If your phone seems to ring more from spam calls than from actual friends or family, you’re not alone. Millions of people receive robocalls and scam attempts daily, and the frustration is real. Whether it’s a “free vacation,” an “urgent car warranty,” or a mysterious “account issue,” these calls are not only annoying—they can be dangerous. If you’re ready to stop spam calls for good, here’s what actually works.

1. Use Built-In Call Blocking Features

Most modern smartphones come with built-in features to help you stop spam calls. On iPhones, you can enable Silence Unknown Callers, which sends calls from numbers not in your contacts straight to voicemail. On Android, you can enable Caller ID & spam protection under the Phone app’s settings.

These settings don’t catch every robocall, but they can significantly reduce the number that reaches you. Make sure your phone’s software is up to date to access the latest protection features.

2. Download a Spam Call Blocking App

If you’re still receiving too many spam calls, it might be time to install a third-party call-blocking app. Some of the most popular ones include:

• Hiya
  
• Truecaller
  
• RoboKiller
  
• Nomorobo
  

These apps work by identifying known spam numbers and blocking them before they can ring through. Some even use artificial intelligence to screen unknown callers and play fake responses to waste scammers’ time. Look for apps that offer regular updates and customizable settings to help you better stop spam calls.

3. Register Your Number on the National Do Not Call List

In the U.S., you can register your number with the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) National Do Not Call Registry. It won’t stop all spam calls—especially those coming from overseas scammers—but it can reduce calls from legitimate telemarketers.

To register, visit donotcall.gov or call 1-888-382-1222 from the number you want to register. If you’re already on the list and still getting calls, you can also report them through the site.

4. Don’t Engage with Spam Callers

One of the most important tips to stop spam calls is not to engage. Don’t press numbers to “opt out,” don’t speak, and definitely don’t give personal information. Scammers often use engagement as a signal that your number is active, which can result in even more calls.

Let unknown numbers go to voicemail. If it’s someone legitimate, they’ll leave a message.

5. Block Numbers Manually

While not scalable for every call, manually blocking repeat offenders can help stop spam calls from the same numbers. Both iPhone and Android phones allow you to block specific numbers in your call history. It’s tedious, but every block helps.

6. Report Spam Calls

Help fight the problem at the source by reporting spam numbers. Apps like Truecaller and Hiya collect this data, and you can also report directly to the FTC or FCC. The more reports a number gets, the more likely it is to be flagged and shut down.

Stopping spam calls completely may not be possible—yet. But by using the tools at your disposal, staying vigilant, and reporting offenders, you can reduce them significantly. Take a few minutes to tweak your phone settings, try a call-blocking app, and help others by reporting spam numbers. The effort can go a long way to reclaiming your peace of mind—and your phone.

Tired of spam calls? You’re not powerless. With the right approach, you can stop spam calls from disrupting your day.