How to Stop Robocalls, Spam Calls & Unwanted Phone Calls

Block spam callers, register on the Do Not Call list, use call screening, and protect yourself from phone scams.

In this guide (5 steps):

1.Register on the Do Not Call list
2.Use your phone's built-in call screening
3.Install a call-blocking app
4.Block specific numbers
5.Recognize and avoid phone scams

Register on the Do Not Call list

~18s

Go to donotcall.gov or call 1-888-382-1222 from the phone you want to register. It's free and your number stays on the list until you ask to remove it. Legitimate telemarketers must stop calling within 31 days. However, scammers ignore this list, so you'll need additional steps to stop those calls.

Use your phone's built-in call screening

~28s

On iPhone: SettingsPhone → "Silence Unknown Callers" — this sends calls from numbers not in your contacts straight to voicemail. On Android (Pixel): Phone appSettings → "Caller ID & spam" → turn on "Filter spam calls." Samsung: Phone appSettings → "Caller ID and spam protection." These won't block real calls from your contacts.

Quick Tip

If you're expecting a call from an unknown number (like a doctor's office or delivery), temporarily turn off "Silence Unknown Callers" or check your voicemail promptly.

Install a call-blocking app

~18s

Free apps like "Nomorobo" (free for landlines, $2/month for mobile), "Hiya," or "Truecaller" identify and block known spam numbers using a constantly updated database. Your carrier may also offer free blocking: T-Mobile has "Scam Shield," AT&T has "ActiveArmor," and Verizon has "Call Filter." Check your carrier's app store for their free version.

Block specific numbers

~20s

When a spam call gets through, block the number immediately. On iPhone: go to Recents → tap the (i) next to the number → "Block this Caller." On Android: go to Recents → tap the number → "Block/Report spam." Blocked numbers can't call, text, or FaceTime you. You can manage your blocked list in SettingsPhoneBlocked Contacts.

Recognize and avoid phone scams

~36s

Red flags: caller says you owe the IRS money (the IRS contacts you by mail first), caller asks for gift card payments (no real company does this), caller says you've won a prize but need to pay a fee, caller pressures you to act "right now." Hang up on suspicious calls — you can always call the company back using the number on their official website.

Quick Tip

Report phone scams at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. The FTC tracks these calls and works to shut down scam operations. Learn more at consumer.ftc.gov/scams.

Warning

Never give your Social Security number, bank details, or credit card number to someone who calls you. Real companies and government agencies don't ask for this by phone.

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You've completed: How to Stop Robocalls, Spam Calls & Unwanted Phone Calls

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