You can stop bots and spammers from calling you so freaking much

This article has been updated since its original publication on August 23, 2019.

Your smartphone is a versatile tool—communication hub, social media platform, occasional gaming device—but it shouldn't be a billboard for unwanted ads and marketing. Robocalls and spam calls are a significant problem, wasting valuable time.

If you're one of the millions plagued by these unwanted calls, several solutions exist: carrier services, built-in phone features, and third-party apps.

Carrier Solutions:

Mobile carriers actively combat spam. The FCC's 2019 ruling allows opt-out, rather than opt-in, call-blocking, enhancing consumer protection. However, the level of protection varies.

• AT&T: Offers automatic fraud blocking and spam alerts, plus the AT&T Call Protect app (Android/iOS) for filtering and blocking. You can also report spam calls directly.

• Verizon: Provides Call Filter (free app, pre-installed on some Android devices), warning of potential spam and allowing customizable blocking. Reporting is possible within the app, but a personal block list requires the $3/month Call Filter Plus.

• T-Mobile: Offers Scam ID (default feature), warning of potential spam calls. The free Scam Shield app (Android/iOS) provides more control, including Scam Block (blocks suspicious calls). Scam Shield Premium ($4/month, free with Magenta Plus) sends telemarketing and political calls to voicemail.

Additionally, registering with the FCC's National Do Not Call Registry helps reduce telemarketing calls (after a 31-day waiting period), though it doesn't cover political calls, charities, or scammers. You can also report unwanted calls directly to the FCC.

Built-in Phone Tools:

Both Android and iOS offer improved spam protection, but specific features vary by manufacturer and Android version.

• Samsung: Smart Call (often default) identifies unwanted callers using a database of suspect numbers. Blocking and reporting are possible within the app.

• Google Pixel: Built-in spam control in the Phone app (Settings > Spam and Call Screen) lets you see caller and spam IDs, filter calls, and block/report numbers. The Google Phone app (available on other Android devices) offers the spam warning feature. Call Screen (Pixel and some other Android devices) routes calls to Google Assistant for voicemail options.

• iOS: "Silence Unknown Callers" (Settings > Phone) sends unknown numbers to voicemail, excluding numbers found in your messages or emails. Individual numbers can be blocked (Recents list > "i" button > Block this Caller). This is less effective against numerous spam calls from different numbers.

Third-Party Apps:

If built-in and carrier features are insufficient, several third-party apps enhance call screening. While granting app access to your phone and contacts requires caution, reviewed apps assure they don't misuse contact information. Check individual privacy policies.

• Hiya (Android/iOS): Identifies suspicious numbers using a large database (shared with Samsung's Smart Call), allowing reporting and blocking. A premium version ($4/month) offers an expanded database.

• Nomorobo (Android/iOS): ($2/month, 14-day trial) identifies spam and robocalls, allowing flagging or blocking. The developers claim only illegal robocallers are blocked.

• RoboKiller (Android/iOS): ($4/month, 7-day trial) blocks calls and texts, using predictive technology even for unknown numbers. Proactive blocking eliminates decision-making for each call.

Remember to review privacy policies before installing any third-party app. By combining these methods, you can significantly reduce the disruption of robocalls and spam calls.

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