Spam calls are a hassle, but there are a few effective ways to cut down on them.
1. Register with the National Do Not Call Registry
Call 1-888-382-1222 (or 1-866-290-4236 for TTY), or register online at donotcall.gov. Not sure if you're already registered? You can check your status on the same site.
2. Block specific numbers
Getting repeat calls from the same number? Block it directly:
iOS: Open the Phone app, find the number under Recents, Contacts, Favorites, or Voicemail, and tap the ⓘ icon next to it. Scroll down, tap Block this Caller, and confirm.
Android: Open the Phone app and go to Recents (or search for the contact). Long press the number, or tap the ⓘ icon, then tap Block/Report Spam and confirm.
3. Silence calls from unknown numbers
If spam calls are coming from many different numbers, blocking all unknown callers may be your best option.
iOS: Calls from numbers not in your Contacts will be sent straight to voicemail (they'll still show up in Recents). Contacts you've saved, like your dentist, will still ring through.
Go to Settings > Phone, then toggle on Silence Unknown Callers.
Android: This blocks numbers specifically marked as "unknown"; other numbers not in your contacts will still come through.
Open the Phone app, go to Settings > Blocked numbers, and toggle on Block calls from unknown numbers.
With these three steps in place, you should see a real drop in spam calls, leaving your phone free for the people you actually want to hear from.