- Turn on spam filters in the Google Phone app to automatically block and filter suspicious calls.
- Extend your protection by using specialized apps (Truecaller, Hiya, Call Blocker) and manually block annoying or unknown numbers.
- Sign up for the Robinson List and use your carrier's blocking services to avoid illegitimate commercial calls.
- Follow practical privacy and security tips to reduce your number's exposure and prevent further spam.
Receiving spam calls is currently one of the biggest annoyances for any mobile phone user. Besides invading our privacy, they disrupt our daily lives, and in many cases, they're not just trying to offer services or products, but also to carry out phone scams. Luckily, Android devices have an arsenal of tools to block spam calls and eliminate this digital plague. In this guide, you'll discover all the ways, resources, legal and technical tricks to block unwanted calls on your Android phone, as well as tips to protect yourself from future intrusions.
Why am I receiving spam calls? How spammers work
Spam calls occur because your number has ended up, either intentionally or accidentally, in telemarketing or cybercriminal databases. This could be due to entering it on an online form , being on a shared business list, or even a data breach. Often, answering one of these calls leads to you being labeled as receptive and, therefore, receiving even more. There are also robocalls , where automated systems dial random numbers looking for victims.
These calls can range from trying to sell you insurance, promotions , or services of dubious legality to attempting to obtain your personal data for more serious scams. Therefore, in addition to blocking them, it's crucial to be aware of the importance of never interacting with suspicious calls or providing personal information.
How to block spam calls on Android with the Google Phone app
The Google Phone app has become the standard on most Android phones. If your device doesn't have it pre-installed, you can download it for free from Google Play. This app includes several features for identifying and blocking spam calls , which can protect you from most sales and fraudulent calls.
- El Caller ID and spam displays on screen if the number is potentially spam or even the name of the company, allowing you to decide whether you want to answer or not.
- The option Filter spam calls It directly prevents calls detected as spam from ringing on your phone. It will either send you a notification or send them directly to your voicemail or log.
- verified calls: Allows certain pre-verified companies to explain the reason for the call before you pick up, increasing transparency.
To activate the spam filter on Google Phone, follow these steps:
- Open the app Google Phone.
- Press the three dots at the top right and enter Settings.
- Search and select Caller ID and spam.
- Activate the options View caller ID and spam y Filter spam calls.
- Optionally, activate verified calls for added security
These options work thanks to Google's vast database. Remember that this protection is frequently updated, improving the detection of new spam numbers.
Manual Blocking: How to Block a Number That Called You
Despite the effectiveness of automatic filters, there will always be cases where a spam call manages to slip through. When this happens, you can manually block that number so it doesn't bother you again. The process is simple and similar on most Android phones:
- Open the app Contact Us and enters the history of Courses.
- Find the number you want to block and tap on it.
- Select option Mark as spam o Block (text may vary depending on the version).
- Confirm that you want to block that number.
In addition to blocking that number, by marking it as spam, you'll be helping Google and other platforms strengthen their filters for other users. Keep in mind that spammers often change their numbers, so you may receive new attempts, but with patience and consistency, you can greatly reduce the frequency of these calls.
Block calls from unknown and hidden numbers
An additional trick to gain peace of mind is to block calls from hidden or unknown numbers, as many spammers and scammers use this method to avoid being identified.
To activate unknown number blocking on Android:
- Open the app Contact Us and access Settings from the three-dot menu.
- Enter the option Blocked numbers.
- Active Block calls from strangers o Desconocidos.
With this setting, all calls from numbers that don't appear in your address book and don't display their number will be automatically blocked. Keep in mind that this filter is very effective, but you could miss important calls from people who, for whatever reason, use a hidden number.
Other native options: Differences by manufacturer
If your Android phone has a phone app other than Google's (for example, Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei, and other manufacturers often customize theirs), you'll usually find similar features by opening the manufacturer's Phone app and searching for "call filters" or "block numbers." Some manufacturers even allow you to block ranges of suspicious international prefixes or create whitelists of allowed contacts. If you're unsure, we recommend installing the Google Phone app for more granular and rigorous spam control, as it's generally compatible with most current models.
Third-party apps to block spam calls on Android
When native options aren't enough or you're bombarded with unwanted calls, you can turn to specialized apps . These apps use massive community databases and advanced algorithms to identify and block both spam calls and unwanted SMS messages. To learn how to easily block spam calls on Android, we recommend trying apps like Best Apps to Block Calls and Record Calls . It recognizes suspicious calls in real time based on reports from millions of users. It also allows you to identify SMS senders, record calls, and create your own custom blacklist. Important note : To function correctly, it requests access to your call log and contacts, so you should consider the balance between privacy and security.
