How to Block Spam Calls on Android and iPhone

We’ve all been there—your phone rings, and it’s yet another annoying spam call. Whether it’s a robocall, a telemarketer, or some scam, these interruptions can be a real headache. Thankfully, both Android and iPhone come equipped with tools that make it easy to block spam calls. In this article, I’ll walk you through some of the most effective ways to stop these unwanted calls using built-in features, apps, and even your carrier’s services.

Let’s dive into it.

How to Block Spam Calls on Android

Use Android’s Built-in Caller ID and Spam Protection

If you’ve got an Android phone, you’ve probably seen those warnings about “suspected spam” calls popping up. Android makes it pretty easy to block these nuisances, thanks to its Caller ID and Spam Protection feature.

Here’s how you can set it up:

1. Open your Phone app.
2. Tap the three dots in the upper right corner and go to Settings.
3. Scroll down to Spam and Call Screen and switch on Caller ID & Spam Protection.

With this turned on, your phone will give you a heads-up if a call seems shady, and you can even choose to block suspected spam calls altogether. The calls won’t bother you, but you’ll still see them listed in your call log.

Mark Individual Numbers as Spam

If you keep getting calls from the same number, you can block it manually. Here’s how:

1. Open your Phone app and go to Recents.
2. Find the number you want to block, tap on it, then hit Report as Spam.

Not only does this stop future calls from that number, but you’re also helping the system learn what spam looks like for everyone else. It’s like a community effort to keep spam at bay!

Silence Unknown Callers

Another great feature on Android is Do Not Disturb, which can be set up to block unknown numbers while letting your contacts through. It won’t prevent the calls entirely, but your phone won’t ring when it’s a stranger.

How to Block Spam Calls on iPhone

Silence Unknown Callers

On iPhones, you can block spam calls in a similar way using the Silence Unknown Callers feature. This tool automatically sends calls from numbers not in your contacts, recent calls, or Siri Suggestions straight to voicemail.

Here’s how to activate it:

1. Open Settings.
2. Scroll down and select Phone.
3. Toggle on Silence Unknown Callers.

This feature is a great way to cut down on interruptions, though it might also filter out important calls from numbers you don’t have saved. But don’t worry—if it’s someone you know, they can always leave a voicemail, and you can call them back.

Block Individual Numbers

Just like Android, iPhone makes it easy to block specific numbers:

1. Go to the Phone app and find the number under Recents.
2. Tap the i icon next to the number and select Block this Caller.

Once you block a number, you won’t receive calls, texts, or FaceTime requests from that contact. It’s a surefire way to stop persistent spammers.

Use Third-Party Apps to Block Spam Calls

If the built-in tools don’t cut it, third-party apps might be the solution you need. These apps offer advanced features like caller identification, community reporting, and spam blocking, so you’re always one step ahead of telemarketers.

Here are some top apps to consider:

Hiya

Hiya is a popular app that identifies spam callers and blocks them automatically. It’s easy to use, and it’s available on both Android and iPhone.

Robokiller

Robokiller is another excellent choice. This app does more than just block calls—it actually answers them with hilarious prerecorded messages that waste the scammer’s time. It’s a fun way to fight back against robocalls!

Truecaller

Truecaller is one of the most trusted apps for blocking spam. It not only blocks unwanted calls but also gives you detailed information about who’s calling, so you’re never in the dark.

How to Set Up a Third-Party App

Once you’ve chosen your app, setting it up is straightforward:

1. Download the app from the Google Play Store or App Store.
2. Follow the instructions to allow the app access to your phone’s call system.
3. Customize your spam-blocking preferences, and you’re good to go!

Many apps are free, but some offer premium versions with extra features like advanced call screening and detailed call logs.

Carrier-Provided Spam Call Protection

Most major mobile carriers offer their own spam-blocking services, often free of charge. If you’re already paying for a service, you might as well take advantage of it!

Verizon Call Filter

Verizon’s Call Filter service automatically blocks high-risk spam calls. To activate it:

1. Open the My Verizon app.
2. Go to Account and find Call Filter.
3. Turn on Spam Filter, and choose to block high-risk calls.

T-Mobile Scam Shield

T-Mobile customers can activate Scam Shield, which works in a similar way to Verizon’s service. Dial #662# to turn on Scam Block, and it will stop suspected scam calls before they reach you.

AT&T ActiveArmor

AT&T’s ActiveArmor app helps block fraud and spam calls, with both free and paid options. To use it:

1. Download the ActiveArmor app.
2. Set up your preferences, like blocking specific types of calls or sending unknown calls to voicemail.

Registering with the Do Not Call Registry

One final step you can take to reduce spam is registering your number with the National Do Not Call Registry. It’s not foolproof, but it will help cut down on telemarketing calls.

Here’s how to register:

1. Go to www.donotcall.gov.
2. Enter your phone number and confirm your email address.
3. Click the link in the confirmation email to complete your registration.

It might take a few weeks to notice a difference, but it’s a solid step toward fewer interruptions.

Conclusion

Spam calls are annoying, but with the right tools, you can significantly reduce how often your phone rings with unwanted calls. Whether you use Android’s built-in spam protection, iPhone’s Silence Unknown Callers feature, third-party apps like Robokiller or Hiya, or carrier services like Verizon’s Call Filter, there’s no shortage of ways to protect yourself.

I’ve personally found that combining a few of these methods—like using my phone’s built-in tools along with a third-party app—has made a huge difference. You can take back control of your phone, and it’s surprisingly easy once you get started!

So why wait? Try out these methods today and say goodbye to spam calls for good!