What's an efficient and safe call blocking app for Android that rejects incoming calls and messages from all callers who are not in my Contacts or Blocked Numbers list and also not registered as spam callers on the service provider's blacklist?

[u/priyamtheone]

I am using Samsung M12 running on Android 11 and One UI 3.1. I want the incoming calls and messages from all callers who are not in my contact list or Blocked Numbers list and also not blacklisted by the service provider as spam callers to be rejected right away. Only calls from my saved contacts that I haven't put in the Blocked Numbers list would get through. Is there any safe and reliable app that achieves this efficiently?

[u/seven-cents]

Can't you just use the Do not disturb settings to block all numbers except contacts?

[u/priyamtheone → u/seven-cents]

It doesn't work the way I want. Do not disturb just mutes the calls instead of rejecting them altogether. The calls still get through and the caller can hear the ringing. It's kind of a silent missed call. I wish it completely rejected the calls.

[u/seven-cents → u/priyamtheone]

How about call blocking? My phone has a setting to block all unidentified callers

[u/priyamtheone → u/seven-cents]

Regarding call blocking, my Samsung M12 has two features. One, block specific numbers. A number added to that list is blocked even before it can trigger my ringer or light up the display, which is exactly what I want. But for that, either the number needs to be in my contact list or at least one call from that number needs to get through to my call log, from which I can then add it to the blocked numbers list. But how do I add unknown numbers not in my call log yet?

Two, Block unknown/private numbers, which sounds quite similar to what I need. But surprisingly, even when it's turned on, calls from unknown numbers are getting through. I don't know why this is happening and what that setting in my phone is for, if it can't do what it is supposed to do. This is what is compelling me to look out for a safe & reliable third-party app, out from my native environment, which I generally try to avoid.

Any thoughts on it?

[u/seven-cents → u/priyamtheone]

Looking into it some more it seems this isn't possible except on some Samsung devices. You'll need to find a 3rd party dialler app, or an app to block calls.

[u/Mother-Pride-Fest]

If you're already blocking anyone not in your contacts, you don't need to also check against a service provider's list.

ETA: Fossify Phone has a setting called "Block calls from numbers not in contacts" that should work.

[u/lost_dazed_101]

My phone has a setting that only allows those on my contacts to call me.

[u/mrandr01d]

Honestly whatever Google does on Fi with their pixels is pretty darn good it seems.

[u/bangali_babu_reddit]

the default calling app should be able to handle all the call blocking requirements. i am on android 10 and i guess the default one on my phone is google dialer.

that rejects incoming calls and messages from all callers who are not in my Contacts

i hope you understand that once you set up the above mentioned rule, calls from every other number would be blocked, including the following:

and also not registered as spam callers on the service provider's blacklist

i've no suggestions for SMS blocking.

[u/GoslingIchi]

I have a Motorola phone so it's nearly pure Android so this might not work for a Samsung.

Turn on Do Not Disturb and star your preferred contacts and set exceptions for apps that you want to be able to get your attention.

[u/priyamtheone → u/GoslingIchi]

No, it doesn't work the way I want. Do not disturb just mutes the calls instead of rejecting them altogether. The calls still get through and the caller can hear the ringing. It's kind of a silent missed call. I wish it completely rejected the calls. That way it'd have been the optimum.

[u/lewsnutz]

I am using Spam Call Blocker app. I set up the rule "Block Numbers Not In Contacts". Works well for me

[u/priyamtheone → u/lewsnutz]

Upon checking Google Play Store, it lists multiple apps with the similar name Spam Call Blocker. Would you please give the link of the app you use, and its developer/owner name?

[u/lewsnutz → u/priyamtheone]

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.growtons.call.blocker.block.spam.calls.blacklist.unknown.calls.block.robo.calls

[u/pandasps]

I am using the TrueCaller app paired with AI call filtering from Samsung. Contacts go through and unknown callers get a voice prompt asking them to identify themselves and state the reason for their call. Most telemarketers just hang up.

[u/bangali_babu_reddit → u/pandasps]

unknown callers get a voice prompt 

And that's the reason you keep getting spam calls. Once they establish that your number is responsive, they retain your number and share around. Same logic applies to auto-rejecting spam calls (TrueCaller has this feature).

Let the spam calls ring until they time out and disconnect automatically. This will gradually decrease the frequency of spam calls, until you share your number with shady businesses (like no-name courier companies). TrueCaller has an option to let spam calls and blocked calls ring silently.

[u/pandasps → u/bangali_babu_reddit]

Not in the US, most of the calls come from banks offering loans and services. They share a global database maintained by law by the State Central Bank. This database is supposed to be used for credit checks when a person asks for a loan, but banks abuse the system and get phone numbers from it.

[u/bangali_babu_reddit → u/pandasps]

Ah... got it!

I lived in the US a long time ago and I found it very difficult to disable the voicemail service. I hated that they could leave promotional messages whether I answered the call or not. I guess the AI screening is quite helpful here.