Spam calls are a universal annoyance, but your Fairphone 5 gives you several tools to fight back. While it doesn't have a Pixel-exclusive feature like Google's full Call Screen, you can still effectively screen and block unwanted calls using built-in Android features and a few smart settings.
Use Google's Caller ID and Spam Protection
The Google Phone app, which is available on the Fairphone 5, offers the first line of defense. Open the Phone app, tap the three-dot menu, and go to Settings > Caller ID & spam. Here, you can toggle on See caller and spam ID and Filter spam calls. With this enabled, suspected spam calls will be flagged with a red warning on your screen, and you can choose to send them directly to voicemail.
This isn't a full interactive screening tool, but it acts as a powerful filter. You'll see a live warning for calls Google identifies as potential spam, giving you the immediate context to decide whether to answer or decline. I've found this catches a significant portion of robocalls and telemarketers before they ever ring.
Block Numbers Directly from Your Call Log
When an unwanted number gets through, blocking it is straightforward. In the Phone app, go to your recent calls list. Find the number, tap on it to view its details, and then select Block & report spam. This action both blocks future contact and helps improve Google's spam database for everyone.
You can do the same from your messages. Open the Messages app, tap the conversation from the spam number, hit the three-dot menu, choose Details, and then tap Block & report spam. This ensures they can't reach you by call or text.
Manage Your Blocked List
To review or unblock numbers, go back to Phone app > Settings > Blocked numbers. You'll see a complete list of every contact you've blocked. Tapping the X or Unblock button next to any entry will remove the block immediately. This menu is also where you can manually add a number to the block list if you have it written down.
Silence Calls from Unknown Numbers
For a more aggressive approach to screening, you can silence all calls from numbers not in your contacts. This forces unknown callers to leave a voicemail if their call is important. Go to Phone > Settings > Blocked numbers and toggle on Block calls from unknown callers.
Be aware this will silence calls from doctors' offices, delivery drivers, or any legitimate business not saved in your phone. It's a very effective spam barrier, but you'll need to check your voicemail regularly. On the Fairphone 5, with its promise of long-term updates, this system-level feature will remain stable for years.
Consider a Third-Party Call Screening App
If you want a more proactive screening experience that mimics Pixel's Call Screen, third-party apps can fill the gap. Applications like Truecaller or Hiya are popular options. They use massive, crowdsourced databases to identify and block spam calls before your phone rings.
Many of these apps also offer an "assistant" feature that can answer suspicious calls with a pre-recorded message, asking the caller to identify themselves. You then get a notification with a transcript or recording to decide if you want to pick up. Just download your chosen app from the Play Store and follow its setup to enable call filtering.
What Happens When You Block a Number
When you block a number on your Fairphone 5, the caller is typically redirected to voicemail after one ring, or they may hear a busy signal depending on your carrier. They won't receive any notification that they've been specifically blocked. Text messages from blocked numbers are completely silenced and never appear in your Messages app.
This system works independently of the Fairphone's modular hardware. Whether you're using the original battery or a spare you bought for extended use, the software blocking features perform the same. It's a set-and-forget solution that works in the background.
