Sick of your phone buzzing at all hours with spam calls or shady texts? You’re not alone. Millions deal with the daily nuisance of unwanted calls and spam messages, but there are practical ways to stop them. From built-in Android features to dedicated apps, here’s how to take back control of your phone.
A growing problem
Unwanted calls have become a real social plague. In recent years, millions of complaints have been logged about spam calls and messages, many of them linked to scams like phishing or spoofing. Despite tighter rules and better cybersecurity tools, fraudsters keep finding new ways to reach us. The good news? You don’t have to just put up with it.
Often, we accidentally make ourselves targets. Maybe you answered a call from an unknown number, which tells scammers your line is active. Or perhaps you’ve shared your number on social media or been caught up in a company data breach. In some cases, personal details are even sold to marketing firms, leading to an endless stream of calls about “special offers” you never asked for.
Understanding the jargon
Before tackling the problem, it helps to know what you’re up against:
- Phishing: fraudsters trick you into giving away sensitive details, often through fake bank or mobile operator texts.
- Spoofing: scammers disguise their numbers to appear trustworthy, sometimes posing as public services or banks.
- Ping calls: ultra-short calls designed to make you call back — at premium rates abroad.
- Smishing: phishing attempts sent by SMS, usually with dodgy links or malware downloads.
How to block calls and messages on Android
If you’ve got an Android phone, the simplest way to block a number is straight from the Phone or Messages app. Tap the number, select “Block,” and that’s it. For more control, go to:
Phone app > Settings > Call settings > Additional settings > Call barring.
Here, you can block categories like international calls, roaming calls, or all incoming calls. There’s also an option for fixed dialling numbers, which lets you whitelist only certain contacts.
In France, specific number ranges are now dedicated to cold-calling (for example, 0162, 0270, 0377). Spotting these can help you avoid picking up in the first place.
When an app does the work for you
If built-in settings aren’t enough, dedicated call-blocking apps can make a huge difference. Some of the most popular include:
- Hiya, which uses artificial intelligence to flag suspicious calls.
- Truecaller is famous for its regularly updated spam list.
- Orange Telephone, available even if you’re not with Orange.
- Call Filter, which creates a clear log of blocked calls.
These tools don’t just block numbers; they also identify who’s calling, so you know whether it’s safe to answer.
What about landlines?
Unwanted calls aren’t limited to mobiles. On home phones, you can:
- Sign up to Bloctel, the national anti-cold-calling list (valid for three years).
- Use your operator’s call filtering services, such as Stop Secret or blocking premium-rate calls.
- Buy a landline with built-in blocking features.
- Invest in a separate call-blocker device that connects to your internet box.
Since October 2024, new rules also require telecom operators to detect spoofed numbers, making it harder for fraudsters to pose as official institutions.
Smart habits to protect yourself
Blocking calls is only half the battle. To minimise future spam:
- Never call back unknown numbers.
- Don’t open suspicious links in texts.
- Avoid sharing your number online.
- Untick the “I agree to receive information” boxes on websites.
- Sign up for national opt-out lists like Bloctel or the red list.
If you do get a fraudulent message, you can forward it to 33 700, a free service supported by operators. For persistent abuse, you can also file a complaint with the CNIL or even the police.
The bottom line
Spam calls and texts may feel unavoidable, but with the right mix of phone settings, apps, and common sense, you can cut down the noise. Whether it’s a sneaky phishing attempt or just another energy sales pitch, you’ll be ready to block it before it ever disrupts your day.
