How to Block Spam Calls and Texts on Your Phone
Your phone rings while you are making lunch.
The screen shows a number you do not recognize, or the words Spam Risk or Potential Spam. You answer anyway, just in case it is the doctor’s office, and hear a recording about your car warranty.
Later, a text arrives saying a package could not be delivered. Another says there is a problem with your bank account. You did not order anything, and you have never heard of the sender.
You may wonder:
Why do I keep getting these, and how do I make them stop?
Spam calls and texts are frustrating, and some of them are scams. The good news is that your phone already has tools to quiet most of them.
You do not need to buy a new phone or become a technology expert. You only need to know which settings to turn on, how to block a number, and how to report what slips through.
This guide walks through how to block spam calls on an iPhone, how to block spam calls on an Android phone, how to stop spam texts, and what to do about a home landline.
Spam Calls and Scam Calls Are Not Always the Same
A spam call is an unwanted call, often a sales pitch or robocall.
A scam call is a call designed to trick you into sending money, sharing personal information, or giving someone access to an account.
Many unwanted calls are both.
| Type of Call or Text | What It Usually Looks Like |
|---|---|
| Robocall | A recorded message, often about warranties, loans, prizes, or “final notices” |
| Telemarketing | A live salesperson calling about a product or service |
| Scam call | A caller pretending to be a bank, government agency, tech company, or family member |
| Spam text | An unexpected message about a package, account problem, prize, or payment |
| Wrong-number text | A friendly “Is this Linda?” message that may be the start of a scam conversation |
Blocking tools work on all of these. They will not catch everything, but they can turn a daily nuisance into an occasional one.
For help recognizing the warning signs in a message that does get through, see how to spot an online scam before you click.
Why You Get So Many Spam Calls
It is easy and inexpensive for scammers and robocallers to place huge numbers of calls from anywhere in the world.
They often use computer systems that dial numbers automatically. Many also fake the number that shows on your screen, which is called spoofing. That is why a spam call may appear to come from your own area code, or even from a number that looks almost like yours.
Getting spam calls does not mean you did something wrong. It does not mean your phone has been hacked.
It simply means your number is on someone’s list, and almost everyone’s number is.
Before You Change Any Settings: Save Your Important Numbers
Several of the tools below work by treating numbers that are not in your contacts differently.
That can be very helpful. But it also means a real call from someone who is not saved in your phone could be silenced.
Before you turn anything on, take a few minutes to save the numbers you want to hear from:
- family members and close friends
- your doctor, dentist, and pharmacy
- your bank and credit card company
- your insurance company
- your children’s or grandchildren’s schools, if they call you
- home repair or service companies you are expecting to hear from
- your caregiver, neighbor, or building manager
Apple recommends adding important numbers to your contacts for exactly this reason. See its guidance on managing unknown callers.
Once those numbers are saved, you can use the stronger settings with more confidence.
How to Block Spam Calls on iPhone
iPhone has several layers of protection. You can use one, or combine them.
The steps below are for recent versions of iOS, including iOS 26. Menu names may look slightly different on older versions.
Option 1: Screen or Silence Unknown Callers
This is the most powerful setting for reducing spam calls on an iPhone.
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap Apps, then tap Phone.
- Scroll to Screen Unknown Callers.
- Choose one of the options below.
| Setting | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Never | Calls from numbers that are not saved in your contacts ring normally. |
| Ask Reason for Calling | Your iPhone answers unknown calls for you and asks the caller for their name and reason for calling. Your phone rings only after they respond, and you can see what they said before you decide to pick up. |
| Silence | Calls from unsaved numbers are silenced, sent to voicemail, and listed in your call history. |
For many people, Ask Reason for Calling is a good balance. Real callers, such as a pharmacy or delivery driver, usually explain themselves. Robocalls usually do not.
Apple describes these choices in its iPhone call screening and blocking guide.
Apple also notes that if you call emergency services, call screening turns off for 24 hours so that responders can reach you.
Option 2: Filter Spam and Unknown Callers
- Open Settings.
- Tap Apps, then tap Phone.
- Scroll to Call Filtering.
- Turn on Spam to silence calls your carrier identifies as potential spam or fraud and send them to voicemail.
- Turn on Unknown Callers if you want missed calls and voicemails from unknown numbers moved into a separate list.
To review those calls later, open the Phone app, tap the filter button, and choose Unknown Callers or Spam.
