Every day, dozens of unwanted calls are received on users’ smartphones: from intrusive marketers to scammers masquerading as bank employees. According to data for 2026, they encounter spam calls weekly, and daily. The call filter on Kaspersky for 2026, 43% of subscribers face spam calls on a weekly basis, and 18% - daily. Call filter on Android helps to automatically filter out suspicious numbers, saving time and nerves.

In this article we will look at all the ways to set up filtering - from built-in tools Google and manufacturers (Samsung Knox, MIUI, Realme UI) to third-party applications like Truecaller or Hiya. We will pay special attention hidden settings, which work even without the Internet, and explain why some numbers still pass through the filter. If you are tired of constant “incoming from an unknown number” - read on.

Built-in Android tools: how to enable call filter without applications

Modern versions Android (starting from Android 9 Pie) have a built-in call filtering system that works at the OS level. Its main advantage is that it does not consume battery power. However, the functionality depends on the firmware: on “pure” does not require installation of additional apps and does not consume battery power. However, the functionality depends on the firmware: on “pure” Android (for example, Google Pixel) the options are wider than on customized shells like One UI or ColorOS.

To activate the basic one filtering:

  1. Open the application Phone (usually with a green handset).
  2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner → Settings.
  3. Select Spam and fraud filter (on some devices - Blocking numbers).
  4. Turn on the switch Filter spam calls.

On devices Samsung the path may be different: Phone → ⚙️ Settings → Block numbers and spam → Enable spam filter. There is also an option Block unknown numbersthat automatically drops calls from hidden identifiers (Private Number or Unknown).

📊 How often do spam calls bother you?
Daily
Several times a week
Nearby
Almost never
⚠️ Attention: Built-in filter Android uses a database Googlewhich is updated every 2-3 days If scammers. changed the number, it can go through filtering. To instantly block new spammers, you will need third-party applications.

Advantages of the built-in filter:

  • 🔄 Works without the Internet (after the first database update).
  • 📱 Does not require administrator rights.
  • 🛡️ Protects against known fraudulent schemes (for example, “your relative is in trouble”).

Disadvantages:

  • 🚫 Does not block SMS spam (calls only).
  • 🔍 It is not possible to add numbers to the blacklist manually (only through the call log).
  • 📊 The spammer database is updated less frequently than that of specialized applications.

Top 5 applications for call filtering: comparison of functions

If the built-in tools are not enough, third-party applications come to the rescue. They offer advanced features: cloud spammer databases, subscriber behavior analysis (for example, call frequency) and even voice assistantsthat answer scammers instead of you. Below is a comparison of the most popular solutions for 2026.

Application Free version Premium features Features
Truecaller Yes (with advertising) No advertising, extended call history, priority support The largest database of spammers (more than 300 million numbers), integration from WhatsApp
Hiya Yes Blocking by geolocation, protection against phishing Developed by the company that previously created Whitepages, high accuracy in identifying scammers
Kaspersky Who Calls Yes (14 days) Lifetime license (~$10) Uses data Kaspersky Security Network, blocks SMS spam
CallApp Yes Themes, call recording Social integration (shows avatars from Facebook, Instagram)
Should I Answer? Yes Absent Open source, works offline after the first database update

For most users, the optimal choice will be Truecaller or Hiya. The first is suitable for those who want the maximum spammer base and integration with instant messengers, the second for those who value privacy (the application does not require access to contacts to work).

Make sure that the application has more than 1 million downloads on Google Play|

Check reviews for the last 3 months (fraudsters often fake old ratings)|

Pay attention to the required permissions (access to contacts is not always required)|

Try the free version before purchasing premium features -->

⚠️ Attention: Applications like Truecaller upload your contacts to their servers to improve the database. If this is critical for you, choose offline solutions (for example Should I Answer?) or disable synchronization in the settings.

