If fewer and fewer people want to receive phone calls –Hello, silent generation— not to mention spam calls, those times when your phone rings to answer a survey, to receive an invitation to purchase a service you don’t need, or to remind you of something. We hate spam calls, and while regulators in each country take different measures to protect users from this type of contact, it seems that companies are finding a way to change the situation. And while some manufacturers integrate features to avoid this type of call, the Google Phone app, which you can download for free on any Android mobile phone, includes a very effective feature. Here, we’ll tell you how to block spam calls on Android using Google’s advanced filter.
How to Block Spam Calls on Android
The first step is to download the Google Phone app. If you have a Pixel phone or a stock Android phone or one with a very thin level of customization (like Motorola phones), you will have this app installed and will most likely use it. But if not, head to the Play Store and find Google Phone.
Once you install it on your phone, be sure to set it as your default calling app. Executing this setup will vary depending on the brand (Samsung, Xiaomi, Motorola, Huawei, etc.) and Android version of your mobile phone, but generally the path is as follows: Parameterfind your phone and select in options Set as default. If you have multiple options, choose Google Phone (or simply called Phone).
Now open the app, click on the three dots located in the top right corner and click Parameter. Now we are looking for an option Caller ID and spam and click on it. You’ll see a couple of boxes, so check the one that says Filtering spam calls.
If you set this option, the Google Phone app will detect when you receive a call from an automated platform and then connect you with a phone operator to make the call you want to avoid. The filter will automatically redirect these calls so your phone won’t ring or vibrate, but you will see the call in your log. This option is useful if you think the filter did not work correctly and want to call back to check.
Finally, you can add an extra layer of protection by enabling the blocking of unknown or private numbers feature.
To do this, go to the section again Parameter and are looking for an option Blocked numbers. Now just check the box that says Block unknown/private. Just keep in mind that this option will literally forward any call coming from a number you don’t have on record. If this seems like too much, we advise you to activate it when you are on vacation or just looking for some unplug.
Source: Digital Trends
