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    3 min read 6 stepsMay 5, 2026Verified May 2026

    How to Block and Silence Spam Calls on iPhone and Android

    Spam calls are exhausting. iPhone and Android have free, built-in tools that filter most of them out. Here is how to turn them on.

    At a Glance

    Category
    Safety & Privacy
    Difficulty
    Beginner
    Read Time
    3 min read
    Steps
    6
    Topics covered
    spam
    phone-calls
    iphone
    android
    block
    safety
    seniors

    In this guide (6 steps):

    1. 1.On iPhone: turn on Silence Unknown Callers
    2. 2.On Android: turn on Caller ID and Spam Protection
    3. 3.Sign up for your carrier's free spam blocking
    4. 4.Block specific recurring callers
    5. 5.Add yourself to the National Do Not Call Registry
    6. 6.Never call back or press buttons during a spam call
    1

    On iPhone: turn on Silence Unknown Callers

    ~27s
    On your iPhone, open SettingsPhoneSilence Unknown Callers. Turn the switch on (green). Now any caller whose number is not in your contacts, recent outgoing calls, or Siri suggestions goes straight to voicemail. Real callers can still leave a message. Spam callers usually do not.

    Quick Tip

    Quick Tip: This may also silence legitimate calls from doctors, pharmacies, or delivery drivers. Either add their numbers to your contacts in advance, or check your voicemail regularly for any messages.

    2

    On Android: turn on Caller ID and Spam Protection

    ~18s
    On most Android phones with the Google Phone app, open the Phone app → tap the three-dot menu → SettingsCaller ID and spam → turn on "See caller and spam ID" and "Filter spam calls." Suspected spam calls now appear in red and are sent to voicemail automatically.
    3

    Sign up for your carrier's free spam blocking

    ~18s
    AT&T offers ActiveArmor (free at att.com/activearmor). Verizon offers Call Filter (free at verizon.com/call-filter). T-Mobile offers Scam Shield (free at t-mobile.com/scamshield). Each is free at the basic tier and uses carrier network-level data to block known scam numbers before they ring your phone. Sign up through the carrier's app or website.
    4

    Block specific recurring callers

    ~18s
    When a spam call gets through, you can block that exact number so it never rings again. On iPhone, tap the red "i" next to the call in your Recents list, scroll to the bottom, and tap "Block this Caller." On Android, long-press the number in the call log and tap Block.
    5

    Add yourself to the National Do Not Call Registry

    ~16s
    Visit donotcall.gov and enter your phone number. Legitimate telemarketers are required to stop calling within 31 days. This does not stop scammers. They ignore the law — but it cuts the volume from real telemarketers a lot. The registration is permanent and free.
    6

    Never call back or press buttons during a spam call

    ~27s
    If a spam call gets through and you answer, hang up right away. Do not press buttons even if the message says "press 9 to be removed." Pressing anything confirms your number is active and triggers more calls. Hang up. Likewise, never call back a missed call from an unfamiliar number — many spam scams rely on call-back charges.

    Warning

    Some scams imitate familiar local area codes ("neighbor spoofing"). If you do not recognize the number, let it go to voicemail.

    You Did It!

    You've finished reading: How to Block and Silence Spam Calls on iPhone and Android

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    Most Americans now receive several spam calls per day — fake car warranty offers, fake Medicare offers, fake IRS calls, and worse. Both iPhone and Android have built-in features that send unknown callers to voicemail automatically, label suspected spam in red, and let you block specific numbers. Used together, these tools can cut spam call volume by 80 to 90 percent.

    This guide covers the four free tools that work for nearly everyone: Silence Unknown Callers (iPhone), Caller ID warnings (both phones), Do Not Disturb / Focus Mode, and your carrier's free spam-blocking service (which works for both iPhone and Android).

    You do not need a paid app. Apps like RoboKiller and Hiya have free tiers, but the built-in tools are usually enough.

    (Sources: FTC — Stop unwanted calls, consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-stop-unwanted-calls; AT&T ActiveArmor, att.com/activearmor; Verizon Call Filter, verizon.com/solutions-and-services/call-filter)

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    Official Resources

    FTC Consumer ProtectionCISA — Cybersecurity TipsAARP Fraud Watch Network

    Sources used to create and verify this guide. View all sources →

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