How to Stop Spam Calls on Android for Free
Spam calls are a growing problem for Android users around the world. Receiving unwanted, unsolicited, and often fraudulent phone calls can be frustrating and time-consuming. But, it doesn’t have to be this way. There are several ways to prevent these calls from interrupting your day-to-day life. In this article, we will take a deep dive into how spam callers get your number, latest developments on the issue, and most importantly, explore how to stop spam calls on Android for free.
How Spam Callers Get Your Number and How to Protect Yourself
Before we delve into the solutions, let’s first take a look at how these scammers get your number. One way to acquire your number is through data breaches. For example, you might have shared your contact details while signing up for a website or shopping online. This information can be vulnerable to data breaches, which, in turn, can be sold to telemarketers. Another way scammers obtain your number is through “spoofing,” whereby they disguise their number to appear as though it’s calling from a legitimate business.
So, how can you protect yourself from spam callers? Firstly, you should be wary of sharing your personal information online. Make sure the websites you use are legitimate and have strict privacy policies. Secondly, avoid answering calls from unknown numbers. Many of these calls will disconnect within the first few seconds if there’s no response, indicating that it’s likely a spam call. If you mistakenly answer, don’t give out any personal information, not even your name or location.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Activating Android’s Built-in Spam Call Features
If you’re an Android user, you should know that the phone platform has several spam call blocking features built-in. These features come in handy since they don’t require any additional apps or services and are, crucially, free. Here’s how you can activate these features and protect yourself from spam calls:
Enable “Screen Calls”
Screen Calls is a great feature that cushions you from unwanted calls and saves you time. It works by having Google Assistant answer the call for you and ask for the caller’s name and the reason for the call. If they pass these criteria, you will receive a transcript of the conversation to decide whether to answer. To activate Screen Calls:
- Open the Phone app
- Tap on the Three-dot button and click on Settings
- Select Spam and Call screen options
- Turn on Screen Call in the Call Screen section
Block Calls from Specific Numbers
If you receive multiple calls from the same number, you can prevent them from ever ringing your phone. To block calls from specific numbers:
- Open the Phone app
- Tap on the Three-dot button and click on Settings
- Select Blocked numbers
- Add phone numbers to the block list, or choose numbers from your call ⏐ history or contacts
Turn on Caller ID and Spam Protection
By enabling this option, you will receive a warning if a phone number has been flagged as spam. This feature checks the number against a regularly updated list of known spam or fraudulent callers, which can include telemarketers or robocallers. To turn on Caller ID and Spam Protection:
- Open the Phone app
- Tap on the Three-dot button and click on Settings
- Select Caller ID and spam protection
- Turn on the option for Caller ID and spam protection
Review and Comparison of Spam Call Blocking Apps
If you’re still struggling with spam calls despite the built-in features, you can try downloading third-party apps. There are several available in the Google Play Store, but here are our top picks:
Truecaller
It’s one of the most popular apps and for good reason. It blocks spam calls, identifies unknown callers, and allows you to manage your spam list. Also, you can search for phone numbers and block calls by region or country. But, it’s worth noting that the app might access your phone log, contacts list, and even share that information with its partners.
Should I Answer?
This app is known for its rating system, whereby users rate spam numbers from one to five. This rating system can be particularly helpful since it allows you to avoid numbers that other users have already identified as spam. Additionally, the app requires minimal permissions and doesn’t share data with third parties.
Nomorobo
Nomorobo stands out because it detects and blocks spam calls within the first few seconds effectively. This app incorporates audio-fingerprinting technologies providing instant spam detection. As a result, it’s the app to choose if you want immediate spam call protection.
List of Alternative Options for Managing Spam Calls
It’s understandable if you prefer not to block all unknown numbers, in case you’re expecting a call from an unrecognized number. Here are some alternative ways to manage spam calls effectively:
Do Not Disturb Mode
You can prevent spam calls from interrupting your important tasks by scheduling regular intervals or activating the mode permanently. To set up Do Not Disturb mode:
- Go to Settings, Sounds and vibrations, and click on Do not disturb
- Choose the option that works best for you
- Set exceptions to allow calls from your contacts and other specific numbers
Limit Sharing Your Phone Number
You can reduce the chances of getting spam calls by limiting who has your phone number. Only provide your phone number on a needed basis and avoid giving it to every Tom, Dick, and Harry.
Insights and Data on Spam Call Trends
Data shows that spam calls have increased significantly over the years, with some users claiming they receive up to ten calls per day. According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), unwanted calls are the number one consumer complaint, with over 230,000 complaints filed every year. Additionally, tech security companies have noted a rise in the number of pandemic- and election-related scam calls. These calls look authentically related to the subject and may seem legit, but closer inspection will reveal otherwise.
Personal Experience and Anecdotal Advice
I got fed up with spam calls and sought solutions to curb the menace. I found that blocking calls only gets rid of unwanted calls for a short time before others start coming in. Activating a spam call blocking app like Truecaller was a better solution, but they are not foolproof. By far, the most effective strategy was to limit sharing my phone number. If I couldn’t avoid entering my contact details, I would use a secondary number instead.
Conclusion
Spam calls can eat into your valuable time and be frustrating, but luckily, you don’t have to suffer in silence. We’ve gone over some of the best ways to stop spam calls, including enabling Android’s inbuilt spam features, using spam blocking apps, alternative ways to manage spam calls, and personal experiences. Remember to be careful sharing personal information online and to never give out any information to unknown callers. With these tips and tricks, you can safeguard yourself from those annoying and unwanted calls.
