In this article, we will show you how to block spam calls and protect your phone from unwanted interruptions.

How to stop spam calls – spam calls are a major annoyance, and they seem to come at all hours of the day. Whether it’s a robocall selling something you don’t need or an automated scam call, these interruptions can disrupt your day and even put your privacy at risk.

Fortunately, there are effective ways to block these unwanted calls. In this article, we’ll walk you through how to block spam calls and protect your phone from future disruptions.

See Also: 6 Ways to Block Your Number on iPhone, Android, and Landlines and USSD

What Are Spam Calls?

Spam calls refer to unsolicited phone calls that often come from automated systems. These calls are typically designed to sell products, offer services, or, worse, scam you. They might be from telemarketers, robocallers, or fraudulent entities. The key is that these calls are unwanted and often come from unknown or suspicious numbers.

Why Do You Get Spam Calls?

Spam calls can occur for several reasons:

1. Telemarketing: Companies looking to sell products or services will often use automated systems to call as many people as possible.
2. Scams: Some spam calls are from fraudulent businesses trying to steal your personal or financial information.
3. Data Harvesting: Your phone number may have been sold or shared with third-party companies that engage in marketing campaigns.

See Also: 5 Steps to Block a Number on iPhone

How to Block Spam Calls on Your Smartphone

Blocking spam calls on your smartphone doesn’t have to be complicated. Let’s explore how you can block them on both Android and iPhone.

1. Use Built-in Features

How to block spam calls in Android:

Most Android phones come with built-in options to block spam calls. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Open the Phone app on your Android phone.
2. Tap the three dots (menu) in the top-right corner.
3. Go to Settings > Blocked numbers.
4. From here, you can manually add phone numbers to block, or toggle the option to block suspected spam calls.

How to block spam calls in iPhone:

iPhone users have similar features to block spam calls. Here’s how:

1. Open the Phone app and go to the Recents tab.
2. Tap the i next to the number you want to block.
3. Scroll down and tap Block this Caller.
4. You can also enable the “Silence Unknown Callers” feature in Settings > Phone, which will automatically silence calls from numbers that aren’t in your contacts, Siri Suggestions, or recent calls.

See Also: 5 Steps to Block a Number on iPhone

2. How to block spam calls Using Call Blocking App

Sometimes, built-in features aren’t enough to keep the spam calls at bay. In such cases, third-party call-blocking apps can help filter out those pesky calls more effectively.

Some popular and reliable call-blocking apps include:

• Truecaller: Truecaller identifies spam and robocalls and automatically blocks them, preventing the phone from ringing.
• Hiya: Hiya offers similar services by blocking unwanted calls and providing spam alerts.
• RoboKiller: This app not only blocks spam calls but also provides the option to prank telemarketers with humorous responses.

3. Register for the National Do Not Call Registry

If you live in the United States, you can register your number with the National Do Not Call Registry. This service allows you to block telemarketers from calling you. While it won’t stop scammers, it can significantly reduce the number of sales calls you receive. Simply visit www.donotcall.gov to add your number.

4. Contact Your Carrier for Spam Call Blocking

Many mobile carriers now offer services to block or filter out spam calls. Some of these services may be free, while others may come with a subscription fee. Here’s how you can get in touch with your carrier to learn more:

• Verizon: Offers a service called Call Filter, which provides both free and premium options for blocking spam calls.
• AT&T: Provides AT&T Call Protect, a free app that helps block spam and fraud calls.
• T-Mobile: Has a free service called Scam Shield, which detects and blocks scam calls.

Check with your carrier for their specific services and fees.

See Also: 15 best FREE Ad Blocker Browser Extensions to Stop YouTube Ads as Viewer

5. Enable Spam Reporting

Many smartphones and call-blocking apps let you report spam calls. By doing so, you help the system identify problematic numbers for others. Reporting a call can contribute to reducing the number of spam calls in the future.

On Android, you can report spam numbers directly from the phone app. On iPhone, you can use third-party apps like Truecaller to report spam calls.

Additional Tips for Reducing Spam Calls

• Don’t Engage with Scammers: If you answer a spam call, avoid engaging with the caller. Hang up immediately.
• Don’t Call Back Unknown Numbers: If you miss a call from an unfamiliar number, don’t call back. Scammers often use missed calls as a way to get you to call back.
• Be Cautious with Your Number: Avoid sharing your phone number freely on websites, surveys, or social media. The more you share it, the more likely you are to receive spam calls.
• Use Call Forwarding: Some people set up call forwarding to send calls to voicemail, especially from numbers they don’t recognize.

See Also: 15 Best Call recording Apps for iPhone

Conclusion

Spam calls can be a nuisance, but with the right tools and techniques, you can take control of your phone and stop these interruptions. Whether it’s using your smartphone’s built-in features, installing a call-blocking app, or reaching out to your carrier for support, there are plenty of ways to block spam calls. By following these tips and staying proactive, you can enjoy a quieter, less disrupted phone experience.

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