Google Pixel And Pixel XL How To Block Texts

As smartphone users, we’ve all experienced the annoyance of spam calls and texts. These unsolicited messages can disrupt our daily lives and even pose a potential threat. Luckily, Google Pixel smartphones offer several features that can help protect against these unwanted intrusions. In this guide, we’ll explore how you can leverage the power of your Google Pixel device to block spam calls and texts, ensuring a smoother and more secure smartphone experience.

Set up the Call Screen feature to intercept and block spam calls

Combining the nuisance of spammers with the persistence of robocalls creates a perfect storm of frustration. To combat this, Google provides a helpful and Pixel-exclusive feature called Call Screen. By harnessing the capabilities of your built-in Google Assistant, Call Screen allows you to intercept and block spam calls before they even ring your phone.

To activate Call Screen on your Google Pixel 6 or 7 series phone, follow these steps:

1. Open the Google Phone app.
2. Tap the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner.
3. Go to Settings.
4. Tap Spam and Call Screen.
5. Select Call Screen.

Once connected to a Wi-Fi network, the feature will activate automatically. However, some VPNs may need to be temporarily disabled for Call Screen to function properly. It’s worth noting that changing the default options to “Automatically screen and decline robocalls” will yield the best results. This setting will screen or block numbers that are not on your personal contacts list. Additionally, you can manually intercept any missed calls by tapping the Screen call prompt. For more detailed instructions, refer to our comprehensive guide on how to use the Google Pixel Call Screen feature.

While Call Screen may not catch every instance of spam right away, it does an impressive job of silencing spammers and will likely continue to improve over time. This feature has the potential to become the go-to solution for fighting spam calls on your device, setting the stage for a future where spam calls are a thing of the past. Although Call Screen is currently exclusive to Google Pixel devices, it may eventually make its way to other Android devices as well.

Check your caller ID and phone spam settings

The Google Phone app offers a set of useful spam-blocking features that work in the background to protect you from potential spam calls. Two of these features, See caller and spam ID and Verified Calls, work together to identify and block spam calls in real time.

To ensure that these features are enabled on your device, follow these steps:

1. Open the Google Phone app.
2. Tap the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner.
3. Go to Settings.
4. Select Spam and Call Screen.
5. Toggle the See caller and spam ID switch to enable the feature.
6. Optionally, turn on the Verified Calls switch. This feature allows you to see legitimate callers and their reason for calling, making it easier to identify official business calls. To use this feature, you’ll need to add a verified phone number to your Google account.

By enabling these features, you can enhance your caller ID capabilities and receive real-time protection against spam calls.

Block unknown callers

Spammers often employ tactics such as spoofing or faking their numbers to match your area code, tricking you into answering their calls. While this technique was more effective during the landline era, it still persists today with smartphones. Some spammers may even choose to hide their numbers altogether. To counter these tactics, you can enable the proper setting to fend off these would-be spammers.

To verify that the Unknown option is enabled, follow these steps:

1. Open the Google Phone app.
2. Tap the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner.
3. Go to Settings.
4. Tap the Blocked numbers section.
5. If the Unknown option is turned off, flip the switch to the on position.

By enabling this setting, you can prevent calls from unknown numbers from disturbing you.

Enable spam protection for text messages

In recent years, spammers have shifted their focus to text messages as a means of reaching potential victims. These messages often contain links that redirect users to fake websites, where they may be asked to provide personal information or promised rewards in exchange for their data. To tackle this issue, the Google Messages app on your Pixel 6 or 7 series offers a spam protection feature that can halt these nefarious text messages in their tracks.

To enable the spam protection feature on your device, follow these steps:

1. Open the Google Messages app.
2. Tap your profile icon in the upper-right corner.
3. Go to Messages settings.
4. Select Spam protection.
5. If the Enable spam protection option is turned off, flip the switch to the on position.

By enabling this feature, you can add an extra layer of security to your device, safeguarding against spam text messages.

