How to Stop Spam Calls and Texts on Your Phone (Step by Step)
Step-by-Step Guide
Enable Silence Unknown Callers on iPhone
On iPhone: Go to Settings → Phone → Silence Unknown Callers → toggle it ON. This sends calls from numbers not in your contacts straight to voicemail. They can still leave a message, but you won't be interrupted by every robocall.
Use Call Screening on Android
On Android (especially Google Pixel phones): The Phone app has a built-in 'Call Screen' feature. When an unknown number calls, tap 'Screen call' and Google Assistant will ask why they're calling — you hear the response and decide whether to pick up. On Samsung: Go to Phone → Settings → Block numbers → Block calls from unknown numbers.
Register with the National Do Not Call Registry
Go to donotcall.gov and register your phone number for free. This is a legitimate U.S. government service that reduces telemarketing calls. While it doesn't stop all robocalls and scammers, it significantly reduces legitimate marketing calls.
Block Individual Numbers That Keep Calling
On iPhone: Go to your recent calls, tap the (i) next to the number, scroll down, tap 'Block this Caller.' On Android: Open Phone app → Recent → tap the number → Block/report spam. Each blocked number will never reach you again.
Deal with Spam Text Messages
Never click links in suspicious texts. To block a number on iPhone: Open the text → tap the number at the top → Block this Caller. To report spam on iPhone: Tap 'Report Junk' on messages from unknown senders. On Android: Open the text → tap the three dots → Block & report spam.