How Do You Block “Potential Spam” Calls?

Blocking “Potential Spam” calls can help stop unwanted calls from telemarketers, scammers, or robocalls. The best ways to block these calls include using built-in phone features, third-party apps, or services provided by your carrier. By lowering the number of spam calls you get, each technique increases your control over your phone.

Let’s examine each of these choices in more detail so you can determine which approach to use to prevent “Potential Spam” calls.

1. Use Built-in Features on Your Phone

Most smartphones today have built-in features to block spam calls. These features are easy to use and can block numbers or label them as “Potential Spam.” Here’s how to enable these features on Android and iPhone.

Android

On Android devices, you can block numbers and enable spam protection by following these steps:

• Launch the Phone application.
• In the top-right corner, tap the three dots.
• Choose Settings.
• Select Caller ID and Spam.
• Turn on the option to block and filter spam and scam calls.

With this update, calls from numbers flagged as spam will be automatically blocked on Android phones.

iPhone

On iPhones, you can also block numbers and silence spam calls:

• Launch the Settings application.
• Choose Phone by swiping down.
• Toggle on Silence Unknown Callers by tapping on it.

This function makes it more difficult for spam callers to reach you by automatically silencing calls from numbers that are not in your contacts.

2. Use Third-Party Apps

Additional security may be provided by third-party apps if the built-in features are insufficient. Additional features like automatic spam screening and real-time caller ID are frequently included with these apps. Several well-known third-party apps that filter spam calls are:

Truecaller

One of the most popular apps for recognizing and preventing spam calls is Truecaller. It operates by gaining access to a sizable database of phone numbers that other users have marked as spam. The following is how to utilize Truecaller:

• Get the Truecaller app from the App Store or Google Play Store.
• Register and give the app access to your contact list.
• Give the app permission to automatically block unsolicited calls and enable spam prevention.

After that, Truecaller will use user reports to determine which numbers are spam and block them.

Hiya

Hiya is another effective app for blocking spam calls. It works similarly to Truecaller by using a database of flagged numbers:

• Download the Hiya app from the Google Play Store or App Store.
• Sign up and enable spam blocking.

Hiya will block known spam numbers and alert you when you receive calls from unknown numbers.

RoboKiller

RoboKiller takes a different approach by blocking spam calls and sending automated responses to waste spammers’ time:

• Download the RoboKiller app.
• Enable the app to block calls on your phone.

RoboKiller uses its large database of spam numbers to block unwanted calls before they reach you.

3. Use Carrier Services

Many mobile carriers offer free or paid services to block spam calls. These services are directly linked to your phone number and can stop spam calls at the network level. Here are some services provided by major carriers:

AT&T Call Protect

AT&T Call Protect automatically blocks calls flagged as fraud or potential spam:

• Use your account to activate the service or download the AT&T Call Protect app.
• Turn on the spam risk and fraud blocking automatically.

You won’t get calls from numbers marked as high-risk spam after using this service.

Verizon Call Filter

Verizon offers the Call Filter service, which can detect and block spam calls:

• Download the Call Filter app or enable it through your Verizon account.
• Set your call filter preferences to block potential spam.

This service will label or block spam calls based on the threat level.

T-Mobile Scam Shield

T-Mobile provides a free service called Scam Shield to block unwanted calls:

• Install the Scam Shield app on your device or activate it via your account.
• To automatically eliminate spam calls, enable Scam Block.

Scam Shield works by identifying and blocking calls before they even ring your phone.

4. Manually Block Numbers

Another option is to manually block numbers that frequently call you. This can be done directly through your phone’s settings, though it only works for specific numbers. Here’s how you can do it:

On Android

• Launch the Phone application.
• Look through your call log for the number you wish to block.
• Next to the number, tap the three dots.
• Choose the Block number.

On iPhone

• Launch the Phone application.
• Look through your call log for the number you wish to block.
• Next to the number, tap the three dots.
• Choose the Block number.

Once a number is blocked, it won’t be able to call or text you.

5. Enable Do Not Disturb

If you’re getting too many spam calls, you can use the Do Not Disturb feature to block all calls except those from people in your contacts list. If you don’t mind missing a few calls from unknown numbers, this strategy works well.

On Android

• Go to Settings.
• Select Notifications or Sound & Vibration.
• Choose “Don’t Disturb.”
• Configure it to only accept calls from people you know.

On iPhone

• Go to Settings.
• Press the “Do Not Disturb” button.
• Turn on “Permit Calls From Contacts.”

This way, any unknown number or potential spam call will not ring through.

Conclusion

It is simple and possible to block “Potential Spam” calls in a few different methods. You can make use of your phone’s built-in capabilities, third-party apps, or mobile carrier services. While each technique gives varying degrees of protection, combining them can yield the best outcomes. By taking these simple measures, you may lessen the number of spam calls you receive and improve the quality of your phone experience—whether you choose to block numbers manually or through automatic methods.

FAQs

1. Will Blocking Spam Calls Stop All Unwanted Calls?

No, banning spam calls won’t completely halt unsolicited calls, but it will cut down on how many you get. Although databases used by spam protection systems are updated on a regular basis, some new spam numbers may still slip through.

2. Can I Block Spam Texts Using These Methods?

Some third-party apps and carrier services also offer protection against spam texts. You can enable features in apps like Truecaller or Hiya to block spam messages, and many carriers also offer text-blocking services.

3. Does Blocking Spam Calls Affect My Phone’s Battery?

Using apps or services to block spam calls may use some battery power, but the impact is usually minimal. Built-in features tend to use less power than third-party apps.

4. Is There a Cost for Using Third-Party Apps or Carrier Services?

Numerous third-party apps provide basic versions for free, but they could charge for additional features. While some carriers charge a nominal price for more complex functions, others provide spam-blocking services for free.

5. Can I Unblock A Number After Blocking it?

Indeed, you are always free to unblock numbers. On Android and iPhone, you can go into your call settings and remove the number from your blocked list. Similarly, third-party apps allow you to unblock numbers within the app’s settings.