Stop Robocalls
Robocalls and other unwanted calls from telemarketing companies have increased in recent years. It’s frustrating, we get it. Here are some tips to help you identify these types of calls and what you can do to decrease them.
What are Robocalls?
Robocalls are recorded messages sent from automated dialers. While many legitimate organizations use automated recorded messaging to give you relevant information, like an appointment reminder from a doctor’s office or a notification that your prescription is ready, robocalls trying to sell you something are illegal.
Can I Stop Robocalls?
Because robocall companies are constantly changing numbers, it’s impossible to completely stop all robocalls. However, you can lessen the frustration they may cause by using these built-in solutions on your device to help protect yourself.
iPhone
Silence Unknown Caller prevents robocalls from ringing and disturbing you.
Requirements: Must update to iOS 13.
Instructions:
Go to Settings
Select Phone
Locate Silence Unknown Callers
Set the toggle to the ‘on’ position
Tip: Calls from unknown numbers are silenced and sent to your voicemail and appear in your recent calls list. If you are finding you can’t reach any friends or family who have iPhones, it may mean you have a privacy feature on your phone line which makes your calls show up as "unknown caller".
Learn More
Samsung
Smart Call, powered by Hiya, blocks and reports spam.
Instructions:
Go to Call Settings
Locate Caller ID and spam protection
Set the toggle to the ‘on’ position
Tip: While it does not block every nuisance call, it will significantly cut their numbers down. When one slips through, report it so that number is added to the reputation database.
Learn More
Other Android Phones
Caller ID and spam blocks and notifies you of known robocalls.
Requirements: Android 6.0 or later.
Instructions:
Open your device's Phone app
Tap More (3 vertical dots)
Tap Settings
Tap Caller ID & spam the turn on
Tip: Turning on Filter suspected spam calls stops spam calls from ringing on your phone. Once set up, it catches suspected spam calls and sends them directly to voicemail. Follow this link for more information.
Learn More
Can I Block Numbers?
Yes, you can block specific numbers on your device. If you are repeatedly getting telemarketing or robocalls from the same number, follow the below steps to block the number on your device.
iPhone:
Open the Phone app
Tap Recents
Select the “i” next to the number you want to block
Scroll down and tap Block this Caller
Samsung:
Open the Phone app
Tap the 3 dot menu
Enter Settings
Select Block Numbers
Navigate to Recents
Select the number you want to block.
LG:
Open Settings
Select Call
Tap Call Blocking & Ignore with Message
Tap Blocked Numbers
Select the number you want to block
Motorola and CAT:
Open Settings
Select Blocked Numbers
Open Add a Number
Select the number you want to block