Spam calls are annoying. Unwanted calls disturb your day and pose security threats. There are several techniques to limit or block these calls. Learn how to block Spam calls on both iPhone and Android. See how built-in phone features, third-party apps, and carrier technology safeguard privacy and reduce unwanted calls.
What are Spam Calls?
Spam calls are bulk, unwanted calls to many recipients. Such calls from unknown sources might be annoying or risky. Here are some signs of a scam call:
Robocalls: Automated dialing systems contact thousands of numbers simultaneously to make spam calls.
Telemarketers: Some unwelcome calls are sales calls. Some telemarketing calls are legitimate, but most are spam because no one requested them.
Caller ID Spoofing: Using caller ID spoofing, spammers hide their real phone numbers. They may pretend to be a company or local number to gain your attention.
Scam calls: Many spam calls are fraud. Scammers might pretend to be government agencies, charities, or well-known companies to steal money or personal information.
Constant and annoying: Spam calls can be frustrating. Blocking one number doesn’t stop others from calling, making them inconvenient and difficult to stop.
Legal and Illegal Calls: Not all spam calls are illegal. Charities, political campaigns, and former customers can call legally. Unapproved scammers and telemarketers making calls is unlawful.
To avoid spam calls, learn about them. Avoid unsolicited calls, especially for personal or financial information.
How to Block Spam Calls on Your iPhone?
You can block spam calls on your iPhone using built-in settings and other methods. The steps are here:
Enable Silence Unknown Callers
Numbers not in your contacts are sent to voicemail using this feature.
- Go to iPhone Settings.
- Scroll down and tap Phone.
- Select Silence Unknown Callers.
- Please turn it on.
Block Individual Numbers
You can directly block numbers that have already called you.
- Open the Phone app.
- Find the number to block in Recents.
- Tap “i” next to the number.
- Scroll down, press Block this Caller, then confirm.
Use Do Not Disturb Mode
Customize this option to accept just contact calls.
- In Settings, tap Do Not Disturb.
- Enable Do Not Disturb.
- Tap Allow Calls From, then All Contacts.
Use a Third-Party Call Blocking App
Using Hiya, Truecaller, or Nomorobo helps filter spam calls.
- Install your app from the App Store.
- Follow the app’s setup instructions to block and identify calls.
Report Spam Calls
Reporting spam calls improves call-blocking algorithms.
- Visit the Phone app after a spam call.
- Select the number in Recents and hit the “i” icon.
- Scroll down to Report Call as Spam (if you have a spam-blocking app).
Register on the National Do Not Call Registry
Not all spam calls will stop, but legitimate telemarketing calls will decrease.
- Register your number at donotcall.gov.
Be Cautious with Sharing Your Number
- To avoid spam lists, don’t disclose your phone number online.
Regularly Update Your Phone
iOS updates regularly increase security and spam blocking.
- You can dramatically reduce iPhone spam calls by using these tactics. While stopping all spam calls is impractical, these actions will reduce their frequency and impact.
How to Block Spam Calls on Android Phones?
Android phones can block spam calls using built-in capabilities, third-party apps, and best practices. To do it, follow these steps:
Block calls with built-in features
Many Android phones automatically prevent spam calls.
Caller ID & Spam Protection:
- Launch the Phone app.
- Tap the three-dot menu (More choices) → Settings → Caller ID & spam.
- Detect spam calls with this feature.
Block numbers: The same settings menu lets you block numbers. Block unknown calls by turning it on.
Block Specific Numbers Manually
You can block spam numbers individually.
- In the Phone app, select Recent calls.
- Block the number by tapping it.
- Select “Block/report spam.”
Use a Third-Party Call Blocking App
Some apps block spam calls.
- Download Hiya, Truecaller, and Nomorobo from Google Play.
- Set call blocking using the app’s instructions.
Register for the National Do Not Call
It can reduce telemarketing calls.
- Visit donotcall.gov to register your Phone.
Utilize Carrier Tools
Some carriers provide spam call-blocking technologies.
- Ask your carrier about spam call blocking and how to activate it.
Protect Your Phone Number
- Limit sharing to minimize spam exposure.
Report Spam Calls
Report spam calls to help everyone recognize spam.
- Use “Report spam” in your Phone’s Call log after getting a spam call.
Regularly Update Your Phone
- Update your Android OS for better security and call blocking.
FAQs
How effective is the National Do Not Call Registry?
While the National Do Not Call Registry reduces legitimate telemarketing calls, it may not stop illegal robocalls and scammers.
Can spam calls be eliminated?
Although spam calls are difficult to eliminate, the strategies listed can minimize their frequency.
Are call-blocking apps safe to use?
Most call-blocking applications are secure, but read the privacy policy and user reviews before downloading.
How can I identify a spam call?
Spam calls from unknown numbers may involve pre-recorded messages, urgent sales pitches, or personal information requests.
Conclusion
Built-in phone features, do-not-call lists, call-blocking apps, carrier-specific tools, manually blocking numbers, and being careful where you share your phone number are needed to manage and block spam calls.
These techniques can minimize the frequency of spam calls and their influence on your life, but it’s difficult to eliminate them. Keep your phone line clear and secure by staying aware, watchful, and proactive.
