Unwanted calls are annoying, can interrupt your day, and sometimes are used for scams or fraud. The good news? With just a few settings and tools, you can stop most spam calls completely.

📱 1. Use Built‑In Spam Blocking (Android & iPhone)

📌 On Android

Most modern Android phones have a built‑in spam filter in the phone app.

Open phone app

Tap ⋮ / three dots > Settings

Go to Caller ID & spam

Turn on:

Filter spam calls

Call screen (if available)

Now your phone will automatically detect and block suspected spam calls.
(Some phones also let you block calls from unknown numbers entirely.)

📌 On iPhone

iPhone has a powerful spam filter too.

Settings > Phone

Turn on Silence Unknown Callers

👉 Calls from unknown numbers (not in your contacts) will be silenced — you won’t get a ring, only a notification.

For even stronger protection, you can install call‑blocking apps (below).

🔍 2. Register on NDNC / Do Not Disturb (India)

If you’re in India, you can block promotional calls by registering on the national Do Not Disturb (DND) list.

👉 Drawbacks of spam calls may still continue from numbers that don’t follow rules, but this stops most legitimate marketing calls.

☎️ How to register:

Send SMS: “STOP” to 1909

OR call 1909

OR use your telecom app (Jio / airtel / Vi) > DND / Call Preferences

Once registered, promotional calls are supposed to reduce significantly.

🛡 3. Use Call‑Blocker Apps — Most Effective

There are powerful apps that identify and block spam calls automatically — even new ones.

Here are top recommendations:

📌 For Android

  • Truecaller – Recognises & blocks fraud/spam numbers
  • CallApp – Caller ID + spam blocking
  • Hiya – Simple & effective identify & block

📌 For iPhone

  • Truecaller
  • Hiya
  • RoboKiller

👉 These apps work by checking incoming numbers against huge spam databases, so they block new spam too.

🚫 4. Block Individual Numbers Manually

Even without an app, you can block individual numbers:

📌 Android

Open Phone app

Tap the number

Tap Block / Report spam

📌 iPhone

Open Recent Calls

Tap the ⓘ next to the number

Tap Block this Caller

Repeat for any spam number you get.

👥 5. Enable Caller ID & Spam Alerts

Caller ID services (Truecaller, Hiya, etc.) show you who’s calling even if they’re not in your contacts. This helps you decide whether to pick up or block.

👉 Turn on Caller ID & Spam Alerts inside these apps.

🔄 6. Don’t Answer / Don’t Call Back Unknown Numbers

A big cause of more spam: answering or calling back unknown numbers.

❌ If you don’t recognise the number — don’t answer
❌ If it’s a voicemail from an unknown number — don’t call back unless you’re sure

This stops many spoofed‑number spam cycles.

💡 7. Report Spam Numbers

Reporting spam numbers contributes to global databases so others don’t get bothered.

📱 How to report:

  • In Truecaller / Hiya / CallApp — long‑press the number > Report Spam
  • In Android phone app — tap Report spam

⚠️ Bonus: Beware of Scams

Blocking helps, but if a spam call tries a scam or fraud:

  • Never share OTP
  • Never give bank/UPI info
  • Never transfer money for prizes, taxes, or fines

Spam = annoying
Scams = dangerous

✅ Summary: Block Spam Calls Like This

Method

Works for

Best for

Built‑in phone spam filter

All phones

Easy automatic blocking

NDNC / DND registration

India

Stops promo calls

Third‑party apps

Android & iPhone

Best overall spam protection

Manual block

Individual numbers

For numbers that keep returning

Caller ID alerts

All

Know spam before picking up

 

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.

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Kokila Chokkanathan

11/02/2026 12:48 PM