Constant calls from unfamiliar numbers, spammers and scammers distract from important matters and create unnecessary stress. On smartphones Android there are several ways to automatically block all incoming calls, except those coming from contacts saved in the phone book. This solution is suitable for business owners, freelancers, parents and anyone who wants to control who might disturb them.

In this article we will look at the capabilities of third-party applications, and also consider the nuances for different OS versions. You will learn how to set up call filtering without losing important notifications and with minimal time wasted. built-in Android functions, possibilities Google Phone and third-party applications, and also consider the nuances for different OS versions. You will learn how to set up call filtering without losing important notifications and with minimal waste of time.

⚠️ Attention: Some functions may not be available on devices with custom firmware (for example MIUI, ColorOS) or on older versions of Android (below 9.0). Before setting up, check that the interface on your phone is up to date.

1. Built-in Contacts Only feature in Google Phone

The easiest way to filter calls is to use the standard application Google Phone (installed by default on most smartphones with "pure" Android: Pixel, Nokia, Motorola etc.). It supports a function Filtering spam and callsthat allows you to block unknown numbers automatically.

To enable the "contacts only" mode:

  1. Open the application Phone (icon with handset).
  2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner → Settings.
  3. Select Spam and calls → Filtering spam and calls.
  4. Activate the switch Filter spam calls.
  5. Enable the option below Unknown numbers → select Reject.

After this, all calls from numbers not saved in contactswill be automatically rejected. The caller will hear short beeps, as if your phone is turned off.

Spam and call filtering is enabled

The "Reject unknown numbers" mode is activated

The Phone application has been updated to the latest version

Checked exceptions for important numbers (banks, delivery services)-->

⚠️ Attention: If you use Samsung Phone, Xiaomi Dialer or another proprietary application, this method may not work. For such devices, read the next section.

2. Setting up a call filter on Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei and other brands

Smartphone manufacturers often replace the standard application Google Phone with their own solutions. Let's look at how to set up filtering on popular brands:

For Samsung (One UI):

  1. Open Phone → click ⋮ → Settings.
  2. Go to Blocking numbers.
  3. Activate Block unknown/hidden numbers.
  4. Enable Block numbers not saved in contacts (if available).

For Xiaomi (MIUI):

  1. Run Phone → ⋮ → Call settings.
  2. Select Black list → Blocking unknown numbers.
  3. Enable the option Block all incoming calls from unknown numbers.

For Huawei (EMUI):

  1. Open Phone → ⋮ → Settings.
  2. Go c Blocking and filtering.
  3. Enable Filtering unknown numbers.

On some devices (for example Realme, Oppo), you may need to install a third-party application - read about this in the section 4.

Samsung

Xiaomi

Huawei

Google Pixel

Other-->

3. Using Do Not Disturb mode for selective filtering

Function "Do not disturb" (DND) allows you to flexibly configure which calls to let through and which to block. Unlike completely blocking unknown numbers, here you can create exceptions for repeated calls or favorite contactswhich is convenient for emergencies.

How to set up:

  1. Go in Settings → Sound and vibration → Do not disturb.
  2. Turn on the mode Do not disturb.
  3. Click Calls → select Contacts only or Repeated calls (if someone calls twice within 15 minutes, the call will go through).
  4. In Exceptions Add important numbers (for example, 112, Ambulance).

The advantage of this method: you can schedule do not disturb mode according to a schedule (for example, at night or during business hours) and not miss important notifications from instant messengers.

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If you often receive calls from hidden numbers, in the "Do not disturb" settings, enable the "Block hidden numbers" option. This will cut off most of them. scammers.

4. Third-party applications for advanced call filtering

If the built-in Android functions do not cover your needs, use specialized applications. They offer additional features: white lists. data-i="136">blocking schedule, blocking schedule, blocked call log and even answering machine for spammers.

Top 3 applications for filtering calls:

  • 📱 Truecaller —detects spam numbers from the database, blocks them automatically. contacts" in the premium version.
  • 🔒 Hiya — analyzes numbers in real time, supports black and white lists. The free version is limited.
  • 🛡️ Call Blocker — a simple blocker with manual configuration of rules (for example, block all numbers except selected ones).

How to configure Truecaller for "contacts only" mode:

  1. Install the application from Google Play and complete registration.
  2. Go to Settings → Blocking → Blocking numbers.
  3. Enable Block all numbers not saved in contacts.
  4. In Exceptions add numbers that should always go through (for example, 911).

