How to Stop Robocalls on Your Cell Phone
If your phone rings all day with calls from unknown numbers, you’re not alone — and you’re not imagining it. Robocalls and spam calls are a growing problem across the country, with billions of unwanted calls placed every month. These calls don’t just waste your time — they can also lead to scams, fraud, or simply make you feel overwhelmed by your own phone. But the good news is, you can fight back. With a few changes to your phone settings and habits, you can drastically cut down on the number of spam calls you receive. And with help from TechPals, you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to stopping spam calls on both iPhone and Android — along with extra tips, tools, and answers to common questions we hear every day from people just like you.
Why Am I Getting So Many Spam Calls?
You might think your number is somehow cursed — but in reality, spam calls affect nearly everyone. There are a few main reasons why:
Random Number Generation: Robocallers often use software to dial random combinations of numbers. If your phone rings and you answer, they now know your number is real.
Data Breaches and Lists: If you’ve ever entered your phone number into an online form, signed up for a service, or been part of a data breach, it may have been sold or leaked to marketers and scammers.
Spoofing: Some calls appear to come from a local number — even your area code — to make them seem more trustworthy. This tactic is called “neighbor spoofing.”
Spam calls can range from annoying to downright dangerous. That’s why TechPals helps users of all ages — including many older adults — take steps to stop them for good.
How to Block Spam Calls on iPhone
If you’re an iPhone user, Apple offers a built-in feature called Silence Unknown Callers that can make a big difference.
Here’s how to turn it on:
Open Settings
Scroll down and tap Phone
Tap Silence Unknown Callers
Toggle the setting On
Once this is activated, any call from a number that’s not in your contacts will automatically be sent to voicemail. Your phone won’t ring, and you won’t be disturbed. The call still appears in your call history, so you can check if it was someone important and return the call if needed.
Tip: Add your doctor, delivery services, and other trusted contacts to your phone in advance so their calls won’t be silenced.
How to Block Spam Calls on Android
Android users also have built-in spam filtering tools, but they may vary slightly depending on your phone model and software version.
In most cases, follow these steps:
Open the Phone app
Tap the three-dot menu in the top right corner
Select Settings
Tap Caller ID & Spam
Turn on Filter Spam Calls
This setting will either label suspicious calls as spam or automatically silence them, depending on your device.
Some phones (like Pixel devices) offer additional options, like screening unknown callers with Google Assistant. If you're not sure which Android model you have or how to access these settings, TechPals can guide you through it.
Add Your Number to the National Do Not Call Registry
While it won’t stop all spam calls — especially from scammers — registering your number with the National Do Not Call Registry is still a good idea.
Here’s how:
Go to donotcall.gov
Click Register Your Phone
Enter your phone number and email address
Confirm your registration via the confirmation email
This will stop many legitimate telemarketers from calling you. While it won’t block scam calls, it does help reduce the overall volume of unwanted calls.
Reminder: Registration is free, takes just a minute, and never expires.
Use a Third-Party Call Blocking App
If built-in tools aren’t enough, there are several third-party apps that offer advanced spam-blocking features. These apps maintain large, constantly updated databases of known spam numbers and can automatically block or label them.
Some popular choices include:
Hiya
RoboKiller
Truecaller
Nomorobo
Each app offers slightly different features, like real-time call screening, voicemail transcriptions, or custom spam filters. Most are free or offer basic versions with optional upgrades.
Not sure which app is best for you? TechPals can help you compare options and install the one that fits your needs. Visit techpals.org for personalized support.
Watch Out for Common Spam Call Scams
Even if you’ve blocked most calls, some might still get through — and it’s important to know how to recognize a scam.
Common spam call scams include:
Impersonation: Callers pretend to be from the IRS, Social Security, Medicare, or your bank.
Tech Support: A caller claims there’s a virus on your computer or phone and offers to fix it (for a fee or remote access).
Prize Scams: You’re told you’ve won a contest or sweepstakes but must pay a fee to claim your prize.
Urgency Threats: You’re warned of a problem (e.g., legal trouble or missed payment) and told you must act immediately.
How to protect yourself:
Never give out personal information over the phone unless you initiated the call.
Don’t trust caller ID — numbers can be faked.
If a call feels suspicious, hang up. Look up the official number of the organization and call them directly.
What to Do If Spam Calls Continue
If you’ve tried everything and still receive spam calls, here are some advanced tips:
Change Your Voicemail Greeting: Avoid stating your name or personal details. Keep it short and neutral.
Use Carrier Tools: Most major carriers (like Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile) offer spam protection services — some free, some paid.
Block Numbers Manually: You can still block individual numbers, even though spammers tend to rotate them.
Turn Off Voicemail: If you don’t rely on voicemail, turning it off entirely can discourage spam calls that leave messages.
At TechPals, we’ve helped users cut spam calls by 90% or more. You don’t have to live with constant interruptions. Visit techpals.org to get support tailored to your device and comfort level.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will blocking unknown callers block important calls, like from my pharmacy or delivery person?
Yes, if those numbers aren’t saved in your contacts. The best approach is to save numbers you expect ahead of time — or turn off the block temporarily.
What’s the difference between robocalls and spam calls?
Robocalls are automated and pre-recorded. They can be legal (e.g., school alerts) or illegal (e.g., scam attempts). Spam calls are unwanted in general, including live callers and robocalls.
Is there a way to block spam texts too?
Yes! Both iPhone and Android have settings to filter or block spam texts. We have a full guide on that — check out techpals.org to learn more.
Can I help someone else block spam calls on their phone?
Absolutely. Whether you’re helping a parent, friend, or spouse, TechPals makes it easy. We can walk you through the steps or hop on a quick video call if needed.
Do “TechPals” and “Tech Pals” refer to the same company?
Yes — that’s us! Whether you found us by searching “TechPals,” “Tech Pals,” or even “tech help near me,” our mission is the same: to make technology easier and less frustrating.
TechPals Can Help You Take Back Your Phone
Whether you need help adjusting your settings, downloading an app, or just figuring out why your phone keeps ringing, TechPals is here for you. We offer 24/7 personalized tech support — and we’re especially good at solving those little problems that pile up.
Explore our other blog posts, get quick answers, or talk to a real person who can walk you through any tech challenge. It’s easy, friendly, and frustration-free.
Visit techpals.org today and reclaim your peace of mind.
We know that keeping up with changing technology can be stressful — especially when it feels like your phone is working against you. But you're not alone. At TechPals, we believe tech should work for you, not the other way around.
Stop letting robocalls run your day. Take control with help from TechPals. Whether you're new to smartphones or just want the nonsense to stop, we’re here to guide you — clearly, calmly, and step by step.
Need help with something else? TechPals offers support for everything from email passwords to online shopping to social media privacy. Whatever your question, we’ve probably heard it before — and we’re always happy to help.
TechPals: Tech support that makes sense. Visit techpals.org now.
