Receiving multiple spam calls a day can be extremely frustrating. If you're all too familiar with this issue and want to learn how to stop spam calls on your iPhone or Android, we've got you covered. We've put together this simple guide so you can say goodbye to spammers, once and for all.
What Are Spam Calls?
Spam calls are undesired calls that try to sell you something, scam you, or trick you into giving personal information. These elements are common in spam calls:
- An unknown number or suspicious caller ID
- A sense of urgency or pressure to take action
- A request for sensitive information (credit card, passwords, etc.)
- Offers that sound too good to be true
- Robocall clues like automatic recordings
If you identify these elements, proceed with caution. Don't press buttons on a robocall or share personal information, and hang up immediately.
Why Am I Getting So Many Spam Calls?
The number of spam calls reported has generally been rising. Here are a few factors that make it more likely for your number to end up on spam call lists:
- Online Sharing: If you've shared your number online in the past, this will make it easier for spammers to access it.
- Number Leaks: If you've given your number to a retailer or service provider and they have a data breach, your number will also be more accessible.
- Auto-dialers: Spammers also use machines that dial random numbers. If you pick up, spammers will know your number is live, making it more likely to be targeted in the future.
- Recycled Numbers: If your number belonged to someone else before you, it might have already ended up on spam lists.
How to Stop Spam Calls
Block and report spam calls you receive, Photo by NordWood Themes from Unsplash
General Rules
Here are general rules to follow after getting a spam call:
- Block the number on your phone: You'll generally have to open your phone app, tap on your recent calls, tap the number or "info" next to it, and then tap block. The caller won't be able to contact you going forward.
- Report the call: In the US, the FTC is the best place to report spam, while in Canada, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre is ideal.
- Mark it as spam: Your phone might allow you to report a number as spam or junk.
While this will help stop spam calls from a specific number, these steps will not help block future spam calls from other numbers.
Carrier Spam Protection
Many carriers block nuisance calls automatically or offer spam-blocking services. Check your account settings or call your carrier for more information on available options.
Third-Party Options
If this still doesn't work, you might need to use third-party apps or services to get the job done. Here are a few options to consider:
- Incogni: Incogni is a data removal service that helps reduce spam by contacting data brokers and requesting the removal of your personal information.
- Robokiller: Robokiller is a call and text-blocking app that filters spam calls and uses answer bots to waste the spammer's time.
- Nomorobo: Nomorobo screens calls and texts using a huge denylist. It blocks spam calls while allowing legitimate calls through.
In the following sections, we'll cover how to limit future spam calls on iPhone and Android.
How to Stop Spam Calls on iPhone
Besides blocking spam calls, utilizing your carrier's spam protection and third-party applications, there are also some settings on your iPhone that you can modify.
Silence Unknown Callers
Here are the steps to follow to silence calls from unknown callers:
- Go to Settings
- Tap Apps
- Tap Phone
- Turn on Silence Unknown Callers
Filter Unknown Messages
Follow these simple steps to filter unknown messages as well:
- Go to Settings
- Tap Apps
- Tap Messages
- Turn on Filter Unknown Senders
How to Stop Spam Calls on Android
Androids have a couple of settings that can help you limit the frustration from spam calls. Paired with call blocking, carrier spam protection, and third-party applications we discussed, this should maximize your chances of peace.
Silence Unknown Callers
While all Androids have slightly different menus, here are the general steps to follow to silence unknown callers:
- Go to the Phone app
- Tap Settings
- Tap Blocked numbers
- Turn on Unknown to block calls from numbers not in your contacts
Enable Caller ID & Spam Protection
You can also enable caller ID and spam protection with these simple steps:
- Go to the Phone app
- Tap the three dots (more)
- Tap Settings
- Tap Caller ID & spam
- Turn on Filter spam calls (or similar option)
Do eSIMs Expose You to Spam Calls?
No, eSIMs don't directly affect the number of spam calls. The number of spam calls you receive depends on whether your phone number has been exposed, not your SIM type.
Related Read: 3 Common SIM Card Hacks and How To Avoid Them
Ultimately, stopping spam calls is all about layering your defenses by blocking, reporting, and staying mindful of what information you share. While no method will completely eliminate them, small steps can reduce the noise. And if you're traveling or juggling multiple numbers, using an eSIM can add another layer of control by letting you manage separate lines more easily. With the right tools and habits, you can spend less time dodging unwanted calls and more time enjoying the conversations that matter.
You're all set to start experiencing a (hopefully) spam-free phone experience!
FAQ
How can I check if a number is spam?
You can check if a number is spam by googling or using spam phone number lookup tools.
Is it better to decline or ignore spam calls?
It's better to ignore the spam call, as declining it will tell spammers your number is still in use.
What happens if I answer a spam call?
If you answer a spam call, you'll likely get targeted by more spammers, as this indicates your number is active. Depending on what information you gave them, you could also be the victim of identity theft or other scams.
