How to Block Unwanted Calls and Spam Messages Using Built-in Android Features

Spam calls and unwanted messages have become a daily headache for many Android users. Whether it’s telemarketing, scam attempts, or useless promotional SMS, these interruptions can easily break your focus and waste your time.

The good thing is that Android already provides powerful tools to block spam without installing any app. Most people don’t know these features exist or where to find them, so they keep dealing with the same annoying calls every day.

Let’s break it all down in a simple way so you can finally enjoy a peaceful smartphone experience.

Also read: How to Make Your Android Phone Run Smooth for Years With Simple Maintenance Tips

Why Do You Get So Many Spam Calls and Messages?

Before blocking them, it helps to understand why they happen.

  • Your number may be in marketing databases
  • Apps you installed might have shared your data
  • You filled a form online that sold your contact details
  • Random number generators sometimes hit your number
  • Scam groups target entire regions at once

No matter the reason, you can stop most of them with the tools already in your phone.

How Android Helps You Block Spam Automatically

Most modern Android phones (Samsung, Pixel, OnePlus, Xiaomi, Realme, etc.) come with Google’s Phone and Messages apps that identify spam using Google’s database.

These tools detect suspicious activity, label unknown callers, and even filter threats silently.

Once these settings are enabled, your phone will automatically block or warn you before you pick up.

1. Turn On Automatic Spam Protection for Calls

This is your first line of defense.

  1. Open the Phone app
  2. Tap the three dots in the top-right
  3. Go to Settings
  4. Tap Caller ID and spam
  5. Turn on both:
    • Show caller ID and spam
    • Filter spam calls

After this, spam callers won’t even ring your phone.

2. Block a Number Manually

If one number keeps bothering you, block it yourself.

  1. Open Recent calls
  2. Tap the number
  3. Select Block

They won’t be able to call or message you again.

3. Enable Spam Protection for Messages

Google Messages can detect and filter spam SMS.

To switch it on:

  1. Open Messages app
  2. Tap your profile icon > Messages settings
  3. Select Spam protection
  4. Turn on Enable spam protection

Spam texts are now moved to a separate folder.

4. Block a Specific SMS Sender

For repeat offenders:

  1. Open the conversation
  2. Tap the three dots
  3. Select Details
  4. Choose Block

No more messages from them.

5. Silence Unknown or Hidden Numbers

If you get many calls from private or unknown numbers:

  1. Open Phone app
  2. Go to Settings
  3. Select Blocked numbers
  4. Turn on Block calls from unidentified callers

This stops callers who hide their number intentionally.

6. Use Do Not Disturb for Extra Peace

If you want to block everything except important calls:

  1. Go to Settings
  2. Open Notifications
  3. Select Do Not Disturb
  4. Allow only:
    • Contacts
    • Favorites
    • Priority callers

This is extremely helpful during work, study, or sleep.

Also read: How to Clear Cache Safely on Android Without Losing Data

Final Thoughts

You don’t need any extra apps to stop spam calls or messages. Android already gives you strong tools that work automatically in the background. Once you enable the right settings, your phone will stay quiet, clean, and interruption-free.

If you set everything once, you’ll enjoy a much calmer phone experience for years.

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