Decline questions and answers

Does Decline use a spam database?

No. Decline doesn't download or look up any list of spam numbers, and it has no internet permission to do so. It blocks only the calls your own rules and modes catch. A new spam number gets through unless one of your rules covers it or Block all unknown numbers is turned on.

How do I block calls that start with certain digits?

Add a block rule, choose Starts with and type the digits, for example 1888. Decline ignores spaces, dashes and the plus sign. If your phone shows those calls with a country code, such as +91 140…, the rule needs those digits too (91140), or use Contains. The test box shows which form matches.

The shorter the digits, the more numbers a rule catches. See country codes and formatting for worked examples.

Will my contacts still ring?

Yes. Android doesn't pass calls from your contacts to a call screening app like Decline. Calls from your contacts aren't screened; they ring as normal, whatever your rules say. Decline doesn't ask for permission to read your contacts. It also means a block rule can't stop a number that is saved in your contacts; delete the contact first.

What's the difference between rejecting and silencing a call?

Reject declines the call before the phone rings, and your phone's call history still lists it. Silence doesn't decline the call: it comes in, but the phone doesn't ring. You choose one action in Decline's settings, and it applies to every block rule and to both blocking modes. Decline starts set to reject.

Can Decline block hidden or private numbers?

Yes. Turn on Block hidden numbers in Settings, and calls that arrive with no number, such as hidden, private or withheld callers, are rejected or silenced, whichever you chose. This switch is separate from Block all unknown numbers, which only covers calls that show a number, so turn on both to stop both kinds of call.

Can I block every number that isn't in my contacts?

Yes. Turn on Block all unknown numbers in Settings. Every call that shows a number and isn't covered by an allow rule is then blocked, while your contacts ring normally. Add allow rules for numbers you expect, such as a clinic or a delivery service. Hidden callers need Block hidden numbers as well.

Block all unknown numbers doesn't block hidden or withheld callers. That is what the separate Block hidden numbers switch is for.

A call I wanted was blocked. How do I fix it?

Open the Log: each entry shows the rule or mode that stopped the call. Tap Allow this number to add an allow rule, which beats every block rule, so that number rings from then on. If notifications are on, the Allow button on the blocked-call notification does the same without opening the app.

Does Decline send my data anywhere?

No. Decline doesn't request Android's internet permission, so it can't send anything off your phone. It has no account, ads, analytics or crash reporting. Your rules, settings and call log stay in the app's private storage, Android backup is turned off for it, and uninstalling the app deletes them.

The full list is in the privacy policy.

Which phones does Decline work on?

Decline needs Android 10 or later and a phone that offers Android's call screening role, which you grant once during setup. Only one app can hold that role, so choosing another caller ID or spam app turns Decline off. Some phones' battery savers can interfere; exempt Decline if calls stop appearing in its log.

Why did Decline stop blocking calls?

Usually the call screening role was removed: by a reinstall, by choosing another screening app, or by the phone. Open Decline; it checks the role each time and asks you to turn protection back on. On some Xiaomi, Huawei and Samsung phones, also lift battery restrictions for Decline. Home shows when it last screened a call.

The steps reported for each brand are in Setup and staying on.

Does Decline block text messages or calls in other apps?

No. Decline has no SMS permissions and doesn't read or block text messages. It screens the phone calls that Android passes to call screening apps, the same calls your phone app shows as incoming. For calls made inside messaging apps, use the blocking settings those apps provide.