How to block spam calls on iPhone

Updated 2026-05-03

iOS has solid built-in tools for cutting spam calls — no third-party app required. Combine them with your carrier's free filtering for the best result.

Silence Unknown Callers

Settings → Apps → Phone → Silence Unknown Callers. Calls from numbers not in your contacts or recent outgoing calls go straight to voicemail. The trade-off: legitimate calls from delivery drivers, doctors, or new contacts are also silenced.

Block individual numbers

In the Phone app, tap the 'i' next to a number → Block this Caller. Blocked numbers go nowhere — no ring, no voicemail, no notification.

Carrier-level filters

Enable your carrier's free spam protection: AT&T ActiveArmor, Verizon Call Filter, T-Mobile Scam Shield, Spectrum Mobile Call Guard. These run on the network before the call ever reaches your phone.

What to do

  1. Turn on 'Silence Unknown Callers' if you can tolerate missing some new contacts.
  2. Block repeat offenders individually.
  3. Activate your carrier's spam filter app.
  4. Report numbers to 7726 and WhoCalledMe.ai.

Frequently asked questions

Will Silence Unknown Callers block my doctor?

If your doctor's office calls from a number not in your contacts, yes — those calls go to voicemail. Save the office switchboard as a contact to be safe.