Science & Tech · Cybersecurity · 2 hrs ago
Phone settings can help block spam calls and scam texts
Spam calls and scam texts can interrupt people and expose them to risks such as stolen account details.
The guidance covers iPhones and Android phones, which have built-in tools for filtering some unwanted calls and messages.
On iPhones, users can send calls from unfamiliar numbers straight to voicemail, with some exceptions, and move messages from unknown senders to a separate tab without notifications.
On Android, users can turn on a filter for suspected spam calls and check that spam protection is enabled in Messages.
These features can reduce interruptions without requiring a paid blocking app.
Mobile providers also offer free basic network filtering, but it may not be on by default.
Users can review their phone settings and contact their provider to check whether filtering is available.
Built-in settings on iPhones and Android phones can filter suspected spam calls and messages.
On iPhone, unknown callers can be sent to voicemail, while messages from unknown senders can be moved to a separate tab.
On Android, users can turn on spam-call filtering and message spam protection.
The article says mobile providers also offer free network-level filtering, which may not be enabled by default.
- Who
- iPhone and Android users seeking to reduce spam calls and scam texts.
- What
- The article explains how to use phone settings and carrier filtering to screen suspected spam.
- When
- Published October 12, 2026.
- Where
- On iPhones, Android phones, and cellular-provider networks.
- Why
- To reduce unwanted calls and messages and help protect users from scams.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
No direct quotes in the coverage so far.
This story does not have a timeline yet.
- Publication date
- October 12, 2026
- iPhone calls
- Unknown callers can be sent straight to voicemail.
- Android calls
- The Phone app's Filter Spam Calls setting blocks suspected robocalls.
- iPhone messages
- Filter Spam creates a separate tab for messages from unknown numbers and disables their notifications.
- Carrier filtering
- The article says providers offer free baseline network filtering that may not be turned on by default.
Sources
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