A constant stream of unwanted calls and SMS messages can turn using a smartphone into a real nightmare. Advertising, loan offers and fraudulent schemes attack users every day, requiring reliable protection. Luckily, modern operating systems provide built-in tools to combat this digital junk. However, developers of different brands often hide these functions in various sections of the menu, which causes confusion among gadget owners.
Searching for a section antispam can take a lot of time if you do not know the exact navigation path. In this article, we will take a detailed look at the location of the lock settings for the most popular Android skins, including MIUI, One UI and ColorOS. You'll learn how to activate protection, configure blacklists, and use built-in databases to filter threats. Understanding these mechanisms will allow you to regain control of your device and peace of mind.
Navigation through the system may vary depending on the firmware version and the specific device model. We will consider not only standard ways, but also specific nuances for different manufacturers. If you're tired of annoying notifications and calls, this guide will become your basic guide to setting up security. Let's take a look at where exactly the necessary switches are hidden.
The standard path in pure Android and Google Dialer
Owners of smartphones with “pure” Android, such as Google Pixel or Motorola, often look for lock settings directly in the system menu. However, in the latest versions of the operating system, the operating logic has changed. Now the main focus is on integration with the application Google Phone, which uses cloud databases to identify spam. This solution works automatically, but requires the correct initial configuration.
To activate protection, you need to open the calling application and go to its settings. Unlike older versions, there is no separate “Antispam” section in the general system settings. Instead, a call filtering mechanism is used, which can be fine-tuned to suit your needs. It is important to ensure that the application has all the necessary permissions to run in the background.
Navigation looks like this: open Phone → Three dots (menu) → Settings → Caller Identification and Spam. It is in this section that the key switches are located. You can enable the "Filter spam calls" option to have your phone automatically reject calls flagged as suspicious by the community. The “Show Caller Identification and Spam” feature is also available, which warns you before answering.
Enable the “Filter spam calls” option for maximum protection, but periodically check the blocked call log so as not to miss an important contact by mistake marked as spam.
It is worth noting that the effectiveness of this method directly depends on the availability of an Internet connection. The local database on the device is limited, so the Google server is used to verify numbers. If you are in an area with poor reception, the protection may be less effective. In such cases, it is recommended to additionally install third-party applications or use the capabilities of the telecom operator.
Antispam settings in the MIUI shell (Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO)
Users of Xiaomi devices have one of the most advanced built-in protection tools. In the shell MIUI and new HyperOS the antispam functionality is placed in a separate system application that works autonomously. You can find it through the standard “Security” application, which is preinstalled on all brand devices. This is a comprehensive control center, which also includes memory cleaning and virus checking.
The algorithm for accessing the settings is quite simple, but has its own characteristics in different firmware versions. First, launch the application Security and scroll down the screen to the tools block. There you will find an icon with the name Antispam. By clicking on it, you will be taken to the menu for managing the blacklist and blocking settings. Here you can set rules for calls and SMS separately from each other.
- 📞 Blocking by keywords: allows you to filter out SMS containing certain phrases, for example, “credit” or “winning.”
- 🚫 Banning hidden numbers: automatically rejects calls from subscribers hiding their ID.
- 📋 Black list: manually adding specific numbers that you want to get rid of forever.
- 🌏 Cloud database: using updated lists of scammers and advertising agencies.
An important feature of MIUI is the ability to configure the antispam schedule. You can turn on Do Not Disturb mode at night, allowing calls only from contacts in your phone book. To do this, go to Settings → Sound and vibration → Do not disturb. This combination of settings provides maximum comfort and silence at the right time of day.
Do not forget to regularly update the antispam databases inside the Security application. Xiaomi developers release signature updates quite often, which allows them to block new fraud schemes. If the function does not work correctly, try clearing the security application cache through the system settings; this often solves problems with filters freezing.
Spam protection in Samsung One UI
Samsung smartphones use a proprietary shell One UI, which offers its own approach to call security. Here, settings are integrated directly into the Phone app and the device's general settings menu. Unlike Xiaomi, there is no separate application-combineer; all functions are distributed across logical blocks of the system. This makes the interface cleaner, but requires care when searching for the right items.
To enable basic protection, open the application Phone, click on the three dots in the corner of the screen and select Settings. Next, go to the Number identification and spam blockingsection. Activate the “Protection against spam and fraud” switch. The system will begin to check incoming numbers against the Hiya database, which is Samsung's partner in this matter. This allows you to identify suspicious calls in real time.
More in-depth settings are available through the main menu of the smartphone. Go to Settings → Lock screen and protection → Fraud protection. Here you can enable additional checking of links in messages and protection against phishing sites. The function works at the system level and warns the user when following dangerous links in the browser or instant messengers.
| Function | Where to find | Description of action |
|---|---|---|
| Spam blocking | Phone → Settings | Automatic rejection of calls from the Hiya database |
| Black list | Phone → Blocking numbers | Manually adding unwanted contacts |
| Fraud protection | Settings → Protection | Warning about phishing sites and calls |
| Blocking unknowns | Settings → Blocking | Blocking calls from numbers not in your contacts |
⚠️ Attention: Enabling the “Block all unknown numbers” feature may cause you to miss important calls from couriers, doctors or delivery services that are not saved in your address book. Use this option with caution.
