How to block unwanted calls and SMS on Android

The situation when smartphone is torn from calls from collectors, spam or intrusive offers is familiar to every owner of an Android device. This is not only annoying, but may also indicate that your number has been included in scammers’ databases. Fortunately, the operating system Android provides powerful built-in tools for filtering traffic, which are often underestimated by users.

In this article we will analyze all available protection methods, from standard phone settings to the use of specialized software and government services. You will learn how to configure blacklistand activate spam filtering through Google services and which applications are really worth installing for maximum security.

An integrated approach to solving the problem will allow you to forget about annoying notifications and focus on important communication. We will describe each step in detail so that even a beginner can set up his gadget in a few minutes without unnecessary difficulties.

Built-in locking functions in the Android system

The first thing worth checking is the capabilities that your phone already has. Manufacturers often add their own add-ons on top of the pure one, but the basic functionality remains similar. To begin, open the standard application Android, but the basic functionality remains similar. To get started, open the standard application Phone and find the menu button, usually these are three dots in the upper right corner.

In the list that opens, you need to select the item Settings, and then go to the section Blocking numbers. Here you will see a toggle for “Block unknown numbers”. Activating this function automatically ignores all subscribers who are not in your Contact book. This is a radical but effective method if spam attacks too often.

However, you should be careful: by enabling this option, you may miss an important call from a courier or doctor using a work number. A more flexible solution is to manually add specific numbers to the blacklist. To do this, just go to the call history, click on the unwanted number and select the option Block/Report spam.

⚠️ Attention: On smartphones of different brands (Xiaomi, Samsung, Huawei), the names of menu items may differ slightly. If you do not find the section you need, try searching within the system settings for “spam” or “blocking”.

Some shells, for example MIUI or OneUI, have extended spam databases that are updated automatically. Make sure that the option to download current databases is enabled in your blocking settings. This will allow the system to proactively identify and screen out calls from known fraudulent organizations before the phone starts ringing.

Use of caller ID and Google spam protection

Most modern smartphones have it pre-installed application Google Phone, which has one of the best protection algorithms. Caller ID and Anti-Spam uses a global database of millions of users around the world. Google Phone data-i="66">. You will be asked to enable two main options: caller ID display and automatic filtering of suspected spam.

To activate this protection, open the application Phone, go to Settings and select Caller ID and anti-spam protection. You will be asked to enable two main options: display caller ID and automatically filter out suspected spam.

When the feature is active, the phone will mark incoming calls in red in a color marked “Suspicious Spam” or the name of the organization if the number is on a public registry. You'll be able to see who's calling before you even decide to answer. In case of obvious spam, the call will be dropped automatically, and a corresponding entry will appear in the call log.

• 📱 Instant warning about potentially dangerous numbers.
• 🛡️ Automatic blocking of calls from the Google blacklist.
• 🌍 Using a global database updated in real time time.
• 🔒 Confidentiality: numbers are sent to Google servers only for verification.

It is important to understand that this function requires a stable Internet connection. If you are in an area with poor network reception, caller ID may be delayed or may not work at all. However, this is one of the most reliable ways filtering calls without installing third-party apps.

Third-party antispam applications: rating of the best solutions

If the built-in tools are not enough, specialized applications come to the rescue. The market is full of offers, but not all of them are effective and safe. We have identified several leaders that have proven their reliability in the fight against unwanted traffic.

One ​​of the most popular solutions is Kaspersky Who Calls. This application uses Kaspersky Lab databases and allows you not only to block calls, but also to determine the numbers of organizations. Another powerful tool is Yandex.Spam, which works great in the CIS regions and knows most local fraudulent schemes.

When installing such applications, you will need to grant them permissions to access calls and contacts. This is necessary for filtering to work correctly. However, before installing, always check the reputation of the developer and read the privacy policy so that your data does not get to third parties.

It is worth noting that some antiviruses, such as Avast or Dr.Web, also have antispam modules in their composition. If you already have a comprehensive security package installed, you may not need a separate application. Check your antivirus settings for the presence of the call blocking function call blocking.

⚠️ Attention: Avoid installing little-known applications called “Blacklist” or “Call Blocker” from unknown developers. They often contain intrusive advertising or can themselves be a source of data leakage.

