Spam messages have become a real scourge for mobile device users, turning notifications into an endless stream of advertising, phishing links and intrusive offers. Every owner of a smartphone based Android faces the need to put things in order in the inbox so as not to miss really important notifications from banks or loved ones. Fortunately, modern operating systems offer powerful built-in tools for filtering unwanted content without installing additional software.
In this article we will look in detail at how to enable anti-spam SMS on Android, using standard Google capabilities and manufacturer settings. You'll learn how smart filtering works, what hidden blocking codes exist, and why sometimes it's worth turning to third-party solutions. Properly setting up protection will allow you to forget about annoying mailings and increase the overall security of your device.
Standard features of Google Messages
Most modern smartphones use the application Google Messages as the default client. This app already has a built-in security mechanism that automatically scans incoming texts for signs of fraud. To activate this feature, you need to go to the application settings through the menu with three dots in the upper right corner of the screen.
In the section Spam protection you will find a switch that needs to be switched to the active position. Once enabled, the system will begin to automatically move suspicious messages to a separate “Spam and Blocked” folder. It is important to note that the algorithms Google are constantly updated, analyzing new deception schemes, which makes this method one of the most effective today.
However, automatic filtering is not always ideal. Sometimes legitimate messages from delivery services or notification services may be quarantined. Therefore, it is recommended that you check your spam folder periodically to ensure that nothing important has been missed. You can also manually add numbers to the blacklist if the automation missed the annoying sender.
Check your Spam folder periodically, as confirmation codes from banks or notifications from courier services may accidentally end up there.
⚠️ Attention: Enabling filtering does not guarantee 100% protection. Fraudsters constantly change the numbers and texts of messages, so it is critical not to click on links from unknown senders, even if they have not been marked as spam.
Blocking settings in the manufacturer’s interface
In addition to standard solutions from Google, many smartphone manufacturers, such as Xiaomi, Samsung and Huawei, implement their own security systems in operating system shell. These tools are often even more flexible than the basic settings, allowing you to create complex filtering rules. You can usually find them in the general phone settings menu in the “Security” or “Applications” section.
On devices MIUI from Xiaomi, the blocking is configured very deeply: you can select the “Only from contacts”, “Black list” or “Smart filter” mode. The latter option analyzes a database of user complaints and blocks numbers that send out mass advertisements. To activate, go to the “Security” application, select “Antispam” and configure the settings to suit your needs.
Owners of smartphones Samsung with the One UI shell also have access to a powerful filter. In your message settings, you can enable the Spam Message and Call Filter feature, which uses databases from partners like Hiya. This allows you to block calls and SMS from telemarketers even before they disturb the user. The interface is intuitive and does not require deep technical knowledge.
☑️ Setting up the built-in filter
Using forwarding codes and USSD requests
One of the radical but effective methods of combating spam is the use of special USSD codes provided by mobile operators. These commands allow you to redirect messages from specific numbers or block mailing services at the network level without affecting the settings of the phone itself. This approach is especially useful when the smartphone's built-in antispam cannot cope with the volume of incoming garbage.
Each major telecom operator has its own unique commands for managing blocking services. For example, to disable paid subscriptions and newsletters, combinations like *100# or *111*26#are often used. The exact codes depend on your tariff plan and region, so you need to check them in your personal account or with the support service of your telecom operator.
Below is a table with popular commands for major operators that can help in the fight against inappropriate content. Remember that the USSD menu interface may change, and some services may be paid or require confirmation via SMS.
| Operator | Service verification command | Spam blocking command | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| MTS | *111*930# |
*111*930*1# |
Antispam Service |
| Beeline | *110*770# |
*110*770*1# |
Spam Protection |
| MegaFon | *152# |
*152*1# |
Antispam Service |
| Tele2 | *155# |
*155*02# |
Blacklist |
Using network filters has one undeniable advantage: spam is blocked before it reaches your device, saving battery power and mobile traffic. However, it is worth considering that some operators charge a subscription fee for premium security features. Before activation, carefully read the tariff conditions in your operator's application.
What to do if the code does not work?
If the USSD command gives an error, the service may already be activated, your tariff does not support this function, or the code is outdated. Try going to the operator’s official application and find the “Services” section to manage blocking through a graphical interface.
Third-party applications for advanced filtering
If the built-in system tools and operator services do not give the desired result, specialized applications from the store come to the rescue. Google Play. apps such as Truecaller, Mr. Number or Call Blockerhave extensive databases of numbers, which are replenished by users themselves around the world. This allows you to identify and block even new spammers who have not yet been included in official blacklists.
