Introduction
In this article you will learn what HangUp is, where to get it, and how it protects you from unwanted or malicious calls and text messages.
NOTE: HangUp is a separate Android app from NordVPN. An iOS release is planned for the future.
HangUp
HangUp is NordVPN's Call and Message Protection app. It checks unknown calls in real time, labels them by category, and scans incoming text messages for threats. This helps with phone scams and similar attacks that a VPN on its own can't catch.
It's a standalone app, so you install it separately from the main NordVPN application. All you need is a Nord Account, and you can get it from the Google Play Store. For now, the app is free for everyone.
How does HangUp protect my calls?
When an unknown number calls, HangUp checks it before you pick up and shows what it finds on the call screen:
- Calls can have labels in these categories: Scam, Telemarketing, Finance, Fundraising, Services, Healthcare, or Government.
- If it can identify the caller, it shows their name, company, or business before you answer.
- You can have Scam and Telemarketing calls blocked automatically, so they never ring your phone. Other categories are labeled but can't be auto-blocked.
NOTE: If HangUp can't work out a call's category, it marks it "Unknown" and shows nothing on the call screen.
How does HangUp protect my text messages?
HangUp checks incoming messages from unknown senders, looking at the sender's reputation, any links, and the content itself.
- If a message looks malicious, you get a warning in the app and a notification telling you the type of threat and what to do.
- A safe view stops you from accidentally tapping links when you open flagged messages.
- You can also have malicious messages moved automatically to a junk or quarantine folder, away from your main inbox.
What happens during onboarding?
The first time you open HangUp, it asks for the permissions it needs (Phone, SMS, Notifications, and Caller ID/Contacts) and explains why. You can skip any of them and turn them on later in settings. After that, you won't see onboarding again. If you remove a permission down the line, HangUp shows a quick prompt rather than the whole setup.
Does NordVPN store my call or message content?
No. NordVPN doesn't keep the content of your calls or messages. HangUp scans and sorts them as they come in, but it stores nothing afterward.
How do I close my HangUp account?
To close your HangUp account, follow the step-by-step guide in the support center.
Additional tips
- Download the app from the Google Play Store.
- Learn more about NordVPN's Call Protection and Message Protection.
