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How to Block Spam Calls on Android or iPhone

In today’s digital age, unwanted spam calls have become an annoying and pervasive problem. Whether it’s telemarketers, scammers, or robocalls, these interruptions can disrupt your day and even pose a risk to your personal information. Fortunately, both Android and iPhone offer several built-in features and third-party apps to effectively block spam calls and reclaim your peace of mind. This comprehensive guide will walk you through various methods to identify, block, and manage unwanted calls on your smartphone.

Why Are Spam Calls Such a Problem?

Spam calls are more than just a nuisance; they represent a real threat to your security and well-being. Here’s why you should take them seriously:

• Annoyance and Interruption: Spam calls disrupt your work, leisure, and sleep, causing unnecessary stress.
• Scams and Fraud: Many spam calls are attempts to defraud you by posing as legitimate organizations or individuals. They may try to steal your personal information, such as credit card numbers, social security numbers, or bank account details.
• Robocalls: These automated calls can flood your phone with pre-recorded messages, often promoting dubious products or services.
• Phishing: Some spam calls are designed to trick you into revealing sensitive information through deceptive tactics.

Identifying Spam Calls

Before you can block spam calls, you need to be able to identify them. Here are some common characteristics of spam calls:

• Unknown or Suspicious Numbers: Calls from numbers you don’t recognize, especially those with unusual area codes or prefixes, are often spam.
• Repeated Calls: Spammers often call multiple times in a short period, hoping to catch you off guard.
• Silence or Delay: When you answer, there may be a pause or silence before a person or automated message comes on the line.
• Requests for Personal Information: Legitimate organizations rarely ask for sensitive information over the phone, especially if they initiated the call.
• Threats or Urgency: Scammers often use threats or a sense of urgency to pressure you into making a quick decision.

Blocking Spam Calls on Android

Android offers several built-in features and third-party apps to block spam calls effectively. Here’s a breakdown of the most common methods:

1. Using the Built-in Phone App

Most Android phones have a built-in feature that allows you to block specific numbers. Here’s how:

1. Open the Phone app: Launch the default phone app on your Android device.
2. Go to Call History: Tap on the “Recents” or “Call History” tab.
3. Select the Number: Find the spam number you want to block.
4. Block the Number: Tap on the number, then select “Block” or “Block number”. You may also find this option by tapping the three dots (menu) and then selecting “Block.”
5. Confirm Blocking: Confirm your decision to block the number.

Example: If you received a call from 555-123-4567, you would find this number in your call history and block it using the steps above.

2. Using Caller ID & Spam Protection

Many Android phones, especially those with Google’s Phone app, have built-in caller ID and spam protection features:

1. Open the Phone app: Launch the default phone app on your Android device.
2. Access Settings: Tap the three dots (menu) in the top right corner and select “Settings.”
3. Caller ID & Spam: Look for an option like “Caller ID & Spam” or “Spam Filter.”
4. Enable the Feature: Turn on the “Filter spam calls” or similar option.

This feature uses Google’s database of known spam numbers to identify and automatically block or flag potential spam calls. You can also manually report spam numbers to help improve the accuracy of the filter.

3. Using Third-Party Spam Blocker Apps

Several third-party apps offer advanced spam blocking features. These apps often use extensive databases and algorithms to identify and block a wider range of spam calls. Here are some popular options:

• Truecaller: This popular app identifies unknown callers and blocks spam calls automatically. It also allows you to search for numbers and report spam calls. Truecaller has a large community-based spam list.
• Hiya: Hiya identifies calls you want to take and blocks numbers you want to avoid. It offers real-time caller ID and automatic spam blocking.
• Nomorobo: Nomorobo specializes in blocking robocalls using a database of known robocall numbers. It screens calls and blocks those identified as robocalls.
• RoboKiller: RoboKiller not only blocks spam calls but also answers them with pre-recorded messages to waste the spammers’ time. This can help reduce the number of spam calls you receive.

To use these apps:

1. Download the App: Download and install the app from the Google Play Store.
2. Grant Permissions: Grant the app the necessary permissions, such as access to your phone calls and contacts.
3. Configure Settings: Configure the app’s settings to your preferences, such as the level of spam blocking and caller ID display.

