Spam calls and text messages have become a major nuisance, interrupting daily life and even posing security risks. Scammers and telemarketers use robocalls and phishing texts to steal personal information, trick users into scams, and waste valuable time. Fortunately, there are effective ways to block spam calls and stop spam messages on both iPhone and Android devices.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best methods to keep your phone free from unwanted calls and texts.
How to Block Spam Calls on Your Phone
Spam calls can be frustrating, but there are several ways to reduce or eliminate them completely.
Use Built-in Phone Features
Most smartphones come with built-in settings to block unwanted calls:
- For iPhone:
- Go to Settings > Phone > Silence Unknown Callers to send calls from unknown numbers directly to voicemail.
- To block a specific number, open the Phone app, find the spam number, tap i > Block this Caller.
- For Android:
- Open the Phone app > Recent Calls, tap the number, then select Block/Report Spam.
- Some Android devices also have Call Screening (Google Pixel) or Spam Protection in settings.
Enable Carrier-Based Spam Protection
Many mobile carriers provide free or premium spam-blocking services:
- AT&T Call Protect – Automatically detects and blocks fraudulent calls.
- Verizon Call Filter – Identifies spam calls and lets you block them.
- T-Mobile Scam Shield – Provides caller ID and scam blocking tools.
Check with your carrier to see what spam protection options they offer.
Use Third-Party Apps
If spam calls persist, you can install specialized apps that offer advanced call filtering:
- Truecaller – Identifies and blocks spam numbers using a global database.
- Hiya – Blocks robocalls and provides real-time spam alerts.
- RoboKiller – Uses AI to filter out unwanted calls before they reach you.
These apps update their databases regularly to keep up with new spam numbers.
Register on the National Do Not Call List
In the U.S., you can reduce telemarketing calls by registering your number on the National Do Not Call Registry:
- Visit donotcall.gov and enter your phone number.
- After registration, telemarketers are legally required to stop calling you.
While this won’t block spam calls completely, it can help reduce the number of unsolicited marketing calls.
How to Block Spam Text Messages
Spam texts can be just as annoying as robocalls, often containing phishing links or scams. Here’s how to block spam texts on Android and iPhone:
Block Numbers Manually
- For iPhone: Open the Messages app, select the spam message, tap i > Block this Caller.
- For Android: Open the Messages app, tap and hold the spam message, then select Block and Report Spam.
Filter Unknown Senders
- On iPhone, go to Settings > Messages > Filter Unknown Senders to send messages from unknown contacts to a separate tab.
- On Android, enable Spam Protection in the Messages app settings to automatically filter suspected spam texts.
Report Spam Messages
Most carriers allow you to report spam messages by forwarding them to 7726 (SPAM). This helps mobile providers block similar messages for other users.
Use Third-Party Apps for SMS Filtering
Apps like Truecaller, SMS Organizer, and SpamHound provide additional filtering options to block spam texts automatically. These apps analyze incoming messages and flag suspicious ones.
Additional Tips to Reduce Spam Calls & Messages
- Avoid sharing your phone number publicly on websites, social media, or forms.
- Don’t respond to spam messages—even replying “STOP” can confirm your number is active.
- Be cautious when signing up for services online—check privacy settings to avoid marketing messages.
- Use secondary phone numbers for online registrations and shopping sites. Services like Google Voice can provide an alternate number to protect your real one.
Conclusion
Spam calls and text messages can be disruptive, but by using built-in phone settings, carrier services, and third-party apps, you can significantly reduce unwanted communications. Whether you want to block unwanted calls on iPhone, stop spam messages on Android, or use advanced filtering apps, these solutions will help you maintain privacy and security.
