How to Block Spam Calls and Texts on Android With Built-In Tools

Android’s built-in Phone and Messages apps can stop a known number, silence calls identified as spam, screen some callers, and block or report unwanted texts. The exact labels vary by phone maker, Android version, and default apps, but the controls below cover Google Phone and Google Messages, including how to undo a mistaken block and what information a spam report can share.

Choose the least disruptive control first

Start with the smallest intervention that solves the problem. Blocking one confirmed nuisance number leaves other callers alone. The Unknown setting is narrower than many people assume: it targets private or unidentified callers, not every number that is missing from your Contacts. Caller ID warnings provide information without necessarily silencing a call, while spam filtering silences calls that the app identifies as spam. Text reporting goes further than text blocking because it sends information about the message to improve detection.

#	Preview	Product	Price
1		CPR V5000 Call Blocker for Landline Phones - You Can Manually Block All Calls with the Big Red...	$74.95	Buy on Amazon
2		Enf860 Call Blocker for Landline Phones, Blacklist/Whitelist Dual Mode, Block spam Calls by Number...	$80.80	Buy on Amazon
3		Digitone ProSeries 3 Call Blocker Automatic SPAM Blocking for Landline Phones - Easy Setup One...	$82.99	Buy on Amazon
4		TelPal Call Blocker Box for Landline Phones with Caller ID Display, 4000 Number Capacity - to Block...	$32.99	Buy on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Block a specific phone number

From the recent-call list

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Open Recents or your call history.
3. Tap the call or number you want to stop.
4. Choose Block or Block / report spam, then confirm.

Google Phone automatically declines future calls from a blocked number. If the phone offers a combined “Block / report spam” action, read the prompt: blocking stops that number, while reporting adds the number to spam-detection feedback.

What the caller experiences

A blocked call is declined by the phone rather than presented as a normal incoming call. When visual voicemail is turned on, the blocked caller cannot leave a voicemail. Calls that arrive while the number is blocked are not listed in call history, so do not rely on the recent-call list as a record of every blocked attempt.

#1 Best Overall

CPR V5000 Call Blocker for Landline Phones - You Can Manually Block All Calls with the Big Red Button - Pre-Programmed with 5,000 Known Nuisance Numbers - Caller ID is Required

• COMPATIBILITY: For traditional analog landline phones and services from providers such as AT&T, Verizon, Frontier Communications, CenturyLink, and Brightspeed. Not compatible with internet-based or digital phone services (VoIP), including Vonage, Ooma, Xfinity Voice, and Quantum Fiber.
• IMPORTANT: The V5000 CPR Call Blocker requires Caller ID service and an analog telephone line. Without Caller ID, incoming numbers cannot be identified or blocked. No mains power required - just plug it into your phone line and use.
• Powerful Blocking, Made Simple: Preloaded with 5,000 verified scam and nuisance numbers, the V5000 starts protecting you right out of the box. And if a new or spoofed number gets through, the large “BLOCK NOW” button makes it easy to instantly block it - up to 1,500 additional numbers at your command.
• Realistic & Reliable Protection: While no device can stop 100% of spam (scammers constantly change numbers), the V5000 gives you the power to shut down repeat offenders quickly and effectively - offering more control than passive filters alone.
• Hassle-Free Design: NO POWER supply needed, NO APP, and NO SUBSCRIPTIONS. The V5000 is easy to install, with a clear screen and loud button click for extra confidence. Designed with seniors in mind, it’s ready to use and simple to maintain. For even stronger protection, you can pair it with your phone provider’s spam filtering service.

$74.95

Buy on Amazon

Unblock a number

1. Open Phone.
2. Tap the menu or profile control, then open Settings.
3. Tap Blocked numbers.
4. Clear the number from the blocked list and confirm Unblock.

After unblocking, future calls are handled normally. Calls made while the number was blocked are not retroactively restored to call history.

Block private or unidentified callers without blocking every unsaved number

1. Open Phone and go to Settings.
2. Tap Blocked numbers.
3. Turn on Unknown.

In Google Phone, “Unknown” means a caller that is private, unidentified, or withholding caller ID. It does not mean “not in my Contacts.” A normal mobile or business number that is not saved in your address book can still ring.

Use this setting when hidden-number calls are the problem. If you still need calls from new customers, delivery drivers, schools, medical offices, or other unsaved numbers, leave it off and use caller-ID warnings or spam filtering instead. The official blocking guide describes the setting and its Android-version requirements.

