Introduction

Spam calls have become one of the biggest annoyances for smartphone users. Thankfully, Google Pixel phones come with built-in spam protection and call-blocking features that use Google’s vast caller ID database to automatically detect and filter unwanted calls.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to block spam calls on Pixel phones using built-in settings, Google Phone app features, and extra tips for complete peace of mind.

1. Turn On Caller ID and Spam Protection

Your Pixel has spam filtering built into the Google Phone app.

  1. Open the Phone app (the blue dialer icon).

  2. Tap the three-dot menu → Settings → Caller ID & spam.

  3. Turn on both options:

    • See caller & spam ID

    • Filter spam calls

💡 Tip: When “Filter spam calls” is on, suspected spam calls will not ring — they’ll be sent straight to voicemail.

2. Block a Specific Number Manually

If a spam number keeps calling you:

  1. Open the Phone app → Recents tab.

  2. Tap the number or contact.

  3. Select Block/report spam.

  4. Optionally check Report call as spam → Tap Block.

✅ That number will now be blocked from calling or texting you.

3. Use the “Unknown Callers” Filter

To silence all unknown callers (numbers not in your contacts):

  1. Open Phone app → Settings → Blocked numbers.

  2. Toggle Unknown → On.

💡 This will silence calls from new numbers, but they’ll still appear in your call log — useful for avoiding spam but not missing important calls.

4. Report Spam Calls to Google

Reporting helps Google improve its spam database:

  1. After receiving a spam call → Open Recents tab.

  2. Tap the number → Block/report spam → Check Report call as spam.

  3. Tap Block.

Your report is anonymous and helps filter similar calls for other users.

5. Enable “Verified Calls” (Pixel Exclusive Feature)

Google’s Verified Calls feature identifies legitimate businesses by name and reason for the call.

  1. Open Phone app → Settings → Caller ID & spam → Verified Calls.

  2. Toggle On.

Now, when a verified business (like your bank or airline) calls, you’ll see:

  • Business name

  • Logo

  • Reason for the call

This helps distinguish real calls from scams.

6. Use “Do Not Disturb” for Extra Control

Block all unwanted calls temporarily:

  1. Go to Settings → Notifications → Do Not Disturb.

  2. Tap People → Calls.

  3. Choose Contacts only or Starred contacts only.

💡 Combine this with spam filters for total silence during work or sleep.

7. Check Your Carrier’s Spam Protection

Most mobile carriers (like Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, etc.) provide extra call-blocking tools:

  • Verizon: Download Call Filter app → Enable “Spam Detection & Blocking.”

  • T-Mobile: Dial #662# to activate Scam Shield.

  • AT&T: Use ActiveArmor app for network-level spam protection.

These work alongside Pixel’s own spam filters.

8. Use Google Assistant Call Screening (Pixel Exclusive)

One of Pixel’s best features: Call Screen automatically answers unknown numbers and shows you a live transcription.

To enable:

  1. Open Phone app → Settings → Spam and Call Screen → Call Screen.

  2. Under “Unknown call settings,” select:

    • Spam → Automatically decline

    • Possible fake numbers → Automatically screen

    • First-time callers → Automatically screen

  3. Choose whether you want to see live transcripts during screening.

💡 You’ll see Google Assistant answering:

“Hi, this is Google’s screening service. Can I ask who’s calling and why?”

You can then decide whether to answer, hang up, or mark as spam.

9. Clear Spam History and Maintain Clean Contacts

  1. Open Phone app → Recents → Three-dot menu → Clear call history.

  2. Go to Contacts → Fix & manage → Merge & fix → Remove duplicates.

Keeping your call log clean prevents confusion between legitimate and spam calls.

10. Block Spam Text Messages Too

  1. Open Messages app → Three-dot menu → Spam protection.

  2. Turn on Enable spam protection.

  3. To block a number manually:

    • Open the conversation → Tap More → Details → Block & report spam.

This ensures full protection from SMS spam as well.

11. Advanced Option – Use “Digital Wellbeing” for Call Blocking

  1. Open Settings → Digital Wellbeing & parental controls → Focus mode or Bedtime mode.

  2. Customize periods when calls or notifications are blocked.

  3. Allow exceptions for contacts if necessary.

This adds behavioral blocking for total control.

12. Bonus Tip: Avoid Sharing Your Number Online

  • Don’t post your personal number on public sites or social media.

  • Avoid entering your phone number on unverified websites.

  • Use temporary or virtual numbers for sign-ups (Google Voice or Burner apps).

These small habits drastically reduce spam call volume over time.

13. Troubleshooting Spam Protection

Problem: Spam filter not working.

  • Check Phone app → Settings → Caller ID & spam is toggled on.

  • Clear cache: Settings → Apps → Phone → Storage & cache → Clear cache.

Problem: Call Screen unavailable.

  • Feature is limited to specific regions/languages.

  • Make sure Language → English (US) and Region → United States in Settings → System → Languages & input.

Conclusion

Blocking spam calls on Pixel phones is simple once you enable Caller ID & spam, use Call Screen, and adjust Do Not Disturb settings. Combine these tools with your carrier’s spam protection and smart privacy habits to ensure your phone only rings when it truly matters.

For more step-by-step Pixel tutorials and Android fixes, visit BranQis.com — your trusted guide for mobile optimization.

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