The urgency of the problem of telephone spam
Every day, smartphone owners face dozens of unwanted calls that interrupt important conversations and take up time. Calls from robots, debt collectors or intrusive marketers have become a real scourge of modern communications. For subscribers MTS this problem is especially acute due to the huge customer base, which is actively used by scammers.
Fortunately, there are many ways to regain your silence without spending a penny. The telecom operator and operating system developers Android offer built-in tools that can effectively filter out unwanted traffic. You don't have to buy expensive subscriptions or install dubious software to solve this problem.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the available blocking methods. We will look at the standard functions of the phone, special USSD commands and encodings, as well as the capabilities of the operator itself. You will learn how to set up protection so that only really important calls are allowed through.
Built-in blocking functions in Android
Modern versions of the operating system Android (starting from 9.0 and higher) have a powerful built-in filter. Google continually updates its database of fraudulent numbers, allowing your phone to automatically detect and reject suspicious calls. This is the easiest and free way to start fighting spam right out of the box.
To activate this protection, you need to go to the standard Phone application. It usually has a green icon with a handset and is located on the home screen or in the quick applications tray. The interface may vary slightly depending on the manufacturer of your device, either Samsung, Xiaomi or Pixel.
Click on the three dots in the upper right corner of the screen to open the settings menu. Select "Settings" and then find the "Caller Identification and Spam" section. Here you need to activate the “Spam Filter” switch. Once turned on, the phone will automatically reject calls marked as spam in the Google database.
For maximum efficiency, periodically clear the Phone application cache in the smartphone settings so that the databases are updated correctly.
You can also enable the “Block unknown numbers” function in this menu. Be careful: this option will reject any calls from numbers that are not in your phone book. This may lead to you missing a call from a courier or a doctor using a work mobile.
Services and commands of the MTS operator
The operator MTS provides its own tools to protect subscribers. Some of these are paid subscriptions, but there are also free methods to restrict access to unwanted contacts. It is important to distinguish between services that simply identify the number and those that actually block the connection on the network side.
One of the basic features is manually adding numbers to the blacklist through your personal account or the “My MTS” application. This action is absolutely free and allows you to block specific numbers that are bothering you. The caller will hear a busy signal or a message about the impossibility of connecting.
To quickly block a specific number, you can use USSD requests, although their functionality may be limited compared to the application. For example, the command *111*442# allows you to control some blocking parameters, but the menu interface may change. Always check the latest information on the operator’s official portal, as tariff conditions and codes may be updated.
⚠️ Attention: The Antispam service from MTS is often offered as a paid subscription. Before connecting, carefully read the tariff conditions to avoid debiting your account.
It is also possible to set up call forwarding to voicemail for all numbers except those in your contacts. This is done through the call settings in the phone or with the command **61*voicemail_number#. However, this method requires an active voicemail service, which may cost a fee depending on your data plan.
Manually setting up a blacklist
If automatic filters are letting annoying callers through, the most reliable way is to manually add them to the blacklist. This method ensures that a specific number will never be able to reach you again. The procedure is simple and does not require special knowledge.
Open the call log and find the number you want to block. Click on it and hold your finger for a second until the context menu appears. In the list of actions, select “Block” or “Add to blacklist.” In some shells Android you must first click on the “i” icon or the arrow next to the number to see this option.
After adding the number, it goes to a special settings section. To check your blocked list or remove someone from it, go to your phone settings, “Blocking numbers” section. Here you will see a complete list of contacts who are denied access to your line.
☑️ Correctly setting up the black list
The disadvantage of this method is that scammers often use a pool of different numbers. By blocking one, you may receive a call from the next one. Therefore, it is better to combine the manual method with automatic filters for comprehensive protection.
Third-party applications for protection
When built-in tools are not enough, specialized applications from the store come to the rescue. Google Play. They have more extensive databases, which are replenished by the users themselves. If thousands of people have marked a number as “Fraud”, the application will warn you about this even before you pick up the phone.
