How do I stop spam calls on Android?

You cannot stop every spam call, but you can cut them down a lot. In your Phone app, turn on Caller ID and spam protection and filter or silently decline suspected spam. On Pixel, use Call Screen if it is offered. On Samsung, turn on Caller ID and spam protection (Smart Call). Block and report individual numbers, ask your carrier about network spam tools, and register at DoNotCall.gov for legal sales calls.

Steps to check

1. Turn on Caller ID and spam protection

   Google's Phone app can warn you about likely spam and show names for many business numbers. Open the Phone app, tap More options (three dots) → Settings → Caller ID and spam. Turn on See caller ID and spam. This is usually on already. To keep suspected spam from ringing, turn on Filter spam calls if you see that option. Filtered calls stay in your call history, but you will not get the usual missed-call or voicemail alerts for them.

   • Pixel If your Pixel has Call Screen, you may not see a separate Filter spam calls switch. Spam blocking is handled under Spam and Call Screen instead (next step).
   • Samsung Open Phone → More options → Settings → Caller ID and spam protection. Turn it on, agree to the terms if asked, then turn on Block spam and scam calls. Choose Block all spam and scam calls, or Only block high-risk scam calls if you prefer fewer blocks. Smart Call is not available on every carrier or model.
   • Motorola In the Phone app, open Settings and look for Caller ID and spam or a similar spam filter. Turn it on if offered. You can also block unknown or specific numbers from the call settings.

2. Use Call Screen if your phone offers it

   On Pixel phones (and some other Android phones in supported countries), Call Screen can answer unknown or suspicious callers for you, show a live transcript, and hang up on detected spam. Open Phone → More → Settings → Spam and Call Screen or Call Screen → Call Screen. Choose a protection level (for example Basic, Medium, or Maximum), or turn on Automatically screen calls and pick which caller types to screen. Contacts are not screened. You can also tap Screen call when a call is ringing. Call Screen availability depends on your country and phone model.

   • Samsung Newer Galaxy phones may offer Call screening under Phone → More options → Settings → Call screening. Turn it on, and turn on Auto screen calls if you want unknown callers screened automatically. Names can differ by One UI version.

3. Block and report individual spam numbers

   When a spam call still reaches you, block that number so it cannot ring again, and report it so the filter can learn. In Google's Phone app, open Recents (or Home), tap the call, then tap Block or Report spam. You can also touch and hold the call and choose Block or Report spam. If a real contact was marked spam by mistake, open that call and tap Not spam, then Unblock if needed.

   • Samsung During or after a call, tap Block/Report number if you see it. Or open Recents, tap the number → Menu → Block. You can also manage the list under Phone → Settings → Block numbers.

4. Ask your carrier about spam tools

   The FTC recommends checking what call-blocking or call-labeling services your wireless carrier offers. Many carriers have a free or paid network tool that stops some spam before it reaches your phone. Open your carrier's app or website, or call customer service, and ask about spam or robocall blocking.

5. Register on the National Do Not Call Registry (US)

   In the United States, register your number for free at DoNotCall.gov or by calling 1-888-382-1222 from the phone you want to register. The FTC explains that the registry is meant to stop sales calls from companies that follow the law. It does not stop scammers. Still, it can reduce legal telemarketing and make scam calls easier to spot. Report unwanted calls at DoNotCall.gov, or report fraud at ReportFraud.ftc.gov if you lost money.

6. Stay careful with numbers you do not recognize

   If you answer and hear a recording, or someone pressures you for money, personal details, or a verification code, hang up. Do not press buttons to "remove" yourself from a list. The FTC notes that illegal robocalls are often scams. Prefer your built-in Phone app filters and your carrier's tools before installing a third-party call-blocking app, and read any app's privacy policy if you do add one.

Normal vs. not

Common questions

Will Filter spam calls hide real callers?

Sometimes a real call from a new number can be filtered. Google keeps filtered calls in your call history so you can check. If someone important calls from a new number, ask them to leave a voicemail, or add them as a contact so they are less likely to be treated as spam.

Is Call Screen the same as blocking a number?

No. Blocking stops one number from ringing you again. Call Screen (or Samsung call screening) can interview unknown callers and decline detected spam automatically. Use both: filters for the broad cut, and block for numbers that keep bothering you.

Does the Do Not Call Registry stop robocalls?

Not from scammers. The FTC says the registry targets legal telemarketing. Scammers ignore it. Use your phone's spam filter, Call Screen if you have it, carrier tools, and report illegal calls.

Related questions

• How do I block a phone number on Android?
• How do I stop spam texts on Android?
• Why is my Android phone not ringing when someone calls?
• How do I let certain contacts ring when Do Not Disturb is on?