If you find a real caller there, save the number to your contacts so it can reach you in the future.
Option 3: Block One Specific Number
If the same number keeps calling, block it.
- Open the Phone app.
- Find the call in your recent calls list and tap the information button next to it, or tap Contacts and choose the contact.
- Tap Block Contact or Block Caller.
- Confirm.
To review or remove blocked numbers, go to Settings > Apps > Phone > Blocked Contacts.
Blocking one number helps when a specific person or business will not stop calling. It is less useful against robocalls, which often switch numbers. That is why the screening and filtering options above usually make a bigger difference.
How to Block Spam Calls on Android
Android phones are made by many different companies, including Google, Samsung, Motorola, and others. The phone app and menu names can vary by maker, model, and software version.
The two most common versions are below. If your screens look different, open your Phone app’s settings and look for words like spam, caller ID, block, or call screen.
Google Pixel and Phones Using the Google Phone App
- Open the Phone app.
- Tap the three-dot More options menu, then Settings.
- Tap Caller ID & spam, or on some phones Spam and Call Screen.
- Make sure See caller ID & spam is turned on.
- Turn on Filter spam calls to keep suspected spam from ringing.
Filtered calls still appear in your call history, and you can still check your voicemail. Google explains this in its caller ID and spam protection help page.
Some Pixel phones offer Call Screen instead, which can answer unknown or suspicious calls for you and ask who is calling. Google describes the options in its Call Screen guide.
To block a single number in the Google Phone app, open your call history, tap the call, and choose Block / report spam. Google’s number-blocking instructions also show how to block calls from private or unidentified numbers.
Samsung Galaxy Phones
- Open the Phone app.
- Tap the three-dot More options menu, then Settings.
- Tap Caller ID and spam protection and turn it on. You may be asked to agree to terms first.
- Turn on Block spam and scam calls.
- Choose whether to block all spam and scam calls, or only high-risk scam calls.
To block a specific number, go to Settings > Block numbers in the Phone app and add it, or open the number in your recent calls and choose Block.
The same Block numbers screen has a Block calls from unknown numbers switch. Use it carefully, since it can stop calls from numbers you have not saved.
Samsung notes that available features can vary by carrier and model. See its Smart Call and number-blocking guide.
Check What Your Phone Company Offers
Your wireless carrier may also block or label suspected spam before it reaches your phone.
Many carriers offer free call-blocking or spam-labeling tools, and some offer paid versions with extra features. Some customers are enrolled automatically.
The FCC keeps a list of these tools, with links to information from individual phone companies. See its call blocking tools and resources.
To find out what is available, check your carrier’s app or website, or call the customer service number on your bill.
Call-Blocking Apps Are Another Option
Call-blocking apps act like a filter. They use reports and call data to predict which calls are likely spam or scams.
The FTC suggests checking ratings, reading expert reviews, and looking at the list of apps maintained by the wireless industry before you choose one. It also notes that some apps access your contacts, so it is worth reading the privacy policy. See the FTC’s guide to blocking unwanted calls.
For many people, the built-in phone settings above are enough. An app may help if you still receive a large number of calls after turning those settings on.
How to Stop Spam Texts
Spam texts often try to get you to tap a link. The link may lead to a fake website that asks for a password, card number, or other personal information.
The safest habit is simple: do not tap links or reply to unexpected texts, even to type STOP, unless you recognize the sender and expected the message.
Then use your phone’s filtering tools to keep most of these messages out of sight.
Filter and Block Spam Texts on iPhone
- Open the Messages app.
- Tap the filter button near the top of the conversation list, then tap Manage Filtering.
- Turn on Screen Unknown Senders to move messages from people you have not interacted with into a separate Unknown Senders list, without notifications.
- Make sure Filter Spam is turned on. Apple says it is on by default in iOS 26.
Apple explains these settings in its guide to screening and filtering texts and its article on the Spam folder.
If you are expecting verification codes or delivery updates, you can choose to allow notifications for certain kinds of messages from unknown senders.
To report and remove a spam message, swipe left on it in the conversation list, tap the delete button, then choose Delete and Report Spam. If you already opened it, tap Report Spam at the bottom of the message.
Reporting does not stop that sender from texting again. To do that, block the number. Apple describes both steps in its report spam and block senders guide.
Block and Report Spam Texts on Android
Many Android phones use the Google Messages app. Samsung phones may use Samsung Messages or Google Messages.
