Apple iPhone • Connections • 10 minutes
How to block spam calls — Apple iPhone
Check for a software update
Go to Settings, then General, then Software Update. If one is available, install it first.
Block one number
Open Phone, then Recents, tap the i next to the number, scroll down, and tap Block this Caller. From Messages: tap the conversation, tap the number at the top, then tap Block.
Silence all unknown callers
Go to Settings, then Phone, then Silence Unknown Callers, and turn it on. Calls from numbers not in your contacts go straight to voicemail without ringing. They still show in Recents and voicemail.
Let your iPhone screen the call first
Go to Settings, then Phone, then Call Screening, and choose "Ask Reason for Calling." When a number not in your contacts calls, your iPhone answers quietly and asks the caller for their name and reason. You see what they say on screen, then you choose to pick up or dismiss it. This is a middle ground: you still see the call, unlike Silence Unknown Callers, but a robocall never reaches you. This needs iOS 26 and a compatible iPhone. If you don't see Call Screening in Settings, your phone doesn't have it, so use Silence Unknown Callers instead.
Let your carrier help
Call your carrier and ask about free spam blocking, since most carriers offer a free basic version. Or go to Settings, then Phone, then Call Blocking and Identification, and turn on any spam app you installed.
Report spam texts
In Messages, if you see "Report Junk" under a spam message, tap it. This helps carriers block the sender.
Know the limit
Spammers fake real-looking numbers, so blocking one number won't stop them all. Silence Unknown Callers is the strongest single switch.