How to Block Spam Calls and Texts on iPhone and Android (2026)

What to Keep in Mind

Before diving into specific blocking methods, there are several important points to consider:

• If possible, avoid answering calls from unknown numbers. Legitimate callers will typically leave voicemails or send messages through other channels.
• Never click links or open attachments in spam text messages, as they may contain malware.
• Do not respond to spam texts, since this confirms your number is active.
• If uncertain about a call or message's legitimacy, search for the number online to verify its authenticity.
• Reporting unwanted communications helps identify and block scam numbers. The FTC's Do Not Call Registry can help with telemarketing calls, though many scammers ignore it.

How to Block Calls and Texts on an iPhone

Blocking individual numbers on an iPhone is straightforward:

• In the Phone app, tap Recents, then tap the number or contact you want to block (or the Information icon in Classic view). Scroll down and tap Block Caller.
• In the FaceTime app, tap the number, contact, or email address you want to block, then scroll down to tap Block Caller.
• In the Messages app, open the conversation with the contact you want to block, tap the contact at the top, then Block Caller.

Once blocked, callers won't receive notifications when they call or text you. However, they can still leave voicemails and may not know they've been blocked. To review or unblock contacts:

• Open Settings, Privacy & Security, and tap Blocked Contacts.

How to Filter Unknown Callers and Senders on an iPhone

Blocking individual numbers becomes ineffective when dealing with scammers who use rotating numbers. Apple provides filtering options:

• Open Settings, Apps, Phone, and scroll down to tap Screen Unknown Callers. Then, select Ask Reason for Calling, which requests more information from unsaved numbers before ringing your iPhone, or Silence, which automatically silences calls from numbers not saved in your contacts. They can still leave a voicemail, and the calls will appear in your recent calls list.
• You can establish the same process for messages by going to Settings, Apps, Messages, and scrolling down to toggle on Screen Unknown Senders. This will hide notifications and move messages to the Unknown Senders list. You may also want to toggle on Filter Spam here to hide messages from known spam sources.

If a message appears to be spam, swipe left without opening it, tap the trash can icon, and then Delete and Report Spam. If you open a message that turns out to be spam, always tap the Report Spam link under the message and then Delete and Report Spam.

How to Block Calls and Texts on an Android Phone

The method varies by manufacturer:

• On a stock Android device like a Google Pixel, open the Phone app and tap on the Home tab. Long-press the number you want to block, and then tap Block or Report. You can choose whether to uncheck the box marked Report call as spam or to check the box next to Report call as scam. Either way, you'll tap Block after selecting.
• On a Samsung phone, open the Phone app and go to Recents, then tap the number you want to block, then select the Menu icon and tap Block.

How to Filter Unknown Callers and Senders on an Android Phone

To filter unknown numbers:

• Open the Phone app and tap the Menu icon, then three vertical lines at the top left, then Settings, Blocked numbers, and finally toggle on Unknown (or Block unknown callers on a Samsung phone).
• You can also turn on caller ID and spam protection. To do this, open the Phone app and tap the Menu icon on the top left, then Settings, then tap Caller ID and Spam to get options to See caller and spam ID. (You can simply toggle on Caller ID and spam protection on a Samsung phone.)
• If you have a Google Pixel, try call-screening to have Google Assistant answer for you and generate a transcript. To try it, open the Phone app and tap the Menu icon at the top left, then Settings, then Call Screen. Next, choose Automatic Call Screen, and pick the level you want. If you turn on the spam filter, it should screen your calls automatically. But you can also tap Screen call when any call comes in.
• Open the Messages app and tap your profile picture on the top right, then Messages settings, Protection and safety, and toggle on Spam protection.

How to Block Calls or Texts With Your Carrier

Major carriers offer apps for blocking spam:

• AT&T offers ActiveArmor, a free app for spam and fraud call blocking with optional premium features.
• Verizon has Call Filter, offering spam detection and filtering with optional Plus version.
• T-Mobile provides the free Scam Shield app with caller ID and scam blocking features.
• Google Fi offers various blocking options and caller ID for free in the Google Fi app.
• US Cellular has Call Guardian app offering caller ID, spam alerts, and spam reporting with optional Premium version.

You can also report spam messages to your carrier for free by forwarding them to 7726.

What About Third-Party Apps?

While numerous third-party apps claim to offer spam protection, I recommend caution. These apps require access to call logs and contacts. While legitimate apps like RoboKiller or Nomorobo offer solid protection, many unscrupulous apps may misuse your data. Always research the app's privacy policy and business model before installation.