Spam calls are a universal annoyance, but your Samsung Galaxy S26+ running One UI 8.5 has several built-in tools to fight back. You can block individual numbers, enable automatic spam filtering, and even silence all unknown callers. The process is straightforward and gives you control over who can reach you.
Block a Number from Your Call Log
Open your Phone app and tap the Recents tab. Find the spam number in your list. Tap on the number's entry to open its details page. From there, you should see an option labeled Block number or Block/report spam. Tap it and confirm. The caller will then be sent directly to voicemail without your phone ever ringing.
This is often the quickest method for dealing with a number that just called you. I'd start with this one. The interface might look slightly different depending on your carrier, but the Block option is always present in the call details.
Block a Contact or Number from Messages
If you're getting spam texts, open the Samsung Messages app. Find the conversation with the unwanted number and open it. Tap the three-dot menu icon in the top-right corner. Select Block number from the menu that appears.
You'll get a confirmation prompt explaining that calls and messages from this number will be blocked. This method is just as effective as blocking from the Phone app and ensures you stop all communication from that sender.
Manage Your Entire Blocked List
To see who you've blocked or to manually add a number, go to your Phone app's settings. Tap the three-line menu icon, then go to Settings > Block numbers. You'll see your complete list here.
You can tap the minus icon next to any entry to unblock it. At the top of this screen, you can also type a number into the "Add phone number" field to block it preemptively. This is a useful hub for managing your privacy.
Turn On Automatic Spam Protection
Samsung partners with Hiya to provide robust caller ID and spam detection. To enable it, navigate to Phone app > Settings > Caller ID and spam protection. Toggle the main switch on.
With this enabled, your phone will warn you about suspected spam or fraud calls as they come in. You can also toggle on Block spam and scam calls right below it, which will automatically reject calls flagged as high-risk spam.
Silence All Unknown Callers
For the ultimate peace and quiet, you can block calls from any number not in your contacts. Go back to the Block numbers menu in your Phone settings. Look for the toggle labeled Block unknown/private numbers and turn it on.
This sends all calls from unsaved numbers straight to voicemail. It's a great setting if you're getting a lot of robocalls, but remember that legitimate calls from doctors' offices or delivery services will also be blocked. They can still leave a message.
Use and Configure Smart Call
Your Galaxy S26+ features Samsung's Smart Call, which is part of the Caller ID and spam protection service. When an unknown number calls, Smart Call checks a business directory to show you a name and reason for the call.
It also visually labels calls as "Spam" or "Telemarketer" right on your incoming call screen. This feature is automatically enabled when you turn on Caller ID and spam protection, giving you context before you even answer.
What Actually Happens to Blocked Calls
When you block a number, the caller is typically routed to your voicemail after one ring, or they may hear a busy signal. They receive no notification that they have been blocked. Text messages from blocked numbers are completely deleted and never appear in your Messages app.
On the S26+, missed call notifications from blocked numbers generally do not appear in your notification shade or call log. The block is designed to be silent and seamless on your end.
Report Spam Texts to Your Carrier
You can help improve spam filters for everyone by reporting texts. To do this, forward the spam message to 7726 (which spells "SPAM"). You'll usually get a reply asking for the sender's phone number.
This free service works with major carriers like AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon. It helps carriers identify and shut down spam campaigns at the network level, which can reduce spam for all their customers.
Consider a Dedicated Call Blocking App
For even more powerful filtering, you can install a third-party app. Truecaller has a massive, community-updated database of spam numbers. Hiya, which powers Samsung's built-in service, also offers a standalone app with additional features.
After installing from the Google Play Store or Galaxy Store, the app will guide you through setting it as your default caller ID and spam protection service. These apps can sometimes identify spam calls that haven't yet been flagged in the smaller built-in databases.
