How to Stop Spam Calls on iPhone: The Ultimate Guide

I. Introduction

Spam calls can be a frustrating and time-consuming problem for iPhone users, with many of us plagued by unwanted calls from telemarketers, robocalls, and scammers every day. In this article, we’ll explore the different types of spam calls, as well as the most effective ways to stop them in their tracks. You’ll learn how to block unwanted callers on your iPhone, use third-party apps to filter spam calls, and take advantage of built-in features like Call Forwarding and Silence Unknown Callers. By the end of this guide, you’ll have all the knowledge you need to say goodbye to spam calls for good.

II. Types of spam calls on iPhone

Before we dive into how to stop spam calls on your iPhone, it’s important to understand the different types of calls you might be receiving. The three most common types of spam calls include:

Robocalls: These are automated calls that rely on pre-recorded messages, rather than an actual human on the other end of the line.
Telemarketing calls: These are calls from companies or individuals trying to sell you something, often to a specific group of people who have similar interests or demographics.
Scam calls: These are calls from fraudsters trying to gain access to your personal information or money, often by posing as a government or financial institution.

Examples of these types of calls can include robocalls claiming you’ve won a prize, telemarketing calls offering services you don’t need, or scam calls threatening legal action if you don’t provide sensitive information. No matter the type of spam call, they can all be incredibly frustrating for iPhone users.

III. Blocking numbers on iPhone

If you’re tired of receiving calls from a certain number, the easiest way to stop them is to block the number on your iPhone. Here’s how:

Open the Phone app on your iPhone.
Tap the “Recents” tab at the bottom of the screen.
Find the number you want to block and tap on the “i” icon next to it.
Scroll down to the bottom of the page and tap “Block this Caller.”
Confirm that you want to block the number by tapping “Block Contact.”

Once you’ve blocked a number, that contact will no longer be able to call or text you on your iPhone. If you ever change your mind and want to unblock a number, simply follow the same process and tap on “Unblock this Caller” at the bottom of the contact page.

It’s worth noting that while blocking numbers can be an effective way to reduce the number of spam calls you receive, it’s not foolproof. Spammers can easily change their phone number or use a different number each time they call, making it difficult to keep up.

IV. Third-party apps for handling spam calls on iPhone

Thankfully, there are a number of third-party apps available for iPhone users that can help filter out spam calls automatically. Some popular options include Nomorobo and Hiya, both of which can be downloaded for free from the App Store. Once you’ve installed one of these apps, you can easily configure it to filter out unwanted calls based on a number of criteria.

For example, with Nomorobo, you can block calls from known scammers, block calls from suspicious caller IDs, and even block calls from telemarketers. Hiya, on the other hand, allows you to block individual numbers, block calls by category (such as telemarketing or fraud), and even block all calls from unknown numbers.

To get started with one of these apps:

Download the app from the App Store and install it on your iPhone.
Follow the prompts in the app to configure your settings and preferences.
Enjoy spam-free phone calls!

It’s worth noting that some third-party call blocking apps may require a subscription fee to access certain features.

V. “Silence Unknown Callers” feature

If you’re tired of receiving calls from unknown numbers altogether, you can take advantage of the “Silence Unknown Callers” feature in iOS. When this feature is enabled, your iPhone will automatically silence any calls from numbers that aren’t in your Contacts or recent outgoing calls list.

Here’s how to enable the feature:

Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
Tap “Phone.”
Scroll down and toggle on “Silence Unknown Callers.”

Once enabled, any calls from unknown numbers will be silently sent to your voicemail, allowing you to avoid unwanted interruptions.

VI. Call Forwarding feature

Another useful built-in feature for filtering spam calls is Call Forwarding. With Call Forwarding, you can forward all calls from specific numbers to a designated voicemail box or another phone number. This is especially useful if you’re receiving a lot of spam calls from the same number or set of numbers.

Here’s how to enable and use Call Forwarding:

Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
Tap “Phone.”
Tap “Call Forwarding.”
Toggle on “Call Forwarding” and enter the phone number or voicemail box you want calls to be forwarded to.

Once enabled, any calls from the designated number(s) will be forwarded to the number or voicemail box you’ve specified.

VII. Tips for avoiding spam calls

In addition to the methods listed above, there are a number of other tips you can follow to reduce the likelihood of receiving spam calls on your iPhone. Here are a few suggestions:

Do sign up for the National Do Not Call Registry: This registry is managed by the Federal Trade Commission and allows you to opt out of receiving telemarketing calls. You can sign up at donotcall.gov.
Don’t answer calls from unknown numbers: If you don’t recognize a number, it’s best to let it go to voicemail. If it’s important, the caller will leave a message.
Do be cautious of unknown callers: If you do answer a call from an unknown number, be wary of providing any personal or financial information, even if the caller claims to be a representative of a legitimate institution.
Don’t engage with spammers: If you do end up on the phone with a scammer, the best course of action is to simply hang up.

VIII. Conclusion

Spam calls can be a major nuisance for iPhone users, but there are a number of effective methods for stopping them. Whether you choose to block numbers, use third-party apps, or take advantage of built-in features like Call Forwarding, Silence Unknown Callers, or the National Do Not Call Registry, you can significantly reduce the number of unwanted calls you receive. By following the tips outlined in this guide and staying vigilant, you’ll be able to protect yourself from the scourge of spam calls for good.

For more resources on how to manage your phone, contact your local phone company or visit the Apple Support website.