Get started with Truecaller, the spam detector for your phone

With so many scam callers out there, it can be difficult to know which incoming numbers to trust. Want a tool that goes above and beyond your phone’s built-in spam features? Stop scammers in their tracks with Truecaller, a handy app that helps detect which calls are from a legitimate source, and which should get a one-way ticket to the “end call” button. Here’s everything you need to know to get started.

With the app’s built-in dialer in the Calls tab, you can use your regular phone plan to start making calls to anyone (regardless of whether or not they use Truecaller). If any of your contacts also use the app, you can make a data call to them using its HD Voice Call feature. Just go to the Calls tab, tap the phone icon above the dialer button, then select a contact.

Want to chat with a group? Tap “Voice Call,” followed by “Create group Voice Call,” then select up to seven participants from your contacts. Alternatively, add more people during a call by tapping the plus symbol at the top right of the screen.

If any contacts saved to your phone don’t use Truecaller, you can invite them directly through the app by tapping “Contacts,” selecting one, then tapping “Invite” at the top right.

Identify who’s on the other end of the phone with Truecaller’s spam detector and color-coded Caller ID screens. Whenever you or other users mark a number as spam, it’s saved in a global database to help notify you of unwanted numbers in the future. If your phone screen turns red, you have an incoming spam call – don’t pick up.

To block a number, just tap the arrow next to it in the Calls tab, then select “Block.” You’ll then be able to enter details about the call, such as caller information and spam type.

Automatically block numbers that have been flagged as spam by tapping the three dots to the right of the search bar, then going to Settings. Tap “Block,” then toggle-on “Block top spammers” to activate automatic blocking.

Any number previously flagged as spam or telemarketing will be labeled as such, and you can look up numbers you’re not sure about directly through the app. Just type one into the search bar to view more information, such as caller name, location, whether it’s a business number, and if it’s ever been reported as spam.

Use Truecaller to message others and automatically identify texts from suspicious numbers. Incoming texts will be sorted into Inbox, Promotional, or Spam tabs, according to the sender type and message contents. You can also schedule texts – when your outgoing message is typed and ready, just long press the send button until the “Schedule message” option appears. Tap this, then follow the app’s prompts to select the date and time you’d like your message to be sent.

In addition to regular SMS texting, you can also send messages and voice notes using data – simply tap the Chat button (next to the SMS button). To chat with a group of other Truecaller users, select “Create group chat” at the top of the messaging tab, then add participants.

Set up Call Reasons to let others know why you’re ringing and how urgent it is. Go to Settings, tap “Calling,” then select “Setup call reason.” Choose from three different stock text messages (or create your own), which will be sent along with your call. These could be anything from “Are you free right now?” to “Urgent - please pick up” to even a simple emoji.

Want to verify not just who’s calling, but why? Try out Truecaller’s Assistant, a premium feature that uses AI-powered technology to screen calls, ascertain their purpose, and detect spam at a rate of 90% accuracy. If you’re not sure why someone’s ringing you, the Assistant can send them a simple message asking for more caller information. Just tap the pop-up message prompts, then watch as screening questions are generated and sent to the caller.

If you love Truecaller and want to set it as your primary phone app, go to your device’s settings and tap “Apps,” followed by “Default apps.” Then, tap “Phone” and select Truecaller. You can also set it as your default messenger.