The sound of a notification about a new message should no longer cause anxiety or irritation. Smartphone owners Samsung daily face a stream of annoying mailings from bookmakers, stores and dubious services. This problem becomes critical when important messages from banks or delivery services get lost in the trash. Fortunately, the ecosystem Android and the proprietary shell One UI offer powerful tools for solving this problem without the need to install complex apps.
In this article we will analyze in detail the filtering mechanisms available out of the box and consider additional methods of protecting your device. You'll learn how to set up a blacklist, activate smart filters, and use special codes to redirect unwanted traffic. Blocking spam is not just a matter of convenience, but also an element of digital hygiene that protects your personal data from phishing attacks.
Some users mistakenly believe that purchasing a paid antivirus is required to completely clean out their inboxes. In fact, the standard application Messages from Google, which is pre-installed on all modern Galaxys, has functionality sufficient to filter out 90% of unwanted content. The main thing is to correctly configure these settings to suit your needs and regularly update the filter databases.
Using built-in filters in the Messages application
The easiest and most effective way to start fighting garbage is to activate the built-in protection. The developers Google have implemented a powerful algorithm into the standard application that automatically recognizes spam mailing patterns. To access these settings, you do not need superuser rights or deep knowledge of the system.
Open the application Messages and click on the three vertical dots in the upper right corner of the screen. In the drop-down menu, select Settings, and then go to the Spam protectionsection. Here you will see a toggle for “Enable antispam protection.” Activating this feature will allow the system to automatically move suspicious messages to a separate folder without disturbing you with sound notifications.
It is important to understand that the algorithm works based on the analysis of the text and the sender's number. It checks incoming data against a global database of known spammers. However, the system is not perfect: sometimes legitimate notifications from taxi or courier services may end up in spam if they use short numbers or mass mailings.
⚠️ Attention: Check the "Spam and blocked" folder regularly so as not to miss important messages that the system may have mistakenly classified as junk.
In the same menu you can add specific keywords, the presence of which in the text of the message guarantees its blocking. This is especially useful for filtering out ads with certain triggers, such as specific casino names or words like “win.” This flexible setting allows you to create a personal shield against annoying advertising.
Add not only brand names to the list of prohibited words, but also general phrases like “credit”, “free”, “promotion” to filter out a wide range of advertising mailings.
Setting up a black list and blocking specific numbers
If automatic filters allow messages from a specific aggressor to pass through, you must use manual blocking. This function allows you to enter a number in black list, after which all communication attempts from this source will be interrupted at the system level. Messages from blocked contacts simply will not be delivered to the main mailbox.
The procedure for adding a number to the black list on Samsung is intuitive. Open a dialogue with an unwanted interlocutor, click on the three dots in the corner and select Block and report as spam. Confirm the action in the pop-up window. Now this number is included in the blocking database, and you will no longer hear from it.
There is a separate menu to manage the entire list of blocked contacts. Follow the path Settings → Anti-spam → Blocked numbers. Here you will see a list of all added sources. You can manually remove a number from the list if the blocking was in error, or add a new number by clicking on the plus sign and entering the data manually.
- 📱 Blocking hides messages, but does not permanently delete their history - you can restore access to correspondence by unblocking the contact.
- 🚫 A blocked subscriber will not receive a notification that he is on your black list.
- 🔒 You can block not only specific numbers, but also hidden/unknown numbers, if such an option is supported by your software version.
It is worth noting that some advanced spam bots use a pool of dynamic numbers, changing them after each mailing. In such cases, manually blocking each new number becomes ineffective. Then keyword filters or third-party solutions come to the rescue, which we will talk about below.
☑️ Checking blocking settings
Installing and configuring third-party anti-spam applications
When built-in tools are not enough, specialized applications enter the arena. The market leaders in this niche are Kaspersky Who Calls, NumBuster and Call Blocker. These apps have their own extensive databases, which are updated by the users themselves in real time.
After installing such an application, you will need to grant it permissions to access contacts, call logs, and SMS messages. Without these rights, the app will not be able to analyze incoming traffic and block threats. The interface of most of these utilities is similar: they automatically scan incoming messages and mark suspicious ones in red or move them to quarantine.
One of the key advantages of third-party solutions is the ability to download regional spammer databases. For example, a database for Russia or Ukraine may contain numbers that are not yet known to global algorithms, but have already been flagged as fraudulent by thousands of local users. This significantly increases the effectiveness of protection. Google, but have already been flagged as fraudulent by thousands of local users. This significantly increases the effectiveness of protection.
| Application | Protection type | Resource consumption | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kaspersky Who Calls | Comprehensive | Average | Caller ID + Antispam |
| NumBuster | Databases | Low | Search by number, SMS blocking |
| Hiya | Automatic | Low | Integration with the system dialer |
| Call Blocker | Manual/Auto | Minimal | Flexible blocking rules |
When using third-party software, it is important to ensure that it does not conflict with the standard messaging application. Sometimes a situation may arise when notifications are duplicated or messages do not arrive at all. In this case, it is recommended to check the notification settings in the section Applications systems Android.
Why do some applications require access to contacts?
Access to contacts is necessary to check the incoming number with your address book. If the number is not in your contacts, but it is in the application's spammer database, it will mark it as dangerous. Without this access, the app sees only the “naked” number and cannot identify its ownership.
Activation of anti-spam protection through a telecom operator
Do not forget that the fight against spam can be carried out not only at the smartphone level, but also on the side of the cellular operator. Large providers, such as MTS, Beeline, MegaFon i Tele2offer services to filter unwanted calls and messages. These services are often paid, but provide a high level of protection.
