Rejecting incoming calls to Android seems like a simple task - but only until you need to do it quickly, quietly or automatically. Depending on the phone model (Samsung Galaxy, Xiaomi Redmi, Google Pixel or Realme) and firmware version (Android 12–15) the methods may differ radically. For example, on stock Android from Google simply swipe up, and on MIUI from Xiaomi - double click on the power button.

In this article we will analyze not only the basic methods (buttons on the screen, hardware keys), but also hidden functions: how to reject a call no vibration and sound, set up automatic rejection of spam calls, use voice commands or gestures. We will pay special attention to problems when the phone does not respond to swipes or buttons - this is a common complaint from users after updates Android 14.

If you urgently need to reject a call right now, scroll to the "Emergency methodssection. To set up automatic rules (for example, blocking unknown numbers), read about “Smart rejection».

1. Emergency Rejection: 3 Ways in 1 Second

When the phone rings and you don't have time to understand the menu, use these methods. They work on all modern Android smartphones (2018 and newer), regardless of the shell.

  • 📱 Swipe up/down the screen: on most phones (including Samsung, OnePlus, Motorola) it is enough to swipe your finger across the screen in any direction except “right” (this is usually the answer). On Xiaomi and Redmi you may need to swipe left.
  • 🔘 Power button: quickly press it 2 times (on Google Pixel i Nokia) or 3 times (on some Samsung). This will work even if the screen is locked.
  • 🎧 Button on the headset: If wired or wireless headphones are connected, pressing the answer/end button once will usually reject the call. On AirPods or Galaxy Buds it works stably.

⚠️ Attention: On some phones (for example, Huawei s EMUI 13) swipe up may turn on the speakerrather than reject the call. Check the behavior of your device in advance in safe mode.

📊 Which method of rejecting calls do you use most often?
Swipe across the screen
Power button
Voice command
Automatic blocking

2. Rejection using hardware buttons

If the touch screen does not respond (for example, due to moisture, protective film or failure), you can use physical buttons. This method is especially relevant for phones with Amoled screenswhich sometimes “glitch” at low temperatures.

Phone model Button combination Notes
Samsung Galaxy (One UI) Power button nutrition + Volume down Hold for 2 seconds. One UI 6.0 may require confirmation.
Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO (MIUI) Double press Power Works only if the option is enabled in Settings → Accessibility → Manage buttons.
Google Pixel (Stock Android) Button Power + Volume up May conflict with a call Google Assistant.
Huawei/Honor (EMUI/Magic UI) Triple press power Requires activation in Settings → Gesture controls → Power button.

💡 Helpful advice: If the buttons do not work, check if the "Do not disturb" mode is enabled with an exception for calls. In this case, the hardware keys may be ignored by the system.

☑️ Checking the hardware buttons

Done: 0 / 4

3. Gestures and hidden functions for deflection

Manufacturers often hide convenient features deep in the settings. Here are the most useful ones:

  • 👆 Raising the phone to the ear: on Samsung Galaxy S23 and newer, you can reject a call by simply picking up the phone and immediately putting it down (without answering). The function is called “Answer/reject with movementSettings → Additional functions → Movements and gestures.
  • 🖐️ Wave your hand over the phone: on Xiaomi 13/14 series the “waving” gesture works above the top of the screen. You need to turn on Settings → Display → Lock screen gestures.
  • 🗣️ Voice command: say “Reject" or "Ignore" (works with Google Assistant or Bixby to Samsung). Pre-configure the voice assistant in Settings → Google → Settings Assistant → Voice Access.

⚠️ Attention: Gestures may conflict with other functions. For example, on OnePlus waving your hand may accidentally turn on Zen Modeif it is configured for a similar movement.

How to enable gestures on the locked screen?

On some phones (for example Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5) gestures work only after the screen is unlocked. To fix this, go to Settings → Lock screen → Gestures and enable the "Allow on locked screen" option.

4. Automatic rejection: how to set up smart blocking

If you are tired of spam calls or you don’t want to answer numbers from certain regions, set up automatic rejection. This can be done both by standard means Androidand using third-party applications.

Method 1: Built-in rejection rules (works on Android 9 and newer):

  1. Open the application "Phone».
  2. Press "⋮" (three dots) → Settings → Blocking numbers.
  3. Add numbers manually or enable the option “Block unknown numbers».
  4. For advanced rules (for example, blocking by prefix) use Settings → Spam and protection.

