How to Block Spam Calls on Android and iPhone (2026)

Both iPhone and Android have built-in tools to block spam calls, no third-party app required. Here’s how to use them, verified as of August 2026.

On iPhone

Silence All Unknown Callers

This is the fastest fix — any number not in your contacts, Messages, or Siri Suggestions goes straight to voicemail instead of ringing.

  • Go to Settings → Phone
  • Toggle on Silence Unknown Callers

Block a Specific Number

  • Open the Phone app → Recents
  • Tap the (i) info icon next to the number
  • Scroll down and tap Block this Caller → Block Contact

Blocking prevents that number from calling, texting, or FaceTiming you — the caller isn’t notified, but all attempts are automatically rejected.

On Android

Steps below apply to the Google Phone app (Pixel and most Android phones); Samsung’s equivalent is called Smart Call, found in similar settings.

Enable Spam Detection

  • Open the Phone app
  • Tap the three-dot menu (top right) → Settings
  • Tap Caller ID and spam
  • Toggle on See caller and spam ID and Filter spam calls

With both enabled, your phone warns you before you answer a suspected spam call and automatically filters out calls it identifies as likely spam.

Block a Specific Number

  • Go to Recents and tap the number
  • Select Block or Report spam

Extra Layer: Third-Party Apps

For more aggressive filtering, apps like Truecaller, Hiya, or RoboKiller maintain large, regularly updated spam number databases and can block calls before your phone even rings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Silence Unknown Callers block legitimate calls too?

It can — deliveries, medical offices, or new business contacts not saved in your phone will also go to voicemail. Check your voicemail regularly if you enable this.

Does blocking stop scammers who spoof numbers?

Not completely — scammers can spoof different numbers to get around a block. Built-in spam detection and third-party apps help more against this than manually blocking individual numbers.

Is blocking spam calls free?

Yes, both iPhone’s and Android’s built-in spam-blocking features are free and don’t require any app installation.

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