How to Block Spam Calls and Texts Effectively

Spam calls and unwanted text messages have become one of the most frustrating parts of owning a phone. Whether it’s phishing attempts, or marketing texts you never signed up for, these interruptions aren’t just annoying, they can also be risky. The good news is that you can take control.

Below is a practical guide to blocking spam calls and texts effectively, using tools already built into your phone plus a few extra strategies that make a big difference.

Why You Get Spam Calls and Texts

Spam happens because your number is stored, sold, or guessed by automated dialing systems. Fortunately, modern smartphones and carriers now offer strong ways to block, filter, and report unwanted communications.

1.Enable Built-In Spam Protection on Your Phone

For iPhone

1. Open Settings.
2. Scroll to Phone.
3. Tap Silence Unknown Callers.
4. Turn the toggle ON.
   • Calls from numbers not in your contacts, recent outgoing calls, or Siri suggestions go straight to voicemail.

To filter texts:

1. Go to Settings → Messages.
2. Enable Filter Unknown Senders.
   • Messages from numbers not in your contacts move to a separate tab.

For Android

(Steps vary slightly by manufacturer, but most are similar.)

To block spam calls:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Tap the three dots (menu) → Settings.
3. Select Spam and Call Screen or Caller ID & Spam.
4. Turn on Filter Spam Calls or Block Spam and Scam Calls.

To block spam messages:

1. Open the Messages app.
2. Tap the three dots → Spam protection.
3. Turn Spam Protection ON.

2. Block Specific Numbers Manually

On iPhone

1. Open Phone or Messages.
2. Tap the number.
3. Scroll and tap Block this Caller.

On Android

1. Open Phone or Messages.
2. Long-press or open the number.
3. Tap Block or Block & Report Spam.

3. Use Carrier-Provided Spam Blocking Tools

Most major carriers offer free or premium spam protection apps:

• AT&T: Call Protect / ActiveArmor
• Verizon: Call Filter
• T-Mobile: Scam Shield

How to enable:

Enable caller ID and fraud alerts.

Download your carrier’s app from the App Store or Google Play.

Sign in with your phone number.

Turn on auto-blocking for high-risk or suspected scam calls.

4. Use Third-Party Call Blocking Apps

These apps use advanced databases to identify and block spam:

• Hiya
• Truecaller
• RoboKiller
• Nomorobo

Tip: Free versions work well, but premium tiers offer automatic blocking and real-time spam databases.

5. Register Your Number on the Do Not Call List

This doesn’t stop scammers, but it does reduce legitimate telemarketing calls.

In the U.S.:

1. Visit donotcall.gov.
2. Register your phone number.
3. Report companies that continue to call.

6. Don’t Interact With Spam Messages

If you receive a suspicious text:

• Do not reply, even if it says “text STOP to unsubscribe.”
• Do not click any links.
• Do not share personal information.

Instead:

• On iPhone: long-press → Report Junk.
• On Android: long-press → Report Spam.

7. Avoid Giving Your Number Out Thoughtlessly

Reduce future spam by:

• Using two-factor apps instead of SMS where possible.
• Avoiding putting your number on social media or public websites.
• Using a secondary number for signups (e.g., Google Voice).

Spam calls and texts aren’t going away anytime soon, but with the right tools and habits, you can eliminate most of them. Start with your phone’s built-in protections, add carrier or third-party apps if needed, and stay alert to suspicious messages.