Voice calls in Telegram can become a real problem if you are bombarded with unwanted calls from spammers, work colleagues or overly active friends. Unlike standard SMS or push notifications, an incoming call interrupts the current task on your smartphone, emits a loud signal and requires an immediate response. This is especially annoying at night when the phone is in Do Not Disturb mode, but Telegram ignores system silence settings by default.

In this article we will look at all possible ways to disable calls in Telegram on Android from basic notification settings to hidden messenger functions that few people know about. You'll learn how to block calls from specific contacts, completely deactivate voice communications, and set up a white list for important callers. We will pay special attention to the nuances of the function on different versions Android (from 10 to 14) and potential bugs that may interfere with disabling.

We warn you in advance: some methods require root-right or installing third-party applications. But the majority of solutions are available without additional manipulations - just configure it yourself correctly Telegram. Let's start with the simplest and move on to advanced techniques.

1. Disabling call notifications in Telegram settings

The most obvious way to reduce irritation from incoming calls is disable sound and visual notifications. This will not block the call itself (the connection will still be established), but at least it will get rid of the annoying ringing and vibration. The method works on all versions Telegram and does not require administrator rights.

Step by step instructions:

  1. Open Telegram and tap on three horizontal lines (menu) in the upper left corner.
  2. Go to Settings โ†’ Notifications and sounds.
  3. Scroll down to the section Calls i select Call notifications.
  4. Disable the sliders:
    • ๐Ÿ”” Sound โ€” removes the call melody
    • ๐Ÿ“ณ Vibration โ€” disables tactile feedback
    • ๐Ÿ’ก Flash โ€” deactivates camera blinking (if supported)
  • Go back and in the section Exceptions add contacts from whom you want to hear calls (optional).
  • โš ๏ธ Attention: Even with notifications turned off, the call will appear on the lock screen as "missed" after completion. To completely hide traces of calls, additional settings will be required (see section 4).

    ๐Ÿ“Š How often are you bothered by unwanted calls on Telegram?
    Daily
    Several times a week
    Near
    Never

    2. Blocking calls from specific contacts

    If the problem comes from 1-2 specific subscribers (for example, spammers or intrusive acquaintances), it is more rational Block their calls selectivelywithout affecting other users. Telegram there is a built-in tool for this, but it is hidden in a non-obvious place.

    How to block calls from an individual contact:

    • ๐Ÿ‘ค Open a chat with the user you want to restrict.
    • ๐Ÿ” Tap on the contact's name at the top of the screen to open his profile.
    • ๐Ÿ“ต Click on three vertical dots (menu) in the upper right corner.
    • ๐Ÿšซ Select Block the user โ†’ confirm the action.

    After blocking this subscriber will not be able to call you, send messages or see your online status. However, there are nuances:

    Action Consequences for the blocked person Consequences for you
    Calls ๐Ÿ“ž Cannot initialize call ๐Ÿ”‡ Completely hidden
    Messages โœ‰๏ธ Can send, but you wonโ€™t see them ๐Ÿ“ฉ Not sent to chat
    Groups/channels ๐Ÿ‘ฅ Sees your messages in general chats ๐Ÿ‘ค See his messages (if you havenโ€™t left the chat)
    Last visit ๐Ÿ•’ Doesnโ€™t see yours online status ๐Ÿ•˜ See his status (if not hidden)

    โš ๏ธ Attention: if you unblock the user, he will not receive a notification that he was on the black list. However, all messages sent to him during the blocking will be irretrievably lost.

    The user profile is opened|The menu with three dots is pressed|The "Block user" item is selected|The action is confirmed in the dialog box-->

    3. Completely disabling voice calls in Telegram

    For those who want completely deactivate the call function in the messenger (for example, due to spam or a fundamental reluctance to use voice communication), there is a radical method. It requires changing the configuration files, but does not need to completely deactivate the calling function. (for example, Telegram, but doesn't need root access.

    Instructions for Android 10+:

    1. Install a file manager with access to system folders (for example, FX File Explorer or Solid Explorer).
    2. Go to the path:
      /data/data/org.telegram.messenger/shared_prefs/
      Note: on some firmware the path may start with /storage/emulated/0/Android/data/....
    3. Find the file mainconfig.xml and open it in a text editor.
    4. Add or change the line:
      <bool name="calls_enabled" value="false" />
    5. Save the file, restart Telegram.

