Applications whitelist on a smartphone. White list for Android or how to protect yourself from unwanted contacts. Possible problems and solutions

Whitelist for Android or how to protect yourself from unwanted contacts

For quite some time now, modern phones and smartphones have had such a built-in function as “Black List” - the ability to add contacts or numbers to the list of those with whom you do not want to communicate. However, sometimes you need to protect yourself from everyone - except a select few. This list has its own name - “White List”.

Not all phones have the ability to create white lists by default, this also applies to gadgets with Android OS. What are the ways to solve this problem? First, try to use the services of your cellular operator (we have a telephone, remember?). For example, a megaphone has a “white list”; that’s what the service is called. You can add up to hundreds of any numbers to this list; if they call from another number not included in the list, they will receive a message about an erroneous call. Everything seems to be fine, but there is one thing - the service is paid. And not everyone has a megaphone. So let's try another way.

Android OS provides its users with the opportunity to install a great variety of applications; is there really not one of them that you need? There will be! Whitelist Call Blocker is a program designed just for this (and the name already hints).

So, download it for free from the play market and install it on your device. Now a new icon with an old telephone will appear on the screen of your gadget.

However, we won’t launch it yet - we need to reboot the device. After the reboot, look at the menu. And here there is a pleasant surprise - it is in Russian; The translation is really not very good, but the main thing for us is functionality, right?

So, let's look at the menu items:

• Settings:
  • Enable notification icon;
  • Show their subscribers in subscriber history;
  • Turn on the timer;
  • Enable Logging (for support only).
  Everything should be clear here.


• Edit group list (please select the groups you would like to give permission to call you):
  • My Contacts;
  • Starred in Android;
  • Friends;
  • Family;
  • Coworkes.
  For example, check the first item - and only those who are in the phone book can call you.


• Edit individual contacts (Please select the contacts you would like to give permission to call you): And here you can specifically mark those who can call - and not the entire phone book.


• Schedule.

P.S. The telephone number of the incoming call (as the device receives it) must be exactly the same as recorded in the phone book - otherwise the identification may be incorrect. For example, it is necessary to use “+7” and not “8” at the beginning of the number.

UPD: An error occurred in the application

It is worth noting that the program may not work correctly on all phone models. For example, we have a ZTE blade a5 pro phone. If you install the Whitelist Call Blocker application on it, add certain numbers to the white list and turn it on, then when you call from a number not included in this list, the program gives an error and the call goes through:

If such an error appears on your phone, then you can try to look for a replacement. For example, Call blocker. After installation, go to settings:

Now anyone who wants to call you from any other number that is not included in the allowed number will not be able to do so. Works great against collectors, for example.

The author of this material is I, Yuri Pakholkov. I provide services for writing programs in Java, C++, C# (and also consulting on them) and creating websites. I work with sites on CMS OpenCart, WordPress, ModX and self-written ones. In addition, I work directly with JavaScript, PHP, CSS, HTML - that is, I can improve your website or help with web programming.

If someone calls you on your phone very often, you can stop answering the call, turn off the sound, but the call will still interfere. You can solve the problem using the “Black List” function built into smartphones. This way the contact will be blocked and the person will not be able to reach you.

What is the “Black List” and what is it used for?

“Blacklist” is an additional feature that all modern phones are equipped with. With the help of the “Black List”, owners of smartphones based on the Android operating system can protect themselves from calls from hooligans and unpleasant people with whom they try not to communicate, block calls from various advertising agencies, and their mailings.

You can block a contact through your mobile operator. Unlike blocking via phone, the function is paid, but it provides more options. For example, except for incoming calls, you will not receive notifications about calls from the specified subscriber or his messages.

Adding a contact to the blacklist using the built-in function does not provide such opportunities, but it is completely free. In this case, calls from the selected subscriber will be blocked, but the system will automatically send you a notification about this call, and all messages sent by the subscriber will also be received.

How to add a contact/phone number to the Black List on Android

In different versions of mobile devices based on the Android operating system, the method of adding a contact to the blacklist is slightly different. The main differences in settings exist between versions of Android below 4.0 and, accordingly, new versions above 4.0.

Adding to the “Black List” on Android below 4.0

On Android versions below 4.0, the number of the subscriber you want to block must be in the contacts list on the phone. In older versions of the operating system, you will first have to activate the “Black List” function and only then add a contact:

1. Go to the “Settings” menu.
2. Open the “Calls” option and find the “Call Rejection” item.
3. Click on “Black List” and turn it on using the button of the same name.

Open the contact list. Hold your finger until the context menu appears on the screen. In the list there will be an option “Add to blacklist”, which is what we need. We indicate the subscriber whom we no longer want to hear.

In order to return everything to its place, again go to the “Black List” menu through “Settings” and uncheck the box that was checked earlier.

