Spam Calls Not Stopping? How to Block Them on Android

"Congratulations, you've won a lottery!" — from a number you've never seen. Spam calls are annoying, and some of them are outright fraud attempts. The good news: your Android phone already has a free, built-in spam filter. You don't need to install anything. Here's how to turn it on and take back control.

How the built-in protection works

Google's Phone app checks incoming calls against a database of known spam numbers. When a spam call comes in, your phone can warn you ("Suspected spam caller") or block it silently. It's free, it's already on your phone, and it works surprisingly well.

Turn on Caller ID and spam protection

1. Open the Phone app (the green phone icon you use to make calls)
2. Tap the three dots (⋮) in the top-right corner, then tap Settings
3. Tap Caller ID & spam, then turn on See caller and spam ID
4. On the same screen, turn on Filter spam calls so suspected spam never even rings

That's it — most spam calls will now be warned about or blocked automatically.

Block and report individual numbers

For a number that slips through: open the Phone app, go to Recents, tap the number, then tap Block (and tick "Report as spam" if offered). Blocking takes five seconds and stops that number from reaching you again.

Register for DND (India)

If telemarketing calls are the problem, register your number for Do Not Disturb: send an SMS with START 0 to 1909, or use your operator's app. It takes a few days to take full effect, but it genuinely cuts down promotional calls.

Stay safe from call fraud

• Never share OTPs with anyone who calls you — no bank, delivery company, or "customer care" agent needs your OTP. Real companies never ask for it.
• Don't call back unknown missed calls from strange international numbers — some are premium-rate traps.
• Don't press numbers ("press 1 to...") on suspicious calls. Just hang up.

Spam calls won't disappear overnight, but with the built-in filter on, DND registered, and a habit of blocking repeat offenders, your phone gets dramatically quieter within a week.

Also read: WiFi Speed Slow? Check These 7 Real Settings Before Blaming Your Internet Provider

How many spam calls do you get in a typical day? Let us know in the comments — and share this with someone whose phone never stops ringing.