How to stop spam calls on iPhone and Android
In short
- On iPhone with iOS 26, go to Settings, Apps, Phone, and set Screen Unknown Callers to Ask Reason for Calling or Silence.
- In Google’s Phone app, caller ID and spam protection is on by default; turn on Filter spam calls, or use Call Screen where it’s offered.
- Silencing unknown callers can also silence calls you want, such as a verification code by voice call.
Spam calls often follow a number that has leaked or been sold. Your phone can screen most of them.
iPhone
- In iOS 26, go to Settings, then Apps, then Phone, and choose a Screen Unknown Callers option: Never, Ask Reason for Calling, or Silence.
- Ask Reason for Calling answers unknown callers for you and shows what they say before you pick up.
- Silence sends unknown callers to voicemail and lists them under Unknown Callers.
- Older versions of iOS have a single Silence Unknown Callers switch in the Phone settings.
Android with Google’s Phone app
- Caller ID and spam protection is on by default and warns you about likely spam.
- Turn on Filter spam calls: filtered calls don’t ring or notify you, but stay in your call history.
- On phones with Call Screen, Google can screen unknown numbers for you; automatic screening is US-only and in English.
- If a real call is marked as spam, open it and tap Not spam.
Don’t miss the calls you want
Silencing unknown callers can also silence a delivery driver, a surgery, or a verification code by voice call. If you’re waiting for one, switch to asking for a reason, or turn screening off for a while. See codes by voice call.
Cut spam at the source
In the UK, register with the Telephone Preference Service, and keep your main number off sign-up forms: see keeping your number private. A one-time number from ReserveSMS takes sign-up codes instead, from $1.
Common questions
How do I stop spam calls on iPhone?
In iOS 26, go to Settings, Apps, Phone and set Screen Unknown Callers to Ask Reason for Calling or Silence. Older versions have Silence Unknown Callers.
How do I filter spam calls on Android?
In Google’s Phone app, turn on Filter spam calls. Caller ID and spam protection is on by default.
Will silencing unknown callers block verification calls?
It can. A code by voice call comes from a number you haven’t saved, so turn screening down while you wait for one.