Adding to the “Black List” on Android above 4.0

Adding a number to the blacklist on smartphones with Android above 4.0 will be slightly different:

1. Open the list of contacts and calls.
2. Select the number you want to block. In the upper right corner of the contact there is a settings menu, depicted as three bold dots located horizontally. After clicking, a list will be displayed.
3. There may be two variants of the same option: “Block incoming call” or “Voicemail only” (varies depending on the OS version). In both cases, we need to check the box next to the inscription, after which the contact will be automatically blocked.

To return everything back, just uncheck the “Blocking incoming call” (“Voice mail only”) option.

Please note that in all cases, after blocking a subscriber, you will no longer receive calls from him. However, every time after a call from a blocked subscriber, you will receive an SMS notification about the time and date of the call, and the subscriber will also be able to independently send messages to your smartphone. If you are regularly bothered by an unknown number, for example, an advertising agency, then add it to your contacts and blacklist, then he will not be able to get through.

Video: how to add to the “Black List” on an Android phone

Setting up the "Black List"

There are different ways to return a contact to the white list. Most often, it is enough to follow the same procedure as when adding, only you need to uncheck the box next to the “Enable black list” item (the wording will differ on different phone models). Unfortunately, standard smartphone tools do not allow you to change other parameters, for example, specify a specific date when you cannot be reached, but this can be done using additional programs.

Additional blocking programs

With the software, everything is a little simpler, and all owners of Android smartphones can use it, and it doesn’t matter what version of the phone you have. In the Play Market, find an application called Blacklist. The key feature of the application is that it allows you to block not only calls from subscribers, but also SMS messages.

To do this you will need to make the following settings:

The application allows you to block even non-numeric numbers, which will be useful in cases where you are tired of advertising companies. You can always view the history of blocked calls and messages in the “History” tab and even read the contents of SMS. You can unblock a subscriber by highlighting the number and clicking on the bucket image located in the upper right corner.

Video: working with the Blacklist program ("Black List")

Another unique method also allows you to block incoming calls and messages from subscribers. Download Avast!Mobile Security antivirus from the app store (not all antiviruses have the ability to add contacts to the blacklist).

Whatever method you use, each blocked subscriber will hear that the number is busy. The messages he sends will not appear on the screen, but you can still view them.

Advanced functionality for setting up a blacklist is available only in additional software. With their help, you can not only block the calls themselves, but also incoming messages, view their contents, the date of receipt, and in the case of an antivirus, even set the date for disabling these functions.

All of these applications are distributed free of charge (there are paid versions with greater capabilities), so any user can download them and, if the phone parameters and system requirements of the program meet, install them on their smartphone.

Video: Blocking unwanted calls with Avast!Mobile Security

Possible problems and solutions

The main thing is that when you download and install the program, do it only with the help of official or trusted sources (Play Market or AppStore). Otherwise, you risk getting malicious software on your phone. With its help, attackers can easily figure out the contacts of the people you communicate with, your personal phone number and steal a huge amount of confidential data (especially if you often correspond via SMS messages). If you still use unverified sources, for example, forums where “firmware” versions of programs are posted, then install anti-virus software in advance.

When using a blacklist, one serious problem can arise - after adding a person to the blacklist, you can miss some important event. If you use an additional utility, then the person will not be able to let you know about it at all, because incoming messages will also be blocked. Also, be careful when dialing a number when adding a contact to the blacklist, so that another person does not accidentally end up there. Usually no one experiences any other serious troubles when working with blacklists (especially built-in ones).

Every owner of a smartphone running the Android operating system can quickly block unwanted contacts. Both traditional tools of the operating system itself and additional applications will help with this. If it doesn’t matter whether you receive SMS from a blocked subscriber and you don’t need to set a specific time and date, then use the standard options. In all other cases, various applications will come to the rescue. After blocking, neither calls from the blocked subscriber nor SMS messages will bother you.

We are continuing to review for Android. In the previous article we talked about the Warez My Software utility, which showed us what a Call Blocker should not look like, the Phone Warrior application, which left us with mixed feelings, as well as Whoscall, a program that completely satisfied us, and therefore pushed us to look for an alternative.

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This time one of the participants will be “Black List”, developed by Vlad Lee. The domestic solution is attractive due to its full range of functions, its free nature, and the fact that it does not consume system resources, which remains to be tested. The second one will be the Green Banana studio call blocker. Judging by the description, there is nothing special about it, but Google Play users are happy, the question is - what? And the third will be Call Blocker - Blacklist App, which promises to block SMS on all versions of Android, which is already interesting, since this does not always happen on KitKat and Lollipop. At least on Android 4.4.2 it was not possible to block SMS in the previous review. So, let's go...

The test equipment used was a DEXP Ursus 8EV2 3G tablet (Android 4.4.2, MT8382 processor, 4 x 1300 MHz, 1 GB RAM).

