how to block spam calls on android
Tuesday, May 23, 2023
how to block spam calls on android
As smartphone and internet usage continues to grow, so do the nasty spam calls that come with it. There are several effective ways to prevent them. The dialer app on your phone may have a built-in spam filter that you can easily enable. Android devices that use Google Phone as their default dialer app can filter unwanted calls in the app settings. However, manufacturers like Samsung bundle their own default phone apps and the spam filter activation process may be different.
This article shows you how to block unwanted calls on your device, whether it's a cheap Android phone or a high-end Android phone.
How Spammers Get Your Phone Number
Spammers can get your phone number in many ways. Some common methods include creating fake charities to solicit donations, contests or giveaways. They can even get your number from caller ID display companies. A common type of spammers are telemarketers who purchase phone number lists from third-party data providers. So be careful when giving out your phone number.
It is also important to know the types of unwanted calls. In addition to business calls from telemarketers, spam can take the form of automated calls and scam calls from people posing as bank representatives or IT professionals asking for personal information. such as credit card details with the pretext of forgery. If you receive such calls, be vigilant and do not reveal your personal information.
How to block unwanted calls with the Google Phone app
Although many third-party apps have spam filters, we recommend using the default dialer app on your phone . 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 and Spam in Support.
Activate Unwanted Calls Filter to start blocking unwanted calls automatically.
Google's spam filter may be too sensitive. When we turned it on for testing, we missed some Amazon packages because the app treats calls from delivery personnel as spam. If you're having the same problem, turn off annoying call filtering and turn on View caller ID and spam messages (located above the Filter Disturb Calls switch). This displays useful information and alerts when you make or receive calls from numbers suspected of being spam.
Manually Block Spammers
Most spam and automated calls are made using random phone numbers. However, if you receive unwanted calls from the same person, you can block them one by one.
Although the process is simple, you may accidentally block a friend or colleague. If this happens, follow our guide on how to unblock numbers on Android.
How to block unwanted calls with a third-party app
This should be your last resort if your phone doesn't have spam filtering. Here are the most popular apps to block spam calls on Android:
Truecaller is also one of the oldest apps in the spam call detection industry. The company has faced some major problems in the past. In 2019, an in-app data breach put the details of more than 47.5 million people in India at risk.
Join the National Do Not Call Registry
If you live in the United States, the FCC allows you to opt-out of telemarketing calls by joining the National Do Not Call Registry. Although you must register, the registry does not magically remove spam. You may not notice a difference.
Visit donotcall.gov.
Enter your phone number and email address.
Once your number is verified you will see this.
Letting the Google Assistant talk
One of the benefits of owning a Google Pixel 7 (and earlier models) is that you get access to exclusive features like call screening. Call screening allows the Google Assistant to take your calls and ask the person on the other end why they're calling you.
This feature is dedicated to reduce unwanted calls to users. However, its main flaw is that it is only available in 10 countries. Here's how to enable call screening on supported Google Pixel devices.
Open the Phone app.
Go to Settings > Spam & Call Filtering.
Tap each option and select Auto display. Reject automated calls.
Call screening is unique and works well most of the time. However, its limited availability is a pity for those who own a supported Pixel device but live in another country. All hope is not lost as Google expands this feature to other regions. Meanwhile, the methods mentioned above will work effectively to block unwanted calls on Android.
Spam calls are on the rise and so are ways to prevent them
Americans receive billions of spam calls every month. The good news is that we've made significant progress in identifying and blocking unwanted calls. However, in addition to unwanted calls, you may also receive unsolicited text messages. Check out our guide to blocking messages on Android