Stop spam calls with these iPhone and Android features

Americans face billions of robocalls

Spam calls and texts have exploded in recent years, with nearly 4.8 billion robocalls hitting Americans in the first five months of 2025, according to YouMail’s Robocall Index.

These unwanted interruptions range from simple telemarketing to dangerous scams, making it hard for people to manage their phone time.

The good news is that both iPhones and Android phones now have smarter tools to block or silence spam calls. With built-in settings and helpful apps, you can filter unknown callers, reduce nuisance texts, and regain control of your phone.

Apple’s new call screening feature

Apple’s latest iOS release introduced a Call Screening-style feature that can answer unknown calls on your behalf, asking the caller to state their name and purpose, and transcribing it live so you can decide whether to take the call.

This approach filters out spam before your phone rings, giving you privacy and control. Only calls from contacts or recent outgoing numbers ring normally, letting you focus on important calls without distractions from robocalls.

How to enable call screening

To activate Call Screening on iPhone 11 and newer models, update to iOS 26 via Settings > General > Software Update. Then open Phone settings and find the Screen Unknown Callers section to choose your preference.

Select “Ask Reason for Calling” to turn on screening. Unknown numbers will announce themselves and appear as live text on your screen, so you can answer or decline without being disturbed by spam calls or robocalls.

Silence unknown callers on iPhone

If you’re not on iOS 26, you can still mute robocalls using Silence Unknown Callers. Calls from numbers not in your contacts go straight to voicemail, keeping your phone quiet without blocking messages entirely.

To enable this on iOS 17 or 18, go to Settings > Phone > Silence Unknown Callers and toggle it on. This simple step reduces interruptions while letting genuine callers leave voicemails if needed.

Android spam call protection tools

Android phones offer robust spam call protection, especially those using Google’s Phone app. Enable Caller ID & Spam protection to filter and block suspected spam before it reaches you, keeping nuisance calls at bay.

Many Android phones also allow blocking unknown or hidden numbers, and manufacturers like Samsung provide Smart Call features. Carrier apps like T-Mobile’s and Verizon’s add extra spam filtering layers for even more protection.

Screen unknown calls on Android

Some Android devices, such as Google Pixel phones, use a Call Screen feature similar to Apple’s. Google Assistant answers unknown calls and asks the caller why they are calling, letting you screen them in real time.

Enabling these features ensures your phone doesn’t ring for spam while letting you handle important calls efficiently. Calls may still appear in your log, but they won’t disturb your day.

Filter and block spam texts

Spam texts, or smishing, can carry phishing links or scams. On iPhone, go to Settings > Messages and enable “Filter Unknown Senders” to move messages from unknown numbers into a separate tab and avoid constant notifications.

On Android, enable spam protection in your Messages app settings. Suspicious messages are flagged or moved to a spam folder, letting you focus on real conversations without the risk of clicking dangerous links.

Do not engage with spam messages

Never reply to spam texts, even with “STOP.” Responding confirms your number is active and may invite more spam. Deleting suspicious messages is safer and reduces your exposure to potential scams.

Reporting spam texts to your carrier by forwarding them to 7726 helps block repeat offenders. Carrier-based filtering improves for everyone when users report spam, giving your phone a better defense system.

Third-party spam blockers

Apps like Truecaller, RoboKiller, or Hiya can add an extra layer of spam protection. They use large databases of known spam numbers to automatically block or warn you about robocalls and scam texts.

Carrier apps such as AT&T Call Protect or Verizon Call Filter also provide labeling and blocking features. Using these alongside your phone’s built-in tools maximizes your protection and helps keep your phone interruption-free.

Keep your number private

Be careful where you share your phone number. Posting it on social media, entering contests, or filling out online forms can make it easy for spammers to add your number to databases. Only give your number to trusted contacts and reputable institutions.

If a service requires a phone number, consider using an alternate line or a VoIP number. This simple step helps protect your main number from spam calls and texts and keeps your personal life more secure.

Stay informed on scam trends

Phone scams are constantly evolving, from fake IRS calls to bogus bank alerts. Knowing common scam tactics can help you spot spam calls or texts quickly. Legitimate companies or government agencies will never demand sensitive information or payments over an unsolicited call or message.

When in doubt, ignore suspicious messages and contact the company directly using official channels. Staying informed is one of the easiest ways to avoid falling for new spam or scam tricks.

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Take control of your phone

Spam calls and texts can be overwhelming, but today’s iPhone and Android features make it easier to take control. By enabling call screening, silencing unknown callers, and activating spam filters, you reduce interruptions significantly.

Using these settings and third-party tools together gives your phone a strong defense against unwanted communications.

Ever wonder how small habits in your digital life affect? See how breaking these bad tech habits before 2026 could change everything.

What do you think about these ways to stop spam calls with these iPhone and Android features?

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This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.