Spam calls, scammers and intrusive advertising robots have become a real problem for smartphone owners. According to statistics Kaspersky, in 2023, every third user Android received at least one fraudulent call per month. The solution is simple: limit incoming calls only to numbers from your address book. This will not only get rid of spam, but also increase privacy.

In this article you will find unique methods for setting up Android to block all incoming calls, except saved contacts from standard functions to third-party applications with advanced capabilities. We will look at solutions for different versions Android (from Android 9 Pie to Android 14) and popular shells: Samsung One UI, Xiaomi MIUI, Oppo ColorOS and clean Android from Google Pixel. We'll also figure out how to bypass operator restrictions and avoid false positives.

Why standard blocking of unknown numbers does not work

Many users try to enable the "Block unknown numbers" option in the phone settings, but are faced with the fact that that spam calls continue to arrive. The reason lies in the mechanism of operation of this function:

  • 📱 Limited coverage: Standard blocking often misses numbers that were at least once in your call history (even if you did not answer).
  • 🔄 Bypassing through number substitution: Fraudsters use spoofing (caller ID substitution), showing random numbers or even bank numbers instead of a real number.
  • 📞 Exceptions for services: Emergency numbers (112, 911) and some service centers bypass blocking by default.

Moreover, on some firmware (for example, MIUI 13 and below), the function of blocking unknown numbers is unstable due to errors in the spam recognition algorithm. As a result, users receive notifications of missed calls from blocked numbers, which defeats the whole purpose of the restriction.

📊 How often do spammers call you?
Daily
Several times a week
Rarely
Never

Method 1: Built-in Android settings (without third-party applications)

Starting from Android 9 Pie, call filtering tools are integrated into the system. However, their location and functionality depend on the smartphone manufacturer. Below are universal instructions taking into account the features of popular shells.

For clean Android (for example, on Google Pixel or Motorola):

  1. Open the application Phone (usually with a handset icon).
  2. Tap on the three dots in the upper right corner → Settings → Blocking numbers.
  3. Activate the switch Unknown numbers.
  4. In the section Additional select Contacts only (if the option is available).

For Samsung One UI (galaxies S22, S23 etc.):

  1. Run Phone → ⋮ → Settings → Block numbers.
  2. Enable Block unknown numbers.
  3. Go to Call settings → Additional services → Call restriction.
  4. Select Only contacts from the allowed list.

Is blocking unknown numbers enabled?

Is Contacts Only mode activated?

Are exceptions checked for emergency services?

Are contacts synced with your Google account?

-->

Important: On some devices (for example Xiaomi Redmi Note 11), the "Contacts only" option may not be available. In this case, use method 3 (third-party applications) or configure Do not disturb (method 2).

⚠️ Attention: On firmware with pre-installed operator services (for example, MTS or Beeline), standard blocking may conflict with their logic. Before setting up, disable operator applications. in Settings → Applications.

Method 2: Do Not Disturb mode with exceptions

If your version Android does not have a direct option to block everything except contacts, you can use the Do not disturb (DND) mode with flexible settings. This method works on 90% of devices, including Huawei EMUI and Realme UI.

Instructions:

  1. Go to Settings → Sound → Do Not Disturb.
  2. Turn on the mode and select Customize.
  3. In section Calls install Contacts only or Repeated calls (if you want to skip the second call from one number within 15 minutes).
  4. Disable notifications from all applications except Phone and Contact.

The advantage of this method is the possibility of flexible settings:

  • 🔔 You can allow calls from Favorite contacts even in DND mode.
  • 📅 Set up a schedule (for example, block all calls at night).
  • 🚨 Add exceptions for emergency numbers (112, 102, etc.).
Firmware Supports "Only contacts" in DND? Features
Pure Android (Pixel, Motorola) Yes Maximum flexibility in settings for repeat calls
Samsung One UI Yes Additional option "Allow calls from" with a selection of contact groups
Xiaomi MIUI Partially (depending on the version) In MIUI 14+ it works stably, in older versions it may reset
Huawei EMUI No Only blocking everyone or allowing everyone

Nuance: On Huawei and some models Meizu DND mode does not block calls completely, but only mutes the sound. To solve this problem, combine DND with standard blocking of unknown numbers (method 1).

💡

If after activation DND notifications from instant messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram) have disappeared, add them to exceptions in the section Settings → Do not disturb → Applications

Method 3: Third-party applications for advanced filtering

If the built-in tools do not cope, use specialized applications. offer:

  • 🔍 Extended black lists with support for regular expressions (for example, blocking all numbers with the prefix +375).
  • 📊 Statistics calls divided into spam, scammers and legitimate numbers.
  • 🌍 Cloud spam databasesupdated in real time (for example, from Kaspersky or Hiya).

Top 3 applications for blocking calls:

Application Features Cons
Truecaller The largest database of spam numbers (more than 500 million users), identification of unfamiliar numbers Requires registration, collects contact data
Hiya Blocking by category (scammers, telemarketing), integration with operators Advertising in the free version
Should I Answer? Offline work, manual filter settings, no contact collection Smaller spam base than competitors

Instructions for Truecaller (most popular option):

  1. Install the application from Google Play and complete registration.
  2. In the main menu, select Blocking → Blocking settings.
  3. Activate the options:
    • Block hidden numbers
    • Block spam
    • Block all numbers except contacts
  • In the section Exceptions add numbers that should go through even if they are not in contacts (for example, bank support service).
    • ⚠️ Attention: Applications like Truecaller requesting access to your contacts and call history. If privacy is critical, use Should I Answer? —it works locally, without sending data to servers.
    How to check what data Truecaller collects?

