Smartphones have become an essential part of our daily lives, and making phone calls is one of their most basic yet crucial functions. While most people use the standard calling features, Android devices come with several hidden tricks and settings that can make your calling experience much better.
In this detailed guide, you will learn useful Android call tricks that will help you record calls, block spam numbers, set auto-answering, forward calls, use secret dialing codes, and much more.
Table of Contents:
1. Introduction to Android Calling Features
Making phone calls is one of the oldest functions of a mobile phone, but Android smartphones have significantly improved this feature with advanced settings and automation. You no longer have to manually manage calls, as you can use various tricks to automate call handling, improve call quality, and enhance security.
This guide will walk you through some of the most useful calling tricks that will save time and improve your overall calling experience.
2. Hidden Call Recording Tricks
Many Android phones have built-in call recording features, but not all users know how to use them effectively.
How to Check if Your Phone Supports Call Recording
- Open the Phone Dialer app.
- Make a call and check if there’s a “Record” button on the screen.
- If available, tap it to start recording.
Enabling Call Recording (If Your Phone Doesn’t Have It)
If your phone does not have this feature, you can use third-party apps like:
- Cube Call Recorder
- Automatic Call Recorder
- Truecaller Call Recording (Premium Feature)
💡 Note: In some countries, call recording is restricted due to privacy laws. Always inform the other person before recording a call.
3. Auto Call Answering for Hands-Free Calling
Auto-call answering is useful when you’re driving, working out, or wearing Bluetooth earphones.
How to Enable Auto Answer on Android
- Open Settings on your phone.
- Go to Accessibility > Auto Answer Calls.
- Enable this feature and set a delay (e.g., 3 seconds, 5 seconds).
This feature works best when using Bluetooth or wired headsets.
4. Call Forwarding to Another Number
If you're busy, traveling, or using a secondary phone, call forwarding helps redirect calls to another number.
How to Enable Call Forwarding
- Open the Phone Dialer app.
- Tap the three-dot menu > Settings > Call Forwarding.
- Select an option:
- Always Forward (Forwards all calls).
- Forward When Busy (Forwards only if you're on another call).
- Forward When Unanswered (Forwards if you don’t pick up).
- Forward When Unreachable (Forwards if your phone is off).
- Enter the number where you want to forward calls.
5. Hide Your Number While Calling (Caller ID Settings)
If you don’t want others to see your phone number when calling, you can hide your caller ID.
Steps to Hide Caller ID
- Open Phone Dialer > Settings > Call Settings.
- Tap Caller ID and select Hide Number.
- Now, when you call, it will appear as "Private" or "Unknown".
💡 Shortcut: Dial #31# before the number (e.g., #31#9876543210).
6. Block Spam & Unwanted Calls Without Apps
Tired of spam calls? You can block them directly from your phone’s settings.
How to Block a Number
- Open the Phone Dialer app.
- Long-press the unwanted number.
- Tap Block Number.
You can also go to Settings > Blocked Numbers and add numbers manually.
7. Speed Dial for Quick Calling
Speed dial helps you quickly call your most frequently dialed contacts.
How to Set Up Speed Dial
- Open Phone Dialer > Settings > Speed Dial Numbers.
- Assign a number (1, 2, 3) to a contact.
- Now, long-press the assigned number to call instantly.
8. Call Waiting Feature – Never Miss an Important Call
Call Waiting allows you to receive incoming calls while you’re already on a call.
How to Enable Call Waiting
- Open Phone Dialer > Settings > Call Settings.
- Find Call Waiting and turn it on.
9. Using Google Assistant for Hands-Free Calls
If your hands are busy, use Google Assistant to make calls.
How to Use Google Assistant for Calls
- Say "Hey Google, call [contact name]."
- Say "Hey Google, redial the last number."
10. Flash Notification for Incoming Calls
To make sure you don’t miss calls, you can enable flash notifications.
How to Turn on Flash Notifications
- Go to Settings > Accessibility > Flash Notification.
- Enable it for calls and messages.
11. Emergency Calling Features on Android
Even if your phone is locked, you can make emergency calls.
How to Make an Emergency Call
- On the lock screen, tap Emergency Call.
- Dial emergency numbers like 100 (Police), 108 (Ambulance), or 112 (General Emergency in India).
12. Secret USSD Codes for Advanced Call Settings
Here are some useful USSD codes for Android:
- Check IMEI Number:
*#06# - Call Forwarding Status:
*#21# - Caller ID Blocking:
#31#
Final Thoughts
These Android call tricks can significantly improve your calling experience. Whether you want to record calls, block spam, hide your number, or forward calls, these features make calling more efficient.
Mobile Call Settings: iPhone vs Android
iPhone and Android handle mobile call settings differently, offering unique features for managing calls. On iPhones, call settings are streamlined under Settings > Phone, where users can enable Call Forwarding, Call Waiting, and Wi-Fi Calling. Blocking numbers is simple through the Phone app, and there’s a built-in Silence Unknown Callers option. However, third-party spam blockers like Truecaller have limited access due to Apple’s privacy restrictions.
Android, on the other hand, provides more flexibility with call settings varying by brand. Features like Call Forwarding, Call Waiting, and Wi-Fi Calling are accessible in the Phone app or system settings. Android users can also install custom dialer apps and take advantage of advanced spam filtering with Google’s Call Screening (on Pixel devices) or Truecaller. Additionally, many Android phones support call recording and dual SIM settings, which are not available on iPhones.
In summary, iPhones offer a simple and secure calling experience with essential features, while Android provides more customization and third-party app support. The choice depends on whether you prefer a controlled ecosystem (iPhone) or more flexibility (Android) in managing your calls.