How to add a number to the blacklist manually

Even with the filter enabled, some numbers may slip. In this case, it will help manual blocking. The method works on all devices, but the path to the settings may differ. Below is a universal instruction.

Method 1: Through the call log

  1. Open the application Phone tab and go to the Journal.
  2. Find the desired number and click on it.
  3. In the window that opens, select Block or Add to black list.
  4. Confirm the action (on some devices you will need to specify the reason for blocking).

Method 2: Through the phone settings

  1. Go to Settings → Applications → Phone → Blocking numbers.
  2. Click Add number and enter it manually.
  3. Save changes.

On devices Xiaomi i Redmi other path: Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks → Call blocking. Here you can not only add numbers, but also set up rules for unknown callers or international calls.

💡

If you often receive calls from different numbers (for example, collectors), use the blocking function by mask. For example, add the pattern +7912* to the blacklist - this will block all numbers with the code 912.

What to do if the number continues to call after blocking:

  • 🔄 Reboot the phone - sometimes changes are applied only after reboot.
  • 📱 Check whether several applications for calls are installed on the device (for example Google Phone and branded ones from the manufacturer). Blocking must be configured in both.
  • 🛠️ Update the firmware - in older versions Android there were bugs with blacklists.

Advanced settings: filtering by keywords and geolocation

Advanced users can set up filtering not only by numbers, but also by keywords in the caller ID or even by geographical basis. These functions are available in some firmware and applications.

For example, in MIUI (smartphones Xiaomi, Poco, Redmi) you can block:

  • 🌍 Calls from certain countries (useful for blocking international spam).
  • 📛 Numbers with certain prefixes (for example, all numbers starting with +375 — Belarus).
  • 🔠 Calls with an identifier containing the words "bank", "credit", "win", etc.

To set up filtering by keywords in MIUI:

  1. Go to Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks → Call blocking.
  2. Select Blocking settings → Keyword filter.
  3. Add words or phrases (for example, urgent, debt, gift).
  4. Save the settings.

On Samsung a similar function is called Smart Call and is located in the phone settings. It analyzes incoming calls and warns about potential spam even before answering.

How to bypass operator restrictions

Some mobile operators (for example, MTS or Beeline) do not transmit caller ID for international numbers. In this case, even a filter by country will not work. The solution is to use applications with their own database (for example, Truecaller), which determine the subscriber's country by number, and not by operator data.

For maximum protection, combine several methods:

  1. Enable the built-in filter Android.
  2. Install Truecaller or Hiya for the cloud spammer database.
  3. Add manually numbers that passed through the filters.
  4. Set up blocking by keywords and geolocation (if supported).

Why the filter does not work: common problems and solutions

Sometimes, even after setting up the filter, spam calls continue to arrive. The reasons can be different - from bugs in the firmware to deliberate bypass of the protection by scammers. cases and ways to eliminate them.

Problem 1: Numbers are not blocked, although they are added to the black list.

  • 🔹 Reason: Conflict between several calling applications (for example, Google Phone and proprietary ones from the manufacturer).
  • 🔹 Solution: Disable one of the applications in the settings (Settings → Applications → Select default → Phone application).

Problem 2: Spam filter does not detect new ones fraudulent numbers.

  • 🔹 Cause: The database is out of date or automatic updating is disabled.
  • 🔹 Solution: In the filter settings, enable the option Auto-updating the spam database or update it manually.

Problem 3: Calls from hidden numbers (Unknown) pass through the filter.

  • 🔹 Reason: By default, hidden numbers are not blocked.
  • 🔹 Solution: Enable the option Block unknown numbers in the phone settings.

Problem 4: After updating the firmware, the filter stopped working.

  • 🔹 Cause: Resetting security settings.
  • 🔹 Solution: Re-enable filtering in the phone settings and check the permissions for applications.
⚠️ Attention: Fraudsters often use substitution of numbers (spoofing)when the call is supposedly from your operator or bank. In this case, even the filter may not work. Always check the number manually before answering - real banks never call from mobile numbers (for example, +79xx).

