How to block spam calls on mobile phone

Spam calls are unwanted calls, often advertising, marketing or scams, causing inconvenience to the recipient. Although the authorities and network operators have implemented many measures to prevent spam calls and messages, the reality shows that this problem has not been completely resolved.

To protect themselves from scam or nuisance calls, mobile users should proactively screen and manage incoming calls. Currently, both iPhone and Android phones offer many useful settings that help users automatically block or filter most unwanted calls without complicated manual operations.

How to effectively block spam phone numbers on Android and iPhone

Both Android and iPhone now come with built-in features that allow users to block specific phone numbers or filter unwanted calls. This is the first and simplest step to reduce spam calls.

Block numbers on Android devices

The steps may vary by brand and OS version, but in general, you can:

- Open the applicationPhone, selectRecent callsorCall history.

- Click on the number you want to block, selectBlock numbersorReport as spam, then confirm.

Some Android devices also let you block all unknown numbers. To enable this feature, go toPhone→Three dots icon→Setting→Block numbers, then enable the optionBlock unknown callersFrom then on, only saved contacts will be able to call you.

Block numbers on iPhone devices

Robocalls are a common problem, and many of them even have the same area code as yours to create a sense of familiarity. To block them manually, go toPhone→Recently→The “i” symbol next to the number you want to block→Block this caller→Confirm. However, this method only works if the same number is repeated many times.

If you want to be more thorough, you can enable the featureSilence unknown callersby enteringSetting→Application→Phone→Silence unknown callersWhen enabled, all calls from unknown numbers will be routed directly to voicemail, while still showing up in the list.Recentlyfor you to check back later.

Depending on the level of annoyance you experience, combining both blocking specific numbers and muting unknown numbers will help minimize spam calls, protect your privacy and focus on your day.

Mute and Screen Unknown Callers on iOS 26

Since iOS 26, Apple has expanded the feature of silencing unknown callers, allowing users to have deeper control over incoming calls, especially spam or unknown calls.

After updating to the latest operating system, openSetting→Application→PhoneIn the sectionScreening of unknown callers(Unknown Callers Filtering), you will see some new options powered by AI:

Ask Why They're Calling:When this feature is enabled, the iPhone's AI system will automatically ask the caller to state the reason for the call before connecting. This allows you to see the reason displayed on the screen and decide whether to answer or not, which is an effective way to avoid annoying scam or marketing calls.

Silence:This option will mute incoming calls from unknown numbers and send them directly to voicemail. These calls will still be recorded in the list.Recently, making it easy to see and call back if it's a valid call.

In addition, in the sectionCall filtering(Call Filtering), you can fine tune further:

SelectUnknown caller(Unknown Callers) to automatically mute numbers not saved in your contacts, putting them in a separate category for easy management.

SelectSpam(Spam Calls) if you want the system to automatically block or mute calls identified as spam and move them to a listSpamto no longer appear in the main call history.

Thanks to these improvements, iPhone users are not only better protected from spam calls, but also stay quiet and focused on their daily work without worrying about missing important calls.

Block spam calls using third-party apps

If you don't want to depend on your carrier, you can use third-party apps to block spam calls more effectively.

- Call Control application (iOS, Android):The app uses community data to identify and block spam numbers. The premium version adds CommunityIQ, which analyzes thousands of reports to detect spam. Prices start at $9.99/quarter or $29.99/year.

- Hiya App (iOS, Android):Alerts you of spoofed and scam calls, allows you to look up the origin of a phone number. Premium version with smart filtering, $3.99/month or $24.99/year, after a 7-day trial.

- RoboKiller app (iOS, Android):Automatically responds to spam calls with a robotic voice, annoying scammers. There are several paid plans, starting at $3.99/month, with a 1-week free trial.

- Truecaller app (iOS, Android):Detects unknown numbers, displays caller information, and automatically blocks spam calls. Premium plans remove ads and add advanced features for $9.99/month or $74.99/year.