How to Block Spam Calls & Texts With Carrier Tools
Why Spam Calls Are Getting Worse
Americans received an estimated fifty billion robocalls in 2025, and the volume continues to rise. Modern spam callers use VoIP technology and number spoofing to make calls appear to come from local numbers, government agencies, or even numbers similar to yours (neighborhood spoofing). Scam texts have exploded alongside calls — fake delivery notifications, toll road bills, bank alerts, and IRS threats arrive daily. While carriers and regulators have implemented STIR/SHAKEN authentication technology to verify caller identity, spammers continue to evolve their techniques. A multi-layered approach combining carrier tools, phone settings, and third-party apps provides the best protection.
Carrier-Level Spam Blocking Tools
T-Mobile Scam Shield
T-Mobile includes Scam Shield free for all postpaid and prepaid customers. The basic tier identifies likely scam calls and displays "Scam Likely" on your caller ID. You can enable Scam Block, which sends identified scam calls directly to voicemail without ringing. The premium Scam Shield tier (included free for some plan levels) adds reverse number lookup, a second voicemail box for blocked calls, and the ability to report numbers. Enable Scam Shield through the Scam Shield app or by dialing #662# from your T-Mobile phone to activate Scam Block.
AT&T ActiveArmor
AT&T provides ActiveArmor free for all customers. The basic tier includes automatic fraud call blocking, spam call warnings, nuisance call alerts, and unknown call blocking. The advanced tier adds caller ID for unknown numbers, reverse number lookup, and additional spam filtering. Download the AT&T ActiveArmor app from the App Store or Google Play. ActiveArmor can be configured to block calls from specific categories — suspected fraud, telemarketing, surveys, and unknown callers. The unknown caller blocking feature sends all calls from numbers not in your contacts to voicemail, which is aggressive but effective.
Verizon Call Filter
Verizon Call Filter is free for all Verizon customers. It automatically detects and blocks spam calls based on Verizon's spam database. The free tier shows spam risk ratings on incoming calls. Call Filter Plus adds caller ID for unknown numbers, a spam lookup tool, and a personal block list with up to five hundred numbers. Download the Verizon Call Filter app to manage settings. Verizon also allows you to silence unknown callers at the network level, meaning suspected spam calls never ring your phone at all.
Phone-Level Settings
iPhone: Silence Unknown Callers
Go to Settings, then Phone, then Silence Unknown Callers. When enabled, calls from numbers not in your contacts, recent outgoing calls, or Siri suggestions go directly to voicemail. The phone does not ring. This is the nuclear option — effective but aggressive. You will miss calls from doctors, pharmacies, and other legitimate callers who are not in your contacts. The calls still appear in your recent calls list and voicemail, so you can return them. Use this feature when spam is overwhelming and combine it with carrier spam filtering for the best balance.
Android: Caller ID and Spam Protection
On Google Pixel and Android phones using the Google Phone app, go to Settings (within the Phone app), then Caller ID and Spam. Enable "See caller and spam ID" and "Filter spam calls." Filtered spam calls go directly to voicemail without ringing. Samsung phones have a similar feature under Phone app settings called Smart Call or Caller ID. These phone-level protections work alongside carrier tools and use Google's or Samsung's own spam databases, providing a second layer of protection.
Blocking Spam Texts
Spam texts are handled differently from calls. On iPhone, go to Settings, then Messages, then Filter Unknown Senders. This separates texts from unknown numbers into a separate tab in the Messages app, keeping your main inbox clean. You can also report spam texts by forwarding them to 7726 (SPAM) — all major carriers accept spam reports at this number. On Android with Google Messages, spam detection is automatic — suspected spam texts are moved to a Spam folder. You can also report individual messages as spam by long-pressing the message and selecting Report Spam. Block individual numbers by opening the conversation, tapping the contact info, and selecting Block.
Third-Party Spam Blocking Apps
If carrier and phone tools are not sufficient, third-party apps like Hiya, Nomorobo, RoboKiller, and Truecaller provide additional spam identification and blocking. These apps maintain their own databases of known spam numbers and use machine learning to identify new spam patterns. Some offer call answering bots that waste spammers' time, which is satisfying but uses battery and data. Most require a monthly subscription for full features. The downside is giving a third-party app access to your call and text data, which raises privacy considerations. For privacy-conscious users, sticking with carrier and phone built-in tools is preferable.
For additional account security tips, see our SIM Swap Protection Guide.
Registering With the Do Not Call Registry
The National Do Not Call Registry, managed by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), lets you register your phone number to reduce legitimate telemarketing calls. Register at donotcall.gov or by calling 1-888-382-1222 from the phone you want to register. Registration is free and does not expire. However, the registry only stops legitimate telemarketers — scammers and illegal robocallers ignore it entirely. That said, registration is still worthwhile because it reduces the baseline volume of calls from legitimate companies, making it easier to identify the remaining spam calls for what they are. Political calls, charitable solicitations, survey calls, and calls from companies you have an existing business relationship with are exempt from the registry.
Recognizing Common Phone Scams in 2026
Spam callers and texters constantly refine their techniques. The most common scams in 2026 include fake toll road charges via text (demanding immediate payment through a link), fake package delivery notifications (USPS, UPS, FedEx impersonation), IRS or Social Security threats (claiming warrants or account suspension), AI-generated voice calls impersonating family members asking for money, bank fraud alerts asking you to "verify" your identity by providing personal information, and car warranty extension calls. Never click links in unsolicited texts, never provide personal information to incoming callers, and never make payments through links in text messages. Legitimate organizations will never demand immediate payment through text message links or threaten arrest over the phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I stop spam calls on my phone?
Enable your carrier's free spam blocking tool (T-Mobile Scam Shield, AT&T ActiveArmor, or Verizon Call Filter), then activate your phone's built-in spam protection. On iPhone, consider enabling Silence Unknown Callers for maximum protection.
Can I block spam texts?
Yes. On iPhone, enable Filter Unknown Senders in Messages settings. On Android, Google Messages automatically filters spam. Forward spam texts to 7726 (SPAM) to report them to your carrier.
What is STIR/SHAKEN?
STIR/SHAKEN is a technology framework that verifies whether a caller's phone number is legitimate. It helps carriers identify spoofed numbers and flag suspected spam calls. All major US carriers now implement it.
Do I need a third-party spam blocking app?
For most people, carrier tools plus phone built-in settings provide sufficient protection. Third-party apps add extra detection but require access to your call and text data, which has privacy implications.