Spam calls and messages from unknown numbers have become a real problem for smartphone owners. On Samsung Galaxy shell One UI there are several built-in tools that will help you automatically filter out unwanted contacts - from basic blocking to advanced filters. In this article, we will analyze all the available methods, including hidden settings and third-party applications that work even on older models like Galaxy S8 or Note 10.

The main difference between the approaches is the flexibility of configuration. For example, you can block all numbers except those saved in the phone book, or vice versa - allow calls only from certain prefixes (for example, +7 9xx for mobile operators). We tested each method on the current versions Android 13/14 i One UI 5.1/6.0to take into account the nuances of the interface. Important: some functions may not be available on budget models like Galaxy A14 or M33 —this depends on the regional firmware.

If you are tired of annoying call centers or scammers who masquerade as bank numbers, this instruction will help you set up protection in 5–10 minutes. No root access or complex manipulations are required - only standard tools and free applications from Google Play.

1. Built-in blocking of unknown numbers in the phone settings

The easiest way is to use the built-in function Blocking numbers in the standard application "Phone". This method works on all smartphones Samsung s One UI 2.0 and newer, including Galaxy S22, A54 i Z Flip 5. The main advantage is that you do not need to install additional apps, and the disadvantage is limited flexibility (for example, you cannot set up exceptions based on number masks).

To activate blocking:

  1. Open the application "Phone" (handset icon on the main screen).
  2. Tap on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Settings.
  3. Go to the section Block numbers.
  4. Activate the switch Block unknown numbers.
  5. Confirm the action in the pop-up window.

After this, all incoming calls from numbers not saved in contactswill be automatically rejected. The call will not go through even in vibration mode - the subscriber will hear short beeps, as if your phone was turned off. Please note: this method does not block SMS from unknown senders. To filter messages, you need to use separate settings (we'll talk about them below).

Are important contacts added to the phone book|

Are call forwarding settings checked|

Is the "Do Not Disturb" function disabled for favorites|

Are contacts synchronized with your Google/Samsung account-->

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware for Samsung (for example, in Asian countries), the item Block unknown numbers may be called Filter unknown callers or hide in a submenu Call settings → Supplementary services. If you don’t find the option, update the “Phone” application via Galaxy Store.

2. Setting up a spam filter through Samsung Smart Call

Function Smart Call (in some regions - Call Guard) uses the database Samsung and partners to identify spam calls. It automatically marks suspicious numbers as Fraud, Advertising or Spam, and can also block them completely. Unlike the previous method, here we analyze not only the presence of a number in contacts, but also its reputation in the global database.

How to enable Smart Call:

  1. Launch the application "Phone".
  2. Click on the three dots → Settings → Smart Call (or Call Guard).
  3. Activate the switch Identification and protection from spam.
  4. In the section Spam blocking select Block all spam calls.

Advantages of this method:

  • 🔍 Works even for numbers that are not in your phone book, but which are marked as spam by other users.
  • 📊 Shows the reason for blocking (for example, "Mass mailing" or "Suspected fraud").
  • 🔄 The database is updated automatically without your participation.

Disadvantages:

  • ⚠️ Requires an Internet connection to check numbers in real time.
  • 🌍 In some countries (for example, Russia), the function may be limited due to local legislation.
  • 📱 Increases battery consumption by 1-3% due to background scanning of incoming calls.
📊 How often do spammers call you?
Daily
Several times a week
Rarely
Never
⚠️ Attention: If, after switching on Smart Call the calls from banks or delivery services stop coming through, add their numbers to exceptions. To do this, in the settings Smart Call find the section Exceptions and manually enter trusted prefixes (for example, +7 800 for toll-free lines).

3. Using Do Not Disturb mode with exceptions

Function "Do not disturb" (Do Not Disturb) allows you to set up flexible rules for incoming calls. Unlike complete blocking, here you can allow calls only from saved contacts, repeated calls or calls from selected groups. This method is useful if you want to temporarily block all unknown callers (for example, during sleep or important calls). meetings).

How to set up:

  1. Open Settings phone.
  2. Go to Notifications → Do not disturb.
  3. Turn on the switch Do not disturb.
  4. Tap on Calls and select Contacts only or Repeated calls (if you want to skip urgent calls).
  5. In the section Exceptions add important numbers that should always go through (for example, "112" or the number of relatives).