These spam blocker apps often offer features like reverse phone lookup, allowing you to identify unknown numbers before answering.

4. Blocking Unknown Numbers

If you are consistently receiving spam calls from unknown numbers, you can block all calls from numbers not in your contacts. This is a more aggressive approach, but it can be effective in stopping most spam calls.

However, this method may also block legitimate calls from people or businesses not in your contacts. Consider this carefully before implementing it.

You can usually find this option in your phone’s settings or by using a third-party app that offers this feature.

Blocking Spam Calls on iPhone

iPhones also provide several methods to block spam calls, including built-in features and third-party apps.

1. Blocking Specific Numbers

Like Android, iPhones allow you to block specific numbers directly from the Phone app:

1. Open the Phone app: Launch the default phone app on your iPhone.
2. Go to Recent Calls: Tap on the “Recents” tab.
3. Find the Number: Locate the spam number you want to block.
4. Tap the Information Icon: Tap the “i” icon next to the number.
5. Scroll Down and Block: Scroll down and tap “Block this Caller.”
6. Confirm Blocking: Confirm your decision to block the number.

Example: If a call from 123-456-7890 is identified as spam, you can block it by following these steps.

2. Silence Unknown Callers

iOS 13 and later versions offer a “Silence Unknown Callers” feature. When enabled, this feature sends calls from numbers not in your contacts to voicemail. If the caller leaves a message and you determine it’s a legitimate call, you can call them back.

1. Open Settings: Go to the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Tap Phone: Scroll down and tap on “Phone.”
3. Silence Unknown Callers: Scroll down and tap “Silence Unknown Callers.”
4. Enable the Feature: Turn on the “Silence Unknown Callers” toggle.

This feature helps reduce interruptions from spam calls but may also send legitimate calls to voicemail.

3. Using Third-Party Spam Blocker Apps

Similar to Android, several third-party apps offer advanced spam blocking features for iPhones. These apps use databases and algorithms to identify and block spam calls. Some popular options include:

• Truecaller: The same popular app available on Android is also available on iOS.
• Hiya: Another cross-platform app offering caller ID and spam blocking.
• Nomorobo: A dedicated robocall blocker.
• RoboKiller: Blocks and answers spam calls, wasting spammers’ time.

To use these apps:

1. Download the App: Download and install the app from the App Store.
2. Grant Permissions: Grant the app the necessary permissions, such as access to your phone calls and contacts.
3. Enable Call Blocking and Identification: Go to Settings > Phone > Call Blocking & Identification. Enable the toggles for the spam blocker apps you have installed.

These apps work by identifying incoming calls against their spam databases and blocking or flagging potential spam calls.

4. Reporting Spam Calls

Reporting spam calls can help improve the accuracy of spam filters and protect other users from unwanted calls. You can report spam calls to your carrier or to government agencies like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

• Report to Your Carrier: Contact your mobile carrier and ask about their spam reporting options.
• Report to the FTC: File a complaint with the FTC at ftc.gov/complaint.

Tips to Minimize Spam Calls

In addition to blocking spam calls, here are some tips to reduce the number of unwanted calls you receive:

• Don’t Answer Unknown Numbers: If you don’t recognize the number, let it go to voicemail. If it’s a legitimate call, they’ll leave a message.
• Don’t Respond to Spam Messages: Responding to spam messages, even to unsubscribe, can confirm your number is active and lead to more spam.
• Be Cautious About Sharing Your Number: Avoid sharing your phone number on public websites or in online forms unless necessary.
• Register on the National Do Not Call Registry: While this may not stop all spam calls, it can reduce the number of legitimate telemarketing calls you receive. Register at donotcall.gov.

Conclusion

Spam calls are a persistent problem, but with the right tools and strategies, you can effectively block and manage unwanted calls on your Android or iPhone. By using built-in features, third-party apps, and following the tips outlined in this guide, you can reclaim your peace of mind and protect yourself from scams and fraud. Remember to stay vigilant and adapt your strategies as spammers continue to evolve their tactics. Implementing a spam blocker app can greatly reduce the number of unwanted calls you receive.

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