Check the default spam-blocking app

To ensure you are getting the most out of your device’s spam-blocking features, it’s important to check the default spam-blocking app on your Google Pixel smartphone. While it’s recommended to use the Google Phone app for maximum protection, it’s possible that the default app entry may be blank, even if you have set up your device or performed a factory reset. To rectify this and fully utilize the system-wide spam features designed to combat annoying spammers, follow these steps:

1. Go to Settings > Apps > Default apps.
2. Select the Caller ID & spam app section.
3. If the app is currently assigned to None, tap the Phone app to set it as the default.
4. Tap the back arrow to return to the previous Default apps screen. The Phone app should now be listed as the default under the Caller ID & spam app section.

By ensuring that the default spam-blocking app is correctly set, you can maximize your device’s spam-fighting capabilities.

Special spam call settings for Google Pixel users on Google Fi

If you are a Google Fi user, you have access to additional spam call-blocking features provided by Google’s wireless network. These features further enhance your device’s privacy and security.

To check if these features are enabled on your Google Fi device, follow these steps:

1. Open the Google Fi app.
2. Scroll down to the Phone settings section.
3. Tap Spam & blocked numbers.
4. Go to Manage contact settings.
5. Select the Block known spam option. Please note that this feature relies on Google’s database of identified spammers, which may not block every instance of spam on your phone.
6. Choose Only receive calls or texts from your phone contacts to further block spammers. With this option selected, only numbers on your personal contacts list or numbers you have called will be able to get past the spam-blocking feature.

By utilizing these special spam call settings, you can enjoy enhanced protection and peace of mind while using your Google Pixel device on the Google Fi network.

Report spam calls and text messages that slip through the cracks

Despite our best efforts, some spam calls and text messages may still manage to slip through the cracks. Spammers are constantly evolving their tactics to bypass spam-blocking features, using techniques such as multiple throw-away numbers or area code spoofing. While it may be challenging to stop them all, reporting as many spammers as possible can help reduce their impact. This collective effort benefits both Google Pixel users and the Android community as a whole.

Many wireless carriers, including Google, employ a set of protocols called STIR/SHAKEN to combat phone number spoofing. These protocols work in the background, reducing the occurrence of spoofed calls. You don’t need to take any additional actions for this feature to work—it functions automatically alongside Google’s spam-fighting efforts. Nevertheless, you can still take steps to report and block spam calls and text messages on your Google Pixel smartphone.

How to report spam calls on the Google Phone app

1. Open the Google Phone app.
2. Tap the Recents tab at the bottom.
3. Long press on the number you wish to report.
4. Choose the Block/report spam option.
5. Tap Block to confirm your selection.
6. The Report call as spam box should be checked by default, allowing you to block and report the selected number. After reporting, the number will be removed from your call log and should no longer bother you.

How to report spam text messages in the Google Messages app

1. Open the Google Messages app.
2. Long press on the message you want to report.
3. Tap the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner.
4. Select Block.
5. Tap OK to confirm your choice.
6. The Report spam box should be checked by default, enabling you to block and report the selected number. The message thread will be moved to the Spam & blocked section and should no longer bother you.

By reporting spam calls and text messages, you contribute to the ongoing effort to combat spammers and create a safer digital environment.

Silence those annoying spammers and reclaim your peace of mind

Spam has become increasingly pervasive, disrupting our daily lives. However, your Google Pixel smartphone offers effective solutions to minimize these annoyances. From on-device settings that can be activated with a simple tap to carrier-provided features, spammers can no longer rely on the same old tricks. Technology continues to evolve, challenging spammers as they scramble to find new ways to stay relevant. By taking advantage of the tools and features available to you, you can reclaim your peace of mind and redirect your focus to more meaningful endeavors.

Conclusion

In conclusion, by following the steps outlined in this guide, you can effectively block spam calls and texts on your Google Pixel smartphone. Armed with the knowledge and tools to combat spammers, you can enjoy a smoother, more secure smartphone experience. Don’t let spam intrude on your daily life—take control and reclaim your peace of mind with your Google Pixel device.