The short answer: open Settings > Apps > Phone and set Screen Unknown Callers to Ask Reason for Calling. Your iPhone answers unknown numbers for you, asks who’s calling, and only rings if you want to pick up. If you’d rather never hear unknown calls ring, choose Silence to send them to voicemail (Apple). These steps are for current iPhones (iOS 26 and later). Older versions name some settings differently.
Step 1: Screen or silence unknown callers
- Open Settings, tap Apps, then tap Phone.
- Under Screen Unknown Callers, choose one (Apple):
- Ask Reason for Calling: your iPhone answers silently, asks the caller’s name and reason, then rings and shows you their answer.
- Silence: unknown numbers go straight to voicemail and show up in your call list.
- Never: screening is off.
Numbers saved in your Contacts always ring through. Screening switches itself off for 24 hours after you call emergency services, so emergency responders can call you back (Apple).
Tip: add your doctor, pharmacy, bank and family to your Contacts so their calls always get through.
Step 2: Filter spam and turn on caller ID
- In Settings > Apps > Phone, look under Call Filtering and turn on the option to filter spam calls if your iPhone shows it (Apple).
- Tap Call Blocking & Identification and turn on Business Call Identification, which shows verified business names. If you’ve installed a call-blocking app, turn it on here too (Apple).
Step 3: Block a specific number
- Open the Phone app and tap Contacts.
- Tap the contact, then tap Block Contact (Apple).
To unblock someone, go to Settings > Apps > Phone > Blocked Contacts, tap Edit, and remove them (Apple). Scammers change numbers constantly, so Step 1 does far more good than blocking numbers one at a time.
Step 4: Check your missed unknown calls
In the Phone app, tap Calls (or Recents on the classic layout), open the menu, and choose Unknown Callers or Spam to see what was filtered (Apple). Listen to the voicemails. Real callers usually leave a message.
Step 5: Use your carrier’s free tools
Most wireless companies offer free call-blocking or spam-labeling services, and call-blocking apps are another option (FTC). Ask your carrier what’s included with your plan.
Thinking about a call-blocking app?
The built-in steps above are free and handle most calls. If you still get a lot of spam, a call-blocking app can help. Before you install one, the FTC suggests checking its ratings in the App Store and expert reviews, and looking at the list of apps at CTIA.org. Some apps ask to see your contacts, so read the privacy policy first (FTC).
Scam calls on your home phone
- Home phone through the internet (VoIP): if your phone service comes from your cable or internet company, or as part of a bundle, ask them which blocking services they offer. Some are free (FTC).
- Traditional landline: ask your phone company about blocking services, or buy a call-blocking device. It’s a small box that connects to your phone (FTC).
- Either way, let unknown numbers go to the answering machine. If a caller asks “Can you hear me?”, hang up. See why scammers want you to say yes.
Good habits that stop the rest
- Don’t press any numbers on a robocall, even “press 1 to be removed” (FTC).
- Calls can be “spoofed” to look local, or even to look like your bank. Hang up and call back on a number you know.
- The Do Not Call Registry stops legitimate telemarketers but not scammers. Report illegal calls at DoNotCall.gov (FTC).
