- Your phone already has free, built-in tools to cut down on spam calls and texts.
- Turning on “Silence Unknown Callers” or a spam filter blocks most of the worst offenders.
- Never press a number to “opt out” of a robocall — it usually confirms your number is active.
Spam calls and texts have become a daily annoyance for almost everyone with a phone. The good news is that both iPhones and Android phones now include free tools that block most of them automatically. It takes about two minutes to turn these on. The difference is often immediate.
Why do I get so many spam calls?
Scammers use auto-dialing software to call thousands of numbers an hour. They often use a local area code to seem more trustworthy. This is called “neighbor spoofing.” Your phone number may also have been sold or leaked through a data breach. That part is often out of your control. The good news is you don’t need to stop the calls from happening. You just need to stop them from reaching you.
How do I block spam calls on an iPhone?
Open Settings, then scroll down and tap Apps, then Phone. Look for an option called Silence Unknown Callers, and turn it on. With this on, calls from numbers not in your contacts go straight to voicemail instead of ringing. If it’s a real call, they can leave a message. You’ll still see it. Your carrier also offers a free spam-blocking app. Verizon Call Filter and AT&T Call Protect are two examples. They flag likely spam calls before they even ring.
How do I block spam calls on an Android phone?
Open the Phone app and tap the three dots in the corner, then Settings. Look for Caller ID & spam, or Spam protection, and turn it on. This uses Google’s database of known spam numbers. It warns you before you answer. You can also block a specific number after receiving a call from it. Open Recent calls, tap the number, and choose Block.
What about spam text messages?
Both iPhones and Android phones can filter unknown senders into a separate list. On an iPhone, go to Settings, then Messages, and turn on Filter Unknown Senders. On Android, open Messages, tap your profile picture, then Messages settings, then Spam protection, and turn it on. Never tap a link in an unexpected text. This includes one that says “reply STOP to unsubscribe.” Replying at all can confirm to a scammer that your number is real.
Are paid call-blocking apps worth it?
For most people, the free built-in tools cover the vast majority of spam. If you’re still getting a lot of unwanted calls, paid apps can help further. Robokiller and Nomorobo add a larger, constantly updated database of known scam numbers, for a small monthly fee. They’re worth considering if spam calls are a serious daily problem. They’re not essential for everyone.
A few minutes spent turning on these free settings can cut spam calls and texts down dramatically. It’s one of the easiest wins for a calmer, less frustrating phone.
Related reading: our guide to what robocalls actually are, and our guide to spotting phishing emails, the text and email version of the same trick.
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