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Not only may spam and robocalls be annoying, but they can also be dangerous if they come from scammers. It can seem like an endless battle to deal with unwanted calls on your iPhone, whether they be telemarketers, fraud calls, or repeated robocalls.

Fortunately, Apple has built-in tools to filter robocalls, quiet unfamiliar callers, and stop spam calls. Third-party apps can also be useful. We’ll show you how to permanently block spam calls in this guide so you can regain control over your phone and make calls without interruptions.

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Why am I getting so many spam calls?

The increase in telemarketing frauds and robocalls: In recent years, advances in automated dialing technologies have led to a major increase in telemarketing scams and robocalls. Scammers can more easily reach potential victims by using these techniques to target thousands of people at once. In order to fool you into answering, many of these calls originate from spoof numbers that look recognizable or local.

How your phone number is obtained by scammers: Phone numbers are obtained by scammers from a variety of sources, such as social media, internet directories, and data breaches. Phone numbers are occasionally sold by dubious businesses or disclosed through online subscriptions and sign-ups.

Common types of spam calls: Spam calls come in various forms, including robocalls, fake tech support scams, IRS or government impersonation scams, and fraudulent warranty or insurance offers. Some calls attempt to steal personal information, while others try to get you to send money or buy fake services.

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Built-in iPhone features to block spam calls

– Silence unknown callers

This feature immediately silences calls from numbers not in your contacts and sends them straight to voicemail. Calls from recognized contacts can still pass through when spam and robocalls are blocked.

How to enable the silencing of unknown callers:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Scroll down and tap Phone.
3. Select Silence Unknown Callers.
4. Toggle the switch to turn it on (green).

When to use this feature and its limitations

• This feature is great for blocking robocalls, but it can also silence important calls from unknown numbers, such as doctors, delivery services, or job interviews.
• Calls from numbers in your contacts, recent outgoing calls, and Siri suggestions will still ring normally.
• If a silenced call is important, the caller can leave a voicemail, which you can check later.

– Block specific numbers

One of the simplest and most effective ways to stop spam calls is to manually block the number. If you frequently receive unwanted calls from the same numbers, blocking them ensures they can’t reach you again.

How to manually block a spam number on iPhone:

Blocking a number on an iPhone is a straightforward process:

• Open the Phone app and go to the Recents tab.
• Find the spam call in your recent calls list.
• Tap the (i) information icon next to the number.
• Scroll down and tap Block this Caller.
• Confirm by selecting Block Contact.
  

Once blocked, the number will no longer be able to call, message, or FaceTime you.

How to unblock a number if needed:

If you accidentally block a number or want to unblock someone later, follow these steps:

• Go to Settings on your iPhone.
• Tap Phone, then select Blocked Contacts.
• Find the number you want to unblock and swipe left.
• Tap Unblock.
  

Alternatively, you can go to the contact’s details in the Phone app and select Unblock this Caller.

– Use iPhone’s call filtering feature

iPhones come with built-in call filtering features that automatically silence and block spam calls, making it easier to avoid unwanted interruptions.

Enabling Call Filtering with Silence Junk Callers:

Apple’s Silence Junk Callers feature automatically filters out suspected spam calls and sends them straight to voicemail. To enable this feature:

1. Go to Settings on your iPhone.
2. Tap Phone.
3. Scroll down and select Silence Junk Callers.
4. Toggle Silence Junk Callers to ON.
   

Once enabled, your iPhone will silence calls from numbers identified as spam by your carrier or Apple’s database. These calls will still appear in your call log, but they won’t ring your phone.

How iOS detects and filters spam calls

The iPhone uses several methods to detect and silence spam calls, including:

• Apple’s built-in spam detection: Apple collaborates with carriers and databases to flag known spam numbers.
• Third-party spam filtering apps: Apps like Hiya, Truecaller, and RoboKiller Integrate with iOS to enhance spam detection.
• Contacts and recent calls: Calls from unknown numbers that aren’t in your contacts or recent calls list may be flagged as spam.

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Best third-party apps to stop spam calls

Third-party call filtering apps can offer more robust protection than the iPhone’s built-in functions if spam calls are still an issue. These programs identify and stop robocalls, telemarketers, and scammers using crowdsourced databases, AI filtering, and real-time call analysis.

– Recommended apps for blocking robocalls

Here are some of the best third-party apps designed to stop spam calls on your iPhone:

Hiya:

• Uses AI-powered call protection to detect and block spam calls in real-time.
• Allows users to report and block spam numbers.
• Free basic version available, with premium features like automatic fraud detection and caller ID.
  

RoboKiller:

• Uses AI call screening to identify and block spam calls before they reach you.
• Features Answer Bots that respond to robocallers to waste their time.
• Can analyze caller behavior patterns to identify new scam numbers.
  

Truecaller:

• One of the most popular caller ID and spam call blocker apps.
• Maintains a crowdsourced database of spam numbers.
• Allows users to search for unknown numbers before answering.
• Premium version offers ad-free experience and advanced spam blocking tools.
  

Nomorobo:

• Specializes in blocking robocalls and telemarketers.
• Identifies known scam numbers and stops them before they ring.
• Works in the background without needing frequent updates.
• Free for landlines but requires a paid subscription for mobile devices.
  

Each of these apps works slightly differently, so you may need to test them to see which one works best for your needs.

