Spam calls are a persistent nuisance, often leading to scams or unwanted solicitations. Fortunately, both Android and iPhone devices offer built-in features and third-party applications to help you identify and block these unwanted calls. Here's how you can protect yourself:
How Can I Identify Spam Calls on My Smartphone?
1. Built-in Features on Android Devices
Many Android phones come equipped with features to detect and warn about potential spam calls:
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Caller ID & Spam Protection: This feature identifies incoming calls from unknown numbers and alerts you if they are suspected spam. To enable it:
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Open the Phone app.
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Tap the three-dot menu in the top-right corner and select 'Settings'.
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Choose 'Caller ID & spam' and toggle on 'Filter spam calls'.
(support.google.com)
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Silence Unknown Callers: This option silences calls from numbers not saved in your contacts. To activate it:
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Go to Settings > Phone.
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Toggle on 'Silence Unknown Callers'.
2. Built-in Features on iPhone Devices
iPhones also offer tools to manage spam calls:
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Silence Unknown Callers: This feature sends calls from unknown numbers directly to voicemail. To enable it:
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Navigate to Settings > Phone.
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Toggle on 'Silence Unknown Callers'.
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Call Screening: Introduced in iOS 26, this feature places an automated assistant between you and unknown callers, prompting them to state their name and purpose. To set it up:
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Go to Settings > Phone > Screen Unknown Callers.
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Choose 'Ask Reason for Calling'.
3. Carrier Services
Many mobile carriers provide additional spam protection:
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Verizon: Labels suspicious calls as 'Potential Spam'.
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T-Mobile: Uses 'Scam Likely' tags.
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AT&T: Flags calls as 'Spam Risk'.
These labels help you identify and avoid potential spam calls. (guard.io)
4. Third-Party Applications
For enhanced spam detection, consider using third-party apps:
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Robokiller: A market-leading solution that effectively blocks spam calls.
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Truecaller: Identifies unknown numbers and blocks spam calls.
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Hiya: Provides caller ID and spam blocking features.
These apps utilize extensive databases and user reports to identify and block spam calls.
How Can I Block Spam Calls on My Smartphone?
1. Blocking Specific Numbers
Both Android and iPhone devices allow you to block individual numbers:
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On Android:
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Open the Phone app.
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Tap the three-dot menu and select 'Settings'.
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Choose 'Blocked numbers' and add the number you wish to block.
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On iPhone:
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Go to Settings > Phone > Blocked Contacts.
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Tap 'Add New' and select the contact to block.
2. Reporting Spam Calls
Reporting spam calls helps improve detection systems:
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On Android:
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Open the Phone app.
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Tap the three-dot menu and select 'Settings'.
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Choose 'Caller ID & spam' and enable 'Filter spam calls'.
(support.google.com)
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On iPhone:
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Open the Phone app.
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Tap the information icon next to the number.
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Select 'Block this Caller'.
3. Utilizing Do Not Disturb Mode
You can configure Do Not Disturb to allow calls only from contacts:
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On Android:
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Go to Settings > Notifications > Do Not Disturb.
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Under 'Exceptions', select 'Calls' and choose 'Contacts only'.
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On iPhone:
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Navigate to Settings > Focus > Do Not Disturb > People.
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Tap 'Allow Calls From' and select 'Contacts'.
4. Using Third-Party Applications
Apps like Robokiller, Truecaller, and Hiya can provide additional layers of protection by identifying and blocking spam calls.
What Are the Limitations of Built-in Features?
While built-in features and carrier services offer a good level of protection, they may not catch all spam calls. Some legitimate calls might also be mistakenly flagged as spam. Third-party apps can enhance detection but may require a subscription for full functionality.
How Effective Are Third-Party Applications?
Third-party applications like Robokiller are highly effective in blocking spam calls. They utilize extensive databases and user reports to identify and block spam calls, often providing more comprehensive protection than built-in features alone.
By utilizing these methods and tools, you can significantly reduce the number of spam calls you receive, leading to a more secure and less interrupted smartphone experience.
Highlights:
- Google says Android phones now block more scams than iPhones, Published on Friday, October 31
- I haven't answered a scam call in months - this hidden iPhone feature is why, Published on Wednesday, March 18
- Call Screening in iOS 26 has finally ended my spam call nightmare - here's how to set it up, Published on Thursday, September 25
