How to Block Spam Calls on iPhone in iOS 26
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In iOS 26, you can handle unwanted calls in three different ways: screen unsaved callers before the iPhone rings, filter unknown callers into a separate list, and silence calls your carrier identifies as spam or fraud. You can also block a specific number. These controls solve different problems, so turning on every option is not always the best choice.
Option 1: Ask unknown callers why they are calling
- Open Settings.
- Tap Apps → Phone.
- Scroll to Screen Unknown Callers.
- Select Ask Reason for Calling.
With this option, an unsaved caller is asked for their name and reason for calling before your iPhone rings. You then see that information and can decide whether to answer. This is often a better default than silencing every unknown number if you receive legitimate calls from delivery drivers, schools, clinics, contractors, or businesses.
Apple says call screening does not operate while roaming. It is also disabled for 24 hours after you call emergency services.
Option 2: Silence all unsaved callers
In the same Screen Unknown Callers menu, choose Silence. Calls from unsaved numbers are silenced and sent to voicemail. Use this only if you are comfortable potentially missing legitimate first-time callers.
Option 3: Filter unknown callers out of your main call list
Go to Settings → Apps → Phone, scroll to Call Filtering, and turn on Unknown Callers. Unknown missed calls and voicemails can then be moved to the Unknown Callers list. In the Phone app, use the Filter button to review them.
Option 4: Silence carrier-identified spam or fraud
Under Settings → Apps → Phone → Call Filtering, enable the spam filter when available. This relies on calls identified as potential spam or fraud rather than treating every unsaved caller as unwanted. Availability can depend on carrier support.
Block one specific number
For a known nuisance caller, open the Phone app, find the caller in Recents or Contacts, open the contact information, then choose Block Caller. In iOS 26, Apple also provides a centralized blocked-contact list under Settings → Privacy & Security → Blocked Contacts.
Apple states that a blocked caller can still leave voicemail, but you do not receive a notification. Messages between you and the blocked contact are not delivered, and the other person is not notified that you blocked them.
What these features cannot guarantee
No iPhone setting can guarantee that every scam call will be detected. Caller ID can be spoofed, carrier spam classification is not perfect, and a legitimate business may call from an unsaved number. The previous version of this article used unsupported claims such as “blocks 90% of spam calls” and a “78% reduction” from testing that was not documented. Those figures have been removed.
Which setting should you use?
| Goal | Best starting option |
|---|---|
| Hear why an unknown person is calling first | Ask Reason for Calling |
| Never be interrupted by unsaved numbers | Silence |
| Keep unknown calls out of the main list | Unknown Callers filter |
| Reduce carrier-identified junk | Spam filtering |
| Stop one known number | Block Caller |