Engadget Offers Steps to Curb Spam Calls on iPhone and Android

Engadget noted that carriers may also offer spam protection, and depending on the company, it may be enabled by default. If it is not, users should check their online account or the carrier's app for a spam protection toggle.

On iPhone, users can go to Settings > Apps > Phone. In the Call Filtering section, enabling Spam sends calls that the carrier identifies as junk straight to voicemail instead of letting them ring. Those calls appear under the Spam section in the Phone app's Calls tab, which is accessible through the top-right button. The same settings area includes an Unknown Callers option, which places recent calls from non-contacts in an Unknown Callers section. A number can be removed from that section by using Mark as Known.

Also in Phone settings, the Screen Unknown Callers section offers three choices. Never is the default and allows every incoming call to ring normally. Silence is the most aggressive option: it mutes all calls from numbers not saved in contacts and sends them to voicemail, with those calls viewable in the Phone app's Calls tab. Ask Reason for Calling is described as a middle ground. The iPhone screens unknown callers and asks why they are calling, letting the user read a live transcript of the caller's response before deciding whether to answer. Engadget said Call Screening is only available in select countries on iPhones running iOS 26 or newer.

Engadget advised users to save numbers they regularly need, such as doctors' offices or work clients, because the filtering options can otherwise cause them to miss legitimate calls from unsaved numbers.

On Android, most phones offer spam detection, but availability and capabilities vary by model, Android version and dialer app. Google's official Phone app is shipped by most Android manufacturers and includes caller ID and spam detection. If a phone uses another dialer, users can look for similar settings or download Google's Phone app and set it as the default.

In Google's Phone app, users open the hamburger menu at the top-left and choose Settings. Under Call Assist, they tap Caller ID and spam. Enabling See caller and spam ID makes the app warn about a potential spam call before it is answered. Enabling Filter spam calls automatically silences suspected junk calls. Missed calls and voicemails from unknown callers can still be viewed in the app. Engadget said both features require Android 6.0 or newer, the latest version of Google's Phone app installed and set as the default.

Some Android phones, including models from Samsung and Google, have enhanced call screening similar to the iPhone's Ask Reason for Calling. On a Pixel 6 or newer, users can open the Phone app and go to Settings > Spam and Call Screen > Call Screen to set it up. On supported Samsung phones, they can open the Phone app, tap the three-dot icon in the top-right corner and go to Settings > Call screening.