Smartphones based on the operating system Android have become an integral part of our lives, but along with convenience they also bring a lot of irritating factors, among which unwanted calls are in the lead. The operator's subscribers MTS often face a situation where the phone is ringing off the hook with robot calls offering loans, communication services or participation in surveys. This is not only distracting, but also wastes battery power, and sometimes money, if a call is received accidentally while roaming.
Fortunately, the ecosystem Android and the services of the operator itself provide a wide arsenal of tools to combat this phenomenon. From built-in blacklist features to specialized carrier services and third-party blocking apps, the method you choose depends on your phone model and personal preferences. In this article, we will analyze in detail all the available ways to forget about intrusive advertising in the handset forever.
Before moving on to complex settings, it is worth assessing the scale of the problem and understanding the nature of incoming signals. Spam often comes not only from real numbers, but also from spoofed IDs, which complicates the filtering task. However, the combination of system settings and cloud databases allows you to filter out up to 95% of junk traffic.
Using standard blocking functions in Android
Modern versions of the operating system Android, starting from 6.0 and higher, are equipped with built-in anti-spam mechanisms that operate at the system level. These tools do not require installation of additional software and consume minimal device resources. To activate the function, you need to go to the application Phone, which is usually a standard dialer.
In the dialing interface, find the three dots in the upper right corner or the menu button, then select Settings. In the list that opens, look for a section that may be called “Number blocking”, “Spam protection” or "Caller ID and spam". Depending on the smartphone manufacturer (Samsung, Xiaomi, Pixel), the name and location of the menu may differ, but the logic of operation remains the same.
Activate the switch that allows the system to automatically block suspicious calls. Algorithms Google analyze a database of user complaints and mark calls from known spammers in red or simply drop them without allowing the phone to ring. This is the basic level of protection that should be enabled for every user.
- 📱 Open the “Phone” application and go to settings through the menu.
- 🛡️ Find the “Caller ID and anti-spam” section.
- ✅ Activate the “Filter” slider spam calls."
- 🚫Add specific numbers to the blacklist manually if they continue to call.
It is worth noting that standard tools cope well with mass mailings from well-known companies, but may miss calls from new or little-known numbers that have not yet been included in global complaint databases. Therefore, this method is recommended to be used in conjunction with other solutions.
Antispam service from the MTS operator
The most effective way to deal with unwanted calls at the network level is to connect a specialized service from the communication provider itself. The operator MTS offers the Antispam service, which analyzes incoming traffic before it reaches your smartphone. This solution is especially relevant for those who do not want to clog up their phone memory with unnecessary applications.
The service uses a cloud database of numbers, regularly updated by the company’s specialists and the subscribers themselves. When a call arrives on your phone, the system checks the number against a database of scammers and advertising agencies. If the number is marked as unwanted, the call is blocked, and you may receive SMS notification about who tried to call.
⚠️ Attention: The Antispam service from MTS is paid. Charging may depend on your current tariff plan. Before connecting, be sure to check the cost in your personal account or through the balance request command to avoid unexpected write-offs.
Connecting the service is carried out in several ways: through the USSD command, in the “My MTS” mobile application or on the operator’s official website in your personal account. After activation, you can flexibly configure filters, choosing which categories of calls to block - for example, only marketing offers or also suspicious numbers.
*111*236*1#This command is a standard request for activating the basic version of protection. Enter it in the dialer and press the call button. The system will instantly process the request and send a confirmation message. For more fine-tuning, it is recommended to use the application My MTS, where the interface is more friendly and informative.
In the “My MTS” application you can set up a “White List” - add the numbers of close and important contacts there so that the Antispam service never blocks their calls, even if they accidentally end up in the general database complaints.
Third-party applications for call filtering
If the capabilities of the system and operator are not enough, specialized applications from third-party developers come to the rescue. The store Google Play offers dozens of solutions that use their own huge databases and machine learning algorithms to identify spam. The leaders in this niche are products from Yandex, Kaspersky and Truecaller.
Applications of this type work in the background and require permission to access the phone book and call log. This is necessary so that the app can check the incoming number with its database in real time. Some users are concerned about the confidentiality of their contacts, but large companies guarantee data protection and anonymization.
One of the advantages of using third-party software is the possibility of customization. You can create your own blocking rules, such as blocking all calls from numbers starting with certain numbers or blocking calls from hidden numbers. Also, many applications have a “Silent Mode” function for unknown subscribers.
| Application | License type | Features | Impact on the battery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yandex with Alice | Free | Integration with the ecosystem, voice assistant | Average |
| Kaspersky Who Calls | Freemium | High database reliability, anti-virus protection | Low |
| Truecaller | Freemium | Global database, definition unknown names | High |
| Call Blocker | Free | Simple interface, manual configuration of rules | Low |
When choosing an application, pay attention to reviews and the number of installations. Popular solutions receive database updates several times a day, which is critical in the fight against new telephone fraud schemes. Don’t forget to periodically check the log of blocked calls to make sure that an important call was not missed.
