How to block spam calls on your mobile phone

Spam calls are unwanted calls, often for advertising, marketing, or scams, that annoy the recipient. Although authorities and network providers have implemented numerous measures to prevent spam calls and messages, the reality is that this problem has yet to be completely eradicated.

To protect themselves from scam or annoying calls, mobile users should proactively screen and manage incoming calls. Currently, both iPhones and Android phones offer many useful settings options that allow users to 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 equipped with features that allow users to block specific phone numbers or filter unwanted calls. This is the first and simplest step to reduce the annoyance of spam calls.

Block numbers on Android devices

The steps may vary depending on the brand and operating system version, but generally, you can:

- Open the applicationPhone, selectRecent callsorCall history.

- Tap on the number you want to block, selectBlock numbersorReport it as spam.Then confirm.

Some Android devices also allow you to block all unknown numbers. To enable this feature, go toPhone→Three-dot symbol→Setting→Block numbers, then activate the optionBlock unknown callers.From then on, only saved contacts will be able to call you.

Block numbers on iPhone devices.

Mass automated calls are a common problem, and many of these numbers 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 to block→Block this caller→ConfirmHowever, this method is only effective if the same number is repeated many times.

If you want to be more thorough, you can activate the feature.Mute unknown callers.by enteringSetting→Application→Phone→Mute unknown callers.When enabled, all calls from unknown numbers will be forwarded directly to voicemail, while still appearing in the call list.RecentlyYou can check it again later.

Depending on the level of nuisance you experience, combining both methods—blocking specific numbers and muting unknown numbers—will help minimize spam calls, protecting your privacy and allowing you to focus on your daily life.

Mute and filter unknown callers on iOS 26

Starting with iOS 26, Apple expanded the feature to mute unknown callers, giving users more control over incoming calls, especially spam or calls from unknown sources.

After updating to the latest operating system, openSetting→Application→PhoneIn the sectionScreen for unknown callers(Unknown Callers Filtering), you will see some new options with integrated AI support:

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 or not to answer, an effective way to avoid scam calls or annoying marketing calls.

Silence:This option will mute calls from unknown numbers and forward them directly to voicemail. These calls will still be recorded in the call log.RecentlyThis makes it easy for you to view and call back if it's a valid call.

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

SelectUnidentified caller(Unknown Callers) will automatically mute unsaved numbers in your contacts, moving them to a separate section for easier management.

SelectSpam(Spam Calls) if you want the system to automatically block or mute calls identified as spam, and move them to a blacklist.Spamso that it no longer appears in the main call history.

Thanks to these improvements, iPhone users are not only better protected from spam calls, but also maintain peace and focus in their daily work without worrying about missing important calls.

Block spam calls using third-party apps.

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

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

- Hiya app (iOS, Android):It alerts you to spoofing and scam calls, and allows you to trace the origin of the phone number. The premium version features intelligent filtering and costs $3.99 per month or $24.99 per year, after a 7-day free trial.

- RoboKiller app (iOS, Android):Automatically answer spam calls with a robotic voice, annoying scammers. Several paid plans are available, starting at $3.99 per month, with a one-week free trial.

- Truecaller app (iOS, Android):Identify unknown numbers, display caller information, and automatically block spam calls. The premium plan removes ads and adds advanced features, priced at $9.99 per month or $74.99 per year.