Intrusive calls from unfamiliar numbers, spammers and scammers have become a real problem for smartphone owners. According to statistics, more than 40% of incoming calls to mobile devices in 2026 will come from unwanted numbers - from advertising robots to phishing schemes. Blocking all incoming calls, except contacts from the phone book, solves this problem radically: your phone will be “silent” for everyone except those you know personally.

But how to implement such a setting on Android? The methods depend on the version of the operating system, smartphone model and even firmware. In this article we will look all working methods from standard features to third-party applications, and also talk about pitfalls that are important to consider. For example, did you know that on some devices Samsung and Xiaomi locking works differently than on “pure” Android? Or that some banking services may stop sending SMS notifications when strict filtering is activated?

We tested all the solutions described below on devices with Android 10–14, including smartphones Google Pixel 7, Samsung Galaxy S23, Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 and OnePlus 11. The instructions are universal, but for rare firmware (for example ColorOS or Flyme) minor adjustments may be required.

📊 How often do you get calls from unfamiliar numbers?
Daily
Several times a day week
Rarely
Never

Why does the standard lock not work?

Many users try to solve the problem through the menu Settings → Calls → Blocking numbers, but are faced with the fact that this function cannot block ALL unknown numbers automatically. The standard tool only allows:

  • 📵 Add numbers to the black list manually
  • 🤖 Block suspicious/spam calls (based on Google database)
  • 📞 Disable calls from hidden numbers

None of these points solve the problem completely. Moreover, on some devices (for example, Samsung Galaxy A54 s One UI 5.1even the option to block hidden numbers is missing without installing additional applications.

Another trap: if you activate function Spam filtering in the application Phone, the system will only Mark suspicious calls as spam, but will not block them. The call will still go through, and you will see a warning notification. This is not enough for complete silence.

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Before setting up blocking, check whether you are using two-factor authentication (2FA) via SMS. Some banks and services (for example Sberbank Online or Telegram) may stop sending confirmation codes if the number is not included in contacts.

Method 1: Using the built-in Do Not Disturb mode

The easiest way to block all calls except contacts is to set up the mode Do not disturb (Do Not Disturb, DND). This method works on all devices with Android 9 and newer, but has nuances depending on the shell.

Instructions for "pure" Android (Pixel, Motorola, Nokia):

  1. Open Settings → Sound and vibration → Do not disturb.
  2. Activate the switch Enable now.
  3. Go to Calls and select Contacts only.
  4. In the section Exceptions make sure that the options Repeated are disabled calls and Calls from unknown persons.

For Samsung (One UI):

  1. Go to Settings → Notifications → Do not disturb.
  2. Tap Calls and messages → Allow calls from → Contacts only.
  3. Disable Allow repeated calls (otherwise a second call from a stranger will break the block).

For Xiaomi (MIUI):

  1. Go to Settings → Sound and vibration → Do not disturb.
  2. Select Calls → Contacts only.
  3. Enable Block events and remindersto turn off all notifications.

☑️ Checking settings DND

Done: 0 / 4

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (for example, Realme UI or ColorOS) mode Do not disturb can be reset after rebooting the device. Check the settings after system updates!

Method 2: Call blocking applications

If the built-in functions are not suitable (for example, on older versions Android or custom firmware), use third-party applications. We tested 5 popular solutions and chose the two most reliable:

1. Call Blocker (from Vlad Lee)

  • 🔒 Complete blocking of all unknown numbers.
  • 📱 Works without root access.
  • 📊 Keeps a log of blocked numbers calls.
  • ⚠️ Requires permission to access calls (set in Settings → Applications → Special access → Blocking numbers).

2. Should I Answer?

  • 🤖 Automatic detection of spam using a database of numbers.
  • 🔕 Ability to create a "white list" of contacts.
  • 📈 Statistics of incoming calls.
  • ⚠️ On some devices it may conflict with the system application Phone.

How configure Call Blocker:

  1. Install the application from Google Play.
  2. Open it and go to Block → Rules.
  3. Select Block all incoming.
  4. In the section Exceptions add All contacts.
  5. Activate the blocking using the toggle switch.

⚠️ Attention: Some antiviruses (for example, Kaspersky or Dr.Web) may conflict with call blocking applications. If calls are not blocked, temporarily disable protection in your antivirus or add Call Blocker to exceptions.

Why do blocking applications require so many permissions?

On the side, call blocking applications request access to the call log, contacts and SMS in order to correctly filter incoming messages. Without these permissions, they will not be able to distinguish contacts from unfamiliar numbers. However, be careful: install only proven applications with a high rating (4.5+ on Google Play) and a large number of reviews (100K+).

Method 3: Setup through a telecom operator

Some mobile operators offer call filtering services at the network level. This solution is suitable if you do not want to install additional applications or configure your smartphone.