☑️ Criteria for choosing a blocker application
Manual configuration of the blacklist and rules
Sometimes automatic filters turn out to be overly aggressive or, conversely, let annoying robots through. In such cases, the best solution is to manually moderate incoming calls. The operating system Android allows you to create lists of blocked contacts and set up rules for groups of numbers.
To add a number to the blacklist manually, open the call log, find the unwanted number and click on it. In the menu that appears, select the option Block/Send to spam. After this, the subscriber will not be able to reach you, and when they try to call, they will hear a busy tone or the connection will be reset.
More advanced users can use the Do Not Disturb (DND) mode. In the settings of this mode, you can specify that all calls, except those coming from contacts or favorite numbers, should be muted. The phone will not ring or vibrate, and calls will simply be rejected by the system.
⚠️ Attention: When using Do Not Disturb mode, make sure that you have added emergency numbers and close relatives to the exclusion list. Otherwise, you may miss a really important call in a critical situation.
It is also worth considering the possibility of blocking calls from hidden numbers. Many spam bots disguise their ID by introducing themselves as “Unknown Number.” In your phone settings, find the “Block hidden numbers” option and activate it. This action will dramatically reduce the number of junk calls, but keep in mind that some legitimate organizations can also call from hidden numbers.
How to unblock a number if it was blacklisted by mistake?
Go to the “Phone” application → Settings → Blocked numbers. Find the desired contact in the list and click on the cross or the “Unblock” button next to it. The number will immediately return to the list of allowed ones.
Features of how spam filters work on different brands
Smartphone manufacturers often modify the standard interface Androidby adding their own shells and security features. This means that the path to blocking settings may differ significantly on devices from different brands. Understanding these differences will help you find the right option faster.
On smartphones Samsung with shell One UI spam protection functions are often integrated with Hiya services. In your phone settings, you need to find the “Caller ID and anti-spam” section, where you can enable loading of a database of spam numbers. The interface here is as detailed as possible and allows you to flexibly customize notifications.
Devices from Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO use their own security system MIUI Security. This application has a separate Antispam module, which works very effectively and allows you to block not only calls, but also SMS messages. Users can choose the level of aggressiveness of filtering.
Smartphones from other manufacturers, such as Honor or Realmealso have built-in call managers with blocking functions. If you cannot find the item you need in the menu, use the search in your phone settings by entering the query “spam” or “blocking”. This is a universal method for any version Android.
The settings interface may differ depending on the version of Android and the manufacturer's shell, but the blocking functionality is present in 99% of modern smartphones.
Prevention and additional security measures
It is difficult to completely eliminate the possibility of spam calls, but you can minimize the risks by following simple rules of digital hygiene. Often our phone number ends up in spammers' databases due to carelessness on the Internet or when registering on dubious resources.
Try not to indicate your main phone number on public forums, message boards and social networks with an open profile. To register on sites that raise doubts, use virtual numbers or a second SIM card, which you don’t mind replacing in case of aggressive spam.
Regularly update the software of your smartphone. Manufacturers are constantly improving spam detection algorithms in system updates. Also monitor database updates in installed blocker applications, if you use them.
If you have become a victim of telephone fraud or the number of calls has become unbearable, despite all the filters, contact support MTS. The operator can check the line and offer individual solutions or temporarily change the number if the situation is critical.
What to do if spammers call from different numbers of the same company?
In this case, manual blocking will not help. It is necessary to use cloud services (an operator service or an application with a common base), which block not a specific number, but a pattern of behavior or affiliation with a spammer organization.
Is it possible to completely disable spam on MTS for free?
Yes, using the built-in Android functions and free versions of blocking applications (for example, Yandex or basic Truecaller). The MTS operator's Antispam service is usually paid, but standard phone features do not require a subscription fee.
Will you receive notifications about blocked calls?
It depends on the settings. In the standard Android blocker, the call is simply rejected without notification. In applications and the MTS service, you can configure sending SMS or Push notifications about who tried to call.
Does blocking spam calls affect the quality of regular communication?
No, high-quality filters work selectively and do not affect network throughput or voice quality when talking with authorized subscribers. The delay in identifying the number is a fraction of a second.
How do I know if I blocked an important number by accident?
Regularly check the log of blocked calls in the blocker application or in the phone settings. The history of all rejected calls is stored there, indicating the number and time of the call.
Does anti-spam protection work while roaming?
The built-in Android functions work wherever there is a connection. The MTS operator's Antispam service may have restrictions in international roaming or be charged differently - check the conditions in your personal account before traveling.