Spam and scam calls are one of the most common complaints about mobile phones. Android gives you three layers of defence: blocking a number, filtering by spam reputation, and reporting. Use all three.
1. Block a single number
- Open your Phone app and go to Recents.
- Tap the number, then tap Block (on some phones: touch and hold the number, or open the three-dot menu).
- Confirm. You can review the list later under the app’s Settings → Blocked numbers.
2. Turn on spam filtering
Most dialers can compare incoming numbers against a spam reputation list.
- In the Phone app open the three-dot menu, then Settings.
- Look for Caller ID & spam (the name varies) and switch on spam filtering.
- Spam calls are then labelled, silenced or sent to voicemail depending on the options you pick.
3. Report the number
Reporting helps the filter learn. In recent calls, open the call details and choose Report as spam or Block and report. In the UK, you can also report to your carrier; in the US, to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
When blocked callers still get through
- Spoofed numbers. Scammers can fake the number that appears. Blocking that number does not stop the next fake one.
- Wrong default app. Blocking only works in the app that handles calls. Check that the phone app you configured is your default. See our guide on changing your default phone app.
- Carrier-level tools. Many carriers offer free spam call blocking. Check your carrier’s website or app.
Safe habits
- Do not call back unknown numbers that rang once and hung up.
- Never give one-time codes, passwords or bank details to someone who called you.
- If a caller claims to be your bank or a government agency, hang up and call the number printed on your card or the official website.
For how names and labels appear on incoming calls, read how caller ID works.