⚠️ Attention: Applications like Truecaller require access to your phone book and call history. If privacy is critical, use the built-in Android functions.

5. Setting up filtering through your telecom operator

Some mobile operators (for example, MTS, Beeline, Tele2) offer spam call blocking services at the network level. This works even if you have an old phone or custom firmware.

How to connect:

  • 📞 MTS: Send an SMS with the text PROTECTION to the number 111 or activate the service in your personal account.
  • 📱 Beeline: Connect "Antispam" via USSD command *110*789#.
  • 🌐 Tele2: Enable "Spam Protection" in the application My Tele2.

The advantage of this method: blocking works before the call reaches your phone, saving battery power. However, the operator cannot distinguish spam from important unknown numbers (for example, a new client or a doctor), so combine this method with others.

What to do if the operator does not blocks spam?

If your operator does not provide a filtering service, try:

1. Install a SIM card from another operator with antispam (for example, Yota has built-in protection).

2. websites (services like Numo or SMS-Activate).

3. Activate the paid service "Personal Secretary" (available from some operators).

6. Manual creation of black and white lists

If you need fine tuningwho can call and who cannot, create white list (allowed numbers) and black list (blocked). This is relevant for business owners or those who expect calls only from a limited circle of people.

Instructions for the standard application Google Phone:

  1. Open Phone → ⋮ → Settings → Blocked numbers.
  2. Click Add number and enter the numbers you want to block.
  3. For the white list, go to Settings → Calls → Call forwarding and set up call forwarding to another number for all except selected contacts.

For Samsung i Xiaomi the process is similar, but the path may differ:

  • 📵 Samsung: Phone → ⋮ → Settings → Blocking numbers → Add to blacklist.
  • 📵 Xiaomi: Phone → ⋮ → Blacklist → Add.

If you need to block all but 5-10 numbers, it’s easier to create a group of contacts (for example, “Important”) and set up forwarding for the rest.

7. Problems and solutions: why filtering does not work

Sometimes, even after setting it up, calls from unknown numbers continue to arrive. Considerable reasons and ways to eliminate them:

Problem Possible cause Solution
Calls go through despite the blocking being turned on Application Google Phone is not a standard dialer Install Google Phone from Play Market and make it the default application
The "Contacts only" function is missing in the settings Outdated version of Android (below 9.0) or custom firmware Update the OS or use a third-party application (for example, Call Blocker)
Spam calls come from different numbers Fraudsters use number spoofing (spoofing) Enable the "Caller Verification" option ( Google Phone option "Caller Verification" (Settings → Caller Verification)
"Do not disturb" does not block calls B Exceptions, passage is allowed for repeated calls or instant messengers Check the settings Settings → Sound → Do not disturb → Exceptions

If the problem persists, try reset network settings:

  1. Go to Settings → System → Reset → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth settings.
  2. After reboot, reconfigure call filtering.
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If your phone runs Android 12 and above, check the permissions for "Phone" application in Settings → Applications → Phone → Permissions. Without access to contacts and call log, filtering will not work.

Frequently asked questions

Can I block all calls except selected contacts on Android 8.0?

On Android 8.0 and below there is no built-in "contacts only" function. You will need to:

  1. Install a third-party application (for example Call Blocker).
  2. Or use the "Do not disturb" mode with manually adding exceptions.

Updating to a new version of Android will solve the problem.

Will SMS from unknown numbers be blocked?

No, call and SMS filtering is configured separately. To block SMS:

  • In Google Messages: ⋮ → Settings → Spam protection → Enable.
  • On Samsung: Messages → ⋮ → Settings → Blocking numbers and spam.
How to unblock a number if I accidentally added it to the black list?

To remove a number from blocking:

  1. Open Phone → ⋮ → Settings → Blocked numbers.
  2. Find the number in the list and click on trash or "Delete".

On Xiaomi the path may be different: Phone → ⋮ → Blacklist → Delete.

Is it possible to set up an automatic answer for blocked callers?

Yes, but only through third-party applications:

  • Truecaller Premium allows you to send SMS notification of blocking.
  • Call Blocker Supports recording a voice answering machine for blocked numbers.

Standard Android dialers do not have this function.

Why do some spam calls still go through?

This happens due to:

  • Spoofing - scammers disguise themselves as legitimate numbers.
  • Lack of updates to the database of spam numbers in the application (update Google Phone or Truecaller).
  • Use of VoIP calls (via WhatsApp, Viber), which are not blocked by standard means.

Solution: combine blocking at the phone level and operator.