Every day, dozens of unwanted calls are received on users’ smartphones - from spammers, scammers or simply unfamiliar numbers. According to data Kaspersky for 2023, more than 40% of device owners encountered telephone fraud at least once a month. One of the most effective ways to protect against such calls is to configure the reception of calls Android-devices experienced phone scams at least once a month. One of the most effective ways to protect against such calls is to set up call reception only from the contact list.

In this article you will find detailed instructions for different versions Android and popular manufacturers (Samsung, Xiaomi, Google Pixel, Huawei), as well as alternative methods of filtering incoming calls. We will analyze both standard functions of the system and third-party applications that will help you fully control who can call you. We will pay special attention to the nuances of the function on different firmware and possible limitations.

Why it is worth limiting incoming calls to contacts only

The main reason is fraud protection. According to statistics Truecaller, in 2026, every fifth call from an unknown number in Russia was fraudulent. Among the most common schemes:

  • 📞 "Calls from the bank" - attackers pose as bank employees and ask to confirm transactions or call codes from SMS.
  • 💰 "You have won a prize" - offers to receive gifts or money for a small commission.
  • 🛡️ "Your account is blocked" - imitation of calls from support services of social networks or government services.
  • 📱 "Technical support" - requirements to provide access to the device to "eliminate viruses."

In addition to security, call filtering helps:

  • ⏳ Save time - do not waste minutes checking every unknown number.
  • 🧠 Reduce stress - many users experience anxiety when they see an unfamiliar incoming number.
  • 📵 Avoid random responses - for example, when the phone is in a pocket or bag.

However, the method also has a downside: you may miss an important call from a new client, a doctor or a delivery service whose number has not yet been saved. Therefore, before setting up, you should assess how critical the risk of missing such a call is for you.

📊 How often do you get calls from unknown numbers?
Daily
Several times a week
Sharply, 1-2 times a month
Almost never

Standard setup methods in Android

Most modern smartphones Android have built-in functions for filtering incoming messages. Setting methods depend on the version of the operating system and the manufacturer's shell. Let's look at universal methods that work on most devices.

Method 1: Using the "Contacts Only" function in the phone settings

This method is suitable for Android 9.0 Pie and newer. Instructions:

  1. Open the application Phone (usually the handset icon).
  2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Settings.
  3. Go to the section Number blocking or Spam filtering (the name may differ).
  4. Activate the option Unknown numbers or Contacts only.
  5. In some firmware (MIUI, One UI) you need to additionally enable Unknown blocking.

On Google Pixel and a clean Android path may look like this: Phone → Settings → Spam and calls → Call filters → Unknown. Once activated, all calls from numbers not in your phone book will be automatically rejected or sent to voicemail.

Save important numbers to contacts

Check that you have contact syncing enabled with Google

Make sure your phone has enough charge (setup may require a reboot)

Make a backup copy of your contacts in case of failure-->

Method 2: Setting up via "Not disturb"

Mode Do not disturb (Do Not Disturb, DND) allows you to flexibly control who can call you. To set it up to receive calls only from contacts:

  1. Open Settings phone.
  2. Go to Sound and vibration → Do not disturb.
  3. Select Calls or Exceptions.
  4. Set parameter Only contacts or Favorite contacts.
  5. Activate the mode Do not disturb manually or according to a schedule.

The advantage of this method is the ability to set a schedule (for example, block all calls at night, except contacts) or allow repeated calls from one number within 15 minutes (in case of emergency calls).

⚠️ Attention: On some devices (Huawei, Honor), the mode Do not disturb can completely block all notifications, not just calls. Before setting up, check the behavior of the function in the section Exceptions.

Smartphone manufacturers often modify standard functions Android, adding your own solutions for filtering calls. Let's look at the nuances for the most common brands.

Samsung (One UI)

On devices Samsung Galaxy with a shell One UI (versions 3.1 and later) advanced blocking settings are available:

  1. Open the application Phone.
  2. Click on the three dots → Settings → Blocking numbers.
  3. Enable Block unknown/hidden numbers.
  4. For additional protection, activate Blocking spam and fraud (uses database Samsung and Hiya).

On devices with One UI 5.0+ (for example Galaxy S23) the "Fraud Protection" function has appeared, which automatically detects suspicious calls and sends them to spam, even if the number is not hidden.

Xiaomi (MIUI)

In the firmware MIUI (versions 12–14) the path to the settings is as follows:

  1. Run Phone → Settings (gear icon).
  2. Select Blocking and filtering.
  3. Activate Unknown numbers filter.
  4. Enable Blocking hidden numbers and Spam blocking.

