Stop Robocalls on Your Phone — A Step-by-Step Guide
The average American receives 18 robocalls per month. Whether it's a fake warranty extension, a "free cruise," or a Social Security scam, these calls are more than an annoyance — they're a real fraud risk.
Block Robocalls on iPhone
Enable Silence Unknown Callers
- Open Settings
- Tap Phone
- Toggle on Silence Unknown Callers
Calls from numbers not in your contacts, recent calls, or Siri Suggestions will go directly to voicemail.
Use Carrier Screening (Free)
Most major carriers offer free robocall screening:
- AT&T: Call Protect (built-in)
- T-Mobile: Scam Shield (built-in)
- Verizon: Call Filter (free tier available)
Register on the Do Not Call List
Go to donotcall.gov or call 1-888-382-1222 to add your number. Note: this stops legitimate telemarketers, not scammers who ignore the registry.
Block Robocalls on Android
Enable Google Call Screening
- Open the Phone app
- Tap the three-dot menu → Settings
- Tap Spam and Call Screen
- Enable Filter spam calls
Google will automatically screen suspected spam calls and show you a transcript before you answer.
Samsung Galaxy Users
- Open the Phone app
- Tap More → Settings
- Tap Block numbers → enable Block unknown callers
Before You Block — Look It Up
Before blocking an unknown number, look it up on CallerIQ. You might find it's a doctor's office with an unusual caller ID, a school calling about your child, or a legitimate business you want to hear from.
The Bottom Line
No single solution stops 100% of robocalls, but combining your carrier's free tools, your phone's built-in filters, and the Do Not Call registry dramatically reduces unwanted calls.