Method 2: Blocking applications. Popular options:

  • 🛡️ Truecaller: blocks spam and scammers, shows the name of the caller.
  • 📵 Call Blocker: allows you to create blacklists using regular expressions (for example, block all numbers from +375).
  • 🤖 Should I Answer?: analyzes numbers based on the user base and automatically rejects suspicious ones.

⚠️ Attention: Blocking applications require permission to Reading call logs. On Android 13+ this permission may be limited - check the settings in Settings → Applications → Special access → Call log.

💡

If important calls (for example, from a bank) are automatically blocked, add their numbers to White list in the blocking settings. On Samsung this is done in Settings → Blocking numbers → Exceptions.

5. How to reject a call without sound and vibration

Sometimes you need to reject a call without the caller realizing that you did it intentionally. There are several tricks for this:

  • 🔇 Do Not Disturb mode: quickly turn it on through the notification panel. The call will be rejected without sound, and the subscriber will hear “Subscriber is temporarily unavailable».
  • ⏳ Delayed reply: on Samsung and Google Pixel you can set up an automatic SMS response with the text "I'll call you back later". To do this, in the application “Phone" select Settings → Quick replies.
  • 📴 Forwarding to voicemail: if your operator supports this feature (for example MTS, Beeline), the call will be redirected without your participation. Settings: *#21# (status check) and *21*number# (activation).

On phones with Android 14 i One UI 6.1 the “Silent Rejection Mode” function has appeared - when you swipe down, the call is dropped without vibration, and the subscriber hears short beeps, as if the phone is out of coverage.

💡

To reject a call as discreetly as possible, combine Do Not Disturb mode with forwarding to voicemail. This will work even if the phone is in another room.

6. Why does rejecting calls not work?

If the phone does not respond to swipes, buttons or gestures, the problem may be:

Symptom Possible cause Solution
Swipe does not triggered Phone application failure Clear the cache: Settings → Applications → Phone → Memory → Clear cache.
Buttons do not work Conflict with the shell Update the firmware or reset the gesture settings in Settings → System → Gestures.
Call is not rejected by voice Disabled Google Assistant Check your voice settings in Settings → Google → Assistant Settings.
Auto-lock does not work Restrictions Android 13+ Give the application permission to Call log manually.

🔧 Critical error: If after updating to Android 14/15 all rejection methods stopped working, try:

  1. Uninstall updates for the application "Phone" (in Settings → Applications).
  2. Enable Developer mode and disable window animation (Settings → System → For developers).
  3. Reset network settings (Settings → System → Reset → Reset mobile network).

⚠️ Attention: On some phones (for example, Realme UI 4.0), resetting the network may delete saved Wi-Fi hotspots.

7. Advanced settings: from messages to schedules

For those who want to fully control incoming calls, there are additional options:

  • 📅 Rejection schedule: on Samsung and Huawei you can set up automatic rejection of calls at certain times (for example, at night). Path: Settings → Number blocking → Schedule.
  • 📝 SMS response when rejected: in the application "Phone" (section Settings → Quick replies) configure message templates For example: "I'm in a meeting, I'll call you back in an hour».
  • 🔄 Conditional forwarding: if you do not answer within 20 seconds, the call is redirected to another number. Settings: *61*number# (check with the operator).

🛠️ For developers: If you use ADB, You can forcefully reject calls with the command:

adb shell input keyevent KEYCODE_ENDCALL

This method is useful for automation via Tasker or MacroDroid.

Frequently asked questions

Can I reject a call if the screen is broken?

Yes. Connect your phone to your computer via USB and use ADB (as in the section above) or control via Samsung DeX/Miracast, if supported. Alternative - call your number from another phone and reject the call with a voice command (if enabled Google Assistant).

How to reject a call on a smart watch (Galaxy Watch, Mi Band)?

On Galaxy Watch swipe left to reject the call. On Mi Band 7/8 you need to press and hold the button on the call screen. On Wear OS (for example, Pixel Watch) - swipe down.

Why is the call immediately repeated after being rejected?

This could be:

  • Function Auto-dial on the subscriber (disabled on its side).
  • SIM card failure (try rebooting the phone or changing the slot).
  • Virus software (check your phone via Malwarebytes).
How to reject a call on Android Auto in car?

In the interface Android Auto click on the red tube on the screen or say "Reject". If the screen does not respond, use the voice command "Hey Google, reject call».

Is it possible to reject a call via SMS?

No, using standard means Android This is not possible. However, some operators (for example, Tele2) support USSD commands for blocking numbers.

If your question is not covered in the article, check the phone model and version Android - call rejection algorithms can vary greatly even within the same brand (for example, Samsung Galaxy A54 and Galaxy S23 Ultra).