Feature Xiaomi - integration with the service Truecaller (if it is installed). In this case, the system can block not only unknown numbers, but also numbers marked by the community as spam.

Google Pixel (Stock Android)

On the “clean” Android (devices Pixel, Android One) uses built-in anti-spam protection:

  1. Open Phone → Settings → Spam and calls.
  2. Enable Spam filter i Verify numbers.
  3. Activate Filter unknown calls.

The system automatically detects potentially dangerous numbers and offers to reject a call marked "Suspicious spam call". At the same time, real contacts are processed without restrictions.

Huawei and Honor (EMUI/Magic UI)

On smartphones Huawei i Honor path to settings:

  1. Phone → Settings → Blocking and filtering.
  2. Enable Blocking unknown numbers.
  3. Additionally activate Spam Filter (uses database Huawei).

B EMUI 13+ The "Private Mode" function has appeared, which allows you to hide notifications of missed calls from blocked numbers.

Brand Path to settings Additional functions
Samsung Phone → Settings → Blocking numbers Fraud protection, integration with Hiya
Xiaomi Phone → Settings → Blocking and filtering Truecaller support, hidden number filter
Google Pixel Phone → Settings → Spam and calls Check Google numbers, filter unknown
Huawei Phone → Settings → Blocking and filtering Private mode, own spam database
⚠️ Attention: On some devices (Meizu, Oppo, Realme) standard settings may be missing. In this case, it is recommended to use third-party applications (see the next section).

Third-party applications for filtering calls

If the built-in functions of your smartphone are not flexible enough, you can use specialized applications. They offer advanced features, such as:

  • 🔍 Checking numbers in global spam databases.
  • 📊 Statistics of incoming calls.
  • 🛡️ Creating white/black lists.
  • 📞 Automatic rejection according to specified rules.

Truecaller

Truecaller is one of the most popular applications for identifying and blocking spam. After installation:

  1. Register (phone number required).
  2. Enable Spam blocking in settings.
  3. Activate Contacts only in the section Call filters.

The application automatically detects spammers and scammers, and also allows you to manually add numbers to the black list.

Hiya

Hiya (formerly Whitepages) specializes in blocking fraudulent calls. Features:

  • 🔄 Daily update of the spam number database.
  • 📋 Ability to create your own filtering rules.
  • 🌍 Operates in 200+ countries.

To configure:

  1. Install the application from Google Play.
  2. Give access to calls and contacts.
  3. Enable Spam protection and configure filters.

Should I Answer?

This application It has a simple interface and high accuracy in spam detection. After installation:

  1. Activate Automatic blocking.
  2. In settings, select Allow contacts only.
  3. If necessary, add exceptions (for example, emergency numbers services).

Advantage Should I Answer? - minimal battery consumption and no advertising in the free version.

💡

Before installing third-party applications, check reviews and ratings on Google Play. Some call blocking apps may collect unnecessary data or show intrusive advertising.

What to do if an important call is missed

Even with the most careful settings, there is a risk of missing an important call. For example, if you receive a call from a new delivery service or doctor number. Here's how to minimize the impact:

  • 📥 Check your voicemail. On most devices, missed calls from unknown numbers can leave voicemails. To listen to them, dial *100# (for MTS, Beeline, MegaFon) or use the operator's application.
  • 🔄 Set up exceptions. In Do not disturb or call filters mode, you can allow repeated calls from one number within 15 minutes. This is useful for emergencies.
  • 📋 Keep a log of important numbers. If you are expecting a call from a new contact (for example, a realtor or employer), temporarily add their number to exceptions.

Some smartphones (Samsung, Google Pixel) have the “Log of missed calls from blocked numbers” function. It allows you to see who tried to call without completely unblocking the number. To enable it:

  1. Go to Phone → Settings → Blocking numbers.
  2. Activate Show missed calls from blocked ones.
⚠️ Attention: If you use Dual SIM smartphone, call filtering settings can be applied separately for each SIM card. Check the settings for both numbers to avoid missing numbers.

How to check if filtering is working

After configuration, it is important to make sure that the system correctly blocks unknown numbers. Here's how to do it:

  1. Test call mode. Ask a friend to call you from a number that is not in your contacts. Make sure that the call is either rejected automatically or is not accompanied by a sound signal (in Do not disturb).
  2. Checking the log. After the test call, open Call log and make sure that the unknown number is marked as blocked or missed.
  3. Settings notifications. If you use the Do not disturbmode, check whether notifications about missed calls from contacts appear (they should arrive, but not from unknown ones).