Users of Samsung's flagship models also have access to advanced AI features for triaging calls. Bixby Assistant can automatically answer suspicious calls and transcribe the caller's speech into text. This allows you to understand the essence of the call without picking up the phone and make a decision about further blocking.
Specifics of ColorOS, OxygenOS and other shells
The brands Oppo, Realme and OnePlus use shells based on ColorOS and OxygenOS, which have a similar security menu structure. In these systems, antispam functions are often combined with a telephony manager. You can find them by opening the Phone Manager or SIM Card Manager application. Visually, this section looks like a set of tools for optimizing communication and blocking unwanted content.
Inside the dispatcher, select Blocking or Blacklist. Here you will see tabs for calls and messages. The system allows you to import block lists from other sources, which is convenient when changing devices. Also available is the "Block by beginning of number" function, which is useful for filtering out calls from certain area codes or mobile operators known for spam mailings.
Secret import function
Some versions of ColorOS hide the ability to import blacklists via a .vcf file. To do this, you need to create a contact with a name starting with a special lock character and import it into the phone book.
Particular attention should be paid to the spam notification settings. By default, the system can simply drop the call without notifying the user. If you want to control the process, go to Settings → Notifications and control panel → Blocking and enable the display of notifications about blocked events. This will help you analyze the activity of spammers and, if necessary, adjust the filter settings.
In the latest OxygenOS updates, there is a tendency to move closer to pure Android, so some menu items may move to the standard Phone application. If you do not find the section in the "Dispatcher", check the call settings in the system drawer. The logic of the database operation remains the same - a combination of local rules and cloud checks is used.
Setting up smart filters and keywords
Modern protection systems allow you to block not only specific numbers, but also entire categories of messages based on content. This feature is called keyword filtering and is a powerful tool against SMS spam. You can find this setting in the message management section or in the antispam application, depending on the phone model.
To configure, go to the blocking menu and find the item Message Filter or Keywords. Here you can add terms, the presence of which in the text of the message will lead to its automatic deletion or moving to the Spam folder. Typical examples of such words: “bet”, “casino”, “credit”, “free”, “winning”. The system is case sensitive, so it is better to add words in lower case.
- 🔍 Exact match: blocks messages containing the entire word.
- 🧩 Part of a word: screens out messages where the word is part of another phrase.
- 📝 Regular expressions: for advanced users, allows you to set complex search patterns.
It is important not to overdo it with the number of keywords words A filter that is too aggressive can block useful notifications from banks or delivery services if their messages accidentally contain a safe word. It is recommended to start with a minimum set and expand it only as necessary, monitoring the folder of blocked messages.
☑️ Setting up a smart filter
⚠️ Attention: The interfaces of mobile operating systems are regularly updated. The layout of menu items may change after a major firmware update. If you do not find the described path, use the search in your phone settings by entering the word “spam” or “blocking.”
Third-party solutions and integration with operators
If the built-in tools are not enough or are missing in your model, third-party applications come to the rescue. Stores Google Play and Galaxy Store offer dozens of solutions, such as Kaspersky Who Calls, NumBuster or Call Blocker. These applications often have larger databases than standard system tools, as they collect information from millions of users around the world.
When installing such an application, the system will ask for permission to manage calls and access contacts. This is a mandatory requirement for the filter to work correctly. Once configured, third-party antispam will intercept incoming calls and check them against its database before the phone starts ringing. In most cases, this happens unnoticed by the user, except in the case of blocking.
In addition, many mobile operators provide their own anti-spam services. For example, Antispam from MTS, Beeline or Megafon. Activation of such services is usually carried out through a USSD command or the operator’s personal account. The advantage of this method is that filtering occurs on the network side, and the spam call does not even reach your device, saving battery power.
*102*2# - Example of a protection activation command (depending on the operator)Using a combined approach gives the best result. Built-in antispam filters out obvious garbage, a third-party application catches complex cases, and the operator’s service blocks mass calls at the network level. Such multi-level defense practically guarantees silence on your phone.
The combination of built-in Android tools, third-party applications and telecom operator services creates the most reliable barrier against spam attacks of any level of complexity.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why does antispam miss some advertising calls?
This happens because spammers constantly change phone numbers. The databases are updated with some delay, and new numbers have not yet been flagged as suspicious. Also, some calls can be made from spoofing numbers, which are disguised as regular landline or mobile numbers.
Is it possible to completely block all calls from unknown numbers?
Yes, in the phone settings there is a “Block all unknown” or “Contacts only” function. When activated, the phone will only receive calls from numbers stored in your address book. All other calls will be automatically dropped.
Does antispam work affect the battery charge?
Modern algorithms are optimized in such a way that energy consumption is minimal. Verification of numbers occurs quickly and does not require constant active operation of the processor. However, installing several heavy third-party applications at the same time can significantly reduce battery life.
Where can I see the history of blocked calls?
The history is usually located in the same section where you set up antispam. Look for the “Block Log”, “Black List” or “History” tab. It displays the time, number and reason for blocking each rejected call or message.
Is it safe to provide access to contacts to antispam applications?
Most popular applications from well-known developers comply with the privacy policy and use the data only for verification. However, it is always worth reading the license agreement. If the application requires unnecessary permissions (for example, access to the camera for anti-spam operation), it is better to refrain from installing it.