In Google Messages:
- Open Messages.
- Touch and hold the conversation you want to report.
- Tap Block, then Report spam, then OK.
The conversation moves to the Spam & blocked folder. Google explains the process in its guide to reporting spam in Google Messages.
Google Messages also has spam protection settings. Tap your profile picture or initials, open Messages settings, and look for Spam protection. The exact location can vary by version.
Forward Spam Texts to 7726
You can also copy or forward a spam text to 7726, which spells SPAM on a phone keypad.
This helps your wireless provider spot and block similar messages. The FTC recommends this step in its guide to recognizing and reporting spam texts.
Some spam arrives by email instead. See How to Block or Unsubscribe From Unwanted Emails in Gmail.
How to Block Spam Calls on a Landline
Home phones need a different approach.
The first question is what kind of home phone service you have:
| Type of Home Phone | What Usually Helps |
|---|---|
| Traditional landline (copper phone line) | A call-blocking device that attaches to your phone, plus any blocking services your phone company offers |
| Internet-based home phone (VoIP), often bundled with cable or internet service | Call-blocking services from your provider or an internet-based call-blocking service |
| Not sure | Call your phone company and ask whether your home phone uses the internet |
The FTC explains that call-blocking devices are usually small boxes that connect to your phone. Some use lists of known scam numbers. Others let you build your own list of numbers to block or allow. See its landline call-blocking advice.
Many home phones also have a built-in block button or caller ID feature. Check your phone’s manual if you still have it, or search online for the brand and model.
The Do Not Call Registry Helps, But It Does Not Block Scammers
The National Do Not Call Registry is free, and you can add both home and cell phone numbers at DoNotCall.gov.
It tells legitimate telemarketers not to call you.
But it does not block calls. Scammers who are already breaking the law usually ignore it.
The FTC explains this in its Do Not Call Registry questions and answers.
Registering is still worthwhile, because it can reduce sales calls from companies that follow the rules. Just pair it with the blocking tools above.
What to Do When a Spam Call Gets Through
No blocking tool is perfect. Some unwanted calls will still ring.
When one does:
- You do not have to answer numbers you do not recognize. A real caller can leave a voicemail.
- If you answer and hear a recording, hang up. Do not press any buttons, even if the message says pressing a number will remove you from the list.
- Do not give out account numbers, Social Security numbers, passwords, PINs, or verification codes over the phone.
- If someone says they are from your bank, a company, or a government agency, hang up and call back using a number you know is real, such as the one on your card or statement.
- If you feel pressured or rushed, treat that as a warning sign. Urgency is a deliberate tactic, as our short video on why online scams feel so convincing explains.
The FCC lists similar advice in its guide to stopping unwanted robocalls and texts.
Scammers sometimes ask you to read back a code that was just texted to you. That code is meant for you alone. Learn more about why scammers ask you to read them a verification code.
How to Report Spam Calls and Texts
Reporting does not usually stop the next call right away, but it helps phone companies and regulators track patterns and take action.
| What Happened | Where to Report It |
|---|---|
| Unwanted sales calls or robocalls | DoNotCall.gov |
| A scam call or text, especially if you lost money or shared information | ReportFraud.ftc.gov |
| A spam text | Forward it to 7726 and use your messaging app’s report option |
| Spoofed or illegal calls | The FCC’s consumer complaint center |
| Money sent or account information shared | Your bank or card company right away, using the number on your card |
If you already tapped a link in a suspicious text, see Clicked a Scam Link? What to Do Next.
A Simple Spam Call and Text Checklist
| Step | What to Do |
|---|---|
| 1. Save important numbers | Add family, doctors, pharmacy, and other key callers to your contacts. |
| 2. Turn on spam filtering | Use your phone’s built-in spam or caller ID protection. |
| 3. Screen unknown callers | On iPhone, consider Ask Reason for Calling. On Android, look for Call Screen or spam blocking. |
| 4. Filter texts | Turn on unknown-sender screening and spam filtering in your messaging app. |
| 5. Block repeat numbers | Block specific numbers that keep calling or texting. |
| 6. Check your carrier’s tools | Ask what free spam-blocking or labeling services are available. |
| 7. Register with Do Not Call | Reduce legitimate sales calls at DoNotCall.gov. |
| 8. Report what gets through | Forward spam texts to 7726 and report scams to the FTC. |
| 9. Check your filtered lists now and then | Make sure a real call or message was not filtered by mistake. |
You Are Still Choosing Who Gets Your Attention
Spam calls and texts can make your phone feel like it belongs to someone else. It rings when you do not want it to. It fills up with messages you never asked for.
