How to set up Android so that calls only come from contacts from the phone book

Are you tired of spam calls, intrusive call centers, or just want to protect yourself from unwanted incoming calls? On Android, there are several ways to set up filtering so that the phone receives calls only from numbers saved in contacts. This feature is especially useful for business phones, children's devices, or simply for those who value silence.

Unlike the iPhone, where a similar setting is implemented through “Silence Mode,” on Android the solution depends on the system version, smartphone manufacturer (Samsung, Xiaomi, Google Pixel etc.), and the calling application you are using. In this article we will analyze all the working methods - from standard tools to third-party applications with advanced capabilities. We will also tell you how to avoid common mistakes during setup and what to do if an important call is missed.

Why do standard methods not always work?

Many users are faced with the fact that even after enabling call filtering in Android settings, unknown numbers continue to call. There are several reasons:

• 📱 The manufacturer has changed the interface. For example, in MIUI (firmware Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO) and One UI (Samsung) phone settings menus differ from “pure” Android.
• 🔄 System updates reset settings. After the May 2026 security patches, some users complained about call filters being reset.
• 📞 The Phone application does not support the function. In older versions of Android (below 9.0), blocking by contacts may not be available.
• 🛠️ Conflict with other services. If applications like Truecaller or GetContactare installed, they can override system settings.

Before you start setting up, check the version of Android in Settings → About phone → Android version. If you Android 8.0 Oreo or older, all the methods described below should work. For earlier versions, you will need to install third-party software.

Method 1: Built-in filtering in the Phone application (Android 9.0 and later)

The easiest method is to use the standard application settings Phone. The instructions are suitable for most devices running “pure” Android (for example Google Pixel, Motorola, Nokia), as well as for some models Samsung and Xiaomi with the latest updates.

1. Open the application Phone (handset icon on the main screen).
2. Click on the three dots (⋮) in the upper right corner and select Settings.
3. Go to section Blocking numbers or Spam and blocking (the name may differ).
4. Activate the option Unknown numbers or Filter spam calls.
5. Turn on the switch Contacts only (if available) or manually add a blocking rule for all numbers except saved ones.

On some devices (for example, Samsung Galaxy S23) this path may look like this: Phone → Settings → Blocking numbers → Block unknown/hidden numbers. Once activated, all calls from unidentified numbers will be automatically dropped or sent to voicemail.

Is the "Contacts Only" option enabled|

Are exceptions added for important numbers (bank, support service)|

Are the contact synchronization settings (Google/Sim) checked? Make sure that the rule is applied to all SIM cards in use.

Resetting the Phone application cache after changes (if calls still go through)

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⚠️ Attention: On devices with two SIM cards, blocking settings can be duplicated for each slot separately. Make sure that the rule is applied to all SIM cards used.

Method 2: Using Do Not Disturb mode with exceptions

If your Phone application does not have an option to filter by contacts, you can get by with the mode Do not disturb (DND). This method works on all versions of Android, but requires manually setting exceptions.

Action algorithm:

1. Open Settings → Sound and vibration → Do not disturb.
2. Enable the mode Do not disturb.
3. Press Allow exceptions and select Calls.
4. Set the option Contacts only or Favorite contacts (if you want to narrow the circle).
5. Save the changes and activate the mode.

The disadvantage of this method is that the mode Do not disturb blocks all notifications, and not just calls. To avoid this, you can leave the option in exceptions Alarms and reminders or Repeating calls (if someone calls twice within 3 minutes, the call will go through).

Method	Pros	Cons	Suitable for
Filtering in the application Phone disturb"	Does not require third party applications, runs in the background	Not on all firmware, may reset after updates	Android 9.0+, “pure” Android, Samsung, Xiaomi (latest versions)
Do Not Disturb Mode	Works on all versions of Android, flexible exception settings	Blocks all notifications, requires manual activation	Any devices, including older versions of Android
Third-party applications (Truecaller, Hiya)	Advanced filters, databases of spam numbers, blocking log	Requires permission to access contacts and calls, may slow down	Users who need maximum protection against spam

Method 3: Third-party applications for blocking calls

If standard methods are not suitable, you can install a specialized application. The most popular options:

• 📲 Truecaller — blocks spam calls based on a global database, supports “white lists” of contacts.
• 🛡️ Hiya — analyzes numbers in real time, offers advanced filtering settings.
• 🔒 Call Blocker — a simple application with the ability to manually add numbers to black/white lists.
• 📵 Should I Answer? —uses crowdsourcing to identify spam calls.

Example setup in Truecaller:

1. Install the application from Google Play and complete registration.
2. Go to Settings → Blocking → List management.
3. Activate the option Block all numbers except contacts.
4. In the section Exceptions add important numbers (for example, a bank or delivery service) if they are not saved in the phone book.

