How to block spam calls on iPhone or Android
Silence suspected spam, filter unknown callers, block repeat numbers, and avoid missing legitimate calls.
Filter spam calls on iPhone
Open Settings, tap Apps, then Phone. Under call screening or filtering, you can ask unknown callers for their reason, silence unsaved numbers, or enable the Spam filter for calls identified by your carrier.
Silenced calls still appear in the appropriate call list or voicemail, so you can review them later. Menu names depend on your iOS version, carrier, and region.
- Use Spam filtering for calls identified as suspicious
- Use Unknown Callers when you want unsaved numbers separated
- Use call screening when available to ask why the person is calling
Filter spam calls on Android
In Google's Phone app, tap More, Settings, then Caller ID & spam. Turn on caller and spam identification and, when offered, filtering for suspected spam calls.
Samsung and other manufacturers may place similar options under Phone settings, Caller ID and spam protection, or Block numbers. Availability varies by phone, carrier, and country.
Block one repeat caller
Open Phone and find the number under Recents. Open its details and choose Block, Block caller, or Block/report spam. Reporting helps the phone service identify similar unwanted calls, but only report a number when you reasonably believe it is spam.
A scammer can change or spoof numbers, so blocking one number may not stop every call. Never provide passwords, verification codes, card numbers, or remote access because an unexpected caller asks for them.
Avoid missing important calls
Unknown-call filtering can silence a doctor, delivery driver, school, employer, or business that is not in your contacts. Save expected numbers, check voicemail and filtered lists, and temporarily relax filtering when waiting for an important call.
If harassment or threats continue, save call records and voicemails, contact your carrier, and report serious threats to local law enforcement.
Frequently asked questions
Will silencing unknown callers block everyone not in my contacts?
It may silence unsaved numbers and send them to voicemail or a filtered list. Review those lists when expecting an important call.
Can spam callers use a different number?
Yes. Scammers can rotate or spoof numbers, so combine blocking with spam filtering and caution.
Should I install a separate spam-call app?
Try the phone's built-in tools and carrier service first. If you use another app, review its developer, permissions, privacy policy, and price.
Sources
Primary and official references used for this guide:
Published August 13, 2026 · Reviewed for clarity and source accuracy.