How to Block Spam Calls and Texts — iPhone, Android, and Carrier Settings

Why Spam Calls Are Worse Than Ever

Robocalls, scam texts, and phishing attempts aren't just annoying anymore — they're a genuine financial threat. The FTC reports billions of dollars lost to phone scams every year, and the volume keeps climbing. The good news: between your phone's built-in tools, dedicated apps, and carrier services, you can silence the overwhelming majority of spam before it ever reaches you. Here's a practical, step-by-step playbook.

Start With the National Do Not Call Registry

It won't stop scammers (they don't follow rules), but it blocks legitimate telemarketers.

Visit donotcall.gov or call 1-888-382-1222 from the phone you want to register.
Registration is free and permanent.
After 31 days, legitimate companies that keep calling you are violating federal law, and you can file an FTC complaint on the same site.

iPhone: Silence Unknown Callers

Apple's built-in filter is surprisingly effective.

Open Settings → Phone → Silence Unknown Callers (on iOS 18+: Settings → Apps → Phone) and toggle it on. Calls from numbers not in your contacts, recent outgoing calls, or Siri suggestions go straight to voicemail without ringing.
To block a specific number: open the Phone app, tap the i next to the number, scroll down, and tap Block this Caller.
Review blocked numbers anytime at Settings → Phone → Blocked Contacts (on iOS 18+: Settings → Apps → Phone → Blocked Contacts).
For texts: Settings → Messages → Filter Unknown Senders (on iOS 18+: Settings → Apps → Messages) sorts messages from non-contacts into a separate tab.

Android: Caller ID and Spam Protection

Android's defaults are strong if you enable them.

Google Phone app (Pixel, many others): Open the Phone app, tap your profile → Settings → Caller ID & spam → Filter spam calls. Suspected spam is sent to voicemail automatically.
Samsung Galaxy: In the Phone app, tap the menu (⋮) → Settings → Block numbers → Caller ID and spam protection. Samsung partners with Hiya for real-time caller ID.
Block a number: Long-press any entry in your call log and choose Block / Report as spam.

Dedicated Spam-Blocking Apps

If defaults aren't enough, third-party apps add a crowdsourced database.

Truecaller — massive global caller ID database, free tier with ads, premium ($3/month) removes them and adds auto-block.
Nomorobo — uses a real-time blacklist; $1.99/month on mobile, free for VoIP landlines.
RoboKiller — aggressive blocker with "Answer Bots" that waste scammers' time; around $4/month.
Hiya — free ad-supported version, premium for deeper blocking.

Install only one of these at a time to avoid conflicts.

Carrier-Level Protection (Usually Free)

Blocking at the carrier level protects you across devices and even when apps aren't running.

AT&T ActiveArmor — free app for AT&T wireless customers. Automatic fraud blocking plus customizable suspected-spam handling.
Verizon Call Filter — free tier includes spam detection and filtering; premium (~$3.99/month) adds caller ID for unknown numbers.
T-Mobile Scam Shield — free Scam ID and Scam Block; premium (~$4/month) adds full caller ID and the ability to send unknown callers straight to voicemail.

Enable these even if you use a third-party app — they catch different things.

Stopping Spam Texts

Text spam ("Your package couldn't be delivered," fake bank alerts) is the fastest-growing category.

Forward to 7726 (SPAM): Works on most US carriers; your carrier then investigates.
Report to the FTC: reportfraud.ftc.gov
Never click links in texts from unknown numbers, even ones that look like USPS, Amazon, or your bank. Go directly to the official app or website instead.

Voice Phishing: The Rules

The IRS, Social Security Administration, and your bank will never call demanding payment in gift cards, wire transfers, or crypto.
If a caller pressures you to act immediately, it's a scam. Hang up.
If you gave out information, call your bank's fraud line (use the number on the back of your card, not one the caller gave you) and freeze your credit at the three major bureaus.

Prevention Habits

Don't post your phone number publicly — use a Google Voice number for signups.
Be stingy with permissions when filling out forms.
Check your carrier's free blocking tools every few months; features change.

Ten minutes of setup tonight will save you hundreds of interruptions over the next year. Start with your phone's built-in filter, add your carrier's free app, and layer on a third-party blocker only if spam still slips through.