How to Stop Spam Calls on iPhone and Android Devices

Native Spam Protection

Both Android and iOS now include robust features for identifying and filtering spam calls directly within their operating systems. This reduces the need for users to download and pay for third-party applications like Truecaller, which have historically provided these services. These built-in options allow users to manage unwanted calls without additional software.

Carrier-Provided Features

Mobile carriers often provide their own spam protection services, which may be enabled by default or require activation through the carrier's app or online account. Users should check with their specific carrier to see what options are available for blocking or filtering spam calls at the network level.

iPhone Call Filtering Options

iPhone users can access call filtering settings under Settings > Apps > Phone. Enabling 'Spam and calls' directs carrier-identified junk calls directly to voicemail and categorizes them in the Phone app. The 'Unknown Callers' option sends calls from non-contacts to a separate section, and 'Silence' mutes all calls from unsaved numbers, sending them to voicemail. The 'Ask Reason for Calling' feature, available on iOS 26 or newer in select countries, screens unknown callers and provides a live transcript of their response.

Android Spam Protection

Android devices also offer integrated spam call protection. Users can typically find these settings within the Phone app, often under caller ID and spam protection options. These features help identify and block suspected spam calls, providing a similar level of protection to iPhone users.

Managing Legitimate Calls

While these features effectively block spam, users need to ensure important numbers, such as doctors' offices or work contacts, are saved to avoid missing legitimate calls. The filtering mechanisms primarily target numbers not present in the user's contact list.