If none of the methods helped, try alternative solution:

  • 📵 Use Do Not Disturb mode with exceptions for contacts.
  • 🔕 Forward calls from spammers to a non-existent number (the setting is available from the operator).
  • 📞 Order the service from the operator "Black list" (paid, but more effective than system filters).

SMS spam filtering: bonus settings

Along with calls, no less problematic are SMS spam: messages from scammers, advertising mailings, phishing links. Luckily, you can filter them too. In Android 11 and newer there is a built-in spam SMS blocking function, and applications like Truecaller or Messages by Google have advanced tools.

How to enable SMS filtering c Messages by Google:

  1. Open the application Messages.
  2. Click on the three dots → Settings → Spam protection.
  3. Enable the option Enable anti-spam protection.
  4. Add numbers or keywords to block manually.

Advantages of SMS filtering:

  • 🚫 Automatic deletion of messages with phishing links.
  • 📊 Statistics of spam activity (useful for complaints to the operator).
  • 🔔 Notifications about blocking with the ability to restore a message.

For maximum protection, combine:

  • 📱 Built-in filtering in Messages by Google.
  • 🛡️ Antispam application (for example Kaspersky Who Calls).
  • 📵 Manual blocking of numbers through SMS settings.
💡

SMS filtering is as important as blocking calls. Fraudsters often use SMS to distribute phishing links that can steal your bank card or account information.

How to protect yourself from new ones types of fraud in 2026

Fraudsters do not stand still: in 2026, new deception schemes appeared that bypass standard filters. For example:

  • 🤖 Voice deepfake: Calls imitating the voice of relatives or friends.
  • 💳 Fake notifications from banks: SMS or calls asking to “confirm the transaction” (in fact, a transfer of money to scammers).
  • 📞 Substitution of support service numbers: Calls allegedly from Sberbank, Yandex.Money or Government services.

How to protect yourself:

  • 🔍 Always check the caller's number by searching in Google or Truecaller.
  • 📵 Never confirm transactions by phone if you have not initialized them yourself.
  • 🔒 Use two-factor authentication (2FA) for banking applications.
  • 📞 If the “bank” calls, hang up and call the official number from the site.

In 2026 Google announced new function for Android 15 — AI fraud protection. It analyzes the conversation in real time and warns if the interlocutor uses typical scam phrases (for example, “your account is blocked”). The function is currently being tested, but it can be included in beta versions Google Phone.

Important: Fraudsters are increasingly using instant messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram) for calls. Built-in Android filters do not apply to them - you need to configure blocking directly in the messengers themselves.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about filtering calls on Android

Is it possible to block all incoming calls, except contacts?

Yes, to do this, turn on the "Do not disturb" mode (Settings → Sound → Do Not Disturb) and add an exception for contacts. An alternative is to use applications like Call Blocker, which has a "White List" function.

Why does he still call after blocking a number?

The scammer is probably using substitution of caller ID (spoofing). Try blocking not a number, but number range (for example, all numbers with the code +375). Also check if the calling applications do not conflict with each other.

How to block calls from international numbers?

In the phone settings (Phone → Settings → Blocking numbers) select "Block international calls" option. On Xiaomi this is done through Settings → SIM cards → Call blocking → Filter by country.

Is it possible to restore a blocked one number from the magazine?

Yes, but only if it was not permanently deleted. In the application Phone go to Journal → Blocked (or Spam) and unblock the number. In some firmware, blocked numbers are stored separately from the main log.

Which application is better for filtering: Truecaller or Hiya?

Depends on priorities:

  • Truecaller suitable if you need a maximum database of spammers and integration with instant messengers.
  • Hiya better for privacy (does not require access to contacts) and has a more accurate algorithm for identifying scammers.

Both applications are free, but Truecaller more advertising.