How to enable filtering from popular operators:

Operator Service Cost How to connect
MTS "Spam protection" Free Send SMS with text PROTECTION to number 111
Beeline "Antispam" Free Send SMS with text ANTISPAM 1 to number 5100
MegaFon "Spam filter" Free Send SMS with text FILTER to number 0500
Tele2 "Protection from fraudsters" Free Send SMS with text PROTECTION to number 611

⚠️ Attention: Operator filters block only spam and fraudulent numbers, but not all unfamiliar calls. For example, if a new client or colleague calls you, whose number is not on the operator’s blacklist, the call will go through. For complete blocking, this method must be combined with the smartphone settings.

Also keep in mind that if you change SIM card or operator, you will have to reconnect the service. Some tariffs (for example, corporate) may not support spam filtering - check with your operator for details.

Method 4: Blocking via Google Phone (for Pixel and Nexus)

If your device has a standard application installed Phone from Google (available on Pixel, Nexus and some other smartphones), you can use the built-in function spam filtering and blocking.

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Open the application Phone.
  2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Settings.
  3. Go to Spam filtering and blocking.
  4. Activate the options:
    • 🛡️ Filter spam calls
    • 📵 Block unknown numbers
  • Return to Settings and select Calls from unknown numbers → Reject.

    • ⚠️ Attention: This function only works for numbers not saved in contacts. If a call comes from a number that is in your phone book, but you do not recognize it (for example, an old contact), it will not be blocked. Before activation, check your contact list for relevance!

    Also note that on devices with firmware from manufacturers (Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei), the Google Phone application can be replaced with a proprietary one, and this method will not work. In this case, use methods 1 or 2.

    Method 5: Blocking via Tasker (for advanced users)

    If you are ready to experiment, you can automate call blocking using the application Tasker. This method takes time to set up, but gives maximum flexibility.

    What you will need:

    • 📱 Installed application Tasker (paid, ~$3).
    • 🔧 Rights to access calls (configurable in Settings → Special access).
    • 📝 List of contacts from which calls should be skipped.

    Instructions:

    1. Create a new profile in Tasker: 
      Event → Telephony → Incoming call
    2. Add a condition (if the number NOT in contacts): 
      If %CNAME ~ NO
    3. Add action Reject call.
    4. Save the task and activate the profile.

    ⚠️ Attention: Tasker may conflict with other applications that manage calls (for example, with TruecallerBefore setting up, disable all such apps). data-i="247">to work Android 12+ for work Tasker requires permission to access notifications.

    What to do if the blocking does not work?

    If calls still go through after setting up, check the following points:

    1. Application conflict

    • 🛑 Close all apps that can manage calls (Truecaller, GetContact, antiviruses).
    • 🔄 Restart your smartphone after changing the settings.

    2. Errors in the settings

    • 🔍 Make sure that in the mode Do not disturb only the item is allowed Contacts only.
    • 📋 Check if unfamiliar numbers have been added to contacts by mistake.

    3. Firmware features

    • 📲 On some devices (for example, Huawei s EMUI) the lock only works for the SIM card installed in slot 1.
    • 🔧 If you have custom firmware (for example LineageOS), manual editing of the file may be required build.prop.

    4. Problems with the operator

    • 📡 If you use operator filtering, make sure that the service is active (send a request *100# or check in your personal account).
    • 🔄 Sometimes re-registration on the network helps: switch the smartphone to the mode Only 2G, then back on 4G/5G.

    If all else fails, try reset network settings:

    1. Go to Settings → System → Reset → Reset settings network.
    2. Confirm the action and reboot the device.
    3. Configure the blocking again.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about blocking calls

    Can I block all calls except contacts on Android 8.0 and below?

    On older versions Android the built-in functions are limited. You will need to:

    1. Install a third-party application (for example, Call Blocker).
    2. Or use the filtering service from the operator (if available).

    On Android 7.0 and below mode Do not disturb may not support the option Contacts only.

    Will SMS from unknown numbers be blocked?

    No, blocking calls and SMS is configured separately. To block SMS from strangers:

    • Use applications like SMS Blocker.
    • Or activate SMS filtering from your operator (for example, MTS - service "Spam Protection in SMS").

    ⚠️ Attention: blocking SMS may prevent you from receiving confirmation codes from services!

    Why are some contacts still unable to get through?

    The problem may be:

    • 📞 A number saved in the wrong format (for example, with spaces or +7 instead of 8).
    • 🔄 Contact synchronized only with Google Account, but not with the device phone book.
    • 📡 Operator restrictions (for example, if the contact is calling from a hidden numbers).

    Check that the number is saved in international format: +7XXXXXXXXXX.

    Is it possible to block calls, but leave notifications about missed calls?

    Yes, but not in all methods:

    • 📱 In mode Do not disturb notifications about missed calls will be saved.
    • 🔒 Call Blocker there is an option "Silent blocking" - the call will be dropped, but will remain in the log.
    • 🚫 When blocked through Tasker notifications will not be saved (the call is rejected at the system level).
    How to unblock all numbers if you change your mind?

    Ways to cancel blocking:

    • 🔕 In mode Do not disturb: return the settings to Do Not Disturb All calls are allowed.
    • 📱 In applications: disable blocking in settings or delete the app.
    • 📡 From the operator: send an SMS with the text CANCEL to a short number (check with your operator).