    Open Settings → Privacy → Permissions and look at the access list. Truecaller requests:

    - Contacts (for identifying incoming calls)

    - Call log (for blocking spam)

    - Storage (for backup copies)

    - Microphone (for voice search)

    To limit data collection, disable contact synchronization in the Truecaller account settings.

    Method 4: Setup through an operator (for MTS, Beeline, Megafon, Tele2 subscribers)

    Russian operators offer spam call filtering services, but their effectiveness varies. For example, MTS blocks up to 70% of fraudulent calls, and Tele2 blocks about 40%. To activate filtering:

    • 📱 MTS: Send an SMS with the text PROTECTION to the number 111 or activate in your personal account.
    • 📱 Beeline: Activate the "Antispam" service via USSD-command: *110*789#.
    • 📱 Megafon: Enable "Spam Protection" in the application My Megafon.
    • 📱 Tele2: Activate "Antispam" through *225#.

    However, operator solutions have substantial restrictions:

    • ❌ Do not block numbers that have been in your history at least once (even if it was a missed spam call).
    • ❌ Do not work for international numbers (for example, +375, +380).
    • ❌ Can block legitimate calls from delivery services or banks.

    For maximum protection, combine operator filtering with method 1 or 3. For example:

    1. Activate antispam with the operator (blocks mass mailings).
    2. Set up the "Contacts Only" mode on your phone (blocks other numbers).
    ⚠️ Attention: Operator services may be paid (for example, Beeline charges 3 rubles/day for “Antispam”). Check the tariffs in your personal account - they change frequently.

    How to avoid false positives and not miss important calls

    The main risk when blocking all non-contact numbers is to miss an important call (for example, from doctor, courier or new client). To prevent this from happening:

    • 📋 Regularly update your address book. Add numbers there:
      • Delivery services (SDEK, Boxberry, Russian Post).
      • Banking support services (check the numbers at the official sites).
      • Employers or partners (if you are waiting for an important call).
    • 🔔 Use "White". list" in blocking applications. Add numbers that can call from unknown lines (for example, +7 495 XXX-XX-XX for Moscow organizations).
    • 📞 Set up forwarding to another number (for example, work) for missed calls: 
      *21*79XXXXXXXXX#

      (where 79XXXXXXXXX is your backup number). Cancel forwarding: #21#.

    If you often receive calls from new people (for example, at work), consider alternative solutions:

    • 📱 Second number: Use a virtual SIM (for example, Tinkoff Mobile or Yota) for work contacts.
    • 🔄 Conditional forwarding: Set up forwarding to an answering machine for unknown numbers (in Samsung: Settings → Additional services → Call forwarding).

    1. Are all important numbers saved in contacts?

    2. Are there “grey” numbers in the call history that may call again?

    3. Is forwarding to a backup number activated?

    -->

    What to do if calls still go through

    If after all the settings spam calls continue to arrive, there may be a problem in:

    Symptom Cause Solution
    Hidden numbers are calling (for example, "Unidentified") The operator does not block hidden caller IDs Use Should I Answer? with the "Block hidden numbers" option
    Calls from "banks" or "security services" Caller ID substitution (spoofing) Add real bank numbers to contacts (check on official websites)
    Calls are made at night, despite on DND Exceptions for repeated calls in DND Disable the "Repeated calls" option in DND settings
    Spam calls are displayed as missed Firmware error (often on Xiaomi) Update the software or use a third-party blocker

    For advanced users there is a radical method - blocking at the system level via Android-systems through ADB:

    1. Connect your phone to the PC and activate USB debugging in Settings → For Developers.
    2. Run the command: 
      adb shell settings put global block_unknown_callers 1

      This will force blocking of unknown numbers at the system level.

    Warning: Commands ADB may break the phone if used incorrectly. Before experiments, create a backup copy via Settings → System → Backup.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about call blocking

    Can blocked numbers leave voice messages?

    Yes, if you have your operator's voice mailbox activated. To disable this feature, contact the operator's support or deactivate the service via USSD command (for example, for MTS: *111*55#).

    How does blocking affect SMS?

    Standard call blocking does not affect SMS. To block messages from unknown people, use applications like Truecaller or set up filtering in instant messengers (for example, Google Messages there is a "Spam protection" option).

    Will blocking work in roaming?

    Yes, but the effectiveness depends on the roaming operator. Some foreign networks ignore blocking settings Android. In this case, only a third-party application with a cloud spam database will help (for example, Hiya).

    Is it possible to block all international calls?

    Yes, through applications like Should I Answer?:

    1. Open Settings → Filters → Blocking rules.
    2. Add a rule for prefixes (for example, +375, +380).
    3. Save and activate the filter.

    What to do if after blocking you stop receiving confirmation codes?

    Codes from Sberbank, Tinkoff or State services often come from short numbers (for example, 900, 2000) To avoid blocking them:

    • Add short numbers to exceptions (in the blocker or DND settings).
    • Use Google Messages for reception SMS codes - it processes service messages separately.