Spam calls can be a real nuisance, but your Nothing Phone (2) has several built-in tools to shut them down. The process is straightforward, and you can manage everything right from the default Phone and Messages apps that come with Nothing OS.
Block a Number from Your Call Log
Open the Phone app and tap the Recents tab. Find the spam number in your list and tap on it to view the call details. On this screen, you should see an option like Block/report spam. Tap it, confirm your choice, and that number will be blocked from calling or texting you.
Block Someone from a Text Conversation
If the spam is coming via SMS, open the Google Messages app. Find the conversation with the unwanted number and tap on it. Then, tap the three-dot menu in the top-right corner and select Details. From there, choose Block & report spam. This stops the texts and helps improve spam detection for everyone.
Manage Your Entire Blocked List
To see all the numbers you've blocked or to manually add one, go to your Phone app's settings. Tap the three-dot menu, then go to Settings > Blocked numbers. You'll see your full list here. To unblock someone, just tap the X or Unblock button next to their number.
Turn On Google's Spam Protection
The Google Phone app on your Nothing Phone (2) has excellent spam filtering. To enable it, go to Phone app > Settings > Caller ID & spam. Make sure both See caller and spam ID and Filter spam calls are toggled on. With this on, suspected spam calls will be flagged in red or sent directly to voicemail.
I've found this feature catches a huge amount of spam before the phone even rings. It uses Google's constantly updated database to identify telemarketers and scammers.
Silence Calls from Unknown Numbers
For a more aggressive approach, you can silence all calls from numbers not in your contacts. In the same Blocked numbers menu within the Phone settings, look for the option to Block unknown callers or Silence unknown callers. Toggle it on. Legitimate callers can still leave a voicemail, but your phone won't ring.
What Actually Happens When You Block a Number
When you block a number, what the caller experiences depends on your carrier. Usually, they'll hear one ring and then be sent to voicemail, or they might get a message that the line is busy. They won't receive any notification that they've been specifically blocked. Any text messages they send will simply disappear into the void and never show up on your phone.
Using Third-Party Blocker Apps
For the ultimate defense, consider a dedicated app like Truecaller. These apps maintain massive, community-powered databases of spam numbers and can automatically block them. After installing one from the Play Store, it will ask for permission to manage your calls. Once granted, it screens incoming calls against its list in real-time.
Just be mindful that these apps require certain permissions to function fully. They're incredibly effective, but it's good to know what you're agreeing to during setup.
Blocking Spam Email in Gmail
If you're getting spam in your Gmail account, you can block it there too. Open the Gmail app, find an email from the sender, and open it. Tap the three-dot menu at the top and select Block "[sender]". All future emails from that address will go straight to your Spam folder. To manage your list later, go to Gmail Settings > [your account] > Blocked addresses.
