How to block spam calls on iPhone and Android devices.

Persistent Problem of Spam Calls

Despite expectations that spam and fraudulent calls would become a thing of the past, millions of users still face this issue daily. Fortunately, both iPhone and Android devices now offer built-in tools to identify and filter spam calls. This means users no longer need to rely on external applications like “Truecaller” or pay monthly subscriptions to block unwanted callers.

In addition to the tools available on the phone itself, your telecommunications provider may also offer services to protect against spam calls. Some companies may activate these features automatically, while others require manual activation through your account on the provider’s website or via their app, according to a report published by Engadget and reviewed by Al Arabiya Business.

How to Block Spam Calls on iPhone

If you use an iPhone, navigate to Settings > Phone. Within the Call Filtering section, you will find an important option labeled Spam. By enabling this feature, your phone will not ring for calls that your provider classifies as spam. Instead, these calls will automatically go to voicemail and appear in the Phone app under the Spam section, accessible via the button in the top right corner of the call log screen.

Organize Incoming Calls from Unknown Numbers

You can also activate the Unknown Callers option from the same settings page to keep your call log more organized. Once this option is enabled, recent calls from unrecognized numbers will appear in a special section named Unknown Callers, which you can access from the button at the top right of the calls screen. If you find that a number in this section belongs to a trusted person or entity, you can use the Mark as Known option to remove it from the unknown numbers list.

Feature to Screen Unknown Callers on iPhone

The iPhone also offers a Screen Unknown Callers section, providing three options for handling calls from unrecognized numbers. The first option is Never, which is the default setting, allowing all incoming calls to ring normally. The more stringent option is Silence, which mutes all calls from numbers not saved in your contacts and sends them directly to voicemail. You can later review these silent calls from the call log within the Phone app.

Ask Reason for Calling: A Compromise Solution

If you prefer not to silence all unknown numbers, the Ask Reason for Calling option offers a practical compromise. When activated, the iPhone will screen incoming calls from unknown numbers and request the caller to explain the reason for their call before deciding whether to forward the call to you. You will see a written version of the caller’s response on your phone screen, allowing you to determine whether the call is worth answering. This screening feature is available in select countries on iPhones running iOS 26 or later.

Save Important Numbers to Avoid Missing Calls

While most users save the numbers of family and friends in their contacts, it is also wise to save any other frequently called numbers, such as those for your doctor’s office, workplace, or clients. Call filtering tools can help eliminate many spam calls, but tightening blocking settings may lead to missing important calls from unrecognized numbers. Therefore, it is best to choose the settings that suit your phone usage.

How to Block Spam Calls on Android

Most Android phones come equipped with built-in tools to detect spam calls, but the available features vary depending on the phone model, Android version, and the dialer app in use. The Phone by Google app is pre-installed on many Android devices and offers built-in tools for caller identification and spam detection. If your phone uses a different dialer app, you can search its settings for similar options or install the Phone app from Google and set it as your default dialer.

Activating Spam Call Detection on Android

Open the Phone app, tap the options menu in the top left, and select Settings. Next, go to the Call Assist section and tap Caller ID and spam. Enable the See caller and spam ID option to receive warnings about potentially spam calls before answering. For stronger protection, activate the Filter spam calls option, which automatically silences calls that the phone suspects are unwanted. However, you will still be able to see missed calls and voicemails from unknown numbers within the Phone app. These features require a phone running Android 6.0 or later, along with the latest version of the Phone app from Google set as the default dialer.

Pixel and Samsung Phones Offer Advanced Screening

Some Android phones, including Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy devices, provide more advanced call screening tools, similar to the Ask Reason for Calling feature on iPhones. If you use a Pixel 6 or newer, open the Phone app, then navigate to Settings > Spam and Call Screen > Call Screen. From there, you can set up the call screening feature. On certain supported Samsung phones, open the Phone app, tap the three-dot icon in the top right, and go to Settings > Call screening. With these settings, your phone can automatically handle a significant portion of spam calls, relieving you from having to answer every unknown number to determine if it is a legitimate call or a marketing or fraudulent attempt.

Overall, the best way to reduce spam calls is to combine the built-in phone tools with the protection services offered by your telecommunications provider, while ensuring you save the numbers of contacts you expect to receive calls from to avoid mistakenly blocking important calls.

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