How to Block Spam Calls on Android

And learn many more ways to block unwanted calls

By
Briley S. Kenney
Briley S. Kenney
Briley S. Kenney
Writer
  • Hillsborough Community College
Briley Kenney has 10+ years' experience writing about technology. His work is featured at Ideaing, Smartwatches.org, Tech Cocktail, CMSCritic, and more.
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Updated on February 10, 2023
Reviewed by
Jon Fisher
Jon Fisher headshot
Reviewed by Jon Fisher
  • Wichita Technical Institute
Jonathan Fisher is a CompTIA certified technologist with more than 6 years' experience writing for publications like TechNorms and Help Desk Geek.
lifewire's editorial guidelines

What to Know

  • Phone > Number to block > Information > Block > Block/report spam > Block.
  • On some devices, hold down the number from Phone app > select Block/report spam > Block.
  • Ban numbers through your mobile carrier Account Settings.

This article explains how to block and stop spam calls (or robocalls) from bothering you when using your Android phone.

How Do I Stop Spam Calls Permanently?

Unfortunately, permanently stopping spam calls is not possible. New numbers may always be able to get through, or in some cases, the call blocking only works for a certain amount of time. The best way to mitigate your exposure to telemarketers and spam callers is to limit how often you give out your number to third parties.

However, there are a few different ways to stop or block spam calls on Android devices for an extended time. Some of those methods include:

  • Your device’s blocking feature.
  • Installing a blocking app.
  • Blocking calls through your carrier (mobile provider).
  • Registering with the national DoNotCall service.

How to Block Spam Calls on Your Android Using the Dialer

The easiest way to block and prevent spam calls is to use your Android device settings via the built-in dialer app. It works best when the calls come from the same number.

Here's how to block a number with the dialer:

The calls will still show up for billing purposes, and may appear briefly on your phone, but they will not come through.

  1. In the Phone app's call log, tap on the number you wish to block.

  2. Tap the information button.

  3. Tap Block in the bottom right or at the bottom of the screen.

    Phone number, Info (i) icon and Block in the Android 12 Phone app

On some devices, you can also long-press on the number you want to block and then select the Block option in the sub-menu. And on some devices the process might be: Phone app > Recents > tap and hold the number you want to block > Block/report spam > Block.

How to Block Spam Calls Through Your Mobile Carrier

The exact process is going to differ based on which carrier you use. If your carrier supports this feature. these steps should be close enough to help you block calls through your mobile carrier.

  1. Once you've logged into your carrier's site, look for Account Settings.

  2. Find Call Block or Number Blocking options.

  3. Enter the number or information and click Save.

    Number and Save on Verizon Wireless call and message blocking website

Some providers, like Verizon, will only block calls for up to 90 days. After the period is up, you’ll have to reenter any numbers you want to keep blocked. Verizon has a plan to block calls for longer periods of time, but it's an extra cost.

How to Block Spam Calls By Registering on DoNotCall

The FTC or Federal Trade Commission manages a national registry called the Do Not Call Registry. By adding your name, and number to the registry, companies should respect the list and avoid calling your number. If they call anyway, they face legal action.

Registration is pretty straightforward. On the FCC's Do Not Call Registry page, just click the appropriate link and enter the required information. Your number is now listed as a "do not call" contact.

The National Do Not Call Registry only applies to telemarketing calls. Scammers and shady spam callers do not pay it much attention.

What Is the Best Spam Call Blocker for Android?

One popular app, Calls Blacklist - Call Blocker, is free and effective. One of its best features is you can create a safelist, using your contacts, and allow only the people you know to call you, blocking out all others. Of course, you can block individual numbers, as well. If you go this route do consider there could be cases where important calls end up blocked: doctor's offices, schools, etc.

FAQ
  • How do I unblock a number on Android?

    To unblock a number on Android, open the Phone app and tap More > Settings > Blocked Numbers. Tap the X next to the contact you want to unblock. For more options, Google Play has several call blocking apps.

  • How do I block text messages on Android?

    To block text messages on Android, tap and hold a conversation, select the circle with the line through it, or report the number as spam. You can also block texts through your carrier.

  • How do I block websites on Android?

    If you want to block websites on Android, use an app like Mobile Security, BlockSite, or NoRoot. You can even block sites during a specific time.

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