    ๐Ÿ”น Alternative method (without editing files):

    • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Install Telegram X (alternative client) from Google Play.
    • ๐Ÿ”ง In settings Telegram X go to Calls โ†’ Disable calls.
    • ๐Ÿ”„ Return to the main client - settings are synchronized.

    โš ๏ธ Attention: after the update Telegram the settings in mainconfig.xml we recommend recording changes using Tasker or similar automatic tools.

    ๐Ÿ’ก

    If, after editing the file, Telegram stops launching, clear the application cache in the Android settings (Settings โ†’ Applications โ†’ Telegram โ†’ Memory โ†’ Clear cache).

    4. Using the "Do not disturb" mode in Android

    System mode DND (Do Not Disturb) on Android allows you to flexibly manage notifications, including calls from instant messengers. However, by default Telegram ignores these restrictions. To force the messenger to obey the rules of silence, you need to manually set up exceptions.

    Step-by-step setup:

    1. Open Android Settings โ†’ Sound โ†’ Do Not Disturb.
    2. Activate the mode and select Settings โ†’ Applications.
    3. Find Telegram in the list and install:
      • ๐Ÿ”” Sounds and vibration โ†’ Block
      • ๐Ÿ“ž Calls โ†’ Block
  • Return to main settings DND and set up a schedule (for example, from 23:00 to 8:00).
  • ๐Ÿ“Œ Important: on Android 12+ Telegram can bypass these restrictions through high priority notifications. To close the loophole:

    1. Go to Android Settings โ†’ Applications โ†’ Telegram โ†’ Notifications.
    2. Select a category Calls and disable Allow interruption of Do Not Disturb mode.

    โš ๏ธ Attention: Some manufacturers (for example, Xiaomi, Huawei) modify standard DND, adding your own restrictions. If the settings do not apply, check proprietary sections like Security โ†’ Permissions โ†’ Autorun for Telegram.

    Why does Telegram ignore DND?

    By default, the messenger uses its own push notification mechanism, which is not integrated with Android system services. This is done to improve the reliability of message delivery, but creates problems with notification management. Starting with Android 13, Google is tightening the requirements for background processes, so in future versions Telegram may lose this โ€œprivilege.โ€

    5. Disabling calls via ADB (for advanced users)

    If standard methods do not work, you can resort to commands ADB a debugging tool Androidthat allows you to change hidden system parameters. This method is suitable for users who are ready to work with the command line.

    What you will need:

    • ๐Ÿ–ฅ๏ธ Computer with installed ADB (Android Debug Bridge).
    • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Enabled USB debugging on the smartphone (Settings โ†’ About phone โ†’ Build number โ†’ 7 taps โ†’ Developer settings โ†’ USB debugging).
    • ๐Ÿ”Œ USB cable for connection.

    Instructions:

    1. Connect the phone to the PC and run the command to check the device:
      adb devices

      (the serial number of your device should be displayed).

    2. Disable calls to Telegram with the command:
      adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 org.telegram.messenger/.VoIPService
    3. Reboot the phone.

    ๐Ÿ”น To return calls:

    adb shell pm enable org.telegram.messenger/.VoIPService

    โš ๏ธ Attention: incorrect use ADB can lead to failures in applications or even the system. Before experiments, create a backup copy of your data via adb backup or built-in tools Android.

    ๐Ÿ’ก

    ADB commands allow you to disable calls at the system level, but after updating Telegram or resetting the settings, you may need to perform the procedure again.

    6. Third-party applications for blocking calls

    If the built-in tools Telegram and Android fail, specialized utilities come to the rescue. They offer advanced filtering features, including blocking by keywords, time of day or geolocation.

    Top 3 apps for blocking calls in instant messengers:

    App Functions Cons Link
    Call Blocker

    โœ… Blocking by numbers/contacts

    โœ… Black/white lists

    โœ… Call logs

    โŒ Advertising in the free version

    โŒ Requires access to notifications

    Google Play
    Truecaller

    โœ… Spammer database

    โœ… Auto-detection of scammers

    โœ… Integration with Telegram

    โŒ Collection of personal information data

    โŒ Paid features

    Google Play
    Should I Answer?

