April 22, 2025

How to Block Spam Calls on iPhone in 2025: Easy Steps to Stop Robocalls

Spam calls are annoying, right? Imagine you’re doing homework, playing a game, or eating dinner, and your phone rings with a number you don’t recognize. You answer, and it’s someone trying to sell you something fake or scam you. Ugh!

In 2025, spam calls are still a problem, but the good news is your iPhone has tools to fight back. Let’s learn how to block these pesky calls for good.

1. Use the “Silence Unknown Callers” Feature

Your iPhone has a super helpful tool called Silence Unknown Callers. Here’s how it works:

Step 1: Open Settings > Tap Phone.
Step 2: Scroll down and tap Silence Unknown Callers.
Step 3: Toggle the switch to ON (green).

What happens next?

Calls from numbers not saved in your Contacts, recent outgoing calls, or Siri Suggestions will go straight to voicemail.
Your phone won’t ring or buzz, but you’ll see missed calls in your recent list.

Good for: People who rarely get calls from new numbers (like doctors or delivery drivers).
Not so good for: If you’re job-hunting or expecting calls from unknown numbers.

Pro Tip: Add important numbers (like your school, doctor, or family friends) to your Contacts so their calls still come through!

2. Turn On Your Phone Company’s Spam Filter

Your phone company (like Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile) has free tools to block spam. Here’s how to find them:

Step 1: Go to Settings > Phone > Call Blocking & Identification.
Step 2: Look for options like Silence Junk Callers (Verizon) or Call Protect (AT&T).
Step 3: Toggle the switch ON.

How it works: Your phone company uses a list of known scam numbers to block calls before they reach you.

Why try this?

It’s free and works automatically.
Blocks calls at the network level (like a security guard stopping troublemakers at the door).

The Do Not Call Registry is a free government service to stop telemarketers. Legit businesses must follow these rules (scammers often ignore them, but it’s still worth trying!).

How to sign up:

Visit donotcall.gov on your computer or phone.
Click Register Your Phone Number.
Enter your phone number and confirm via email.

Wait time: It takes about 31 days for telemarketing calls to stop.

4. Download a Spam-Blocking App

If spam still slips through, apps like RoboKiller or Truecaller can help. These apps act like superheroes for your phone:

Top Apps for 2025:

RoboKiller: Blocks 99% of robocalls and can even answer scammers with funny prerecorded messages!
Truecaller: Identifies spam numbers and lets you block entire categories (like telemarketers).
Hiya: Works with your iPhone’s settings to block hidden spam.

How to set them up:

Download the app from the App Store.
Follow the instructions to link it with your phone.
Turn on Call Blocking in Settings > Phone > Call Blocking & Identification.

Free vs. Paid: Most apps have free versions, but paid plans ($3–$10/month) add extras like neighborhood spam filters.

5. Block Numbers Manually

Got a repeat spammer? Block them yourself in seconds:

Step 1: Open the Phone app > Go to Recents.
Step 2: Tap the ⓘ icon next to the number.
Step 3: Scroll down and tap Block this Caller.

Bonus: On the same screen, tap Report as Junk to help your phone company block similar numbers.

6. Use “Business Call ID” (For Legit Businesses)

Some phone companies (like AT&T) offer Business Call ID, which shows the real name of businesses calling you. No more guessing who’s behind “Unknown”!

How to enable:

Go to Settings > Phone > Call Blocking & Identification.
Toggle on Business Call ID.

7. Layer Your Defenses

No single tool catches all spam. Combine methods like:

Silence Unknown Callers + RoboKiller.
Do Not Call Registry + Your Carrier’s Filter.

This way, if one misses a spam call, the other catches it!

8. What If Spam Still Gets Through?

If you’re still getting spam:

Call your phone company: Ask about advanced spam filters (some have premium options).
Report to the FCC: File a complaint at fcc.gov/complaints.
Don’t engage: Hang up immediately if you answer a spam call.

Why Spam Calls Still Exist in 2025

Scammers use fake numbers (called “spoofing”) to trick you. They’re like digital ghosts—hard to catch! But with your iPhone’s tools, you can send them straight to voicemail purgatory.

FAQ: 5 Common Questions About Blocking Spam Calls on iPhone

1. Will blocking spam calls stop all unwanted calls?

Answer: No method blocks 100% of spam calls, but combining tools like Silence Unknown Callers, carrier filters, and apps like RoboKiller will stop most of them. Scammers constantly change tactics, so layering these tools gives you the best protection.

2. Can spam-blocking apps read my messages or listen to my calls?

Answer: No! Apps like Truecaller or RoboKiller cannot listen to your calls or read your messages. Apple’s privacy rules only let them check phone numbers against spam lists. Always download apps with high ratings (4+ stars) to stay safe.

3. What if I miss an important call (like from my doctor)?

Answer: If you use Silence Unknown Callers, add important numbers (like your doctor’s office) to your Contacts first. If you’re expecting a call from a new number, temporarily turn the feature OFF in Settings > Phone.

4. Is the Do Not Call Registry worth signing up for?

Answer: Yes! It stops legit telemarketers from calling you. While scammers ignore it, signing up reduces the number of unwanted calls. It’s free and takes 5 minutes at donotcall.gov.

5. Why do I still get spam calls after blocking them?

Answer: Scammers use fake numbers (called “spoofing”) to trick you. If a spam call slips through, block the number manually and report it to your carrier. Over time, your phone’s filters will learn and block similar numbers.

Conclusion: Take Back Control of Your iPhone!

Spam calls are annoying, but you don’t have to live with them! Use your iPhone’s built-in tools like Silence Unknown Callers and your carrier’s spam filters first—they’re free and easy to set up. For extra protection, add a trusted app like RoboKiller. Remember: