iPhone
Screen calls from unknown numbers
1 minMakes unknown callers identify themselves before your iPhone rings, or sends them straight to voicemail if you choose Silence.
Keep in mind: Expected callers whose numbers are not saved may be delayed by screening. Silence can send legitimate first-time callers directly to voicemail.
Setup
- Open Settings on your iPhone.
- Tap Apps, then tap Phone.
- Open the setting for screening calls from unknown numbers.
- Choose Ask Reason for Calling for a balanced setup.
- If you want the most aggressive interruption reduction, choose Silence instead.
Android
Turn on caller ID and spam warnings
1 minShows warnings for suspected spam callers and identifies some callers or businesses that are not in your contacts.
Keep in mind: This identifies suspicious calls but does not automatically block them by itself.
Setup
- Open the Phone app.
- Tap More options, then Settings.
- Tap Caller ID and spam.
- Turn on See caller ID & spam.
Android
Automatically filter spam calls
1 minAutomatically prevents many suspected spam calls from ringing your phone.
Keep in mind: With Filter spam calls, you may not receive missed-call or voicemail notifications for filtered calls, although calls remain in call history and voicemail can still be checked.
Setup
- Open the Phone app.
- Tap More options, then Settings.
- Open Caller ID and spam and turn on Filter spam calls if that option appears.
- If you use a Pixel and Filter spam calls is not shown, open Spam and Call Screen or Call Screen and enable automatic call screening.
iPhone
Filter carrier-identified spam calls
1 minSilences calls your carrier identifies as potential spam or fraud, sends them to voicemail, and moves them to the Spam list.
Keep in mind: A legitimate call can occasionally be mislabeled as spam. Review the Spam list if you are expecting an important call.
Setup
- Open Settings on your iPhone.
- Tap Apps, then tap Phone.
- Find the section for filtering unknown and spam calls.
- Turn on Spam.
AT&T
Turn on AT&T ActiveArmor spam-call blocking
2 minUses AT&T's network and ActiveArmor controls to block, label, or route suspected spam calls.
Keep in mind: AT&T says the service may inadvertently block wanted calls. Sending calls to voicemail requires an active voice mailbox.
Setup
- Download or open the AT&T ActiveArmor app and complete the activation prompts.
- Open the Calls tab.
- Under call routing, set Spam calls to Block or Send to voicemail.
- Leave Fraud calls set to Block.
- Turn on Always allow contacts so saved contacts are not blocked or routed to voicemail.