Popular solutions such as Kaspersky Who Calls, Yandex or GetContactwork on the principle of a cloud base. They not only block spam, but also show the name of the caller, even if he is not in your contacts. Most of them have a free version with basic functionality, which is quite enough to fight spam.
When installing such an application, you will need to give it permission to access calls and contacts. Without this, it will not be able to analyze incoming traffic. After setting up, make sure that the automatic blocking of detected spam is enabled in the application settings.
⚠️ Attention: Be selective when granting access rights. Some apps may upload your phone book to their servers, which creates privacy risks for the people you know.
However, the peace of mind and avoidance of unnecessary calls is usually worth this small sacrifice. Regularly update the databases in the application settings for current protection.
Comparison of anti-spam protection methods
To make it easier for you to choose the best option, we have prepared a summary table. It clearly demonstrates the pros and cons of each approach to blocking unwanted calls on devices running Android on the network MTS.
Each method has its own scope of application. For some, a built-in filter is enough, while others will need a powerful third-party solution. Assess your needs and level of paranoia regarding data privacy.
| Protection method | Cost | Efficiency | Complexity of setup |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google filter (Android) | Free | High | Minimum |
| Manual black list | Free | Medium (for specific numbers) | Low |
| Applications (antivirus) | Free / Premium | Very high | Average |
| MTS operator services | Often paid | High (at the network level) | Low |
Combining the built-in Android filter and a manual blacklist gives the best result without installing unnecessary software.
Additional precautions
Blocking calls is only part of the solution to the problem. Fraudsters are constantly changing tactics, moving from voice calls to SMS and instant messaging. Therefore, it is important to practice digital hygiene and not distribute your phone number unless absolutely necessary.
Never return missed calls from unfamiliar short or strange numbers. Often behind this lies a “fraud-callback” scheme, where significant sums are debited from your account per minute of connection to a paid service. If the call is really important, the person will leave a voice message or write an SMS.
What to do if you still answered spam?
If you pick up the phone and realize it is a robot or scammer, hang up immediately. Do not press any buttons on the answering machine, do not say the word “Yes,” or provide any personal information. Just end the connection.
It is also recommended to periodically check which applications have access to your contacts and calls. Go to your privacy settings and revoke rights from suspicious apps that you have not used for a long time. This will reduce the risk of your number leaking to spammers' databases.
⚠️ Attention: If the number of spam calls has become critical and is interfering with your life, consider temporarily changing your number or contacting MTS support service with a complaint about a massive attack.
Remember that complete protection is 100% impossible, but following these rules will reduce the intensity of attacks in times. Be vigilant and don’t let scammers manage your time and nerves.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Does blocking through phone settings work if the phone is turned off?
No, the built-in blacklist and applications only work when the smartphone is turned on and there is an active connection to the network. If the phone is turned off, only a service on the operator’s side can block calls (if it is connected and supports such a function), but usually calls simply go to answering machine or are dropped by the network.
Will the caller know that I have blocked him?
The caller will not receive a direct notification about the blocking. When he tries to call, he will hear a long beep, which will then change to a busy signal or forward to voicemail. This looks like a normal call being dropped or the subscriber not being online.
Is it possible to block all calls from unknown numbers on MTS for free?
Yes, this can be done through the settings of the smartphone itself in the “Blocking unknown numbers” section. An operator's service that blocks all hidden or unknown numbers is often paid or requires a special tariff option.
Why do spam calls continue even after installing a blocker?
Fraudsters use number substitution technologies (spoofing) and constantly change pools of numbers. Blocker databases are updated with a delay. Also, some calls may pass through as “legitimate” (for example, from real companies) until users have time to mark them as spam.
Does call blocking affect the MTS tariff plan?
No, using built-in Android functions or free applications does not affect the charging of your incoming or outgoing calls. You pay only according to the terms of your tariff. The “Black List” service from the operator may be paid depending on the specific conditions of your region and tariff.