Blacklist (Vlad Lee)

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Acquaintance

The Vlad Lee program traditionally offers blocking of unwanted calls and SMS, as well as blacklist management. According to the developer, the application does not consume any extra resources of the mobile device’s memory and processor, being very lightweight. At the same time, the numbers are blocked quietly and without any signs of a call, which is good, since Whoscall cannot do this. All that remains is to check all this.

*In our case, the application version 2.10.41 with a volume of 6.47 MB ​​was installed.

Main functions:

• Black list of numbers (blocking incoming calls and SMS);
• White list (numbers that are never blocked);
• Log of blocked calls and SMS;
• Blocking hidden numbers;
• Blocking unknown numbers;
• Blocking numbers by first digits;
• Blocking all incoming calls;
• Blocking all incoming SMS;
• Notifications about blocked calls and SMS (can be disabled in the application settings);
• Turn the lock on and off in one click;
• Saving the black list to a file;

Permissions:

Identification data:

• Search for accounts on the device.

Contacts:

• View contacts;
• Changing contacts.

• View SMS and MMS;
• Changing SMS and MMS;
• Receive SMS;
• Sending SMS messages.

• Change call log;
• Making telephone calls;
• View call log.

Photos/multimedia/files:

• Changing/deleting data on a USB drive;
• View data on a USB drive.

Device ID and call data:

• Receiving information about the phone status.

• Creating accounts and setting passwords;
• Launch when the device is turned on;
• Prevent the device from going into sleep mode;
• View network connections;
• Unlimited Internet access.

First impression

The first thing that greets us is a small window that explains that in order to block SMS, you need to make the application the default for receiving messages. In general, we finally found to remove the restrictions for Android 4.4 and higher. Well, Hangouts, move over.

And here it is the main window of the program. The interface is simple but understandable. There are only three tabs: blacklist, log and SMS + “gear” settings and the classic “three dots”, which allow you to save the log to a file or delete all entries. All this is located in the top sidebar. At the bottom there is an opportunity to upgrade to the pro version.

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The latter costs little - only 79 rubles and adds a number of features, for example, password protection. However, the test will show all the limitations of the free version, but it is already obvious that there will be no advertising.

Okay, let's try to delve into the settings to first understand the capabilities of the Black List. The first line is a general disabling of the blocker, that is, the blocker can be deactivated if necessary. It seems that there is something wrong with this, but it is very convenient, that is, permanent filtering may not occur. If necessary, turn it on; if not, turn it off.

Below you can block hidden and unknown numbers, as well as all calls in general. The same can be done with SMS. There is a white list, as well as password protection, which is available for 79 rubles.

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In general, the first impression is neutral, that is, we have a classic blocker with clear settings, convenient controls and a relaxed interface built on its own engine, which is pleasing. Now let's try to check all this in action.

Testing

The resource consumption was not surprising, since Whoscall had the same figure, that is, 68.7 MB with zero processor load. As for permissions, everything is in order - nothing that the blocker would not need. Moreover, each resolution can be explained by the functionality of the program.

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As a result, one call does go through, and then it is simply dropped. When blocking by the first digits, the song is the same, but you can also enter an alphanumeric number. By the way, Whoscall did not have the last option.

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The unwanted call log is displayed correctly, that is, the number and time of the call. As for SMS, you can select the subscriber right there, but this is only if the blocker is set by default to work with messages.

The messages themselves are blocked without problems, that is, they are not visually displayed anywhere, but come straight to the unwanted call log. Moreover, the text of the latter can actually be hidden. Well, bravo, “Black List” worked without problems.

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As for system resources, their consumption increased to 86 MB, the processor was strained to 1.6%. For Whoscall this figure was lower - 0-0.4%/65-71 MB. In the case of traffic, only 400 KB for 15 minutes of use, that is, only for advertising, since the application does not have an online subscriber base.

According to DU Battery Saver, battery consumption in 15 minutes was 1.4%. For comparison, the basic Android launcher consumed 1.5% from the moment the monitor was launched. In general, a small indicator, but it still does not save the battery.

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conclusions

"Black List" (Vlad Lee) is a great alternative to Whoscall. There is no subscriber ID detection, but there is a problem-free SMS blocking. Moreover, in Russia the first option is still poorly implemented.

Everything is fine with resource and traffic consumption. Advertising? Yes, it’s a drawback, but you can also support a domestic manufacturer with 79 rubles. Otherwise, an excellent blocker that lets one call through, but completely blocks any SMS.

Administrators can manage enterprise applications on users' Android devices without affecting their personal data. You can do the following:

• create white lists of recommended applications that will be available for installation;
• automatically install the required set of applications for work;
• manage system applications on corporate devices.

How the white list works

You select apps from Google Play in the Google Admin console and whitelist them for users to see on their devices.

