How to block spam calls and stop them once and for all

Robocalls just won't go away. Try as you might to ignore the ring of telemarketers, the spam always seems to return, no matter what you do. 

While the Federal Communications Commission has beefed up its own policies around spam and robocalls, it's still mostly on you to stop these annoyances. 

Whether you have an iPhone or Android phone, here's how you can block spam calls and robocalls for good. 

How to block spam calls on iPhone

Spam calls on iPhones can be blocked by either blocking individual numbers or filtering unknown callers.

Block individual numbers

To block a phone number on your iPhone, locate the robocall number on your Phone app's Recent calls list. Next, tap the "i" icon to the right of the number and select "Block Contact" from the options list.

Filter unknown callers

1. Open the Settings app.

2. Tap on Phone and select Silence Unknown Callers.

How to block spam calls on Android

Much like on iPhone, you can also block spam calls on Android.

Block individual numbers

To block a number on Android, tap and hold the number in your recent calls list until a menu appears. Then select whatever variation of "Block/Report Spam" is available.

Any phone with the Android 11 update now has access to expanded robocall identification and prevention that helps call-screening apps more effectively sort out robocalls from real ones. 

Filter unknown callers

Some Android devices allow you to block unknown calls as well. Like on iPhones, this is typically found in the Settings app under Phone.

Other ways to block spam calls

While the above can be effective, there are other ways to address spam calls.

Join the US national Do Not Call registry

The National Do Not Call Registry takes you off of the public lists that telemarketers use to make their mass calls.

While joining won't stop charities, political groups, debt collectors, and surveys from contacting you, it may reduce the number of spam calls you get. It also lets you report unwanted spam calls to the Federal Trade Commission. 

You can register your number on the Do Not Call list at no cost by calling 1-888-382-1222 (voice) or 1-866-290-4236 (TTY). You can also do it online by following the steps below: 

1. Go to DoNotCall.gov and hit the "Register" link.

2. Enter your phone number without hyphens (you can register three at a time, in fact) and your email address (for confirmation).

3. Go to your email and find the message from Register@donotcall.gov within 72 hours of your submission.

4. Follow the steps within the email to complete the registration process.

Use tools developed by phone carriers

Most cell phone carriers have a number of free or low-cost tools available to help you automatically block robocalls and protect you from spam.

• AT&T: The Call Protect app blocks both potential spam and fraud calls, while also offering nuisance warnings labels. You also have access to a personal spam-blocking list and the ability to block any unknown callers. 
• Sprint/T-Mobile: T-Mobile — which now owns Sprint — offers Scam Shield, a free service that blocks any calls from numbers the carrier has recognized as a nuisance. Just dial #ONB# (#662#) from your phone to turn it on, or download it in the app store. 
• Verizon: Call Filter offers spam detection and filtering, a blocked call log, and the ability to report a spam call. It's free for customers, with the premium version, Call Filter Plus, priced at just $2.99 each month for a single line or $7.99 a month for 3 or more lines. 

Download third-party call blocker apps

Another way to stop robocalls is to install a call-blocking app. Such apps actually intercept and answer calls for you, so they never ring through and annoy you, or expose you to a scam.

Many of these apps also actively collect data on spammers, blocking them permanently once they have been identified —so by using a robocall blocking app, you're helping not just yourself but other callers.

However, it is important to use a legitimate app and to conduct your own research. In order to function, these apps need access to both your call logs and contacts, which is sensitive information. 

Here are two reliable apps you can try that are available on iPhone and Android:

• Nomorobo costs just $1.99 per month, with a free version for VoIP landlines.
• RoboKiller costs $2.99 per month, and it comes with a truly delightful feature: it deploys its own bots who use carefully crafted pre-recorded messages to keep scam callers on the line as long as possible, wasting their time and preventing them from calling others.