How to Block Spam Calls on an Android Phone

Android phones have several powerful tools to reduce spam calls. Google's Phone app (available on most Android phones) even includes AI-powered spam detection built in.

Option 1: Turn on Google's spam protection

If your phone uses the Google Phone app (the green icon with a white phone): 1. Open the Phone app. 2. Tap the three-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right corner. 3. Tap "Settings." 4. Tap "Spam and Call Screen." 5. Turn on "See caller & spam ID" and "Filter spam calls."

When this is on, Google automatically identifies and silences suspected spam calls. You'll see a "Spam" label on suspicious calls.

Option 2: Block a specific number

After a spam call: 1. Open the Phone app and tap "Recents." 2. Tap the number that called you. 3. Tap "Block / report spam." 4. Check the box for "Report call as spam" if you want to help others. 5. Tap "Block."

Option 3: Use Google's "Call Screen" feature

Some Pixel phones have a "Call Screen" feature where Google's assistant answers suspected spam calls for you. If it's a real person with a real reason to call, they can say who they are and you'll see a transcript on screen before deciding whether to answer.

Option 4: Enable carrier spam protection

• AT&T: Download "ActiveArmor" app (free)
• T-Mobile: Download "Scam Shield" app (free)
• Verizon: Download "Call Filter" app (free basic version)

Option 5: Try a third-party app

The app "Hiya" (free, from the Google Play Store) identifies spam calls before you answer. It also shows you who is calling even if the number isn't in your contacts.