How to Separate Real Calls from Spam on Your Mobile Phone

Spam calls are a persistent nuisance, often disrupting daily life and posing potential security risks. Fortunately, both iPhone and Android devices offer built-in features to help identify and block these unwanted calls. Additionally, third-party applications can provide enhanced protection. Here's how you can separate real calls from spam on your mobile phone.

How Can I Identify and Block Spam Calls on My iPhone?

iPhones come equipped with several features to help manage unwanted calls:

1. Silence Unknown Callers

This feature silences calls from numbers not saved in your contacts, sending them directly to voicemail. To enable it:

1. Go to Settings > Phone.
2. Toggle on Silence Unknown Callers.

Calls from unknown numbers will be silenced and sent to voicemail. (support.apple.com)

2. Call Blocking & Identification

This allows third-party apps to filter calls. To set it up:

1. Go to Settings > Phone > Call Blocking & Identification.
2. Enable the desired apps.

Apps like RoboKiller can identify and block spam calls effectively. (kiplinger.com)

How Can I Identify and Block Spam Calls on My Android Phone?

Android devices offer several methods to manage spam calls:

1. Caller ID & Spam Protection

This feature identifies and warns about potential spam calls. To activate it:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Tap the three dots > Settings > Caller ID & Spam.
3. Toggle on See caller ID & spam and Filter spam calls.

This will warn you about suspicious or known spam numbers before you pick up, and filtered calls will appear in your call history without ringing your phone. (support.google.com)

2. Call Screening

On Google Pixel devices, you can screen calls before answering:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Tap the three dots > Settings > Spam and Call Screen > Call Screen.
3. Enable Call Screen for unknown numbers.

The assistant screens calls, transcribes the conversation in real-time, and allows you to respond, answer, or mark as spam. (howtogeek.com)

3. Manual Blocking

To block a specific number:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Go to Recents.
3. Touch and hold the number > Block/report spam.

This will prevent future calls from that number. (techadvisor.com)

Are There Third-Party Apps That Can Help Block Spam Calls?

Yes, several third-party apps can enhance spam call protection:

• RoboKiller: Identifies and blocks spam calls using a vast database of known spam numbers. (kiplinger.com)

• Hiya: Provides real-time alerts and blocks spam calls.

• Truecaller: Offers caller ID and spam blocking features.

These apps often require a subscription but can provide more comprehensive protection.

How Can I Report Spam Calls to Help Improve Detection?

Reporting spam calls helps improve detection algorithms:

On iPhone:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Go to Recents.
3. Tap the info icon next to the number > Block this Caller.

On Android:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Go to Recents.
3. Touch and hold the number > Block/report spam.

This action helps improve spam detection for everyone. (support.google.com)

What Are Some Additional Tips to Avoid Spam Calls?

• Register on the National Do Not Call Registry: This can reduce unsolicited calls.

• Be Cautious with Your Number: Avoid sharing your number publicly.

• Use Do Not Disturb Mode: Limit calls to contacts only.

By implementing these strategies, you can significantly reduce the number of spam calls you receive and ensure that important calls from friends, family, and legitimate businesses get through.

Highlights:

• Your Android phone could soon get a better way to sniff out spoofed calls, Published on Thursday, April 16
• Tired of Unwanted Calls? Here's How to Help Thwart the Robocaller Invasion, Published on Friday, March 06