But underneath all of that, you are still doing something familiar.
You are deciding who gets to reach you.
Blocking tools are like a peephole in the front door. You can see who is there before you open it.
The tools changed. The purpose did not.
When the phone rings and you are unsure, return to a few simple questions: Do I recognize this number? Was I expecting this call? Is someone rushing me or asking for money or information? Can I hang up and call back using a number I already trust?
One step at a time is enough. You do not need to stop every unwanted call. You only need a few good settings and the confidence to let unknown calls go to voicemail.
Stay in the know. Continue to grow.
Important Note
This article is for general education and awareness. It is not legal, cybersecurity, financial, technical, or professional advice.
Phone settings, menu names, spam-protection features, carrier services, and reporting options vary by device, manufacturer, software version, carrier, and country. They may change over time.
Call-blocking and filtering tools can reduce unwanted calls and texts, but none can guarantee that every spam or scam message will be stopped, or that every legitimate call will get through. Check your filtered lists from time to time.
If you believe you have shared financial information, sent money, or given someone access to an account, contact your bank, card company, or the affected service right away using a phone number or website you know is real, and report the scam to the appropriate authorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I block spam calls on my iPhone?
Go to Settings > Apps > Phone. Under Screen Unknown Callers, choose Ask Reason for Calling or Silence. Under Call Filtering, turn on Spam.
To block one number, open the call in the Phone app and tap Block Contact or Block Caller.
How do I block spam calls on Android?
Open the Phone app, tap the three-dot menu, then Settings. Look for Caller ID & spam, Spam and Call Screen, or Caller ID and spam protection, depending on your phone, and turn on spam filtering or blocking.
Menu names vary by phone maker.
Will silencing unknown callers make me miss important calls?
It can, if the caller is not saved in your contacts. Save important numbers first.
Silenced calls usually still go to voicemail and appear in your call history, so check them from time to time.
What does “Spam Risk” or “Potential Spam” mean on my screen?
It is a label your carrier or phone added because the number matches patterns associated with unwanted calls.
It is a warning, not a guarantee. You can let the call go to voicemail.
Why do spam calls show my own area code?
Scammers can fake the number that appears on your screen. This is called spoofing.
A local-looking number does not mean the caller is local or trustworthy.
Should I answer and say “remove me from your list”?
Usually, no. Answering or pressing buttons can confirm that your number is active.
Let unknown calls go to voicemail, block repeat numbers, and report illegal calls.
How do I stop spam texts?
Turn on spam filtering and unknown-sender screening in your messaging app, block numbers that keep texting, and forward spam texts to 7726.
Do not tap links or reply to unexpected texts.
Should I reply STOP to a spam text?
Reply STOP only to messages from companies you recognize and signed up with. For unknown or suspicious senders, it is safer not to reply at all. Report and block instead.
Does the Do Not Call Registry stop scam calls?
No. It tells legitimate telemarketers not to call, but it does not block calls, and scammers usually ignore it.
It is still worth registering, alongside call-blocking tools.
How do I block spam calls on a landline?
Ask your phone company whether your home phone is a traditional landline or uses the internet. Traditional landlines can use a call-blocking device. Internet-based home phones can often use blocking services from the provider.
Can I unblock a number I blocked by mistake?
Yes. On iPhone, go to Settings > Apps > Phone > Blocked Contacts. On Android, open the Phone app settings and look for Blocked numbers or Block numbers.
What if I already answered a scam call and shared information?
Contact your bank or the affected company right away using a number you know is real. Change any passwords you shared, and report the scam at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Sources and Further Reading
The following resources provide additional information about blocking, filtering, and reporting unwanted calls and texts. External links open in a new tab.
- Apple iPhone call screening and blocking
- Apple unknown caller settings
- Apple text message filtering
- Apple spam reporting and blocking in Messages
- Google caller ID and spam protection
- Google number blocking
- Google Call Screen
- Google Messages spam reporting
- Samsung spam call blocking
- FTC guide to blocking unwanted calls
- FTC guide to spam text messages
- FTC Do Not Call Registry questions
- FCC call blocking resources
- FCC robocall and robotext guidance
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