How to Block Spam Calls on iPhone

Last Updated: February 17, 2020

If you're receiving obnoxious robocalls, being pestered by telemarketers, or keep getting bothersome calls meant for others, you can block these callers' numbers in the Phone app. And as long as you're using the latest version of iOS, you can also choose to silence all incoming calls from private and unknown numbers. Another option for dealing with spam callers is to use a third-party app called Hiya that blocks these calls before they ring through. This wikiHow teaches you how to block nuisance and spam calls on iPhone.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Blocking Spam Calls by Phone Number

1
Open the Phone app
. It has a green icon with an image that resembles an old fashioned phone. Tap the icon on your home screen or in the dock at the bottom of your screen.
2
Tap the Recent tab. It's the clock icon at the bottom of the screen.

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3
Tap the i icon next to a recent spam number call. t's the blue icon with an "i" inside of a circle. Tap this icon to view caller's information and an options menu.
4
Scroll down and tap Block this caller. It's at the bottom of the menu.
5
Tap Block this contact. It's the red text in the alert pop-up. This blocks the number and prevents you from further receiving any calls from that number.^{[1]
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- To unblock a number, tap the "i" icon in the "Recent" tab. Then tap Unblock this caller at the bottom of the options menu.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Silencing Unknown Calls

1
Update to iOS 13 or later. The ability to detect and block unknown and private calls is a new feature of iOS 13. In order to use this feature, you must be running iOS 13. Some older iPhone models may not be compatible with iOS 13. If you have not updated to the latest version of iOS, use the following steps to update your iPhone:
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap General.
- Tap Software Update.
- Tap Download and Install.
- Enter your passcode (if applicable).
2
Open the Settings app
. It has an icon that resembles two silver gears, and you'll find it on the home screen.
3
Tap Phone. It's next to a green icon with an image that resembles an old fashioned phone in the Settings menu.
4
Toggle the "Silence Unknown Callers" switch to On
. If the switch is green, the "Silence Unknown Callers" feature is activated. Your phone will not ring when unknown or private numbers not in your Contacts call your phone. They will still appear as missed calls, and you can still receive voicemails from these numbers.^{[2]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Using a Hiya to Block Calls

1
Open the App Store
. It has a blue icon with a capital "A" in the center, and you'll usually find it on the home screen.
2
Tap the Search tab. It's at the bottom of the screen. It has an icon that resembles a magnifying glass.
3
Type Hiya and tap Search. This searches for the Hiya Caller ID and Block app and other similar apps.
4
Tap GET next to the Hiya Caller ID and Block app. It has a white icon with a purple, pink, and blue image that resembles an old phone. This downloads and installs the app.
- You may need to confirm your identity with your passcode, fingerprint, or face ID.
5
Open Hiya. Tap the Hiya icon on your home screen, or tap OPEN in the App Store to open Hiya.
6
Tap Get Started. It's the blue button at the bottom of the screen that appears when you open the app for the first time.
- Ensure that the checkbox next to "I've read and agree to Hiya's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy" is checked.
7
Enter your phone number and tap Continue (if needed). The app may automatically detect your phone number. If it does not, enter your phone number and tap Continue.
8
Tap Hiya Basic. This is the free version of Hiya. If prompted to start a free trial of one of the paid plans, you can start a free trial or tap Continue with Hiya Basic to decline.
9
Enable Hiya in the Settings app. In order to use Hiya, you must enable it in the Settings app. Here's how:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone's home screen.
- Scroll down and tap Phone.
- Tap Call Blocking & Identification.
- Tap the toggle switch next to Hiya ー 1 and Hiya ー 2.
10
Tap the Protect tab in Hiya. After enabling Hiya in the Settings app, return to the Hiya app and tap the Protect tab at the bottom of the screen. It has an icon that resembles a shield.
11
Toggle the "Block Fraud Calls" switch to On
. This blocks incoming calls using a list of callers known to be associated with fraud calls.
12
Toggle the "Block Nuisance Calls" switch to On
. This blocks incoming spam calls based on a list of phone numbers associated with known spammers.
- You may also want to tap the toggle switch next to "Whitelist my contacts." This unblocks anyone in your contacts list that may have been accidentally blocked by spam and fraud blocker.