How To Block Spam Calls On Iphone

Blocking spam calls on an iPhone is an effective way to reduce unwanted interruptions and protect yourself from potential scams. Apple offers several options to help you manage and reduce spam calls, including built-in settings, third-party apps, and carrier services. This guide will walk you through the steps to block spam calls on your iPhone.

Using Built-In iPhone Features to Block Spam Calls

Silence Unknown Callers

Starting with iOS 13, Apple introduced the Silence Unknown Callers feature, which automatically silences calls from unknown numbers and sends them directly to voicemail. This is an easy way to avoid spam calls, especially if you rarely receive calls from unfamiliar numbers.

How to Enable Silence Unknown Callers

1. Open Settings: Go to the Settings app on your iPhone.

2. Select Phone: Scroll down and tap on Phone.

3. Enable Silence Unknown Callers: Toggle on Silence Unknown Callers.

When this feature is enabled, calls from people in your contacts, recent calls, and Siri suggestions will still ring. However, calls from unknown numbers that are not in your contacts or recent calls list will go directly to voicemail. You’ll still see these calls in your call log, so you can check if they were legitimate or important.

Blocking Specific Numbers

If you’re receiving repeated spam calls from the same number, you can block it manually. Once blocked, calls from that number won’t ring, and the caller will be sent directly to voicemail.

How to Block a Specific Number

1. Go to the Recent Calls List: Open the Phone app and tap Recents at the bottom of the screen.

2. Find the Spam Caller: Locate the number you want to block.

3. Block the Number: Tap the "i" icon next to the number, scroll down, and tap Block this Caller.

Blocked callers won’t receive a notification that they’ve been blocked, and they’ll still be able to leave voicemails if they call.

Using Do Not Disturb to Limit Spam Calls

The Do Not Disturb feature can be customized to allow calls only from your contacts, reducing interruptions from unknown callers.

How to Set Up Do Not Disturb to Block Spam Calls

1. Open Settings: Go to Settings and select Focus (in iOS 15 or later) or Do Not Disturb (in earlier versions).

2. Enable Do Not Disturb: Toggle on Do Not Disturb.

3. Set Call Allowances:

In the People section, select Allowed People Only to allow calls only from your contacts.

You can also create a custom list of contacts who can reach you when Do Not Disturb is active.

This will block calls from unknown callers, including most spam calls, while still allowing calls from saved contacts to ring.

Using Third-Party Spam Call Blocking Apps

Several third-party apps specialize in identifying and blocking spam calls. Many of these apps maintain databases of known spam numbers, which are updated regularly to provide better protection.

Popular Spam Call Blocking Apps

1. Hiya: This app blocks spam calls and provides caller ID information, helping you identify unknown numbers.

2. Truecaller: Known for its extensive spam database, Truecaller flags and blocks spam calls, including robocalls and telemarketers.

3. RoboKiller: RoboKiller actively blocks spam calls and offers a feature to play prerecorded messages to spam callers.

Most of these apps are free to download, but some offer premium versions with additional features.

How to Set Up a Spam Call Blocking App

1. Download the App: Visit the App Store, search for your preferred spam blocking app (e.g., Hiya, Truecaller, or RoboKiller), and install it.

2. Open Settings: After installing, go to Settings > Phone > Call Blocking & Identification.

3. Enable the App: Toggle on the app you installed to allow it to block calls and identify spam numbers.

The app will now help filter spam calls based on its database of known spam numbers. These apps usually offer updates to keep up with new spam numbers.

Using Carrier-Provided Spam Filtering Services

Many carriers offer spam filtering services directly on your phone network, helping to reduce spam calls before they reach your iPhone.

Carrier-Based Spam Filtering Services

1. AT&T Call Protect: Automatically blocks fraud calls and provides warnings for suspected spam calls.

2. Verizon Call Filter: Blocks spam calls and offers caller ID features to identify unknown numbers.

3. T-Mobile Scam Shield: Flags and blocks scam calls, offering options to silence or reject known spam numbers.

How to Activate Carrier Spam Blocking

1. Check Your Carrier’s App: Most carriers provide a dedicated app or an option in their account settings where you can enable spam blocking. Download the app (e.g., AT&T Call Protect, Verizon Call Filter, or T-Mobile Scam Shield) and follow the setup instructions.

2. Activate Spam Blocking: Within the app, enable the spam blocking feature. Some carriers offer premium versions for added protection or advanced caller ID.

Using carrier-based spam filtering can be very effective because it works directly through your mobile network.

Reporting Spam Calls

Reporting spam calls helps improve databases for both Apple and third-party apps, as well as carriers, enabling them to better recognize and block spam in the future.

How to Report Spam Calls on iPhone

1. Use the Phone App: If a spam call comes through, tap Recents in the Phone app to see the number.

2. Report as Spam: Some third-party apps like Truecaller allow you to report numbers directly. Simply follow the reporting process within the app.

Apple also provides a way to report spam messages within the Messages app. If you receive spam messages, you’ll see a Report Junk option, which sends the information to Apple and your carrier.

Additional Tips for Reducing Spam Calls

1. Avoid Sharing Your Phone Number: Be cautious about sharing your number online or on websites that may sell your information.

2. Register with the National Do Not Call Registry: If you're in the U.S., add your number to the Do Not Call Registry (donotcall.gov) to reduce telemarketing calls.

3. Be Wary of Unknown Calls: Avoid answering calls from numbers you don’t recognize. If it’s important, they’ll likely leave a message.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Q: Will callers know they’ve been blocked?

A: No, when you block a caller, they won’t receive any notification. Calls will simply go to voicemail.

2. Q: Can spam callers leave voicemails even if they’re blocked?

A: Yes, blocked callers can still leave voicemails. These messages are usually filtered into a “Blocked Messages” folder within your Voicemail section.

3. Q: Are spam blocking apps safe?

A: Reputable spam blocking apps like Hiya, Truecaller, and RoboKiller are generally safe. Check user reviews and privacy policies to ensure you’re comfortable with how the app handles your data.

4. Q: Do I need multiple spam blocking apps?

A: It’s usually not necessary to have multiple apps, as they may conflict or overlap. Start with one app to see if it meets your needs.

Conclusion

Blocking spam calls on an iPhone can greatly reduce unwanted disruptions and help keep you safe from potential scams. By using features like Silence Unknown Callers, Do Not Disturb, third-party spam blocking apps, and carrier services, you can customize a level of spam protection that works best for you. Remember to explore all options available on your iPhone and through your carrier for the most effective spam blocking strategy.