Turn on caller ID and spam protection

Show warnings without automatically silencing calls

1. Open Phone.
2. Tap the menu or profile control and choose Settings.
3. Open Caller ID and spam.
4. Turn on See caller ID & spam.

This setting can identify a business or display a warning when a call is suspected to be spam. It is an information feature: seeing a warning does not, by itself, guarantee that the call will be silenced.

Silence calls classified as spam

1. Return to Phone > Settings > Caller ID and spam.
2. Turn on Filter spam calls if that option appears.

Google says filtered calls do not create missed-call or voicemail notifications. They remain in call history, however, and you can still check voicemail. This is useful when you want fewer interruptions but still want a record to review later.

The option may not appear on a phone that uses automatic Call Screen or a manufacturer’s own dialer. Do not assume that a missing switch means spam protection is disabled; the available controls depend on the phone, Android release, default Phone app, and region.

Understand the privacy trade-off

Google says caller-ID and spam protection may send numbers from calls involving people outside your Contacts to Google for business identification or spam assessment. Google says it does not obtain phone numbers from your Contacts list for this feature. Its explanation is available in How your contact information stays private with Spam & Caller ID.

If you turn the feature off, Google says spam warnings and caller-ID display are removed, caller-ID feedback is disabled, and it will not collect numbers from callers or receivers for that protection feature. That choice reduces data sharing but also removes the warnings and identification that depend on it.

Rank #2

Enf860 Call Blocker for Landline Phones, Blacklist/Whitelist Dual Mode, Block spam Calls by Number and Name

• [ IMPORTANT NOTE 1 ] This product is a call blocker only and does not have a telephone or answering machine function. No phone or answering machine is included in the package. Before purchasing, please make sure that your telephone line has Caller ID service and that it is an ANALOG line. the ENF860 requires Caller ID service from your telephone line provider to work and is for analog lines only ! No mains power required, just plug in the phone line to use
• [ IMPORTANT NOTE 2 ] In BLOCK mode, there will STILL BE some new variant numbers bypassing the database making the phone ring, you NEED to manually set up to block them OR switch to FAMILY mode to let only the numbers in FAMILY LIST through. Please refer to the manual for the CORRECT SETTINGS.
• Dual mode;In BLOCK mode you can block callers by Numbers and Names; In FAMILY mode all callers outside the FAMILY LIST are blocked;The two modes can be switched at any time as needed and NO data will be lost after switching modes.
• Preloaded with a large number of spam numbers that have been the subject of repeated complaints ; Users can also manually add 4000+ numbers to the NUMBER LIST to build their own database ; Add 256 NAMES to block calls by name.
• Blocks INTERNATIONAL, PRIVATE/WITHHELD, and Out of Area numbers by default; users can SET to block the entire area code or changing numbers starting with a fixed number, such as 00, 800, 855, 999, 7324, 33626, 134567, etc.

$80.80

Buy on Amazon

Use automatic Call Screen on supported Pixel phones

Automatic Call Screen is not a universal Android function. Google documents it in English, in the United States, on Pixel phones with Android 10 and later. If your device, language, or location does not meet those conditions, the controls may not be offered.

How screening behaves

• Calls from saved contacts are not screened.
• The system asks an unknown caller to identify the reason for calling.
• If the system identifies the call as spam, it can decline it without alerting you.
• For a call that is not identified as spam, the phone rings after you can review the caller’s response.
• After screening, transcripts and recordings are stored on the phone.
• You can choose whether screening data is shared with Google.

On a supported Pixel, look for Call Screen or automatic screening in the Phone app’s settings. The exact menu label and choices can change by country, Android release, and Pixel model, so use the options shown on your device rather than following a menu path from a different phone. Google’s Keep your calls private documentation lists the supported conditions and data controls.

Call Screen suits people who want the phone to challenge unfamiliar callers before interrupting them. It is less suitable when you need every unsaved caller to reach you immediately or when your language and region are not supported.

Block an unwanted text in Google Messages

Block without reporting

1. Open Messages.
2. Touch and hold the conversation you want to stop.
3. Tap Block and confirm.

This blocks the conversation without submitting a spam report. Choose it when you simply do not want further messages from that sender and do not want to send the conversation’s information for spam analysis.

Block and report spam

1. In Messages, touch and hold the unwanted conversation.
2. Tap Block and select Report spam when prompted.
3. Confirm the report.

