Sick of spam calls on Android?
Spam calls are one of the most hated aspects of the modern age, and no one enjoys receiving them. But the truth is that we all have to deal with such calls on a daily basis. According to overall data about scam calls, there are more Android phone users than iOS phone users that receive spam calls on a regular basis. If you have an Android device and are always annoyed by spam calls, please do follow this article to the end.
What are Spam Calls?
Spam calls are unrelated or improper calls sent to a large number of people, particularly those who have not demonstrated an interest in receiving calls. However, the ultimate goal of these spam calls is to steal your money or personal information. Several forms of phone calls including telemarketing calls, robocalls, and scam calls can be referred to as spam calls.
Can I Stop Spam Calls Permanently?
Unfortunately, it is IMPOSSIBLE to completely eliminate spam calls.
New numbers may always get through, or call blocking may only be effective for a limited time. Limiting how often you give out your phone number to other parties is the best strategy to reduce your exposure to telemarketers and spam callers.
There are, however, a few options for stopping or blocking spam calls on Android smartphones for a period of time. Among them are the followings:
- The blocking feature on your device.
- Use your carrier to block calls (mobile provider).
- Registering the national Do Not Call Registry of the United States FCC.
- Using a third-party blocking app.
The detailed guide catering to each solution above will be introduced below.
How to Get Rid of Spam Calls on Android?
Unwanted phone calls are an unavoidable part of life. You might be wondering how to stop spam calls if you’re getting too many robocalls or if someone from your past is always calling to harass you.
We’ll teach you how to use a variety of methods to block spam calls on Android.
1. Block calls on Android using built-in phone features
On an Android phone, the processes for blocking numbers differ depending on the device and operating system version.
In fact, call blocking is incorporated into Android: simply tap a number in your call record and select Block/report spam. However, this strategy is ineffective. To block a phone number, you must first get a call. This won’t stop the bulk of spam calls because spammers rarely use the same phone number or utilize the “neighborhood spoofing” tactic.
In the Phone app settings on Android, you can also automatically recognize and block suspected spam calls, so they don’t ring your mobile. It should be turned on by default, but you can double-check by heading to Settings in your Phone app, then Caller ID & spam, and double-check that both the Caller ID & spam and Filter spam calls switches are turned on. Specific steps are as follows:
2. Carrier-level spam blocking service
Call blocking and voicemail protection that is truly effective should be done at the carrier level. Because they have the technical power to identify call origination sources and create services that prevent spam and blocked calls from going to voicemail. Furthermore, all carriers employ some form of network blocking to screen out the most blatant and egregious spammers. As carriers implement the new SHAKEN/STIR framework, significant benefits will be realized. Call blocking services provided by Sprint, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon are all your options until the US and international carriers work together.
Sprinter
Sprint’s Call Screener Basic is a free service that identifies and blocks “only the highest-risk spam calls” in the past. You’ll need to upgrade to Call Screener Plus for $2.99 a month if you want to be protected from all suspected spam calls. It will also protect you from lower-risk nuisance calls and allow you to mark numbers as spam, among other caller ID features. By the way, the Sprinter now is a part of T-Mobile and after switching to T-system, Sprint users will soon be able to use the services provided by T-Mobile.
Notice:
- Is it possible to block recognized spam numbers? Yes, but only for “very high-risk calls.”
- Is it possible to prevent spoofing of area codes? No.
- Is it possible to prevent a call from getting to voicemail? No.
- Cost? $2.99 per month.
AT&T
AT&T has the most effective spam call filtering features of the four main carriers. Customers with HD Voice Android on AT&T postpaid accounts can sign up for AT&T’s complimentary Call Protect program. Call Protect will completely block known spam calls, ensuring that they do not leave a voicemail. You may also block individual numbers using the Android app that comes with it.
You can upgrade to Call Protect Plus for $3.99 per month if you want extra features. Private callers, debt collectors, telemarketers, surveys, and general spam can all be blocked by Call Protect Plus users. You have the option of having these calls go to voicemail or being completely blocked. Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent spoofing of local numbers.
Notice:
- Is it possible to block recognized spam numbers? Yes.
- Is it possible to prevent spoofing of area codes? No.
- Is it possible to prevent a call from getting to voicemail? Yes.
- Cost? Free for critical features, $3.99 a month for more granular call blocking features.
T-Mobile
When it comes to spam call protections, T-Mobile is in the middle. T-free Mobile’s Scam ID service is automatically active for postpaid customers and will alert you to suspected scam calls. What you really want is their Scam Block function, which prevents these calls from ever reaching your device and from leaving a voicemail. Scam Block is similarly free, but it must be manually activated by entering #662# from your phone (you can also disable it by dialing #632# if it is blocking any legitimate calls). There is no way to restrict specific call types or neighborhood spoofing. For $4 a month, though, you can receive the not-so-useful Name ID service, which includes more advanced caller ID and caller category information.
Notice:
- Is it possible to block recognized spam numbers? Yes.
- Is it possible to prevent spoofing of area codes? No.
- Is it possible to prevent a call from getting to voicemail? Yes.
- Cost? Free, $4.99 a month for advanced caller ID.
Verizon
Verizon’s Call Filter will identify potential spam calls and allow you to stop them automatically. Call Filter Plus, which costs $2.99 per line per month (or $7.99 for three or more lines), allows you to filter calls based on their risk level: High Risk, Medium Risk, or All Risk Levels. You can only stop high-Risk calls from being routed to voicemail.
Notice:
- Is it possible to block recognized spam numbers? Yes.
- Is it possible to prevent spoofing of area codes? No.
- Is it possible to prevent a call from getting to voicemail? Only for high-Risk calls.
- Cost? $2.99 a month per line, $7.99 for 3+ lines.
3. Join the National Do Not Call Registry
The Federal Trade Commission manages the National Do Not Call Registry, which allows users to register their phone numbers to stop unwanted calls. Companies must adhere to the list, which means they are not permitted to call the numbers listed in the registry.
This, however, is only true for telemarketing. You should no longer receive irritating calls from ISPs and other firms trying to sell you products if you sign up, but you may still receive political, surveys, and other similar calls. Signing up will not prevent scam calls, as dodgy persons are usually unconcerned about the law.
4. Use an Android spam blocking app
There are dozens of call blocker apps available on Google Play. However, you should be cautious about whatever apps you install because you’re giving them complete access to your phone, texts, contacts, and more, which means there’s a lot of room for abuse. And each of those apps will be limited by the technology (and the blacklist) that runs them. The greatest have massive user bases with millions of members who are continually adding new numbers to the suspected spam list.
RealCall is a useful third-party app that stops spam calls and displays caller ID. Thanks to its massive and ever-evolving database and AI-based modeling, RealCall offers top-notch blocking accuracy.
Every RealCall user adds an extra layer of protection and strengthens the shield against scammers while enjoying security and peace. After being trained by spammers’ calling patterns and possible moves, RealCall’s AI technology improves and becomes more accurate for everyone.
Bottom Line
- Spam calls are really a nuisance and invade your privacy. Overall, more Android phone users than iOS phone users receive spam calls on a regular basis, according to research.
- However, there are also some ways that can help you escape the spam calls for a period, including using built-in phone features on Android, making use of your carrier’s service, joining the National Do Not Call Registry, and trying the Android spam blocking app.
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