Spam calls and unwanted texts are a daily nuisance, and your Google Pixel 10a running Android 16 has some of the best tools to shut them down. Block a number once, and they can't call or message you again. Here's how to set it up, from quick block to automatic filtering.
Block a Number from Recent Calls
Open the Phone app and tap the Recents tab. Find the number you want gone, then tap the i icon next to it. Scroll down and select Block number. You'll see an option to also report it as spam. Confirm, and that number is done.
Block from a Text Conversation
Open the Messages app and open the conversation from the unwanted number. Tap the three-dot menu in the top right, then tap Details. Select Block & report spam or just Block number. Their future texts won't show up in your inbox.
Block Someone from Your Contacts
Open the Contacts app, find the person you want to block, and tap their name. Tap the three-dot menu and choose Block numbers. This covers all numbers saved under that contact, so you won't hear from them again.
Use Call Screen to Let Google Handle Suspicious Calls
This is a Pixel exclusive you'll want to turn on. When an unknown or suspicious call comes in, tap Screen call. Google Assistant answers for you and asks who's calling. You see a live transcript and can decide to pick up, hang up, or mark as spam. On the Pixel 10a, it works seamlessly with Android 16's improved spam detection.
Turn On Spam Call Filtering
Your Pixel comes with Google's Phone app, which does a great job catching spam before it rings. Go to the Phone app, tap the three-dot menu, then Settings > Caller ID & spam. Toggle on See caller and spam ID and Filter spam calls. Suspected spam calls are silently blocked or flagged with a warning.
Block All Unknown Callers
If you're getting hammered by robocalls from random numbers, you can block every call from numbers not in your contacts. Go to Phone > Settings > Blocked numbers and toggle on Unknown. Legitimate callers can still leave a voicemail, so you won't miss anything important. Use this carefully if you expect calls from new people.
Manage Your Blocked List
Want to unblock someone or see who's blocked? Open the Phone app, tap the three-dot menu, and go to Settings > Blocked numbers. You'll see every number you've blocked. Tap the X or Unblock next to any entry to remove it. You can also manually add numbers here if you know them.
What Happens After You Block a Number
Blocked callers usually hear one ring then get sent to voicemail, or they hear a busy signal depending on your carrier. They won't get any notification that you blocked them. Texts from blocked numbers disappear silently and never reach your inbox.
Block Unwanted Emails in Gmail
Spam isn't just calls and texts. If junk emails are piling up, open the offending message in Gmail, tap the three-dot menu, and choose Block [sender]. Future emails from that address go straight to your Spam folder. You can also report phishing by tapping Report spam instead. To manage blocked senders, go to Gmail Settings > [your account] > Blocked addresses.
Third-Party Apps for Extra Protection
If you want more aggressive filtering, apps like Truecaller and Hiya use community databases to block known spam numbers automatically. They can also identify unknown callers by name. Install one from the Play Store, follow the setup, and it'll work system-wide alongside your Pixel's built-in features.
