How can I block spam calls on my iPhone?

On your iPhone, go to Settings > Phone > Silence Unknown Callers and toggle it on. This feature silences calls from numbers not in your contacts, sending them directly to voicemail.

What carrier services can help block spam calls?

Major U.S. carriers offer services like AT&T ActiveArmor, Verizon Call Filter, and T-Mobile Scam Shield, which provide spam detection and blocking features.

Are there apps to block spam calls?

Yes, apps like RoboKiller, Hiya, and Truecaller can identify and block spam calls, offering real-time protection and databases of known spam numbers.

How to Reduce the Risk of Spam Calls While Traveling in the U.S.

Traveling in the United States can expose you to an increased number of spam calls. These unsolicited calls can disrupt your day and pose security risks. To minimize these interruptions, consider implementing the following strategies:

How Can Built-In Phone Features Help Block Spam Calls?

iPhone Users:

Silence Unknown Callers: Navigate to Settings > Phone > Silence Unknown Callers and toggle it on. This feature silences calls from numbers not in your contacts, sending them directly to voicemail. (us.norton.com)
Call Screening (iOS 26 and Later): This feature prompts unknown callers to identify themselves before the call reaches you, providing a transcript of the conversation. (us.norton.com)

Android Users:

Caller ID & Spam Protection: Open the Phone app, tap the three-dot menu, go to Settings > Caller ID & Spam, and enable See caller & spam ID. Then, under Call Screen, select Spam and choose Automatically screen or Decline robocalls. (androidauthority.com)

How Do Carrier Services Assist in Blocking Spam Calls?

Many U.S. carriers offer free tools to help identify and block spam calls:

AT&T ActiveArmor: Provides network-level blocking and a mobile app to identify and block spam calls. (whocalledus.net)
Verizon Call Filter: Offers spam detection and blocking features through the Verizon app. (whocalledus.net)
T-Mobile Scam Shield: Delivers Scam ID and Scam Block features to identify and block potential spam calls. (whocalledus.net)

Activating these services can significantly reduce unwanted calls during your travels.

What Are Third-Party Apps for Blocking Spam Calls?

Third-party applications can provide additional layers of protection:

RoboKiller: This app uses advanced algorithms to identify and block spam calls, offering real-time protection and a database of known spam numbers. (kiplinger.com)
Hiya: Offers spam detection and blocking features, along with a community-based spam list. (kiplinger.com)
Truecaller: Provides caller ID and spam blocking features, utilizing a large database of known spam numbers. (kiplinger.com)

These apps can be particularly useful when traveling, as they adapt to various regional spam patterns.

How Can You Manually Block Unwanted Calls?

If you receive a spam call, you can block the number manually:

On iPhone:

Open the Phone app and go to Recents.
Tap the information icon next to the number.
Scroll down and tap Block this Caller.

On Android:

Open the Phone app and go to Recents.
Long-press the number you want to block.
Tap Block/report spam.

Blocking individual numbers can help reduce spam calls, but it may not be sufficient against persistent or spoofed numbers.

What Are Additional Tips to Prevent Spam Calls While Traveling?

Do Not Answer Unknown Numbers: If you don't recognize the number, let it go to voicemail.
Register with the National Do Not Call Registry: While this won't stop all spam calls, it can reduce the number of legitimate telemarketing calls you receive. (consumer.ftc.gov)
Be Cautious with Your Number: Limit sharing your phone number online and with untrusted sources.

By combining these strategies, you can significantly reduce the risk of spam calls during your travels in the U.S.