On devices with Android 12+ you can use the built-in diagnostic function:

  1. Open Settings → System → Diagnostics.
  2. Select Test calls (not available on all devices).
  3. Follow the instructions to simulate an incoming call.

If filtering does not work:

  • Make sure that the application Phone has all the necessary permissions (Settings → Applications → Phone → Permissions).
  • Check if third-party blocking software conflicts with system settings.
  • Update your phone firmware to the latest version.
Why filtering may not work?

On some devices (especially with custom firmware), system applications can be modified, which leads to malfunctions of standard functions. Also, the problem may arise due to:

- Lack of permissions for the "Phone" application.

- Conflict with other blocking apps (for example, antiviruses with an anti-spam function).

- Outdated version of Android (below 9.0), where there are no built-in filters.

In this case, it is recommended use third-party applications such as Truecaller or Hiya.

Alternative ways to protect against spam

If blocking unknown numbers seems too drastic a measure, consider alternative methods:

  • 📵 Black list. Manually add spam numbers to the block as they come in. This is less reliable, but allows you to receive calls. from new contacts.
  • 🔍 Identification. caller. Applications like Truecaller or GetContact show the name of the caller, even if the number is not saved. This helps you decide whether to answer or not.
  • 📞 Redirection to voice mail. Set up forwarding of unknown calls to an answering machine (available from telecom operators).
  • 🛡️ Operator services. Many operators (MTS, Beeline, Tele2) offer paid or free anti-spam services. For example, "Antispam" from MegaFon blocks up to 90% of fraudulent calls.

To activate operator protection:

  • Send a USSD command (for example, *111*789# for MTS).
  • Or enable the service in personal account on the operator’s website.

The advantage of operator solutions is that they work at the network level, so they block spam even before the call reaches your phone. However, they can be paid (from 30 to 100 rubles per month).

Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

When setting up filtering. calls, users often encounter typical problems. Here are the most common of them and ways to solve them:

Problem Cause Solution
Calls from contacts are also blocked Wrong mode is configured Do not disturb Check exceptions in the DND settings
Unknown calls are coming through The filtering function is disabled or there is a conflict with other software Reboot the phone, check permissions
No notifications about missed calls Notifications are disabled in the phone settings Enable Notifications about missed appointments in the section Sound
Battery drains quickly A third-party blocking application runs in the background Limit background activity in the battery settings

Another common mistake is ignoring updates. Manufacturers regularly improve their spam blocking algorithms, so it is important to update both your phone's firmware and filtering applications. For example, Android 14 a function has appeared Advanced anti-spam protectionthat analyzes the behavior of the caller before answering.

Also, users sometimes forget that the settings filtering Do not apply to emergency numbers (112, 102, 103, etc.). These calls always go through, regardless of the blocking settings.

💡

Before setting up call filtering, always check whether the numbers of important services (bank, doctor, school, etc.) are saved in your contacts. Otherwise, their calls will also be blocked.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Can I allow calls only from selected contacts, and not from all?

Yes, in Do not disturb (DND) mode you can select the option Only selected contacts. To do this:

  1. Open Settings → Sound → Do not disturb → Calls.
  2. Select Favorite contacts.
  3. Add the desired numbers to favorites in the application Contact.

On Samsung this option may be called Important only contacts.

Will calls from hidden numbers be blocked?

Yes, if you have enabled the option Block hidden numbers in the phone settings. Hidden numbers (where “Unknown” or “Private number” is displayed instead of numbers) are automatically filtered. The exception is emergency services.

How to unblock a number if I accidentally added it to the black list?

To remove a number from blocking:

  1. Open Phone → Settings → Blocking numbers.
  2. Find the blocked number in the list.
  3. Click on the cross or button Unblock.

On Xiaomi the path may look like this: Phone → Settings → Blocking and filtering → Blacklist.

Does blocking unknown numbers work in roaming?

Yes, filtering settings are applied regardless of your location or telecom operator. However, when roaming, there may be delays in identifying spam numbers due to the peculiarities of local networks.

If you notice that blocking works worse when roaming, try:

  • Disable and re-enable the mode Do not disturb.
  • Use third-party applications (for example Truecaller), which work via the Internet.
Is it possible to set up different rules for different SIM cards?

On most dual-SIM smartphones, filtering settings are applied to all SIM cards at the same time. However, some firmware (for example, MIUI on Xiaomi) allow you to configure rules separately for each card:

  1. Open Phone → Settings → Blocking and filtering.
  2. Select SIM card at the top of the screen.
  3. Configure filters for each number separately.

If this option is not available, use third-party applications that support Dual SIM.