Nine free Android settings and tools that cut the calls and texts, including one that answers the phone for you and two the government runs for free.
Phone app > More > Settings > Caller ID and spam > See caller ID & spam. Google then flags likely spam right on the incoming call screen.
One toggle below it in the same menu. Filtered calls never ring and never notify you, but they still land in your call history and voicemail.
Phone app > More > Settings > Blocked numbers, then turn on Unknown. That stops private and unidentified callers. Numbers not in your contacts still ring.
Phone app > More > Settings > Spam and Call Screen. On Pixel 7 and newer, pick Maximum, Medium or Basic protection and Google screens calls before they ring.
Messages > your profile picture > Messages settings > Protection & Safety > Spam protection. It is usually on by default, so check rather than assume.
In the thread, tap the three-dot menu > Block & report spam. Google gets the sender's number and your last 10 incoming messages, which sharpens detection.
Messages settings > Message organization can auto-delete one-time passcodes 24 hours after they arrive, so a fake code text is far easier to spot.
T-Mobile Scam Shield, AT&T ActiveArmor and Verizon Call Filter all have free tiers that stop robocalls at the network. AT&T's free plan adds a block list.
7726 spells SPAM on the keypad. Forwarding a scam text there is toll-free on every major US carrier and reports the sender straight to your provider.
Register at donotcall.gov. It costs nothing and legitimate telemarketers must stop within 31 days. Illegal calls that keep coming go to fcc.gov/complaints.