Features of the method:

  • ⏰ Can be customized schedule (for example, block unknown calls from 23:00 to 8:00).
  • 🔕 In this mode will not be received notifications about missed calls from blocked numbers.
  • 📵 Calls from unknown numbers will be rejected without sound or vibration.
Option Blocking via "Phone" Smart Call "Do not disturb"
Blocks unknown numbers ✅ Yes ✅ Yes (spam only) ✅ Yes
Works without the Internet ✅ Yes ❌ No ✅ Yes
Filters SMS ❌ No ✅ Yes ❌ No
Flexible exceptions ❌ No ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
Impact on battery ⚡ Minimum ⚡ Average ⚡ Minimum
💡

If you often receive calls from hidden numbers (the ID shows “Unknown” or “Private”), use the application Truecaller. It recognizes such calls and can block them automatically. Built-in tools Samsung do not work with hidden numbers.

4. Blocking unknown SMS and MMS

Calls are not the only problem. Spam messages may contain phishing links or advertisements, so they should also be filtered. There are separate settings for SMS, but they are less flexible than for calls. For example, you cannot block all messages from unknown senders - just add numbers to the blacklist manually. One UI There are separate settings for SMS, but they are less flexible than for calls. For example, you cannot block all messages from unknown senders - you can only add numbers to the blacklist manually.

How to set up SMS filtering:

  1. Open the application "Messages".
  2. Tap on the three dots → Settings → Blocking numbers and spam.
  3. Enable the option Block spam messages.
  4. To add a number manually, press Add a number and enter it.

To automate the process, we recommend installing a third-party application:

  • 📲 SMS Block — blocks messages by keywords (for example, “win,” “credit”).
  • 🔒 Messages by Google — has a built-in spam filter with machine learning.
  • 🛡️ Truecaller — blocks SMS from numbers marked as spam by other users.
⚠️ Attention: If you use Samsung Messages (standard application), then SMS blocking only works for numbers added manually. Automatic filtering of unknown senders is only available in third-party instant messengers. Also note that some banks and services send SMS from short numbers (for example, 1234) - they cannot be blocked through standard settings.

5. Third-party applications for advanced blocking

If the built-in tools Samsung are not enough, you can install specialized applications. They offer advanced features like:

  • 🔍 Blocking by geolocation (for example, all numbers from Nigeria or India).
  • 📊 Statistics of spam calls with graphs by day of the week.
  • 🔄 Automatic update of the database of spam numbers.
  • 📵 Blocking by keywords in SMS (for example, “call the number back”).

Top 3 applications for Samsung:

  1. Truecaller —the most popular solution with a database of billions of numbers. The free version shows ads, but blocking works without restrictions.
    • ✅ Pros: recognizes hidden numbers, integration with WhatsApp.
    • ❌ Cons: requires access to contacts and SMS.
  2. Hiya —an alternative to Truecaller with less battery consumption. Supports blocking by category (scammers, telemarketing).
    • ✅ Pros: no advertising, lightweight application.
    • ❌ Cons: the database of spam numbers is smaller than Truecaller.
  • Should I Answer? - a minimalist application with an open database. Allows you to manually mark numbers as spam.
    • ✅ Pros: no registration, works offline.
    • ❌ Cons: interface is outdated, no Russian language.

      • Important: when installing third-party blockers, refuse the offer to replace the standard "Phone" application or "Messages". This can lead to conflicts with system services Samsung, especially on models with Knox (for example, Galaxy S23 Ultra or Z Fold 5).

      How to check if a third-party blocker is conflicting with Knox?

      If after installing a blocking application calls stopped working:

      - Payment via Samsung Pay,

      - Secure Folder,

      - Biometric authentication (fingerprint/face scanner),

      this means that Knox has been compromised. In this case, remove the third-party software and reset the security settings in Settings → Biometrics and security → Other security options → Reset.

      6. Manually adding numbers to the blacklist

      If you need to block specific numbers (for example, after a spam call), you can add them to the blacklist manually. This method is suitable for isolated cases where automatic filters are used. do not work. For example, if the fraudster uses a new number that has not yet entered the spam database.

      Instructions:

      1. Open the application "Phone".
      2. Go to Call log and find the number you want block.
      3. Tap on the number → Details → Block (ban icon).
      4. Confirm the action in the pop-up window.

      To manage the black list centrally:

      1. Run "Phone" → three dots → Settings → Blocking numbers.
      2. Here you will see all blocked numbers. To remove a number from the list, tap on the trash can next to it.

