How to block spam calls and unknown numbers on your phone
Learn how to block unknown callers, spam calls, and robocalls on iPhone and Android with simple settings you can turn on right now.
What you will learn
In this guide, you will learn how to stop unwanted calls from reaching your phone. You will turn on built-in features that block unknown numbers and spam callers, so your phone only rings when someone you know is calling.
What you need
- Your phone (iPhone or Android)
- About 3 minutes
The steps
Step 1: Turn on Silence Unknown Callers on iPhone
On iPhone, open Settings and tap Phone. Scroll down and tap Silence Unknown Callers. Turn the switch on. From now on, any call from a number not in your contacts will be sent silently to voicemail.
Step 2: Turn on spam call filtering on Android
On Android, open the Phone app (the one you use to make calls). Tap the three dots in the top right corner and choose Settings. Look for Caller ID and spam or Spam protection and turn it on. This tells your phone to warn you when a suspected spam call is coming in.
Step 3: Block a specific number you have already received a call from
Open your Phone app and go to Recents (your recent calls list). Find the number you want to block. On iPhone, tap the i icon next to the number, scroll down, and tap Block this Caller. On Android, tap and hold the number, then tap Block or Block number.
Step 4: Report spam calls
When you receive a spam call, reporting it helps your phone and your carrier improve their spam filters. On Android, after a suspected spam call, you may see a prompt to Report as spam — tap it. On iPhone, there is no built-in reporting, but your carrier may have a service (for example, forwarding spam texts to 7726).
Step 5: Register with your national Do Not Call list
Many countries have official Do Not Call registries that reduce telemarketing calls. In the United States, visit donotcall.gov and add your number. In the United Kingdom, register at tpsonline.org.uk. In the European Union, check your country’s data protection authority website.
Step 6: Check your blocked contacts list
To review who you have blocked, go to Settings, then Phone, then Blocked Contacts on iPhone. On Android, open the Phone app, go to Settings, then Blocked numbers. Remove any number you blocked by mistake.
Tips
- Save important numbers like your doctor, pharmacy, and bank in your contacts so their calls always come through.
- If you are expecting a call from an unknown number (like a delivery), temporarily turn off Silence Unknown Callers until the call arrives.
- Be careful with apps that promise to block all spam — some of them collect your data. Stick to well-known apps like Truecaller if you want extra protection.
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Frequently asked questions
Will blocking unknown callers block important calls?
It might. If a doctor, delivery driver, or other service calls you from an unknown number, the call will go to voicemail. They can still leave a message, and you can call them back.
What happens to blocked calls?
Blocked calls are sent straight to voicemail. The caller can leave a message, but your phone will not ring. You will not see a missed call notification.
Can I unblock a number later?
Yes. On iPhone, go to Settings, then Phone, then Blocked Contacts to see your blocked list. On Android, open the Phone app, go to Settings, then Blocked numbers. You can remove any number from the list.
Do I need an app to block spam calls?
Not necessarily. Both iPhone and Android have built-in tools to block unknown callers and report spam. However, apps like Truecaller can identify callers by name, which the built-in tools do not do.
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