A reported conversation is also blocked and moved to Spam & blocked. Reporting is optional; blocking alone still stops that conversation.

Undo a text-message block

1. Open Messages.
2. Open your profile picture or the app menu.
3. Tap Spam & blocked.
4. Select the sender and tap Unblock.

Some of these steps apply to Android 7.0 and later. If your app uses different labels, update Messages if appropriate and look for the equivalent Spam & blocked area in its menu. Google’s instructions are in Block senders and report spam in Google Messages.

Know what a spam report shares

Before choosing Report spam, distinguish stopping the sender from submitting evidence. Google says a report sends the sender’s number to Google and may send the last 10 incoming messages to improve spam detection. In a group or RCS conversation, the report may also include message identifiers, a group identifier, timestamps, the conversation name, and other participants’ profile names and phone numbers.

Google also says a spam-reporting conversation may send a copy of the spammer’s number and the most recent message to your mobile carrier. The exact information depends on the conversation type and the report flow; it is not a promise that every report includes every item above. If you prefer not to share that information, use Block without Report spam.

Rank #3

Digitone ProSeries 3 Call Blocker Automatic SPAM Blocking for Landline Phones - Easy Setup One Button Blocking of RoboCalls

• How it Works: SPAM identified calls are instantly blocked automatically. Preferred Calls Ring through like normal with Caller ID displayed. Your phones connected to the TEL port Won't Ring on Blocked Calls. Create your own Invited or Allowed Family (White List) and block All other callers. Use the Dual Block Buttons to Block a NAME or NUMBER Displayed. Remote Block a Call when Dialing * 2 # through your telephone handset.
• The Patented ProSeries 3 Call Blocker from Digitone is an Easy Installation and is Simple to Use. No need to rush over and tap a red button when the ProSeries has already blocked a known unwanted SPAM, Out of Area, Private, Anonymous, 800 Service, ROBO?, Dashes, "Quotes" or V123+ call. Use Call History to select Any Caller to Block by (Double Tap) Name or Number. Block any NAME like: Unavailable, Unknown, SCAM RISK, City + State, Potential Scam, Wireless Caller. Block ANY call without answering, as they call in with either RED button.
• Feel confident that the ProSeries already Blocks Millions of Known Unwanted Numbers and Fake Names. No need to change your existing phones or service. Works with Any Analog Corded, Cordless Phone or Fax System on any telephone service. Large Back-Lighted Display. Got questions? Call the number on the front screen of the ProSeries 3.
• Works with all USA phone companies: AT&T, Cox, Spectrum, CenturyLink, Cable Modems, DSL, FIOS, or Digital Services from VoIP Telcos like [V] from Verizon, Ooma Telo, Ooma Basic, Vonage, Magic Jack etc. Also, works in Mexico, Canada, Brazil, European Union (ETSI), Australia, Singapore and others with North American standardized phone lines.
• Allow any blocked caller to ring through like normal with the Green Invite Button. Double Tap the Green Button to add VIP callers shown in Call History. Note: Caller ID Name and Number Service from your phone company is required for this model to work automatically.

$82.99

Buy on Amazon

Read Google’s current explanations in Report spam in Google Messages before reporting sensitive conversations, especially group or RCS threads.

Match the setting to your situation

You know the exact number

Block that number from Recents in Phone, or block the conversation in Messages. This is the most targeted choice and avoids silencing unrelated callers.

Most nuisance calls hide their identity

Enable Unknown under Blocked numbers. Remember that unsaved but fully identified numbers will continue to ring.

You want to see who is calling before deciding

Enable See caller ID & spam without enabling the filter. You retain the opportunity to answer a legitimate unfamiliar caller while receiving the app’s warning when it has one.

You want fewer interruptions but a review trail

Use Filter spam calls if your Phone app offers it. Filtered calls are silent and do not create missed-call or voicemail notifications, but remain in call history and voicemail can still be checked.

You use an eligible Pixel in the United States

Consider automatic Call Screen if it appears in Phone settings. It can challenge unknown callers and decline calls identified as spam, while allowing you to review responses from other callers.

A text is clearly malicious or repetitive

Use Block and Report spam when you accept the associated data sharing. Use Block alone when stopping the sender is enough and you do not want to submit message information.

Troubleshoot when blocking does not behave as expected

A number that is not in Contacts still rings

That is expected when only Unknown is enabled. The setting does not mean “all unsaved numbers.” Block the specific number, enable spam filtering, or use Call Screen if your phone supports it.