Block commercial calls with legal measures
In Spain and most European countries, there are legal measures that limit telephone spam . For example, telemarketing companies cannot call you without your explicit consent and are obligated to respect your contact preferences. You can also consult "How to Stop Unwanted Commercial Calls" for more information. The most effective and well-known method is to register on the Robinson List , a free service that excludes your personal data from most advertising campaigns (telephone, email, SMS, and postal mail).
- Visit the Robinson List website and register with your name, ID number, and the channels you want to block.
- In a few days, companies should stop calling you. If any of them do this and don't respect your decision, you can file a complaint with the Spanish Agency for Data Protection.
Remember: Even if you're on the Robinson List, companies with which you've contracted services and have given your express consent to receive marketing communications can still call you. Therefore, it's important to always read their privacy policies before providing your phone number to any company.
Blocking codes and services offered by operators
Some telephone companies offer additional tools to block spam calls. In Spain and other countries, if your company allows it, you can activate them from the operator's app or online customer service. As an example, these are the features that are typically available:
- smart filtering: The operator automatically blocks calls identified as high risk.
- Personal blacklist: You can add numbers individually from your client app.
- Temporary locks: Some allow you to block all numbers except your address book, useful if you are experiencing intensive phone harassment.
Check with your carrier to see if you have any of these features or request their activation. Carriers regularly update their services to give users more control over spam.
And on WhatsApp? Spam also reaches messaging apps.
The rise of WhatsApp and other messaging apps has brought with it a surge in spam messages . You're receiving messages from unknown numbers, fake offers, or phishing attempts directly within the app. To protect yourself, we recommend consulting the guide on "How to configure privacy settings in WhatsApp to block unknown numbers?".
- Never respond to unknown contacts that send you offers, strange links or ask you for personal information.
- use the function Block and Report on WhatsApp when you receive suspicious messages. This will prevent that number from contacting you again and will alert the platform if it's spam.
- Set your privacy settings to limit who can add you to groups or see your profile information to only your contacts.
Remember that you are the best filter : be wary of messages that sound too good to be true or that seek to scare or pressure you.
Additional tips to avoid and reduce spam calls on Android
- Do not answer calls from unknown numbers, especially if they come from international prefixes or seem suspicious. Answering only confirms to spammers that your number is active.
- Avoid participating in telephone surveys or promotions, especially if you haven't requested to be contacted. They often only seek to obtain your data to sell to third parties.
- Do not enter sweepstakes, contests or commercial lists that require your phone number, unless you completely trust the company or organization.
- Update your phone's apps regularly and review the permissions you grant, especially in calendar, messaging, or anti-spam apps.
- Report any suspicious numbers as spam, both in the Phone app and in specialized apps. This way, you're helping to improve protection for the entire community.
- Be wary of calls or messages that seek to scare you. (with threats of fines, immediate bank freezes, etc.) or promising you large prizes in exchange for your data.
It's also advisable not to share your number on public social media or fill out forms from unreliable sources. And if you ever think you've been the victim of a phone scam, block the number and report it to the authorities.
What are the risks of answering spam calls?
Answering a spam call often has immediate and medium-term negative effects:
- The number is marked as “active” and you will start receiving more spam attempts.
- Fraudulent calls may attempt to extract confidential information, steal your identity, or steal your banking information.
- In some cases, cybercriminals may attempt to infect your phone using a link sent as an SMS after the call.
Therefore, when faced with suspicious calls, the best course of action is not to answer and to block the number as soon as possible.
What do I do if I continue to receive many calls despite the blocks?
- Increase the level of filtering by turning on all available filters in the Google Phone app.
- Consider installing a third-party app for enhanced community protection.
- Update your mobile software and anti-spam apps regularly.
- Sign up for the Robinson List and file a complaint if the commercial calls persist.
- Analyze whether your number has been leaked in a data breach; if so, take extra precautions.
How to identify if a call is fraudulent?
Some clear signs that a call may be fraudulent or spam are:
- Unknown international numbers, especially from countries with a high incidence of phone scams.
- Strange prefixes and numbering or numbers that are too short/long.
- Automatic recorded messages, robotic voice, or silence when picking up.
- You call and after several rings they hang up so you can call back (missed call scam).
- They request personal information, bank codes, card details, or passwords.
- You're told about prizes, inheritances, tax refunds, or bank account problems for no clear reason.
If in doubt, never give out personal information or make payments over the phone. Block the number and report it.
There are many ways to block and avoid spam calls on Android , including built-in system tools, third-party apps, and legal registrations. By combining automatic filters, manual blocking, specialized apps, and responsible use of your phone number, you can drastically reduce the number of annoying calls and protect your privacy.