Connecting such services is usually carried out through a personal account on the operator’s website, in a mobile application or using USSD commands. For example, the Antispam service from a certain operator can automatically reject calls from numbers marked as spam by other subscribers, even before the signal reaches your phone.
However, this method has its own nuances. Network-side filtering may be less flexible than device-side filtering. You can't always customize keywords or see which messages have been filtered out. In addition, the subscription cost may vary depending on the tariff plan.
⚠️ Attention: The terms and conditions for providing anti-spam services may be changed by the telecom operator. Before connecting, carefully read the tariffs and rules in the official application of your operator.
The use of operator filters goes well with software protection methods on a smartphone. This creates a layered defense: some of the garbage is filtered out on the network, and what breaks through is filtered directly on the device using smart algorithms One UI.
The combination of operator protection and built-in smartphone filters gives the maximum result, reducing the amount of spam to almost zero.
Redirecting spam through USSD codes and forwarding
There is a more radical, but effective method of combating certain types of mailings - using unconditional call forwarding (unconditional forwarding) for specific numbers, if your phone model and operator support it, or use special codes to block services. However, there is no universal “all spam” blocking code for SMS, as this would disrupt legitimate services.
However, you can use codes to manage services that are often sources of spam. For example, unsubscribing from paid subscriptions is often done through short codes. Carefully read the subscription terms when registering on sites. If you are already subscribed, find the unsubscribe command in the message (often this word STOP or 0) and send it back.
To block incoming calls and SMS from specific short numbers, you can try entering the command in your phone, although on modern smartphones this is done easier through the interface. However, knowing the basic principles of networking is useful. For example, activating forwarding all calls to a non-existent number may temporarily stop calls, but will also block important calls, so use this method with caution.
A safer option is to use the Do Not Disturb feature. You can configure this mode so that application notifications Messages only come from selected contacts. All other messages will arrive silently, without sound or vibration, and you will see them only when you open the application.
- 🛑 The command
**21*number#activates all call forwarding (use with caution). - ✅ Sending a word
STOPto a short number often cancels a paid subscription. - 🔇 Do Not Disturb mode allows you to hide notifications without blocking the very fact of delivery messages.
Remember that completely blocking all incoming SMS is impossible without the risk of losing important confirmation codes from banks. Therefore, the setting should be targeted and reasonable, aimed specifically at filtering content, and not at completely disabling the communication channel.
Prevention: how to prevent spam from appearing
The best protection is prevention. Most spam mailings begin with the user voluntarily leaving his number on dubious resources. When registering on new sites, participating in surveys or downloading files, carefully read the checkboxes for consent to receive advertising information.
Never click on links in messages from unknown senders, even if they are disguised as banks or government agencies. Clicking on the link confirms to spammers that the number is active and belongs to a real person, which leads to an increase in the intensity of attacks. If the message is in doubt, it is better to delete it or check the sender through a search engine.
It is also recommended not to indicate your main phone number in public announcements on message boards (for example, Avito or OLX). Use the built-in chat functions of these platforms or get a separate SIM card/virtual number for such purposes. This will help isolate the main communication channel from the flow of garbage.
Regularly update your software Samsung. The company releases security patches that improve the performance of filters and close vulnerabilities used by scammers to send malicious links. The current version Android is the key to your digital security.
⚠️ Attention: Never share SMS codes with strangers, even if the caller introduces himself as a bank employee. Real employees never ask for these codes.
Following these simple rules of digital hygiene, combined with technical filter settings, will allow you to enjoy using your smartphone without the constant irritation of annoying notifications. A clean inbox is not only convenient, but also safe for your finances and personal data.
What to do if spam continues despite all the settings?
If spam does not stop, perhaps your number has entered the database of active users and is being sold to spammers. As a last resort, you can change the number, but before that, try writing a complaint to the support of your telecom operator with a request to block specific short numbers or mailing sources at the network level.
Is it possible to completely disable the receipt of SMS on Samsung?
It is impossible to completely disable the reception of all SMS without using third-party blocking apps running in the background using standard means. However, you can redirect all messages to the spam folder or activate Do Not Disturb mode, which hides notifications. Completely blocking the SMS channel may make it impossible to receive confirmation codes from banks.
Why do I still receive messages from blocked numbers?
This can happen if the spammer uses different numbers from the same pool or changes the sender name (Sender ID). It is also possible that the message came via Internet Messenger (RCS) rather than the standard SMS protocol, and the blocking settings are different for them. Check the filtering settings for RCS chats in the Messages application.
Does a large number of blocked messages affect the phone's memory?
Yes, messages moved to the Spam folder still take up space in the device's memory, although less than media files. If you have thousands of such messages, it is recommended to periodically empty this folder through the menu Settings → Antispam → Blocked messages → Delete all.
Is it safe to install applications to block spam?
It is safe if you download them from the official store Google Play. Avoid installing APK files from unverified sources. Leading anti-virus companies (Kaspersky, Dr.Web, Avast) offer reliable solutions that do not contain viruses and really help in the fight against spam.
How to distinguish a phishing SMS from a real message from a bank?
Banks never send links requiring you to urgently go and enter card details. Official messages usually contain a number mask or short code that you know from previous interactions. Phishing SMS often create a sense of urgency (“Your card is blocked”, “Urgently confirm your login”) and lead to suspicious domains.