Tired of Spam Calls? Change These iPhone and Android Settings

Spam calls, robocalls and phone scams are an everyday annoyance, but both iPhone and Android now include built-in tools that can significantly reduce them. You can screen unknown callers, automatically filter suspected spam and block repeat offenders without immediately installing another app.

Here’s how to get started.

Google Home vs. Alexa vs. Apple Home: Which Is Best in 2026?

Stop Spam Calls on iPhone

On newer versions of iOS, go to:

Settings → Apps → Phone → Screen Unknown Callers

You can choose Ask Reason for Calling, which screens unknown callers before your iPhone rings. The caller is asked to provide their name and reason for calling, and you can decide whether to answer based on their response. 

For stronger protection, choose Silence. Calls from unsaved numbers are then silenced and sent to voicemail.

You can also go to Settings → Apps → Phone → Call Filtering and enable available Spam filtering. Calls identified by your carrier as potential spam or fraud can be silenced automatically. 

Be careful with the Silence option if you regularly receive legitimate calls from delivery drivers, hospitals, schools or businesses that aren’t saved in Contacts.

Stop Spam Calls on Android

Android users with the Phone by Google app can enable Google’s built-in spam protection.

Open: Phone → More → Settings → Caller ID & spam

Turn on See caller ID & spam. Where available, you can also enable Filter spam calls to automatically filter suspected spam. 

Google’s spam protection uses various signals, including reports from other users, to warn you when an incoming number may be suspicious. 

Use Call Screen on Google Pixel

Pixel phones offer another useful feature called Call Screen.

On supported models, Call Screen can ask unknown callers why they’re calling before you answer. Automatic screening can also handle categories such as spam, possibly spoofed numbers and first-time callers. 

This is particularly useful if you don’t want to completely block every unknown number.

Block and Report Repeat Spam Callers

If the same number keeps calling, block it.

On iPhone, open the Phone app, select the caller or contact and choose Block Contact. 

On Android using Phone by Google, select the unwanted call and choose Block or Report spam. Reporting suspicious numbers can also help Google’s spam detection.

Don’t Trust Caller ID Alone

A familiar-looking number isn’t proof that a call is legitimate. Scammers can spoof caller ID to make a call appear to come from a bank, government agency, delivery company or even a local number.

If someone unexpectedly asks for a password, verification code, card details or money, hang up and contact the organization through a phone number you independently know is legitimate.

How to Add Apple TV Remote to Your iOS 27 Home Scree

Verdict

You don’t necessarily need a paid spam-blocking app. Start with the tools already built into your phone.

For iPhone, try Ask Reason for Calling and spam filtering. For Android, enable Caller ID & spam protection, while Pixel owners should also take advantage of Call Screen.

Combining these features with blocking and reporting suspicious numbers won’t eliminate every unwanted call, but it can make them far less disruptive.

You may also like

• Tired of Spam Calls? Change These iPhone and Android Settings
• Amazon Echo Show 15: A Smart Kitchen Hub for Your Apple Home
• Portable HP 14-inch Laptop: A Practical Companion for Your Apple Setup
• Upgrade Your Mac Setup: The Veken 55-Inch Electric Standing Desk for Productivity
• Best Apple Deals: $200 Off M5 MacBook Air, Mac Studio & More