Spam calls have become one of the most annoying problems for smartphone users. Whether it’s telemarketing agents, automated voice calls, fake loan offers, credit card scams, or unknown international numbers, these unwanted calls can disturb your daily life and even put your privacy at risk. Fortunately, there are several effective ways to stop spam calls completely or significantly reduce them.
In this guide, you will learn the best methods to block spam, fraud, robocalls, and unknown numbers on both Android and iPhone. All methods are simple and work instantly.
Why Do You Receive So Many Spam Calls?
Before blocking spam calls, it’s important to understand what causes them. Here are the most common reasons:
- Your phone number is listed in marketing databases
- You entered your number on websites without checking security
- Apps with poor privacy policies share your data
- Telemarketing companies use random number generators
- Scam networks collect numbers through data leaks
- Your number is publicly visible on social media
Understanding the cause helps you prevent future spam calls as well.
1. Enable Built-In Spam Protection on Your Phone
Both Android and iPhone include built-in spam detection features. Turning them on reduces most unwanted calls automatically.
Android (Google Phone app)
- Open the Phone app
- Tap the three dots (Menu)
- Go to Settings
- Select Caller ID and Spam
- Enable both:
- Filter spam calls
- Caller ID and spam protection
- Filter spam calls
This feature identifies spam numbers before the phone even rings.
iPhone
- Go to Settings
- Scroll down to Phone
- Tap Silence Unknown Callers
- Turn it on
Any number that is not in your contacts, messages, or recent calls will be silenced.
2. Block Numbers Manually on Your Phone
If a specific spam number keeps calling you, block it instantly.
Android
- Open the Phone app
- Long press the number
- Tap Block or Report Spam
iPhone
- Open the Phone app
- Go to Recents
- Tap the “i” next to the number
- Select Block this Caller
Once blocked, the number cannot call you again.
3. Use Carrier Spam Protection Services
Network providers offer powerful spam-blocking features. These are often more accurate than phone-based blocking.
Jio (India)
Use the “JioSecurity” or the built-in spam filter in MyJio.
Airtel
Use “Airtel Call Manager” or the spam filter inside Airtel Thanks.
Vi (Vodafone Idea)
Use Vi App → Call Filter → Enable spam block.
AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile (USA)
- AT&T Call Protect
- Verizon Call Filter
- T-Mobile Scam Shield
Carrier-level blocking prevents spam calls from reaching you at all.
4. Install a Trusted Call Blocking App
Third-party apps have large databases of known spam callers. They automatically identify and block unwanted calls.
The best apps include:
- Truecaller
- Hiya
- CallApp
- Should I Answer
- Whoscall
Why third-party apps work well:
- They identify spam instantly
- Show the name behind unknown numbers
- Block robocalls and fraud calls
- Auto-update daily spam databases
- Allow custom block lists
Truecaller is the most accurate and widely used option.
5. Silence Calls from Unknown Numbers
If you do not want calls from anyone outside your contact list, enable silent mode for unknown or hidden numbers.
Android
Phone App → Settings → Blocked Numbers →
Turn on “Block calls from unidentified callers”.
iPhone
Settings → Phone → Silence Unknown Callers → Turn on.
This is one of the strongest methods to stop spam calls instantly.
6. Register Your Number on “Do Not Call” Lists
Many countries have regulations to prevent telemarketing companies from calling registered numbers.
India – DND (Do Not Disturb)
Send SMS:
START 0
to 1909
This blocks promotional and marketing calls.
USA – Do Not Call Registry
Visit: donotcall.gov
Add your number for long-term protection.
This won’t stop scammers but reduces legitimate marketing calls significantly.
7. Disable Call Forwarding and VoIP Linking
Some spam calls happen when your number is linked to VoIP apps or call forwarding.
Check and disable unnecessary call forwarding:
Android/iPhone
Dial:
*#21#
This shows if call forwarding is active.
To disable:
##21#
8. Avoid Sharing Your Number on Untrusted Websites
Many spam callers get your number from online forms or unsafe apps.
To prevent this:
- Do not post your number publicly
- Avoid entering your number on unknown websites
- Do not install apps from unofficial sources
- Check an app’s data-sharing permission before installing
The less you share your number, the fewer spam calls you’ll receive.
9. Remove Your Number from Social Media Profiles
Many people unknowingly display their phone numbers on:
- Facebook
- Instagram
- WhatsApp groups
- LinkedIn
- Twitter/X
Go to each platform and remove your number from the public view.
Only keep it private or visible only to yourself.
10. Report Spam Numbers
Reporting spam helps networks block them for everyone.
Android
When you block a number, select “Report Spam”.
iPhone
If using a third-party blocker (like Truecaller), report the number inside the app.
Your report updates global spam databases.
11. Change Your Number (Last Option Only)
If spam calls are too frequent and none of the above methods work, changing your number can give you a fresh start.
This is not common but can solve severe spam attack cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why am I getting so many spam calls every day?
Your number may be in a marketing database, leaked online, or generated randomly by telemarketing systems.
2. How can I block unknown numbers automatically?
Use Silence Unknown Callers on iPhone or Google’s Caller ID and Spam Protection on Android.
3. Do call blocking apps really work?
Yes. Apps like Truecaller and Hiya use large spam databases to identify and block unwanted calls instantly.
4. Will DND stop all spam calls?
DND blocks promotional calls, but scam calls may still come. Use additional spam protection for complete blocking.
5. Can I stop international spam calls?
Yes, by enabling carrier spam protection and blocking unknown international numbers from phone settings.
