How to block spam calls on Android

Updated 2026-05-03

Android's options vary by manufacturer (Samsung, Pixel, Motorola), but the Google Phone app and built-in caller ID give every modern Android user effective spam controls.

Caller ID & spam protection

Open the Phone app → tap the three-dot menu → Settings → Caller ID & spam → enable 'See caller and spam ID' and 'Filter spam calls'. Suspected spam goes to voicemail without ringing.

Pixel call screening

Google Pixel phones can answer unknown calls with Google Assistant, transcribe what the caller says, and let you decide whether to pick up.

Block numbers individually

Long-press a number in your call log → Block. On Samsung, also enable 'Block unknown/private numbers' under Phone → Settings → Block numbers.

What to do

  1. Enable Caller ID & spam in the Phone app.
  2. On Pixel, turn on Call Screen.
  3. Block individual repeat offenders.
  4. Add carrier spam protection (ActiveArmor, Call Filter, Scam Shield).

Frequently asked questions

Does Google's spam filter share my contacts?

Caller ID lookups send anonymized number data to Google. You can disable this in Phone app settings if you prefer.