Android · 5 min
How to stop spam calls on Android
Android handling varies by manufacturer (Pixel, Samsung, OnePlus, Motorola — all slightly different menus). The universal path is through the Google Phone app, plus your carrier's app. Pixel owners get one bonus tool that's unmatched on other Androids.
Step 1 — Enable Caller ID & spam protection (2 min, free)
Open the Phone app → menu (⋮) → Settings → Caller ID & spam. Toggle on “Filter spam calls”.
Spam-labeled calls go straight to voicemail; the phone never rings. Google uses both their own classifier and shared carrier intelligence.
Samsung phones may have a separate Samsung-branded version (“Smart Call”) under Phone app → Settings → Caller ID and spam protection. Both can run together; turn on either or both.
Step 2 — Enable Call Screen (Pixel only, free)
If you own a Pixel, you have access to Google Call Screen — the best free screening tool we've tested. Settings → Caller ID & spam → Call Screen. Set unknown callers to either “Filter all” (silent screening, no ring) or “Ring after screening” (you see the transcript live, decide whether to pick up).
Google Assistant answers the call, asks who's calling and why, and shows you a live transcript. Robocallers hang up; legitimate callers answer.
This is Pixel-only. Non-Pixel Android users who want this functionality need a third-party app — see step 5.
Step 3 — Carrier spam filter (3 min, free)
Same recommendations as iPhone — your carrier's app catches spam at the network level before it reaches your phone.
- • AT&T: ActiveArmor
- • Verizon: Call Filter
- • T-Mobile: Scam Shield
Step 4 — FTC Do Not Call list (1 min, free)
Register at donotcall.gov/register. Same as the iPhone guide.
Step 5 — Third-party screening (optional)
If you don't have a Pixel and want active screening of unknown callers (or you have a Pixel but want business-grade features like multi-user dashboards and CRM integrations), there are paid services that work on any Android via call forwarding from your existing number.
See our full review of the best call-screening tools for the top pick.