– How to set up a spam call blocker app

Once you’ve chosen a third-party spam call blocker, follow these steps to install and configure it on your iPhone:

• Open the App Store on your iPhone.
• Search for the spam call blocker app you want to install (e.g., Hiya, RoboKiller, Truecaller, or Nomorobo).
• Tap Download and install the app.
• Open the app and create an account if required.
  

– Granting permissions for call blocking

For these apps to work effectively, you need to allow call blocking access in iPhone settings:

• Go to Settings on your iPhone.
• Scroll down and tap Phone.
• Select Call Blocking & Identification.
• You’ll see a list of installed call-blocking apps. Toggle ON the app you installed.
• Open the app and follow any additional setup steps (some apps require syncing with your contacts or setting blocking preferences).

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Additional steps to reduce spam calls

Some spam calls may still be received despite call-banning tools and third-party apps. You can take extra proactive steps to cut down on unwanted calls, such as reporting spam calls to your carrier or authorities, staying away from unfamiliar numbers, and signing up for the Do Not Call List.

– Register your number on the national Do Not Call list

One of the easiest ways to limit telemarketing calls is by signing up for the National Do Not Call Registry.

How to sign up for the Do Not Call Registry

• Visit the official website (donotcall.gov) or call 1-888-382-1222 from the phone you want to register.
• Enter your phone number and email address to confirm registration.
• You will receive a confirmation email—click the link to complete the process.
  

Once registered, telemarketers are legally required to stop calling your number within 31 days.

Why This May Not Stop All Spam Calls

• Scammers and robocallers don’t follow the rules—many illegal spam calls come from fraudsters who ignore the registry.
• The Do Not Call List only blocks legitimate telemarketers, not scam calls, political calls, or surveys.
• While it won’t stop all unwanted calls, it reduces marketing calls from legitimate businesses.
  

– Report spam calls

If you continue receiving spam or fraudulent calls, you can report them to your carrier or the authorities to help prevent others from being targeted.

How to report spam numbers to your carrier

Most major carriers allow you to report spam calls directly:

• AT&T: Forward spam messages to 7726 (SPAM) or use the AT&T Call Protect app.
• Verizon: Forward spam messages to 7726 and report numbers using Verizon Call Filter.
• T-Mobile: Report robocalls using Scam Shield or by forwarding spam texts to 7726.
• Other carriers: Contact customer support or check their website for spam reporting options.
  

– Reporting scam calls to the FTC or local authorities

If you receive a fraudulent or scam call, you can report it to:

• Federal Trade Commission (FTC): File a complaint at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
• Federal Communications Commission (FCC): Report robocalls at fcc.gov/complaints.
• Local law enforcement: If the call involves threats, extortion, or financial scams, report it to your local police department.

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Carrier solutions for blocking spam calls

To lessen robocalls and scam calls, mobile carriers provide integrated call-blocking and spam-filtering features. These carrier-specific solutions include bespoke blocking choices, the ability to automatically identify and block spam calls, and the ability to categorize suspicious calls.

– Carrier-specific call blocking services

Many major carriers provide free and premium call protection services that help filter out spam calls. Here are some of the most popular carrier-based spam blocking tools:

AT&T Call Protect

• Automatically blocks fraudulent calls before they reach your phone.
• Labels suspected spam calls with categories like “Spam Risk” or “Telemarketer.”
• Provides an option to block specific numbers manually.
• Available for free for AT&T customers with an option to upgrade to Call Protect Plus for advanced features, such as reverse number lookup and custom call controls.
• How to activate: Download the AT&T Call Protect app from the App Store and log in with your AT&T account.
  

Verizon Call Filter

• Identifies and blocks spam calls automatically.
• Labels high-risk spam calls as “Potential Spam” so you can avoid answering.
• Spam detection updates regularly to stay ahead of new scams.
• Call Filter Free is included with most Verizon plans, while Call Filter Plus offers additional features like personal spam lists and caller ID for a small monthly fee.
• How to activate: Enable Call Filter in the Verizon app or through your Verizon account settings.
  

T-Mobile Scam Shield

• Automatically blocks known scam calls before they ring.
• Displays a “Scam Likely” warning on potential spam calls.
• Allows you to send scam calls directly to voicemail.
• Includes free number changes for customers who are frequently targeted by spam calls.
• How to activate: Download T-Mobile Scam Shield from the App Store and enable protection through the app.
  

– How to enable carrier spam protection on iPhone

Most major carriers offer built-in spam protection, but you may need to manually enable it on your iPhone. Here’s how to check if your carrier provides call blocking and how to activate it.

Checking if your carrier offers spam call-blocking:

• Go to Settings on your iPhone.
• Tap on Phone.
• Look for “Call Blocking & Identification”—this section lists available call-filtering services.
• If your carrier supports spam filtering, you should see their app or service listed here.
  

Alternatively, you can check your carrier’s website or contact customer support to confirm whether they offer spam call protection.

– Activating spam filtering in your carrier’s app

Once you’ve confirmed your carrier provides spam call blocking, you can activate it through their official app:

1. Download your carrier’s call-blocking app (e.g., AT&T Call Protect, Verizon Call Filter, or T-Mobile Scam Shield) from the App Store.
2. Open the app and sign in with your carrier account.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to enable spam call filtering.
4. Adjust settings to customize spam detection, call blocking, and notifications.