How to Stop Spam Calls on Android | Easy Methods

How to stop spam calls on Android is a question many smartphone users ask, especially with the rise in unsolicited calls from telemarketers, robocalls, and scammers. These calls can be frustrating, disruptive, and time-consuming, but fortunately, there are several methods you can use to reduce or eliminate spam calls on your Android device. In this article, we’ll explore the causes of spam calls, effective strategies to block them, and the best tools and settings to keep your Android phone safe from unwanted callers.

Why Are You Getting Spam Calls on Android?

Spam calls are typically made by telemarketers, robocallers, and scammers trying to sell products or steal your personal information. These calls often come from numbers that seem legitimate or local, making it harder to detect them as spam. Here are a few common reasons why you’re getting these unwanted calls:

• Telemarketing campaigns: Companies often buy phone numbers in bulk and use them for marketing purposes.
• Scammers and fraudsters: Robocalls and scam calls are designed to trick you into giving away personal details.
• Spoofed numbers: Callers may use a technique called “number spoofing” to make their calls appear as though they are coming from a trusted source.

While it’s impossible to eliminate all spam calls completely, there are several ways to reduce the frequency of these calls and protect your privacy.

Methods to Stop Spam Calls on Android

1. Use Built-in Android Features to Block Spam Calls

Most Android devices come with built-in features that can help block spam calls. Here’s how you can take advantage of them:

• Block Unknown Callers
  On Android, you can choose to block calls from unknown or private numbers. To do this:
  1. Open the Phone app.
  2. Tap the three-dot menu in the top-right corner.
  3. Go to Settings.
  4. Find Block numbers and enable the option to block calls from unknown numbers.
• Caller ID & Spam Protection
  Many Android phones have a feature that identifies potential spam calls and alerts you before you pick up:
  1. Go to Settings in the Phone app.
  2. Scroll to Caller ID & Spam.
  3. Enable Spam Protection to help filter out spam calls.

2. Use Third-Party Call Blocking Apps

If built-in features aren’t enough, consider using third-party apps designed to block spam calls. These apps typically provide more robust protection against robocalls and telemarketers. Popular apps include:

• Truecaller
  Truecaller is one of the most popular call-blocking apps available for Android. It identifies and blocks spam calls based on a large database of known numbers. It can also help you identify callers who aren’t in your contacts.
• Hiya
• Hiya is another reliable app that can block spam calls and offer caller ID. It has a large database of known spam numbers and updates regularly to keep you protected.
• RoboKiller
• RoboKiller blocks robocalls and telemarketers, and it also offers the fun feature of answering spam calls with a prerecorded response.

3. Register with the National Do Not Call List

While this may not block all spam calls, being on the National Do Not Call Registry can reduce the number of telemarketing calls you receive. Here’s how to register:

1. Visit the official Do Not Call website: https://www.donotcall.gov.
2. Follow the instructions to add your number to the list.

While this list won’t stop all spam calls (it doesn’t block robocalls or scams), it should reduce the number of legitimate telemarketing calls.

4. Report Spam Calls

If you continue to receive spam calls despite using blocking features and third-party apps, you can report them to your service provider. Most carriers offer tools to help block spam or at least monitor suspicious activity. Here’s how to report spam:

• Verizon: Use Call Filter to block spam calls and report suspicious numbers.
• AT&T: Enable Call Protect for spam protection and report unwanted calls.
• T-Mobile: Use Scam Shield to block spam calls and report numbers to help improve the service.

You can also report spam numbers to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which helps monitor and track illegal robocalls.

5. Enable Call Screening

Some Android devices allow you to enable Call Screening, which uses Google Assistant to screen calls and provide you with information about the caller before you answer. Here’s how to set it up:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Tap the three-dot menu and go to Settings.
3. Select Caller ID & Spam and enable Call Screening.

This feature helps screen unknown or suspected spam calls, giving you more control over which calls to accept.

What to Do if You’re Still Getting Spam Calls

Even with all these features in place, it’s possible that some spam calls still slip through. If you’re still being bombarded with unsolicited calls, consider:

• Contacting your carrier: Some mobile carriers offer additional services or filters to help block spam.
• Using a custom voicemail greeting: Encourage callers to leave a message. Spam callers often won’t leave messages, allowing you to filter them out.
• Changing your phone number: If the calls are relentless, you may want to consider changing your number, although this is typically a last resort.

FAQs

Conclusion

How to stop spam calls on Android can be straightforward if you use the right tools and settings. By enabling built-in features, using third-party apps, registering for the Do Not Call list, and reporting spam calls, you can significantly reduce unwanted calls and protect your privacy. While it’s impossible to block all spam calls completely, these strategies can help create a much quieter phone experience.