How to block spam calls on your Android phone
As smartphone and internet usage continue to grow, so do the annoying spam calls that come with it. There are several effective ways to stop them. Your phone’s dialer app likely has a built-in spam filter you can easily enable.
Android devices that use Google Phone as the default dialer app can filter unknown calls within the app’s settings. However, manufacturers like Samsung bundle their own default phone apps, and the process of enabling spam filters could be different.
This article shows you how to block spam calls on your device, whether it’s a budget Android phone or a high-end Android phone.
How spammers get your phone number
Spammers can obtain your phone number in many ways. Some common methods include setting up fake charities soliciting donations, contests, or giveaways. They could even obtain your number from businesses that display caller IDs. A popular breed of spammers is telemarketers who purchase lists of phone numbers from third-party data providers. So, be cautious when giving out your phone number.
It’s also important to know the types of spam calls. Aside from sales calls from telemarketers, spam calls may come in the form of automated robocalls and scam calls from individuals posing as bank representatives or computer experts who request personal information like credit card details or MTN Mobile Money customer service personal under false pretenses. If you receive such calls, be vigilant and do not divulge your personal information.
How to block spam calls using the Google Phone app
While many third-party apps have spam filtering, we recommend using your phone’s default dialer app. Here’s how to enable spam filtering on the Google Phone app.
- Open the Phone app.
- Tap the three dots in the upper-right corner and tap Settings.
- Tap Caller ID & Spam in the Assistive section.
- Toggle on Filter spam calls to start blocking spam calls automatically.
Note: While the steps show the Google Phone app, the process is similar on other dialers, including Samsung Phone.
