Let me guess. You feel pestered by robocalls and spammy telemarketers making unsolicited sales pitches. As per statistics from call protection leader First Orion, Americans dealt with 58 billion spam calls alone in 2021!
The flood of unwanted calls keeps increasing thanks to easily available calling technology. Frustrated yet? Don‘t worry my friend – I‘ll equip you to fight the spammers today!
In this definitive guide, we will explore six proven techniques to block spam calls on Android phones so you can regain peace of mind. Let‘s get started!
What‘s the Issue with Spam Calls?
Before we get into the solutions, it‘s worth discussing what makes robocalling such a severe and hard-to-solve nuisance.
The core drivers enablingSpam calls to proliferate include:
- Cheap cloud calling tools
- Automated diallers with spoofing
- VoIP number access
- Difficulty tracking source
- Limited regulations
Fraudsters also heavily leverage caller ID spoofing to mask identities, use robot diallers to make thousands of calls spoofing random numbers.
This makes spam calling extremely hard to trace and block permanently. But it‘s not impossible with the right tools!
Method 1: Use Google Phone App Call Blocking
Since its inception, the Google Phone app comes preloaded as the default calling app on Pixel devices and many other Android phones.
Powered by the Google Assistant, it offers automatic spam call detection and blocking.
Benefits:
- No extra app installation needed
- Easy one-tap setup
- Free with all Android devices
Let me guide you through setting up call blocking:
Step 1: Launch Google Phone App
The app icon looks like an old school telephone receiver.
Step 2: Go to Settings > Spam and Caller ID
Scroll down and select this option.
Step 3: Enable Filtering
Toggle on "Filter spam calls" and the app will automatically identify and block robocalls using advanced techniques including call pattern analysis.
According to Google, the phone app helper stopped over 1.8 billion spam calls in the U.S. alone last year. My own experience backs this claim. I rarely get spam calls after turning it on.
For optimal performance, ensure you have the latest Google Phone app version installed. While not perfect, it catches the vast majority of spam without any extra effort from you. Well played Google!
Method 2: Manually Block Specific Numbers
Beyond automatic filtering, you can always block individual numbers manually through your call log or contacts app:
Types of Blocking:
-
One-time Block: Mutes call + text from number ONLY once
-
Permanent Block: Forever block calls + texts until you unblock
I recommend permanent blocks for definite spammers. Some dialer apps may need you to repeat one-time blocks if the caller is persistent.
Let‘s look at the step-by-step process:
Step 1: Identify Number to Block
Open your call log or contacts and select the spam entry. I suggest long pressing for easy access to the next step.
Step 2: Select Block/Report
Choose the "Block/report spam" option for the specific number. This begins the permanent call blocking process while reporting the number.
Step 3: Confirm Blocking
Review and authorize the permanent block when prompted with a safety pop-up. And voila – that annoying spammer can no longer reach you!
You can block SMS separately or enable call + text blocking together on some devices. I prefer blocking both communication channels for complete spam protection.
Method 3: Download a Call Blocker App
Don‘t rely purely on default dialer? No problem! Install a dedicated call blocker app from Google Play Store to stop robocalls.
| App | Rating | Cost |
| Truecaller | 4.2 | Free |
| WhosCall | 4.5 | Free |
| Hiya | 4.1 | Free |
The above apps provide great protection based on extensive community feedback. Let‘s examine Truecaller‘s implementation:
According to Anish Michael, Product Manager at True Software Scandinavia:
"Our spam detection combines global crowdsourced reports with smart filtering like webhook patterns and signatures to identify and block robocallers."
Powerful stuff! Here‘s how to set it up:
Step 1: Download and Install
Get Truecaller from Google Play. Enable all permissions when prompted.
Step 2: Sign Up
Enter your phone number to verify your identity and create a Truecaller account.
Step 3: Configure Blocking
Tap the blocking button on the main app screen. Then customize filters as needed.
The app automatically blocks known spammers. You can further block all unknown callers, all private numbers and other categories per your needs.
Dedicated call blocking apps provide robust protection. Experiment to determine what works best for your usage patterns.
Method 4: Sign Up on the National Do Not Call Registry
Operated by the Federal Trade Commission, www.donotcall.gov lets you register phone numbers to opt out of sales calls from legitimate businesses.
Introduced in 2003 after key telemarketing rules like the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, it reduced unwanted calls significantly.
Here is the registration process:
Step 1) Visit donotcall.gov
Step 2) Click "Register Your Number"
Step 3) Enter Your Details
Step 4) Confirm through Email Link
Once registered, telemarketers covered by FTC rules can‘t call you legally.
Caveat: Political orgs, charities, debt collectors and scammers ignoring laws may still call you.
Integrating with automatic filters provides comprehensive protection to stop spam calls!
Method 5: Allow Only Contacts During DND Mode
Android‘s built-in "Do not disturb" mode can selectively block calls with custom rules.
Let‘s customize it to permit calls only from people in your contacts while blocking all others:
Step 1) Enable DND Mode
First, toggle on DND mode manually or schedule it.
Step 2) Open Settings
Long press the DND status bar icon and select Settings.
Step 3) Allow Contacts Only
Under the "Calls" section, choose "From Contacts Only" to accept calls solely from your saved entries.
Remember to add crucial people so you don‘t miss essential calls. DND mode is a blanket approach to stop all spam in one go!
Method 6: Leverage Carrier Call Blocking
Major wireless service providers operate own blocking tools to reduce customer annoyances from robocalling:
| Carrier | Solution | Monthly Price |
| Verizon | Call Filter | $2.99 |
| AT&T | Call Protect | $3.99 |
| T-Mobile | Scam Shield | Free |
Industry analyst Jack Kent from IBISWorld confirms their effectiveness:
"Carriers have implemented network-level blocking tools leveraging metadata like call patterns beyond device ID lookups to identify and stop spam calls with high accuracy."
I recommend checking their latest rates and enabled capabilities to make the right choice.
For example, Verizon‘s Call Filter provides caller ID, personal block lists and spam lookup powered by Hiya‘s database.
Consult your service provider to benefit from these offerings.
Summary: How to Stop Spam Calls on Android
We‘ve dissected six great approaches to block pesky robocalls in this guide. The most suitable method depends on your personal preferences and Android version.
I‘ll leave you with a simple blueprint most can follow without hassle:
Enable your device dialer app filtering + sign up for National Do Not Call Registry.
Mixing proactive network protection with reactive manual report options creates a robust shield protecting your sanity!
Feel free to contact me if you have any other questions on eliminating spam calls. Time to rest easy my friend!