Installed whitelisted apps are managed by the organization, so when an employee leaves, those apps are removed from their device along with their corporate account. They can also be removed if the device is lost or stolen. Some Google mobile apps, such as Gmail and Google Drive, are already whitelisted.

How to separate personal and corporate applications

Step 1: Open Android App Whitelist

Step 2: Create a whitelist

The app will appear in the whitelist almost immediately, but users will only be able to install it from enterprise Google Play or from the For Work tab in the Play Store after the next synchronization with Google's endpoint management system. Applications installed not from corporate Google Play and not from the "For work" tab cannot be managed.

After removing an application from the white list, it will become unavailable to users in corporate Google Play and on the “For work” tab in the Play Store. If the user has already installed the application, it will no longer be managed, but will not be removed from the device. Users who have not yet installed an app that has been removed from the whitelist can still download it from the Play Store, but in this case it will not be managed.

You will receive a confirmation that the selected application has been removed from the whitelist.

Note. It is not possible to remove Google Apps Device Policy from the whitelist.

Step 3: Manage whitelisted apps

Note.

By whitelisting an Android app, you can control its access to data on behalf of users in your organization by granting it specific permissions. For example, an application may need access to your contacts or device location. Users can change the permissions you grant after they install the app on their device.

After updating a whitelisted app, it may require new permissions. Applications for which permissions need to be updated are marked in the admin console with an icon. To approve a permission update request:

Some apps for Android devices ask the user for permissions at runtime. For example, an application might request access to the device's calendar or location. You can specify how individual app requests for these permissions are handled. These settings take precedence over the device's dynamic resolution settings.

Comparison of versions

With managed configurations, you can automatically configure applications for an organizational unit or group of users. You can create multiple managed configurations for a single application and apply them to different teams and departments. To create a managed configuration, follow these steps:

Step 4: Provide apps to specific users

This feature is available in G Suite Business and G Suite Enterprise. Comparison of versions

Note. You won't be able to install apps on a user's personal devices if the user has registered the device, identified themselves as the owner, and hasn't created a work profile. This setup mode (Device Administrator Mode) is only available on devices running Android 9.0 and earlier and is no longer supported.

1. Open your Android app whitelist (if you haven't already).
2. Select the application you want to make available.
   The Application Distribution screen shows the departments and user groups to which the application is available.
   Advice. To see a list of applications available only to a specific user or group, select an organizational unit, group, or individual in the filter settings on the left side of the page. You can also filter for only public or only private apps.
3. To make it available to other groups, click .
4. Select one of the options below.
   • To share the app with an organizational unit, click on the left side of the screen Organizational unit and select the department name from the list.
   • To share an app with a group, click on the left side of the screen Group and start typing its name, and then select it from the list.

Click Continue.

5. Set application settings for your organizational unit or group and click Save.
   You can:
   • Immediately and automatically install the application on users' devices.
   • Prevent users from deleting the application.
   • Allow users to add app widgets (if available) to the home screen.

Note. Changes on users' devices usually take effect within a few minutes, but sometimes take up to 24 hours. If you do not specify a department or group, the application will be available to all users in the top-level organization.

This feature is available in G Suite Business and G Suite Enterprise. Comparison of versions

Note. Changes on users' devices usually take effect within a few minutes, but sometimes take up to 24 hours. If you do not specify a department or group, the application will not be available to all users in the top-level organization.

How to prevent users from installing non-whitelisted apps

Users can download applications from the Play Store. At the same time, applications added to the white list are available on the “For work” tab. To prevent users from installing applications that are not on this list:

Note. Changes on users' devices usually take effect within a few minutes, but sometimes take up to 24 hours.

Description

The subscriber gets the opportunity to restrict incoming local and long-distance calls from telephone numbers that were previously included in one or another list.

The service can operate in two different modes (simultaneous use is not possible):

1) Black list: the system does not allow incoming calls to the mobile phone from numbers included in the black list; If this service mode is activated, then the phone will not receive incoming calls from numbers that are included in the “black list”.

2) White list: The system allows incoming calls to the mobile phone only from those numbers that are included in the white list. The phone accepts incoming calls only from those numbers that are listed in your “white list”.

You can find out which mode is currently active on your phone by calling the short number 0580.

Connection

To activate or deactivate the Black/White List service, you need to dial the short number 0580 on your mobile phone (the call is free).

You can use the Black/White List service in one of the following ways:

1) if, after concluding an agreement and providing access to the network, you ordered the periodic “Black/White List” service;

2) by contacting the Subscription Department and ordering a service there based on an application;

3) order this service by contacting “System 555” (adding/cancelling services subsystem);

4) Contact the SkyPoint Internet service and order the service there;

Price

For the Black/White List service, a subscription fee is charged depending on the tariff you choose. If you are in roaming, you will not be able to use this service.