How to Block Spam Calls on Android for a Parent’s Phone

Dad’s phone rings halfway through dinner. He picks it up, listens for a moment, then reaches for his wallet.

His bank has apparently spotted some suspicious activity. The caller is absolutely convincing, says all the correct things and is pressing Dad to check his account straight away. All you can think is “Please don’t give your banking details to a stranger”.

Phone scams can be very sneaky and can often rely on creating a sense of urgency or fear. Fortunately, there are several ways on how to block spam calls on Android. By changing a few settings and using a sensible app and simple family rules, you can keep your parents safer without causing them any issues on their phone.

1. Start With the Defenses Already on the Phone

Before you go and download anything, check what the Android phone can already do. A lot of phones with the Google Phone app have caller ID and spam protection as standard.

Open the Phone app, tap the three-dot menu, and select Settings. Look for Caller ID and spam or a similarly named option, then enable the available spam identification and filtering features.

Some phones will also automatically filter what they deem to be suspected spam calls. Android menus, of course, will vary from phone to phone and from phone brand to phone brand, and depending on the software version. On some phones (e.g. Samsung, Google Pixel) the settings may be in a completely different location. You’ll need to check the manual to find where they are.

These tools are already provided and are often free. This could help reduce the amount of unwanted calls they get without having to install any new apps onto their phone.

2. Teach Them to Block Repeat Offenders

If a certain number is continually phoning you with spam or questionable claims, then blocking it is usually straightforward.

Open the Phone app and find the number under Recents. Tap the number or its information icon, then select Block or Block/report spam, depending on the device. Problem caller? Shown the door.

Scammers can change their numbers and their caller ID so blocking one number won’t necessarily stop all the spam. That said, showing your parent how to block calls is a good thing as it enables them to take control. A bit of practice now will go a long way to preventing them from being frustrated later on.

3. When Basic Blocking Isn’t Enough, Bring in an App

If you’re still receiving spam calls, then using a dedicated spam call blocking application on your Android phone can give you further protection. These apps can allow you to identify the caller, have regularly updated spam lists, automatically block spam calls, and block specific numbers.

Before you go and download an app, check the recent reviews, check the updates and see how it deals with your privacy. Look at what permissions it’s asking for. If it’s a paid app then make sure the extra features are worth the price.

Most importantly, pick an app that’s easy to set up. Your parent shouldn’t need a manual to just answer calls.

Set up your filters to reduce the amount of spam, but don’t filter out every unknown number. A doctor might call you, a delivery driver might call you, a new contact might call you and all of those would be from numbers not in your contact list. For more on this, see PhoneShield’s guide to stopping spam calls.

4. Teach One Rule That Could Save Them Money

Even the best spam filters can occasionally miss a dodgy call. Your parent should have a simple plan in place as to what they do in that scenario. Just remind them that they should never give out any sensitive information to someone who calls them unexpectedly.

Scammers will often pose as a bank, a government department or a company you’re already familiar with. They’ll then typically ask for immediate payment, ask for your banking details or ask for a one off verification code.

Help your parent adopt a safer response: just hang up, look up the correct contact details for the organization themselves, and then call back to verify whether the claim is genuine. There’s no point in arguing or trying to explain. It’s perfectly acceptable to hang up on someone who is pressuring you.

5. Keep the Phone Useful, Not Just Quiet

Blocking spam calls on Android is most effective when the settings are tailored to your parent’s actual usage. Check the list of blocked numbers regularly to ensure that legitimate calls are still getting through and show your parent how to report a spammer.

Save your important contacts and turn the spam filters on the phone. Just as importantly, make sure your parent feels at ease in the knowledge that they can ask for help if anything seems amiss.

If your parent has given the scammer any financial information, then stay calm and act quickly. Get in touch with their bank if there’s any chance that an account or payment details are in danger. Change any passwords that may have been compromised and get in touch with the appropriate authorities.

The aim is to help your parents identify the suspicious requests so they don’t feel under any pressure to respond. You want them to remain in touch with the important people in their lives. Their phone should be a tool to help your family stay in contact with one another, not a conduit for scammers to get at their savings.