How to Block Spam Calls on iPhone in iOS 26

iOS 26 gives you three different tools for unwanted calls: screen unknown callers, filter unknown or spam calls into separate lists, and block a specific person or number. They solve different problems, so the best setup depends on whether you still need calls from doctors, schools, delivery drivers, clients, or other unsaved numbers.

Apple’s current menu is under Settings → Apps → Phone. Older instructions that send you directly to Settings → Phone are outdated on current iOS.

Best default: screen unknown callers instead of silencing everyone

Go to Settings → Apps → Phone → Screen Unknown Callers. Apple currently offers three choices:

• Never: unsaved numbers ring normally.
• Ask Reason for Calling: the caller is screened and asked why they are calling before your iPhone rings.
• Silence: unsaved calls are silenced and sent to voicemail.

For many people, Ask Reason for Calling is the most balanced option because it gives legitimate unknown callers a chance to identify themselves. If you rarely need unsaved callers, Silence is stricter.

Apple notes that call screening does not operate while roaming, and if you call emergency services, call screening is turned off for 24 hours. See Apple’s current unknown-caller guidance for the latest behavior.

Move unknown calls out of your main call list

Go to Settings → Apps → Phone, scroll to Call Filtering, then turn on Unknown Callers. Missed calls and voicemails from unsaved numbers are moved to an Unknown Callers list instead of staying mixed into your regular call history.

To review them, open Phone, tap the Filter button, then choose Unknown Callers. If a legitimate caller appears there, you can mark that caller as known so future calls are handled normally.

Use the Spam filter when your carrier identifies suspected fraud

In the same Call Filtering area, iOS can expose a Spam option when supported. Apple says calls identified by your carrier as potential spam or fraud can be silenced, sent to voicemail, and moved to the Spam list.

This is different from screening every unsaved number. Carrier spam identification targets calls the carrier flags, while Screen Unknown Callers is based on whether the number is known to you.

Block a specific repeat caller

If the problem is one persistent number, blocking is more targeted than silencing all unknown calls. In the Phone app, open the contact or caller details and choose Block Contact when available.

To manage blocked contacts on current iOS, Apple also provides a centralized list under Settings → Privacy & Security → Blocked Contacts. A blocked caller can still leave voicemail, but you do not receive a notification, and messages from a blocked contact are not delivered.

Do not assume blocking one spoofed number ends robocalls

Caller ID can be spoofed. If a scam campaign rotates through many numbers, repeatedly blocking individual numbers may have little effect. In that situation, call screening and carrier spam filtering are more useful than building an ever-growing block list.

What to do if you are expecting an important unknown call

If you are waiting for a medical office, school, contractor, recruiter, delivery driver, or another new caller, avoid using Silence unless you are comfortable relying on voicemail. Use Ask Reason for Calling or temporarily set screening to Never. Adding an important number to Contacts is the simplest way to make sure it is treated as known.

Third-party call identification apps: use only when you need them

Third-party caller-identification services can add their own databases and filtering, but they also introduce another company into your call-screening workflow. Before enabling one, review its App Store privacy information, permissions, subscription terms, and whether your carrier already offers equivalent filtering.

Frequently asked questions

Will Silence block an unknown caller completely?

No. Apple describes the Silence option as silencing the call and sending it to voicemail. It is not the same as blocking that person.

Can I see unknown calls later?

Yes. If Unknown Callers filtering is enabled, use the Filter button in the Phone app and open the Unknown Callers list.

Can I undo a blocked contact?

Yes. Manage blocked contacts from the current Blocked Contacts settings and remove the person or number you want to allow again.

What is the safest setup for someone who receives business calls?

Start with Ask Reason for Calling rather than Silence. It reduces interruption while still allowing a legitimate new caller to explain why they are calling.