Setting up a blacklist and filtering SMS messages

Blocking calls is only half the battle. No less intrusive can be SMS messages advertising with offers of loans or winnings. The standard application Messages from Google also has a built-in filter.

Go to the settings of the messages application and find the section Spam protection. Turn on the switch to enable filtering. Suspicious messages will be automatically moved to a separate Spam and Blocked folder without disturbing you with notifications. You can periodically view this folder in case an important notification gets there, for example, a confirmation code from a bank.

For more fine-grained settings, you can use third-party applications, such as SMS Blocker. They allow you to create blocking rules based on keywords. For example, you can set up a filter so that all messages containing the words “credit”, “winning” or “promotion” are automatically deleted or hidden.

Application	Call blocking	SMS blocking	Database
Google Phone	Yes	No (separately in Messages)	Global
Kaspersky Who Calls	Yes	No	Kaspersky Lab
Yandex.Spam	Yes	Partly	Yandex + users
SMS Blocker	Yes	Yes (by keywords)	Custom

By combining call blocking and message filtering, you create a reliable barrier to unwanted content. Do not forget to regularly update the databases in the selected applications so that the protection remains up to date.

Services of telecom operators and the State Services Registry

In addition to the settings of the smartphone itself, there are tools at the level of the cellular operator. Major market players such as MTS, Beeline, Megafon and Tele2 offer “Anti-identifier” or “Spam Protection” services. These are usually paid subscriptions, but they work effectively since filtering occurs before the call even reaches your device.

However, there is a free and legally mandated way to combat advertising calls in Russia. This is the Federal Register of Advertising Calls, accessible through the portal State Services. Every citizen has the right to enter his number in this register, which will prohibit telecom operators from missing advertising calls to your phone.

To register in the register, you must log in to the State Services portal, find the service “Entering a phone number in the register of advertising calls” and submit an application. Processing the request takes up to 30 days, after which the number of advertising calls should be significantly reduced.

What to do if they call after entering the register?

If, a month after entering the number in the register, you continue to receive advertising calls, you have the right to file a complaint with Roskomnadzor. To do this, save screenshots of the call log or conversation recordings as evidence of the violation.

It is worth considering that this registry does not protect against fraudsters and individuals using Internet telephony. It is only effective against legitimate marketing departments of companies that are required to comply with advertising laws.

⚠️ Attention: Terms of service for blocking spam from telecom operators may change. We recommend checking the current tariffs and connection options in your mobile operator’s personal account or through the support service.

Additional security measures and prevention

Full protection against spam requires not only technical settings, but also changes in behavioral habits. Never return missed calls from unknown numbers, especially if the call was short (“beep and hang up”). This is a common fraud scheme, the purpose of which is to force you to call a paid number.

Also try not to indicate your main phone number on public resources, message boards or in dubious questionnaires. For such purposes, it is better to create a second virtual number or use special temporary mail and telephone services. This will help keep your main contact clean.

If you are the victim of aggressive harassment or threats over the phone, do not limit yourself to software blocking. Save all evidence (conversation recordings, SMS screenshots) and contact law enforcement. In such cases, blocking a number may not be a sufficient measure.

• 🚫 Do not click on links in SMS from unknown senders.
• 📞 Do not share SMS codes with anyone, even if the caller introduces himself as a bank employee.
• 📵 Use Do Not Disturb mode at night time by allowing calls only from selected contacts.

Regularly check which applications have access to your calls and messages. Go to Settings → Applications → Permission Manager and revoke access from suspicious apps. The fewer applications that have access to your connection, the lower the risk of number leakage into spammer databases.

Often asked questions (FAQ)

Will the subscriber know that I have blocked him?

With normal blocking at the smartphone level, the subscriber will hear long beeps and then the call will be dropped. He will not receive a special notification about blocking, but by the nature of the beeps, an experienced user can guess that the number is on the blacklist. When blocked through an operator, the connection may be interrupted immediately or redirected to an answering machine.

Is it possible to block a hidden number (No Name)?

It is impossible to block a specific hidden number, since it does not have an identifier. However, you can activate the “Block all unknown numbers” function