    Method limitations:

    • ❌ Does not block numbers automatically - only manually.
    • ❌ A spammer can call from another number, and he will have to be blocked again.
    • ✅ Suitable for blocking specific scammers or annoying callers.
    💡

    The black list on Samsung is synchronized with the account Samsung, but not with Google. If you reset the phone to factory settings, you will have to restore the blocking list manually.

    7. Setting up a telecom operator to block spam

    Many mobile operators (for example, MTS, Beeline, Tele2) offer their own services for blocking spam calls. These services are usually free and work at the network level, so they do not. depend on the phone model. However, their effectiveness varies: some operators block only obvious spam (for example, mass mailings), while others filter incoming calls more aggressively.

    How connect:

    • 📞 MTS: send an SMS with the text STOP SPAM to the number 1114.
    • 📱 Beeline: activate the Antispam service in your personal account or through USSD command *110*789#.
    • 🌐 Tele2: enable "Spam Protection" on the operator's website or in the mobile application.
    • 🅱️ MegaFon: send an SMS with the text STOP to number 0500.

    Advantages:

    • 🔄 Works even if the phone is turned off or in airplane mode (blocking at the network level).
    • 📵 Does not require installation of additional applications.
    • 🆓 Usually free for subscribers.

    Disadvantages:

    • ⚠️ Can block legitimate calls (for example, from banks or delivery services).
    • 🌍 Does not work abroad (roaming).
    • ⏳ Delay in updating the spam number database (up to 24 hours).
      • ⚠️ Attention: Operator services may change connection conditions. For example, a previously free option may become paid before activating, check details in your personal account or with your operator. number 0611 (for MTS, Beeline, Tele2) or 0500 (for MegaFon).

      8. Problems and solutions: why blocking does not work

      Sometimes even after setting everything up filters, spam calls continue to pass through. Let's consider typical reasons and ways to eliminate them:

      Problem Possible reason Solution
      Calls pass despite blocking The number is hidden (the identifier shows "Private") Use Truecaller or request the "Antifraud" service from the operator
      SMS are coming from spammers SMS filter is disabled in message settings Enable Blocking spam messages in the Messages application
      The blocking is reset after reboot Conflict with the battery optimizer Add the "Phone" application to optimization exceptions in Settings → Device maintenance → Battery
      Smart Call does not work No Internet or regional restrictions Check your connection to network or use a VPN (for example, to access the global spam database)
      Calls are processed in Do Not Disturb mode The number has been added to exceptions or repeated calls are allowed Check the exception settings in Do Not Disturb → Calls

      If none of the methods helps, try combining them. For example:

      1. Enable Smart Call to identify spam.
      2. Activate blocking unknown numbers in your phone settings.
      3. Set Truecaller to recognize hidden numbers.
      4. Activate the operator's antispam service.

      This multi-level approach is guaranteed to cut off 90-95% of unwanted calls. The remaining 5% are usually new numbers from scammers that have not yet been received. to the database. They can be blocked manually as they arrive.

      FAQ: Frequently asked questions

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

      Yes, for this:

      1. Open Settings → Notifications → Do Not Disturb.
      2. Turn on the mode and select Favorite contacts only.
      3. Add the desired numbers to favorites in the phone book.

      Alternatively, use the application Call Blocker with the "White List" function.

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

      Go to Phone → Settings → Blocking numbers, find the number in the list and tap on the icon baskets next to him. If the number is not in the list, but calls are not going through, check the operator’s settings (the number may be blocked at the network level).

      Will the subscriber know that his number is blocked?

      No, when blocked through standard tools Samsung the subscriber will hear short beeps or a voice message like “Subscriber is temporarily unavailable.” No blocking notifications are sent. The exception is if you use third-party applications like Truecallerthat can send SMS notifications (this is configured in the application settings).

      Why did the blocking settings disappear after the One UI update?

      In new versions One UI 5.0+ section Blocking numbers moved to Phone settings → Applications → Phone → Permissions → Blocking numbers. Also check if the settings were reset after the update. If yes, you will have to set up the blocking again.

      Is it possible to block calls from certain city or country codes?

      Standard means Samsung —no. But this can be done through:

      • Application Call Blocker ("Block by mask" function).
      • Operator settings (for example, MTS offers blocking of international calls upon request).
      • SMS command for the operator (for example, for Beeline: send BAN INTERNATIONAL to 1105).