We’ve all been there. You’re in the middle of doing something important, like finishing your work or watching a compilation of cat videos, and you’re interrupted by the dreaded spam call. Not only are spam calls nuisances, they can also be dangerous — many spammers are also scammers. And while the rhyme is fun, the consequences are not. We like to stay a step ahead of them with Scam Screener, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t ways you can help prevent spammers from reaching your phone.
Luckily, we’ve put together this guide on how to block spam calls on an Android phone. Read on to learn more.
How to block spam calls and texts on Android phones
Follow these steps to learn how to block specific numbers that send spam on Android phones.
How to block spam calls on an Android phone
- Open the Phone app
- Go to Recents and find the number you want blocked
- Click on Info
- Select Report
- Select the Spam call type and press O
- A message will pop up to verify the number you want blocked
- Tap Block
How to block spam texts on an Android phone
- Go to your Message app
- Open the message you want blocked
- Tap the three dots icon “···” in the top right corner
- Click Block number or Add to blocklist
How to stop spam calls and texts on an Android phone
Keep spam canned with these tips on how to handle spam calls.
- Add your phone number to the Do Not Call Registry (donotcall.gov). Adding your number to the registry can reduce unwanted calls. You can also ask the spam caller themself to take you off their list. However, scammers have been known to ignore this at times.
- Download a third-party call blocking app. There are apps that can automatically identify incoming spam calls and block them for you.
- Avoid links in a spam text message. Sorry to say, you probably didn’t win a free iPad or Nintendo Switch, so don’t click those random links spammers sent you. Clicking on a link or attachment in a spam text message can be a way for scammers to open up malware on your device.
- Don’t respond to spam text messages. Just like you’ve labeled your ex DON’T PICK UP in your contacts, make it a personal rule to never respond to spam text messages. It’s best not to give scammers any info or attention at all.
How to prevent spam calls with Mint? Scam Screener
Now you know how to avoid spam calls on your Android device — and if you also have an iPhone or know someone who does, you can brush up on preventing spam calls on iPhones as well. But did you know that some wireless companies have protection tools that can automatically identify spam calls for you? Some wireless companies like, well, us.
At Mint, we offer Scam Screener, which helps all of our subscribers stay safe from scammers. It also screens spoofed calls. When a spammer/scammer calls one of our subscribers, we let our customers know if a call is likely a scam before they even pick up. It’s just one of the many features we provide our subscribers — and demonstrates how seriously we take phone security.
Sounds good to you? Then tap the button below to learn more about Mint and making the switch.
