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    How to Block Spam and Robocalls on Android

    Android's built-in spam filter catches most robocalls automatically. Learn how to turn it on, block specific numbers, and stop unwanted calls for good.

    3 min read · 5 steps · Checked April 2026

    1. Step 1. Open the Phone app and enable spam protection

      Open your Phone app → tap the three-dot menu (⋮) → SettingsSpam and Call Screen → turn on "See Caller & Spam ID" and "Filter Spam Calls."

      Quick Tip

      On Samsung Galaxy phones, open the Phone appSettingsCaller ID and Spam Protection → turn on the protection toggle.

    2. Step 2. Enable Google Call Screen (Pixel phones)

      In Phone app SettingsCall Screen → turn on "Screen Calls." When an unknown caller rings, tap "Screen Call" and Google Assistant will ask who is calling and show you a live transcript.

    3. Step 3. Block a specific number

      After receiving an unwanted call, go to your recent calls list. Tap the number → tap "Block/Report Spam." The number is added to your block list and that caller goes to voicemail.

    4. Step 4. Activate your carrier's free spam filter

      T-Mobile users: go to T-Mobile.com/scam-shield. AT&T users: download the AT&T ActiveArmor app. Verizon users: open the My Verizon app and enable Call Filter. Each is free and activates within minutes.

    5. Step 5. Register with the Do Not Call Registry

      Go to DoNotCall.gov and register your phone number. It takes two minutes and helps reduce calls from legitimate telemarketers, though scammers often ignore it.

    Android phones have built-in tools to identify and block spam calls. Google's Phone app includes a spam detection system that automatically screens incoming calls and warns you when a likely scam call comes in.

    The Verified Calls and Spam Protection features in the Google Phone app use a database of known spam numbers to label incoming calls before you answer. If a call is flagged, you see a warning on the screen. You can choose to answer, decline, or let Google Assistant screen the call on your behalf.

    Google Call Screen (available on Pixel phones and some others running the Google Phone app) is particularly powerful. When an unknown caller reaches you, Google Assistant answers and asks the caller to identify themselves. You see a live transcript of their response. You can then decide whether to pick up or not.

    For Samsung Galaxy users, Samsung has its own call protection built into the Samsung Phone app, which labels likely spam calls similarly to Google's system.

    Carrier spam blocking is also available on Android. T-Mobile's Scam Shield, AT&T's ActiveArmor, and Verizon's Call Filter all offer free basic spam filtering. Some enhanced features require a paid upgrade.

    If you receive a spam call that got through, you can block the number individually: open your recent calls, tap the number, and select "Block Number." Android keeps a block list that you can view and edit in Phone app settings.

    Official sources

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