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Spam isn't just for inboxes. Over the years, we've seen a constant rise in spam phone calls that range from better insurance, political messages, and even the occasional threat. 

Also: The best Google Pixel phones (plus the Pixel 7a with extra security)

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Thankfully, the Pixel line of phones has some pretty handy tools built into the phone app to help you banish those spam calls. These built-in configuration options work in conjunction with Google's spam database (which is frequently updated) to keep those calls from inundating your phone. Since configuring my Pixel to handle these calls, the number has been reduced dramatically.

Of course, you can't just expect Google to take care of everything. 

You need to make a couple of configuration changes within the phone app to get the most out of the service. That's what I'm going to help you with. Once you've taken care of this, your spam calls should be considerably reduced.

Also: 7 Google Pixel phone settings you should change immediately

Will it put a complete end to them? No. But the more you use it, the fewer spam calls you'll receive.

How to configure Pixel to handle incoming spam calls

What you'll need:The only thing you'll need to reduce spam is a Pixel phone running at least Android 10 (which should cover most Android devices currently on the market). Some non-Pixel phones do offer help with spam calls but the effectiveness isn't nearly what you'll find in the Pixel devices. If you're using a non-Pixel phone, I suggest you check through the Phone app settings to see what level of spam protection the device offers.

1. Open Phone settings

Open the Phone app on your Pixel device and tap the vertical three-dot menu in the upper right corner. From the pop-up menu, tap Settings.

2. Navigate to the Spam options

From the Phone Settings window, navigate to the spam pop-up settings window by tappingSpam and Call Screen>Call Screen>Spam. 

3. Enable automatic screening

From within the Spam pop-up, select the option called "Automatically screen. Decline robocalls."

Enabling automatic screening of possible spam calls.

Jack Wallen/

4. Decline robocalls

Next, we want to set up automatic declining of robocalls. For this, go back to theSpam and Call Screensettings page, selectCall Screen, and then tapPossibly faked numbers. In the resulting pop-up, make sure again to enable the option for "Automatically screen. Decline robocalls."

Enabling the automatic screening of possibly faked numbers.

Jack Wallen/

When a suspected spam call comes in, it will automatically be screened for you with these two options enabled, so you won't have to do anything about them. As a bonus, on theCall Screenoptions page, if you choose, you can also selectFirst-time callersand choose the same automatic screening option that you did for spam and robocalls. 

Also: Change this Pixel 7 Pro setting for far better video quality instantly

Since I've enabled these settings (which I did probably two years ago), I've seen spam calls reduced to almost zero. I highly recommend that you do the same, so you can enjoy far fewer unnecessary interruptions throughout your busy day.

More Google Pixel tips and tricks

How to dramatically improve your Pixel 7's sound for better music qualityMagic Eraser can wipe out the most obnoxious photobombers. Here's howHow to set your Pixel's lock screen to identify musicGoogle's Photo Unblur is an indispensable feature for fixing photos. Here's how to use it

• How to dramatically improve your Pixel 7's sound for better music quality
• Magic Eraser can wipe out the most obnoxious photobombers. Here's how
• How to set your Pixel's lock screen to identify music
• Google's Photo Unblur is an indispensable feature for fixing photos. Here's how to use it