When installing such software, you must grant the application permissions to access contacts, call logs and SMS. This is necessary for the correct operation of identification algorithms. Once configured, you can not only block messages, but also see the name of the caller, even if it is not in your address book. Some apps also offer a "Silence for Unknown" feature, which sends all calls from unknown numbers directly to an answering machine.
However, using third-party solutions requires caution. Providing access to personal correspondence to third parties always carries potential risks of data leakage. It is recommended to choose only trusted applications with high ratings and a large number of downloads, carefully reading the developer's privacy policy before installation.
⚠️ Attention: Avoid installing little-known “cleaners” and “boosters” that promise miraculous protection. Often, such apps themselves are a source of advertising and can slow down your smartphone.
Third-party applications are more effective than built-in filters due to a global base of user complaints, but require broad permissions to access data.
Manual management of the blacklist and exceptions
No automatic system works perfectly, so manual management of the blacklist remains an important skill for each user. You can block a specific number directly from your message history or through your contact settings. On Android, this is done by simply long-pressing on a message from an unwanted sender and then selecting “Block.”
Particular attention should be paid to setting up exceptions, or “white list”. It is worth adding the numbers of emergency services, banks, work and close relatives to this list. Messages from these contacts will be delivered immediately, even if Do Not Disturb or hard filtering of all incoming traffic is enabled. This will ensure that you do not miss critical information in an emergency.
To add a number to exceptions, go to the blocking settings, find the “Allowed contacts” section and select the desired entries from the phone book. Some shells also allow you to allow messages from all contacts, which is a broader setting but less secure since an attacker could gain access to your phone and save your contacts.
Regular cleaning of the blacklist is also useful. Over time, old numbers may accumulate there, which have already been resold to other people or used by legal organizations. Deleting outdated entries will help you avoid situations where you ignore important calls from new number owners or changed services.
How to unblock a number by accident?
If you accidentally blocked an important number, go to the message settings, section "Blocked numbers", find the desired contact in the list and click "Unblock" or the trash can icon next to it.
Prevention and digital hygiene
Enabling technical means of protection is only half the battle. The other half is practicing good digital hygiene to prevent your number from being included in spammers' databases. Never respond to suspicious messages, even with the simple word “Stop” or “Enough,” as this confirms the activity of your number and provokes new attacks.
Be extremely careful when registering on dubious sites, participating in online surveys or prize draws. Often this is where your phone number is collected for subsequent sale to marketing agencies. Use temporary numbers or virtual mailboxes to register on resources that you do not trust 100%.
It is also recommended to disable message previews on the lock screen. This won't prevent you from receiving spam, but it will protect you from accidentally clicking on malicious links if your phone ends up in the hands of a child or if you take it out of your pocket in a hurry. Configure the display of notifications so that the contents of SMS are visible only after the device is unlocked.
⚠️ Attention: Settings interfaces and menu item names may differ depending on the version of Android and the model of your smartphone. If you do not find the option described, use a search in your phone settings by entering the keyword “spam” or “blocking.”
Use the Do Not Disturb feature at night, setting it to allow calls and messages only from selected contacts. This will ensure you a restful sleep without unnecessary notifications.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Will you receive notifications about blocked messages?
Usually blocked messages do not sound and do not appear in the top notification bar. They are quietly moved to a special Spam or Blocked folder inside the Messages app. You will see them only if you specifically go to this section.
Is it possible to completely disable receiving SMS from all unknown numbers?
Yes, in the settings of most messaging applications there is a “Filter unknown senders” or “Contacts only” mode. When you enable this option, all messages from numbers that are not in your phone book will be automatically blocked.
Does blocking SMS affect the operation of bank notifications?
If you use an automatic filter, there is a small risk that a short message from the bank will end up in spam. To avoid this, be sure to add the official short numbers of your bank to your contacts or to the list of exceptions (white list).
Do you need to pay for built-in antispam on Android?
No, the built-in blocking functions in the Google Messages application and Android system settings are completely free. Only additional services from mobile telecom operators that block spam at the network level can be paid.
What to do if a spammer changes numbers?
If a spammer constantly changes numbers, manual blocking is ineffective. In this case, it is best to use applications with cloud databases (for example, Truecaller) or activate the Antispam service from your mobile operator, which filters traffic before it reaches the phone.