How to block spam calls on iPhone (without missing real calls)
You cannot stop spammers from dialing, but you can stop their calls from ringing. Combine these methods for the best result.
6 ways to stop spam calls on iPhone
The fix
Method 1: screen or silence unknown callers
- 1
Open Settings, tap Apps, then Phone.
- 2
On iOS 26, tap Screen Unknown Callers.
Choose Ask Reason for Calling to have your iPhone answer and ask callers who they are before it rings, or Silence to send them straight to voicemail.
- 3
On iOS 18 and earlier, turn on Silence Unknown Callers.
Numbers not in your contacts, recent calls or Siri suggestions go to voicemail and show in Recents.
The fix
Method 2: block a number
- 1
Open the Phone app and tap Recents.
- 2
Tap the ⓘ next to the number.
- 3
Scroll down and tap Block Caller, then confirm.
The fix
Method 3: turn on your carrier’s free spam filter
The big US carriers include free spam blocking. Download the app and turn on automatic blocking.
- 1
Verizon: Call Filter.
- 2
AT&T: ActiveArmor.
- 3
T-Mobile: Scam Shield.
The fix
Method 4: use a call-blocking app
- 1
Install a trusted app such as Hiya, RoboKiller or Truecaller from the App Store.
- 2
Turn it on in Settings › Apps › Phone › Call Blocking & Identification.
Method 5: join the Do Not Call Registry. Register your number for free at donotcall.gov. Legitimate telemarketers must stop calling within 31 days. Scammers ignore it, but it cuts down sales calls.
Method 6: report scam calls. Report them to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov. Reports help regulators and carriers track down the worst offenders.
Frequently asked questions
Will silencing unknown callers block important calls?
Calls from numbers you have not saved go to voicemail, which can include doctors or delivery drivers. On iOS 26, Ask Reason for Calling is a better middle ground, because real callers can say who they are.
Does blocking a number stop texts too?
Yes. A number you block on iPhone cannot call, text or FaceTime you.
Why do spam calls come from numbers that look local?
Scammers fake, or spoof, caller ID to look like a local number so you are more likely to answer. That is why blocking single numbers only helps a little.
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