By Sam Michal, Technology Reporter
Published: July 12, 2025

Spam calls—robocalls, telemarketers, and scams—are a persistent nuisance, with Americans receiving over 2.2 billion spam calls monthly, according to recent estimates. Whether you’re using an iPhone, Android, or landline, there are effective ways to block these unwanted interruptions and protect your privacy. This guide covers built-in phone features, carrier tools, third-party apps, and more to help you reclaim your phone in 2025.

Why Spam Calls Are a Problem

Spam calls are more than annoying—they pose risks like phishing, identity theft, and financial scams. Scammers often use spoofed numbers to mimic local or trusted contacts, making it hard to distinguish legitimate calls. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) reports that billions of unwanted calls are blocked annually, yet scammers adapt quickly, cycling through new numbers. Here’s how to fight back using device-specific tools, carrier services, and proactive measures.

Block Spam Calls on iPhone

iPhones offer robust built-in tools to block spam calls, updated through iOS 18 in 2025:

1. Block Individual Numbers:
   • Open the Phone app and go to Recents.
   • Tap the Info icon (i) next to the number.
   • Scroll down and tap Block this Caller > Block Contact.
     Note: This works for repeat callers but is less effective against scammers using different numbers.
2. Silence Unknown Callers:
   • Go to Settings > Phone > Silence Unknown Callers and toggle it on.
   • Calls from numbers not in your contacts, recent calls, or Siri Suggestions (e.g., numbers from emails or texts) go to voicemail and appear in Recents.
   • Caution: This may block legitimate calls (e.g., from doctors or delivery services). Emergency calls temporarily disable this feature for 24 hours.
3. Enable Call Blocking & Identification:
   • Go to Settings > Apps > Phone > Call Blocking & Identification.
   • Turn on Business Call Identification (via Apple Business Connect or your carrier) and Silence Junk Callers (carrier-dependent) to flag or block spam calls.
   • Install third-party apps like Truecaller or Nomorobo and enable them here for enhanced filtering.
4. Use Carrier Codes:
   • T-Mobile users can dial #662# to block suspected spam calls network-wide.

Block Spam Calls on Android

Android devices, including Samsung, Pixel, and others, provide flexible spam-blocking options:

1. Block Individual Numbers:
   • Open the Phone app and go to Recents.
   • Tap the number, then the Info icon (i) or three-dot menu.
   • Select Block or Report as Spam and confirm. Some devices let you categorize the spam type (e.g., telemarketing).
2. Enable Caller ID & Spam Protection:
   • Open the Phone app > three-dot menu > Settings > Caller ID & Spam or Spam and Call Screen.
   • Toggle on See Caller and Spam ID and Filter Spam Calls. Blocked calls go to Call History or voicemail without ringing.
3. Block Unknown Callers:
   • On Samsung devices (One UI 1.1+), go to Phone > three-dot menu > Settings > Block Numbers > toggle Block Calls from Unknown Numbers.
   • On Pixel devices (Android 15), go to Phone > Settings > Blocked Numbers > toggle Unknown.
     Note: This may block legitimate unknown callers, so review your Recents list periodically.
4. Use Samsung Smart Call:
   • On Samsung Galaxy phones, enable Smart Call (Phone > Settings > Block Numbers) to flag or block suspected spam calls using Samsung’s and Google’s data.
5. Carrier Codes:
   • T-Mobile users can dial #662# to activate network-level spam blocking.

Block Spam Calls on Landlines

Landline users, including those with VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol), have several options:

1. Use Star Codes:
   • Dial #77 to reject calls without caller ID (anonymous or private numbers).
   • Dial #60 to block specific numbers (check with your provider for availability).
2. Carrier Tools:
   • Contact your provider (e.g., CenturyLink, Comcast, Spectrum) for services like No Solicitation, Security Screen, or Call Rejection. These may require a security code or subscription. For example, CenturyLink’s No Solicitation asks solicitors to hang up, while Call Rejection blocks listed numbers.
3. Third-Party Services:
   • Use Nomorobo for VoIP landlines to block robocalls after one ring. It’s free for VoIP or $1.99/month for mobile.

Carrier-Provided Tools

Major carriers offer free and paid spam-blocking services:

• AT&T ActiveArmor: Free app (iOS/Android) filters spam, labels telemarketers, and sends unknown callers to voicemail. The $3.99/month version adds VPN and identity monitoring.
• T-Mobile Scam Shield: Free for T-Mobile/Metro customers, it flags “Scam Likely” calls and offers a proxy number for privacy. Premium ($4/month) includes voicemail-to-text and category blocking. Dial #662# to enable.
• Verizon Call Filter: Free version flags spam; $3.99/month adds caller ID and a personal block list. Available for compatible iOS/Android devices.
• U.S. Cellular CallGuardian: Free advanced filtering for spam and illegal calls.

Check your carrier’s website or call customer service for setup instructions.

Third-Party Apps

Apps like Truecaller, Nomorobo, and Hiya enhance spam protection:

• Truecaller: Identifies 46.9 billion spam calls annually, offering auto-blocking and daily spam list updates. Free with premium options for advanced features.
• Nomorobo: Blocks robocalls after one ring; free 14-day trial, then $1.99/month or $19.99/year for mobile.
• Hiya: Free caller ID and spam-blocking for mobile, used by some carriers.

Download from the App Store or Google Play, but review privacy policies, as some apps access your contacts.

National Do Not Call Registry

Register your number at donotcall.gov or call 1-888-382-1222 to reduce telemarketing calls. It’s free but won’t stop scammers, who ignore regulations. You can also text “START” to 1909 (in some regions, like India) to opt out of specific call categories.

Additional Tips

• Don’t Answer Unknown Calls: Answering confirms your number is active, increasing spam. Let calls go to voicemail.
• Report Spam: Forward spam texts to 7726 (SPAM) or report robocalls at fcc.gov/complaints.
• Be Cautious with Your Number: Avoid sharing it on public forms or untrusted websites. Check privacy policies before submitting.
• Use a Virtual Number: Services like Google Voice or T-Mobile’s proxy number protect your real number.
• Screen Calls: Pixel phones’ Call Screen or Telus’ “press 1” feature filter calls before they ring.

Limitations and Cautions

• Overblocking Risk: Silencing unknown callers may block legitimate calls (e.g., from hospitals or delivery drivers). Review your voicemail regularly.
• Scammer Tactics: Spoofed numbers change frequently, making manual blocking less effective. Apps and carrier tools are more proactive.
• Privacy Concerns: Some apps access contacts or call data. Read privacy policies before installing.

Community Sentiment

X users express frustration with spam calls but praise solutions like Truecaller for auto-blocking (@shiladitya, @Flanchich) and Pixel’s call screening for reducing spam to “fewer than one a month” (@Nofuturephoto). Others recommend carrier tools like Telus’ press-1 feature to eliminate spam instantly (@MikeRWhiskey).

Take Control of Your Phone

Blocking spam calls requires a mix of built-in features, carrier tools, and vigilance. Start with your phone’s settings, explore carrier apps, and consider third-party solutions for extra protection. By combining these methods and staying cautious, you can significantly reduce unwanted calls and keep your phone a safe space.