Spam calls and unwanted texts are a nuisance, but your Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ has several built-in tools to stop them. Blocking a number prevents it from reaching you with calls or messages, and managing your list is straightforward.
Block a Number from Your Call Log
Open the Phone app on your Tab A9+ and tap the Recents tab. Find the number you want to block, then tap the i icon next to it. On the details screen, tap Block number and confirm. The caller will then be sent directly to voicemail without your tablet ever ringing.
Block a Contact from the Messages App
If you're getting spam texts, open the Messages app. Tap and hold the conversation from the unwanted number, then tap the three-dot menu that appears. Select Block number from the menu. You won't receive any future messages from that sender, and the conversation will be moved to your blocked list.
Block Directly from Your Contacts List
For someone already in your address book, open the Contacts app. Tap on the person's name to open their contact card, then tap the three-dot menu in the top right corner. Choose Block contact from the list. This will block every phone number you have saved for that person.
Review and Edit Your Blocked List
To see everyone you've blocked or to manually add a number, go to Settings > Apps > Phone > Block numbers. You'll see your complete list here. To unblock someone, just tap the minus icon next to their number. I find this is the easiest way to clean up old blocks you no longer need.
Turn On Caller ID and Spam Protection
Samsung partners with Hiya to screen calls. Enable this by going to Phone app > More options (three dots) > Settings > Caller ID and spam protection. Toggle it on. This feature identifies suspected spam calls and can even show you a business name for unknown numbers. You can also enable the option to automatically block spam and scam calls here.
Silence All Unknown Callers
If you only want calls from people you know, you can block hidden numbers. Navigate to Settings > Apps > Phone > Block numbers. Toggle on the option for Block unknown/private numbers. Calls from numbers not in your contacts will be silenced, though they can still leave a voicemail if your carrier supports it.
What Actually Happens When You Block
For the person you block, their calls typically go straight to voicemail after one ring, or they may hear a busy signal. They won't get a notification that they've been blocked. Text messages from blocked numbers are silently discarded and won't appear in your Messages app at all. On the Tab A9+, blocked calls usually won't show up in your recent call log either.
Report Spam Texts to Your Carrier
You can help fight spam at the network level. When you get a spam text, forward the message to 7726 (which spells "SPAM"). You'll receive a confirmation message from your carrier afterward. This reporting works with most major US carriers, including AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon.
Consider a Dedicated Call Blocker App
For even more control, apps like Truecaller or Hiya are available on the Google Play Store. These apps maintain massive, community-updated databases of spam numbers and can provide more aggressive filtering. After installing, you'll need to grant them permission to manage your calls during the setup process.
