How to Block Scam Calls and Filter Spam SMS on an iPhone

    How to Block Scam Calls and Filter Spam SMS on an iPhone

    JDCS
    By Jordan Dickson · Reviewed by CSG Security Engineers

    Updated June 2026 · 2 min read

    Silence Unknown Callers

    Reduce disturbances by sending calls from numbers not in your contacts to voicemail. You'll still receive calls from people in your contacts and recent outgoing calls.
    1. Open the Settings app.
    2. Scroll down and tap Phone.
    3. Scroll down to the 'CALLS' section and tap Silence Unknown Callers.
    4. Toggle the switch next to Silence Unknown Callers to on (green).

    Good to know

    Emergency calls will still go through, and your iPhone will temporarily disable Silence Unknown Callers for 24 hours after you make an emergency call.

    Block Specific Numbers

    If a particular number is consistently bothering you, you can block it directly from your recent calls or contacts.
    1. Open the Phone app.
    2. Tap Recents at the bottom of the screen.
    3. Find the number you want to block and tap the i icon next to it.
    4. Scroll to the bottom and tap Block this Caller.
    5. Confirm by tapping Block Contact.

    Important

    Blocked callers will not be able to call you, leave voicemails, or send you messages.

    Filter Unwanted Messages

    Your iPhone can automatically filter messages from unknown senders into a separate folder, helping to keep your main Messages inbox clutter-free.
    1. Open the Settings app.
    2. Scroll down and tap Messages.
    3. Scroll down to the 'MESSAGE FILTERING' section and tap Message Filtering (or Unknown & Spam on older iOS versions).
    4. Toggle the switch next to Filter Unknown Senders to on (green).

    Tip

    You can view messages from unknown senders by opening the Messages app and selecting Unknown Senders from the main Messages screen.

    Report Spam or Junk Messages

    If you receive a message that appears to be spam or junk, you can report it to your carrier and delete it from your iPhone.
    1. Open the Messages app.
    2. Open the spam or junk message.
    3. Look for a Report Junk or Report Spam link (this usually appears underneath the message if your carrier supports it).
    4. Tap the link and follow the on-screen instructions to report the message.
    5. After reporting (if applicable), tap Delete to remove the message from your device.

    Good to know

    Reporting spam messages helps your carrier identify and block similar messages in the future, improving protection for all users.
    Tags:
    Messaging Security
    Mobile Device Security
    Phishing & Scams

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    JD

    Written by

    Jordan Dickson

    Founder, CyberSecurityGuides

    Founder of CyberSecurityGuides, writing practical, jargon-free guides that help everyday people recover from and protect against online attacks.

    Reviewed by CSG Security Engineers

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