Rank #4

TelPal Call Blocker Box for Landline Phones with Caller ID Display, 4000 Number Capacity - to Block Hidden Numbers, Telemarketer Calls, Nuisance Calls, Hidden Numbers,Area Codes & Spam Calls

• This is the latest version Telephone Call Blocker with hidden or unavailable call numbers can be blocked. And there is no fees to use it; Please keep the manual for future use.
• Block up to 4000 individual phone numbers, including incoming and outgoing calls , prefixes and up to 10 digit area codes.
• One-touch to Block: Locate a number and then press Block to add it to the blacklist.Better set the call blocker in series ( one end of it connected to your phone and another end to the PSTN telephone line); Though it can also be set up parallel, but not compatible with some phone systems.
• Permanent storage of the numbers in the blacklist even power is off or telephone line is plugged out.
• Battery free: It is line powered, no need battery. And it works with almost all single line telephones. If you find some numbers are blocked but you never mean to, then press Block and check your blacklist, then delete those numbers which like area codes or prefix numbers.

$32.99

Buy on Amazon

You cannot find “Filter spam calls”

The switch is not present on every phone. Check that Google Phone is the default dialer, then look under Settings > Caller ID and spam. A device using automatic Call Screen or a manufacturer-specific dialer may expose a different control instead.

A filtered call left no missed-call alert

That is the documented behavior of spam filtering. Check Phone’s call history and voicemail directly rather than relying on a notification.

The caller still reaches voicemail

Blocking a number prevents a blocked caller from leaving voicemail when visual voicemail is enabled. Other filtering modes may silence or screen a call rather than apply the same voicemail rule. Check which control is active and whether your carrier’s voicemail implementation supports visual voicemail.

A legitimate text was reported by mistake

Open Messages > menu or profile > Spam & blocked, select the sender, and tap Unblock. If the conversation was reported, it may remain classified as spam after unblocking; use the available “not spam” or restore option if your version presents one.

The menus do not match these instructions

Phone makers can replace Google’s apps, rename settings, or move them. Confirm which app handles calls and texts, install available app updates, and search that app’s settings for Blocked numbers, Caller ID and spam, or Spam & blocked. Do not enable a similarly named third-party service merely to reproduce a menu shown on another device.

A practical setup checklist

• Block individual numbers immediately after confirming the caller or sender.
• Use Unknown only when private and unidentified calls are unwanted; it does not cover every unsaved number.
• Turn on caller-ID warnings before enabling full spam filtering if you regularly receive legitimate calls from new numbers.
• Check whether filtering hides missed-call and voicemail notifications on your device, and review call history periodically.
• Use automatic Call Screen only when your Pixel, language, region, and Android version are supported.
• Choose text blocking without reporting when you want the narrowest privacy impact.
• Choose text reporting when contributing the sender and message information to spam detection is acceptable.
• Review the Phone blocked list and Messages’ Spam & blocked folder when a legitimate caller or sender disappears.

What these built-in tools cannot promise

These controls rely on the number presented to the phone and on spam classifications. They cannot guarantee that every scam call will be identified, and blocking one number does not stop a spammer who changes numbers. Caller ID is also not proof that a caller is trustworthy; treat unexpected requests for passwords, payment, verification codes, or remote access as suspicious even when a name is displayed.

The controls are app- and device-dependent. Google’s help pages describe Google Phone and Google Messages, while another Android phone may use a different dialer or messaging app. Availability, labels, Android-version requirements, language, and country restrictions therefore need to be checked on the phone itself.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1

CPR V5000 Call Blocker for Landline Phones - You Can Manually Block All Calls with the Big Red Button - Pre-Programmed with 5,000 Known Nuisance Numbers - Caller ID is Required

$74.95

Bestseller No. 2

Enf860 Call Blocker for Landline Phones, Blacklist/Whitelist Dual Mode, Block spam Calls by Number and Name

$80.80

Bestseller No. 3

Digitone ProSeries 3 Call Blocker Automatic SPAM Blocking for Landline Phones - Easy Setup One Button Blocking of RoboCalls

$82.99

Bestseller No. 4

TelPal Call Blocker Box for Landline Phones with Caller ID Display, 4000 Number Capacity - to Block Hidden Numbers, Telemarketer Calls, Nuisance Calls, Hidden Numbers,Area Codes & Spam Calls

$32.99

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.