Every day, users’ smartphones receive dozens of calls from unfamiliar numbers - spammers, scammers or intrusive advertising services. According to data Kaspersky for 2023, more than 40% of subscribers encountered phishing calls masquerading as banks, government services or support services. Blocking such numbers not only saves time, but also protects against potential financial losses.

In this article you will find 5 proven methods set up blocking unwanted calls on any Android smartphone - from standard system tools to specialized applications. We will analyze in detail the features for popular brands (Samsung, Xiaomi, Google Pixel), explain how blocking works at the operator level, and warn against common mistakes that nullify protection. If you are tired of annoying “robots” offering a loan or “bank employees” demanding to name the code from SMS, this instruction is for you.

1. Built-in blocking in the standard “Phone” application

Most Android smartphones have a built-in number blocking function directly in the application Phone. This method does not require installation of additional software and works on all versions of the system starting from Android 6.0 Marshmallow. The main advantage is simplicity and integration with system call logs.

To block a number:

  • 📱 Open the application Phone (handset icon on the main screen).
  • 🔍 Go to the section Call log and find the unwanted number.
  • ➕ Click on the number, then select Block or Add to blacklist (the name may differ depending on the firmware).
  • ✅ Confirm the action in the window that appears.

On smartphones Samsung Galaxy the path may look like this: Phone → ⋮ (three dots) → Settings → Blocking numbers. Here you can manually add a number or import a list from contacts. In devices Xiaomi a similar function is hidden in Settings → Blocking and SPAM → Blacklist.

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If the blocked number begins with +7 or 8, add it to the blacklist in both formats - some spam systems bypass blocking by replacing the prefix.

⚠️ Attention: Built-in blocking does not protect against calls from hidden numbers (defined as Unknown or Private). They will require third-party solutions or operator services.

2. Using the Contacts application (Google Contacts)

If you use Google Contacts to synchronize your address book, blocking through this application is automatically applied to all devices linked to your account. This is convenient for users with several gadgets (for example, a smartphone + tablet).

Action algorithm:

  1. Open the application Contact (icon with a silhouette of a person).
  2. Find the desired number in the list or through a search.
  3. Tap on the contact, then press ⋮ → Block number.
  4. In the window that appears, select whether you also want to block SMS from this number.

Feature of the method: blocking via Google Contacts works even if the number is not saved in the phone book. Just enter it manually in the search field and block it. However, this method does not block calls from similar numbers (for example, if a spammer uses a pool of 100 similar combinations).

How to check blocked numbers in Google Contacts?

Open contacts.google.com → Settings (gear) → Manage locks. Here you can unblock numbers or add new ones.

3. Blocking through operator settings

Mobile operators (MTS, Beeline, MegaFon, Tele2) offer their own anti-spam services. Their key advantage is network-level blocking, which prevents calls from even reaching your smartphone. Disadvantage: the service may be paid or require connection via USSD commands.

Operator Service Cost How to connect
MTS "Spam protection" Free *111*769# or in your personal account
Beeline Antispam 30 ₽/month *110*789#
MegaFon "Stop Spam" Free *105*456#
Tele2 "Protection from Fraud" Free Through the "My" application Tele2"

Operator services are effective against mass mailings, but have limitations:

  • 🔄 They do not block numbers manually added to the black list on the phone (the systems work independently).
  • 📡 They can delay legitimate calls (for example, from delivery services or taxi).
  • 💳 Paid tariffs are automatically renewed - turn them off if you stop using them.
⚠️ Attention: Operator terms of service may change. Before connecting, check the current tariffs and rules in your personal account or through support. For example, MegaFon in 2026, he limited free blocking to 20 numbers per month.
📊 What operator do you have?
MTS
Beeline
MegaFon
Tele2
Other

4. Third-party applications for blocking spam

If built-in tools are not enough, specialized applications come to the rescue. They offer advanced features: databases of spam numbers, analysis of incoming calls in real time and even automatic blocking by category (for example, “credit”, “scammers”).

Top 3 tested applications:

  • 🛡️ Truecaller - identifies more than 80% of spam numbers, integrates with Google Drive for backup blacklist. Disadvantage: requires access to contacts.
  • 🔍 GetContact - shows how other users have flagged the number (for example, “Fraud: Bank”). Works offline after the first synchronization.
  • 📵 Hiya — blocks robocalls and fake government agency numbers. Supports Android Auto for protection in the car.

How to set up Truecaller:

  1. Download the application from Google Play and complete registration.
  2. Enable access permissions Contacts, Call log i SMS.
  3. Go to Settings → Blocking and activate the options:
    • "Block spam";
    • "Block hidden numbers";
    • "Block numbers not from contacts" (optional).

