To block spam calls on your Galaxy S21, use the built-in Caller ID and spam protection feature in the Phone app. This is the most effective way to stop spam calls on your Galaxy S21 without needing any extra apps.
How to block spam calls on Galaxy S21 using caller ID and spam protection
Samsung's built-in Caller ID and spam protection feature automatically identifies and blocks spam and scam calls. The Smart Call feature is a built-in option to identify and block spam calls. To enable it:
- Open the Phone app.
- Tap More options (the three dots).
- Tap Settings.
- Tap Caller ID and spam protection.
- Turn on the switch and accept the terms.
- Turn on Block spam and scam calls.
- Choose either Block all spam and scam calls or Only block high-risk scam calls.
This setting uses Samsung's database to identify and block unwanted calls. Choosing "Only block high-risk scam calls" is less aggressive and may let some spam through, while "Block all spam and scam calls" stops more calls but could occasionally block a legitimate one.
How to block specific numbers on your Galaxy S21
If a particular number keeps calling, you can block it directly. To block a number manually:
- Open the Phone app.
- Tap More options (three dots).
- Tap Settings.
- Tap Block numbers.
- Tap Add and enter the number you want to block. You can also block a number by selecting it from your call log or contacts in the Block numbers settings.
You can also block a number from the in-call screen or from your recent calls list by tapping Block number or Report number. This is the quickest way to stop a specific caller without searching for their number.
How to block calls from unknown numbers
To silence all calls from numbers not saved in your contacts, turn on the Block calls from unknown numbers toggle in the same Block numbers settings. This sends every call from an unknown number straight to voicemail. It is useful if you only want to hear from people you know, but it will also block legitimate calls from businesses or services you haven't saved.
Use third-party call-blocking apps for extra protection
Third-party call-blocking apps can supplement your Galaxy S21's built-in features with community-based spam detection and customizable block lists. These apps use crowdsourced data to identify new spam numbers and let you create your own allow and block lists. Do Not Disturb mode can be used to silence spam calls, with options to allow calls from certain contacts or enable repeated calls to break through in emergencies. Third-party apps may offer real-time call identification showing caller name and whether it's suspected spam.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will blocking spam calls affect legitimate calls?
Blocking spam calls using the built-in caller ID and spam protection feature will not affect legitimate calls. You can create a list of allowed numbers to ensure important calls are not blocked.
How do I report a spam call on my Galaxy S21?
Some third-party apps also allow you to report spam calls, contributing to a database that helps prevent future spam calls.
Can blocked numbers still leave voicemail?
When you block a number on your Galaxy S21, calls from that number are not connected, so the caller cannot leave a voicemail. Calls from unknown numbers with the Block calls from unknown numbers setting enabled are silenced and sent to voicemail.
For the wider topic, see blocking calls and numbers.