    โœ… Crowdsourced spam database

    โœ… Blocking by category

    โœ… Minimalistic interface

    โŒ No Russian language support

    โŒ Limited customization

    Google Play

    ๐Ÿ”น How to set up blocking via Truecaller:

    1. Install the application and complete registration.
    2. Go to Settings โ†’ Blocking.
    3. Activate the option Block calls from Telegram.
    4. Add unwanted numbers to the blacklist or select categories for automatic blocking (for example, "Spam", "Marketing").

    โš ๏ธ Attention: third-party applications require permission to reading notices i access to contacts. This is a potential privacy risk. Before installation, check the reviews and data processing policies of the developer.

    7. Telegram hidden settings (for technical users)

    There are Telegram There is undocumented parametersthat allow you to fine-tune the behavior of calls. They are available through configuration flags or Telegram API, but require careful use.

    Ways to access hidden settings:

    • ๐Ÿ”ง Through Telegram X:
      1. Install Telegram X from Google Play.
      2. Go to Settings โ†’ Experimental functions.
      3. Activate Disable calls (can be called Block all calls).
    • ๐Ÿ“ Through editing config.json:
      1. Download a backup copy of chats (Settings โ†’ Chat โ†’ Export history).
      2. In the archive, find the file config.json and add the line:
        "calls_disabled": true,
      3. Restore chats from the modified archive.

    ๐Ÿ”น Advanced method (requires root):

    Edit the file /data/data/org.telegram.messenger/files/config.json, adding:

    {
    

    "calls": {

    "disabled": true,

    "p2p_disabled": true

    }

    }

    โš ๏ธ Attention: Incorrect editing of configuration files can lead to loss of chat history or app crashBefore experiments, export the data to the cloud or to a PC.

    ๐Ÿ’ก

    Hidden settings allow you to disable calls at the protocol level, but their use can disrupt the stability of the messenger. Recommended only for experienced users.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about blocking calls in Telegram

    ๐Ÿ” Is it possible to turn off calls only for unknown contacts?

    Yes, in Telegram there is a function to filter calls from users who are not in your contact list. To do this:

    1. Go to Settings โ†’ Privacy โ†’ Calls.
    2. Select Who can call me โ†’ My contacts.

    After this, calls from strangers will be automatically rejected.

    ๐Ÿ“ต Why do calls to Telegram continue to come after blocking?

    Probable reasons:

    • ๐Ÿ”„ The application cache is not cleared (try it Settings โ†’ Applications โ†’ Telegram โ†’ Memory โ†’ Clear cache).
    • ๐Ÿ“ฑ The phone has an outdated version Telegram (update in Google Play).
    • ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ The smartphone manufacturer has modified notifications work (relevant for Xiaomi, Huawei, Samsung).
    • ๐Ÿ”ง The settings were reset after the update (repeat the disabling procedure).
    ๐Ÿ•ต๏ธ How do I know if someone blocked me on Telegram?

    Telegram does not notify users about blocking, but there are indirect signs:

    • โŒ Your messages do not reach (there are no "delivered"/"read" checkboxes).
    • ๐Ÿ“ž Calls are dropped immediately after connection.
    • ๐Ÿ‘ค The subscriber's last visit is not updated (if it is not hidden).
    • ๐Ÿ” In in a group chat, you do not see his messages (if he blocked you).

    You can finally confirm the blocking only through the account of a third user.

    ๐Ÿ”„ What to do if, after disconnecting calls, voice messages stop working?

    Voice messages and calls to Telegram use different protocols, but sometimes the settings conflict. To restore operation:

    1. Go to Settings โ†’ Data and memory โ†’ Data usage.
    2. Make sure the option Voice messages enabled.
    3. Clear the application cache (Android Settings โ†’ Applications โ†’ Telegram โ†’ Memory).
    4. Restart your phone.

    If the problem persists, try temporarily allow calls and check the operation of voice messages.

    ๐Ÿ“ฑ Will these methods work on iPhone?

    No, settings Telegram on iOS have other restrictions. For example:

    • ๐ŸŽ On iPhone you cannot completely disable calls by editing files (due to the sandbox iOS).
    • ๐Ÿ”• Do Not Disturb mode blocks all notifications, including messages.
    • ๐Ÿ”ง To block calls from specific contacts, use standard settings Telegram (Settings โ†’ Privacy โ†’ Calls).

    For iOS only the methods from sections 1, 2 and 4 this article are relevant.