Blocking spam calls on an iPhone 15 is fast and mostly automatic. In short, update your iPhone, turn on Silence Unknown Callers, block specific numbers, enable call identification apps, and use your carrier’s spam filters. You can also set a Focus mode that only allows known contacts. Follow the steps below for exact menus, then install a trusted third-party app or carrier service for extra protection.

Contents hide

1 Tutorial – How To Block Spam Calls On iPhone 15

2 Tips for How To Block Spam Calls On iPhone 15

3 Filter spam out of your call list

4 Frequently Asked Questions

Tutorial – How To Block Spam Calls On iPhone 15

This section walks you through the main settings and actions you will take on your iPhone 15 to reduce or stop spam calls. Each step is short and practical so you can do it right away.

Step 1, Update iOS to the latest version.

Keeping iOS current ensures you have the newest spam-blocking features and bug fixes.

To update, open Settings, tap General, then Software Update. If an update is available, tap Download and Install and follow the prompts. Updates often include security and call handling improvements that help block scam calls.

Step 2, Screen or silence unknown callers.

This stops calls from numbers that aren’t in your contacts from ringing straight through.

Open Settings, tap Apps, tap Phone, then tap Screen Unknown Callers. Choose Ask Reason for Calling to have your iPhone ask unknown callers who they are before it rings, or Silence to send them straight to voicemail. On iOS 18 and earlier, the switch is called Silence Unknown Callers. Numbers you recently called still ring. This works well if you mostly get calls from people you already know.

Step 3, Block specific numbers you get repeatedly.

Blocking stops a number from calling, messaging, or FaceTiming you.

Open the Phone app, go to Recents, tap the info button next to the number, then tap Block this Caller. You can also open Messages, tap the sender, tap info, and block. Keep a short list of repeat offenders and block them as you see them.

Step 4, Enable Call Blocking & Identification and install a trusted app.

Third-party apps identify and filter likely spam callers in real time.

Go to Settings, tap Apps, tap Phone, then Call Blocking & Identification, and enable the apps you installed such as Hiya, Truecaller, or Nomorobo. Open the app and grant the necessary permissions, then follow its setup steps. These apps compare incoming numbers to a spam database and label or block bad calls.

Step 5, Use your carrier’s spam protection service.

Major carriers offer free or low-cost spam filtering that works at the network level.

Check your carrier app or Settings for services like AT&T ActiveArmor, Verizon Call Filter, or T-Mobile Scam Shield and follow their sign-up instructions. Carrier tools can stop spam before your phone rings and often add spam labels. Some features are free, while premium options add advanced blocking features.

Step 6, Create a Focus or Do Not Disturb filter for calls.

Focus modes let you allow calls only from specific people or groups.

Open Settings, tap Focus, choose a Focus mode or create a new one, then allow calls from Favorites or specific contact groups. Turn the Focus on during times when you want fewer interruptions. This is useful for work, sleep, or focused time.

Step 7, Report spam numbers and messages.

Reporting helps your phone and services learn which numbers are harmful.

In Messages, tap the message from an unknown sender, tap Report Junk if available, or forward spam to your carrier if they provide a short code. In third-party apps, use the report button to flag callers. Reporting reduces spam for everyone over time.

After you complete these steps, your iPhone 15 will block many unwanted calls and label many more as spam. You may still see occasional spam from new numbers, but the volume should drop significantly. Keep the apps and iOS updated and report scams when they appear to improve your protection.

Tips for How To Block Spam Calls On iPhone 15

Use multiple layers, apps plus carrier services, for best protection. Combining Silence Unknown Callers with a spam app and carrier filtering catches more calls.
Do not pick up calls from unknown numbers to confirm your line, since that can increase spam. Let them go to voicemail and call back only if the message is legitimate.
Keep a short blocked list and review it every few months, in case you accidentally blocked a real contact. You can remove numbers from Settings, Phone, Blocked Contacts.
Choose a reputable third-party app with good reviews, clear privacy policies, and frequent updates. Avoid apps that request unnecessary permissions.
Use Focus modes at night or during work hours to allow calls only from specific people, so spam cannot reach you at important times.
Enable voicemail transcription if available, so you can quickly see if a missed call was important. It helps decide whether to return a call safely.
Check carrier settings after sim swaps or when you change plans, because carrier spam protection is tied to your phone number and account.

Filter spam out of your call list

On iOS 26, the Phone app can also move suspected spam out of your main call history. Go to Settings > Apps > Phone and turn on Spam under call filtering. Calls your carrier flags as spam are silenced and listed separately, so you can check them later. Turn on Business Call Identification in Call Blocking & Identification to see verified business names when they call.

For details on the screening feature, see how to use Call Screening on iPhone.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do Screen Unknown Callers and Silence work?

With Silence chosen, calls from numbers not in your contacts, recent calls or Siri suggestions go straight to voicemail. With Ask Reason for Calling, your iPhone answers first and rings with the caller’s answer. The call still appears in Recents so you can review missed calls. Emergency numbers and recent outgoing calls will still ring your phone.

Will blocking a number stop them from calling me on other numbers?

Blocking a number stops that specific phone number, Apple ID, and linked FaceTime from contacting you. If the spammer uses a different number, you must block the new number as well. Using carrier-level blocking and apps helps catch new numbers automatically.

Are third-party spam apps safe to use?

Many third-party apps are safe if they have good reviews and clear privacy policies. They need permission to identify incoming calls, which may share some data. Read the privacy terms and pick apps that do not sell your data.

Does my carrier charge for spam protection?

Some carriers include basic spam protection for free, while advanced features may require a paid plan. Check your carrier app or website for exact pricing and feature lists. Many users find the free options adequate for everyday spam filtering.

Will I miss important calls if I silence unknown callers?

You might miss calls from people who are not in your contacts, like delivery drivers or new doctors. Silence Unknown Callers does not block messages or voicemails. If you expect calls from new numbers, keep an eye on missed calls and voicemail and consider using a milder Focus mode.

How do I unblock a number on iPhone 15?

Open Settings, tap Phone, then Blocked Contacts. Swipe left on a number or tap Edit and remove it, or tap the number and choose Unblock. The contact or number can call and message you again after you unblock it.

Matt Jacobs

Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.

His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.