Unwanted calls such as robocalls and spam have become a major nuisance for smartphone users. Android devices from Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy offer built‑in features designed to screen and block incoming calls effectively.
Identifying Potential Spam Calls
Modern Android devices include caller ID and spam protection services that alert users to suspect calls.
On Google Pixel and Other Android Phones
The Google Phone app, pre‑installed on Pixel devices and available on other Android phones, provides caller ID and spam protection. To activate these features, a user should:
- Open the Phone app.
- Tap the three‑dot menu icon in the top‑right corner.
- Select Settings.
- Tap Caller ID & spam.
- Enable See caller and spam ID.
- Toggle on Filter spam calls to send suspected spam calls directly to voicemail.
On Samsung Galaxy Phones
Samsung’s Phone app includes a feature called Smart Call, which identifies suspect callers. To enable Smart Call:
- Open the Phone app and navigate to the Keypad tab.
- Tap the three‑dot menu icon in the top‑right corner.
- Choose Settings.
- Select Caller ID and spam protection.
- Toggle the switch to turn on Smart Call.
This setting alerts users to potential scam calls so they can decide whether to answer or block them.
Blocking Specific Numbers Manually
Both Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy phones provide methods to block unwanted numbers directly.
On Google Pixel and Other Android Phones
To block a specific number:
- Open the Phone app and go to the Recents tab.
- Tap the number to be blocked.
- Select Block/report spam and confirm the action.
To manage blocked numbers:
- Open the Phone app.
- Tap the three‑dot menu.
- Go to Settings.
- Select Blocked numbers to view or remove entries.
On Samsung Galaxy Phones
For Samsung devices:
- Open the Phone app and access the Recents tab.
- Tap the information icon (the i) next to the number to block.
- Choose Block and confirm the choice.
- To review blocked numbers, open the Phone app, tap the three‑dot menu, navigate to Settings > Block numbers, and adjust the list as needed.
Utilizing AI-Powered Call Screening
AI-powered call screening further reduces interruptions by automatically handling unknown calls.
On Google Pixel and Other Android Phones
Google’s Call Screen feature uses Google Assistant to answer unknown calls. To set up this feature:
- Open the Phone app and tap the three‑dot menu.
- Select Settings.
- Tap Call Screen.
- Choose Automatically screen and select a spam protection level:
- Maximum: Screens all unknown calls and declines robocalls.
- Medium: Screens calls suspected as spam and declines robocalls.
- Basic: Declines known robocalls without screening.
With automatic screening enabled, Google Assistant transcribes the caller’s message in real‑time, allowing the user to decide whether to answer or mark the call as spam.
On Samsung Galaxy Phones
Samsung offers the Bixby Text Call feature, which transcribes calls in real‑time. To enable this feature:
- Open the Phone app and tap the three‑dot menu.
- Select Settings.
- Tap Bixby text call.
- Toggle the feature on and set language preferences.
When enabled, Bixby answers incoming calls, converts the caller’s speech into text, and allows responses to be typed that Bixby reads aloud.
Additional Tools and Services
Beyond the built‑in features, several third‑party applications can help manage unwanted calls.
- RealCall: An AI‑driven app that uses a database of known numbers and advanced algorithms to detect and block robocallers, telemarketers, and scammers.
- YouMail: A visual voicemail app that offers call blocking, caller ID, and a robocall index. It replaces standard voicemail with enhanced features to combat robocalls.
By leveraging both built‑in features and these additional tools, users can significantly reduce unwanted calls and improve their overall communication experience.
Summary
Unwanted calls remain a challenge, but Android devices offer robust tools to manage them. With caller ID, spam protection, AI‑powered call screening, and manual blocking, users can reduce interruptions and enjoy a more seamless communication experience. These tools, along with third‑party applications, provide an effective defense against robocalls and spam, making everyday phone use more pleasant and productive.