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How to Block Spam Calls in the US: iPhone, Android, and Landline (2026)

Marco Reyes 3 min read

You shouldn’t need to pay for a third-party app to stop spam calls in 2026. Between iOS, Android, every major US carrier, and the federal Do Not Call Registry, there are at least four free layers of defense. This guide walks through all of them.

Layer 1: Register with the National Do Not Call Registry

The Federal Trade Commission runs the Do Not Call Registry. It is free, permanent, and takes effect 31 days after you sign up. While it doesn’t stop scammers (who are breaking the law anyway), it does cut down the volume of legal telemarketing calls considerably.

  • Visit donotcall.gov.
  • Enter the phone number you want to register (you can register up to three per email).
  • Confirm via email.

That’s it. Once registered, telemarketers calling you 31 days later are breaking federal law, and you can report them at donotcall.gov/report.

Layer 2: Enable your carrier’s free spam filter

All four major US carriers now offer free spam-blocking. You probably already have it but haven’t turned it on.

AT&T — ActiveArmor (free)

  • Download the AT&T ActiveArmor app from the App Store / Play Store.
  • Sign in with your AT&T credentials.
  • Go to Calls → toggle on Block suspected spam calls.

Verizon — Call Filter (free)

  • Download the Verizon Call Filter app (it may already be installed).
  • Open it and accept the terms.
  • Toggle on Spam Filter and choose a sensitivity level (Medium is a good default).

T-Mobile / Sprint — Scam Shield (free)

  • Download the Scam Shield app.
  • Sign in with your T-Mobile credentials.
  • Toggle Scam Block to on.

Mint Mobile, US Mobile, and other MVNOs

  • Most MVNOs ride on T-Mobile’s network and inherit Scam Shield. The same app works.

Layer 3: Use the OS-level filter on your phone

This is the most effective layer for most people — it silences every unknown number without you doing anything.

iPhone (iOS)

  1. Settings → Phone.
  2. Toggle Silence Unknown Callers to on.

Now any call from a number not in your contacts, recent outgoing calls, or Siri suggestions will be silenced and sent straight to voicemail. You’ll still see the missed call.

Android (Pixel, Samsung, OnePlus)

  1. Open the Phone app.
  2. Tap the three-dot menu → Settings → Caller ID & spam.
  3. Toggle on Filter spam calls.

On Samsung devices, the option is under Settings → Spam and Call Screen → Caller ID and spam protection. On OnePlus, look under Phone → Settings → Caller ID & spam.

Pixel-only bonus: Call Screen

Pixel phones can have Google Assistant answer for you and screen the call. If it’s spam, it hangs up automatically. Toggle it on under Phone → Settings → Spam and Call Screen → Call Screen.

Layer 4: Block individual numbers

Once a spam number gets through, block it. It takes two taps.

  • iPhone: tap the i next to the number in Recents → scroll down → Block this Caller.
  • Android: in the Phone app, long-press the number in Recents → Block.

This is per-device. The number you block on your phone is not blocked on, say, your spouse’s phone.

Landline?

Yes, people still have landlines, especially in rural areas. Options:

  • Nomorobo (free for VoIP landlines like Comcast, Verizon Fios, AT&T U-Verse). Sign up at nomorobo.com.
  • CPR Call Blocker — a hardware device for traditional landlines that lets you block numbers with one button.
  • Phone’s own block list — most modern cordless phones can block 30+ numbers. Check your manual.

Bonus: forward scam texts to 7726

For text-message scams, forward the message to 7726 (the digits spell SPAM). All major US wireless carriers support this — it’s free and helps the carrier and the FCC track active scam campaigns.

What about paid apps?

Apps like Robokiller, Hiya Premium, and TrueCaller Premium offer additional features (custom block lists, advanced AI filters). They work, but with the four free layers above active, most people don’t need them. Start free, see how much spam slips through, then consider paid options only if needed.