⚠️ Attention: Applications like Truecaller require access to call history and contacts. Before installation, check the permissions in Settings → Applications → Truecaller → Permissions and disable unnecessary ones (for example, access to location).

Method 4: Setting up through a telecom operator

Some mobile operators (MTS, Beeline, MegaFon, Tele2) offer spam call filtering services. For example, MegaFon has the “Spam Protection” service, and MTS has the “Antispam” service. These services are usually paid (from 30 to 100 rubles per month), but they allow you to block unwanted calls at the network level, regardless of the phone settings.

How to connect:

1. Send a USSD command (for example, *111*789# for MTS) or call the operator.
2. Activate the service through your personal account on the operator’s website.
3. Set up a “white list” in the web interface or via SMS commands.

The advantage of this method is that filtering works even if the phone is turned off or in airplane mode. However, operator services do not always block 100% of spam, especially if they call from virtual numbers or foreign SIM cards.

What to do if the operator does not block spam?

If after connecting to the service spam calls continue, try:

1. Complain to operator support indicating the numbers that pass the filter.

2. Additionally, use a blocker application on your phone.

3. Check if a spammer is calling from numbers similar to your contacts (for example, +79991234567 vs +79991234568).

How to check if blocking is working?

After setting up filtering, it is important to make sure that it is really active. Here are several ways to test:

• 📱 Ask a friend to call you from the number not saved in contacts. The call should be dropped or go to voicemail.
• 🔍 Check the call log: blocked numbers may appear as missed numbers with the mark “Blocked.”
• 📊 In applications like Truecaller there is a section “Blocking Statistics”, where you can see the number of stopped calls.
• 🛠️ Use test services (for example, *111*0887# to check the blocking of Beeline).

If calls still pass:

1. Make sure that the caller's number is not saved in hidden contacts (for example, in Google Contacts under a different name).
2. Check whether the number is added to blocking exceptions (in the settings of the Phone application or a third-party blocker).
3. Reboot your phone - sometimes the settings are applied only after a reboot.

Common errors and how to avoid them

Many users are faced with the fact that the blocking does not work correctly. Here are typical reasons and solutions:

• 🔄 Reset settings after update. Solution: Check your filtering settings after every major Android update.
• 📵 Numbers are processed as “Favorites”. In Do Not Disturb mode, an exception for repeated calls is sometimes triggered. Disable the option Repeated calls in the DND settings.
• 📞 Calls from hidden numbers. Most blockers cannot stop calls with a suppressed caller ID. In this case, only an operator service or completely disabling incoming calls will help.
• 🔋 The blocker application is killed by the system. Add it to the battery optimization exceptions (see advice above).

Another common problem is missed important calls. To avoid this:

• Add all critical numbers (bank, doctor, child's school) to your contacts.
• Use "white lists" in blocking applications for exceptions.
• Set up notifications about missed calls from blocked numbers (if the function is supported).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions

Is it possible to block calls only from unknown numbers, but leave SMS?

Yes, in most cases, blocking calls does not affect SMS. However, in Do Not Disturb mode, you can separately set exceptions for messages. In applications like Truecaller there are also separate settings for calls and SMS.

Why do some numbers still ring after blocking?

This can happen for several reasons:

• The number is saved in hidden contacts (for example, in Google Account or on SIM card).
• The caller uses a virtual number or replaces the caller ID.
• The phone has several blocking applications installed, and their settings conflict.
• The telecom operator does not support filtering at the level network.

Check the call log: if the number is displayed as “Unknown” or “Hidden”, standard blocking methods may not work.

How to unblock a number if it was blocked by mistake?

The method depends on the blocking method:

• Standard settings: Go in Phone → Settings → Blocking numbers and remove the number from the list.
• Truecaller/Hiya: Open the application, find the number in the log and click “Unblock.”
• Do Not Disturb mode: Add the number to your contacts or exception list.

If the number is blocked by the operator, contact support or send a USSD command to remove the blocking (for example, *111*789*0# for MTS).

Will the blocking work if the phone is in airplane mode or is turned off?

No, if the blocking is configured at the phone level (standard settings or applications), calls will be received, but the subscriber will hear a busy signal or voicemail. If the blocking is connected through an operator, it will work regardless of the state. phone.

Is it possible to set up blocking only for certain hours (for example, at night)?

Yes, the Do Not Disturb mode with schedule settings is suitable for this:

1. Open Settings → Sound → Do Not Disturb → Schedule.
2. Set the time interval (for example, from 23:00 to 7:00).
3. Leave as exceptions Only contacts or Favorite contacts.

Also, some applications (for example, Truecaller Premium) allow you to configure temporary blocking rules.