Synchronize contacts|Activate spam blocking|Enable notifications about suspicious numbers|Update spammer database-->

Important: Apps like Truecaller collect data about your contacts to create a general database of spammers. If privacy is critical, use offline solutions (such as Android's built-in lock).

5. Blocking hidden and international numbers

Numbers with a hidden identifier (displayed as Unknown, Private or Anonymous) are a favorite tool of scammers. Standard Android tools do not block them, but there are workarounds:

Method 1: Through USSD operator commands

  • 📞 For MTS: send an SMS with the text 1 to number 7777 (free).
  • 📞 For Beeline: dial *110*789*1#.
  • 📞 For MegaFon: activate the "AntiAnonymous" service through *130#.

Method 2: Applications that support hidden numbers

In Hiya or Should I Answer? there is an option “Block all hidden numbers”. Once activated, such calls will be automatically dropped. Please note that this may interfere with legitimate calls (for example, from taxi services or couriers).

Method 3: Setting up call routing (for advanced)

On some firmware (for example, MIUI from Xiaomi) you can create a rule redirecting hidden calls to a non-existent number:

**67*[non-existent_number]#

Where **67 is the caller ID blocking code. This method requires caution and testing!

⚠️ Attention: Blocking all hidden numbers may result in missing important calls (for example, from doctors or security services). We recommend that you first check which numbers are calling you in hidden mode using the call log.

6. Additional measures: two-factor verification and alternative numbers

If calls from scammers have become a systemic problem (for example, you are constantly calling “from the bank” asking for the code from SMS), consider comprehensive protection measures:

1. Virtual numbers for registration

Services like Google Voice (available in some countries) or Dingtone allow you to create a temporary number for registration on sites. The main number remains hidden from spam databases. Minus: not all services support Russian numbers.

2. Two-factor authentication (2FA) by call

Disable SMS confirmation where possible (for example, in Telegram or WhatsApp), and go to authentication applications (Google Authenticator, Authy). This will make calls “from support” asking for the code useless.

3. Alternative messengers for important contacts

Transfer communication with loved ones and colleagues to Signal, Telegram (with security check enabled) or WhatsApp with encryption. This will reduce dependence on phone calls.

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The combination of blocking numbers at the phone, operator and application level (for example, Truecaller + the Antispam service from Beeline) provides up to 95% protection from unwanted calls.

7. Typical mistakes and how to avoid them

Even after setting up blocking, users often encounter spam calls that continue to arrive. Here are the most common reasons and solutions:

Problem Cause Solution
Calls are coming from new numbers Spamers use a pool of thousands numbers Connect the spammer database (Truecaller, GetContact)
The blocking is reset after updating Resetting the Phone application settings Export the blacklist to a file before updating
Calls are processed as “Unknown” The operator does not transmit the identifier Activate the service of blocking hidden numbers with the operator
The application does not block calls No permissions Check your permission settings in Settings → Applications

Another common mistake is blocking only the last digit of the number. Spammers often change only the last 1–2 digits, so adding a mask +79XX12345** (where * is any digit) to the blacklist will be more effective than blocking each number separately. In applications like Truecaller this is called “pattern blocking”.

Also do not forget regularly updating the database of spam numbers in third-party applications. For example, in Should I Answer? this is done manually through Settings → Update database.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about blocking numbers

Is it possible to block all incoming calls, except contacts?

Yes, but not on all smartphones. On Google Pixel this is done through Settings → Security → Call blocking → Contacts only. Samsung you will need a third-party application, for example Call Blocker.

How do you know if a number is blocked? Will the caller hear beeps or a message?

Depends on the blocking method:

  • 📱 Built-in Android blocking: the caller will hear short beeps and automatic reset.
  • 📡 Operator blocking: usually the message “The subscriber is temporarily unavailable."
  • 🛡️ Third-party applications: can simulate a busy or disconnected phone.

Will SMS from blocked numbers be blocked?

Not always. In standard Android settings, blocking of calls and SMS is configured separately. In the application Messages from Google you can enable SMS blocking via Settings → Spam and blocking. Q Truecaller This option is activated when adding a number to the black list.

Is it possible to block numbers from a specific region (for example, +7 495)?

Yes, but only through third-party applications. In Call Blocker or Blacklist Plus there is a blocking function by prefix. For example, you can block all numbers starting with +7495 or +7800 (toll-free numbers).

What to do if blocking does not work on a dual-SIM phone?

On devices with two SIM cards, blocking can only apply to the main SIM. Solutions:

  • 🔄 Set up blocking separately for each SIM in the application Phone.
  • 📱 Use third-party applications (for example, Truecaller) that work independently of the SIM.
  • 📡 Activate the blocking service for both operators.