be different, for example, a message about unavailability.
How to unblock a number if I accidentally added it to the blacklist?
Go back to the same menu where you blocked (phone settings, blocker application or operator's personal account). Find the list of blocked numbers, select the desired contact and press the button Unblock or the trash can/cross icon to remove from the list.
Does blocking a number affect the ability to send messages to it?
Usually blocking works in one direction: you do not receive calls and messages from this number, but technically you can still initiate contact. However, some third-party apps offer complete isolation by blocking outgoing communications as well. Check the settings of your specific blocking tool.
Secret code to check forwarding status
You can enter the code *#21# in the phone application to find out if you have unconditional forwarding of all calls to another number activated. This is useful for diagnosing strange communication problems.
To summarize, we can say that even on a version of the system such as Android 6, the user has a full arsenal of tools to protect his personal space. By combining built-in settings, special applications and operator services, you can fully control who can reach you.