How to stop spam calls on your cell phone
Block numbers with your phone's built-in tools, turn on your carrier's call blocking, and consider a call-blocking app. Hang up on robocalls without pressing keys, report them at DoNotCall.gov, and join the free Do Not Call Registry.
View all 112 guides- Platform
- consumer.ftc.gov
- Type
- Spam calls, texts and email
- Last updated
Step by step
- 1
Use your phone's built-in call blocking
Your phone can block specific numbers and send unfamiliar callers to voicemail. Start there: it's free and takes a minute.
- 2
Check your carrier's call blocking and labeling
Carriers offer call-blocking and call-labeling services. The FTC advises contacting your carrier through a number or website you already know is legitimate, not one a caller gives you.
- 3
Consider a call-blocking app
Some call-blocking apps are free and others charge. The FTC points to the wireless industry's (CTIA) list of apps, and suggests reading independent reviews and app store ratings before you pick one.
- 4
Hang up on robocalls
Don't press any keys and don't call back, even to "opt out". Just hang up.
- 5
Report the call at DoNotCall.gov
Report unwanted calls at DoNotCall.gov. Reporting doesn't stop that call, but the FTC publishes reported numbers each business day to help carriers build blocking tools.
- 6
Join the Do Not Call Registry
Registration is free at DoNotCall.gov. It should cut down on legitimate telemarketing calls.
Watch out for
- The Do Not Call Registry won't stop scammers. They ignore it, so you still need blocking tools.
- Pressing a key or calling back on a robocall can confirm your number is active.
- Call blocking and labeling vary by carrier, so check what yours offers.
- Reporting a number helps enforcement, but it doesn't end the calls to you.
What stays out there
Blocking calls handles the calls you get today. It doesn't change why they reach you. Your cell number can sit in data broker and people-search listings alongside your name and address, and callers buy or scrape those lists.
Serus finds where your details are listed and removes them, which cuts off one source of the calls.
Frequently asked
Will the Do Not Call Registry stop spam calls?
It should reduce legitimate telemarketing calls, but it won't stop scammers, according to the FTC.
Should I call a spam number back?
No. Hang up on robocalls, don't press any keys and don't call back.
Does reporting a spam call stop it?
Not directly. The FTC publishes reported numbers each business day, which helps carriers build blocking tools.
Are call-blocking apps free?
Some are free and some charge. Check independent reviews and app store ratings first.
Sources
Related guide Guide: How to Delete Yourself from the Internet Something changed? If these steps no longer match what you see, tell us and we'll re-check it.
