US guide
How to Block Spam Calls in the US — Complete 2026 Guide
Register your number on the Do Not Call list. Turn on your carrier's spam filter. Enable built-in phone settings. Use AI call screening if you also want context from missed calls, not just fewer rings.
Method 1: FTC Do Not Call Registry
Start with donotcall.gov. Registration is free and usually takes under 30 seconds.
It will not stop every scammer, but it does reduce legal telemarketing calls and gives you a strong first layer of protection.
Method 2: Enable Your Carrier's Spam Filter
Turn on the tool your carrier already gives you. Verizon users should check Call Filter. AT&T users should enable ActiveArmor. T-Mobile users should turn on Scam Shield. Cricket users should use the carrier spam protection options available in their plan or app.
These tools help catch repeat spam patterns before your phone even rings.
Method 3: Built-In Phone Settings
On iPhone, turn on Silence Unknown Callers if you want unfamiliar numbers sent straight out of your active call flow. On Android, enable the built-in spam filter or caller protection settings in the Phone app.
This step is easy, but be careful if you often expect calls from new clients, doctors, schools, or delivery drivers.
Method 4: AI Call Screening (Katch)
Blocking is only half the job. Some calls are not spam, but you still miss them while driving, working, or in a meeting. Katch answers those missed calls live with AI, asks what the caller needs, and sends you a summary.
That means you can cut noise without losing the important calls hiding inside unknown numbers.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Do Not Call list actually work?
It helps reduce legitimate telemarketing calls, but it will not stop every scam or illegal robocall. It is still worth doing because it is free and quick.
How do I block spam calls on iPhone?
Register your number on the FTC list, turn on carrier spam filtering, and enable Silence Unknown Callers on iPhone if you can tolerate unknown numbers going straight to missed calls.
Which carrier spam filter is best?
Verizon Call Filter, AT&T ActiveArmor, T-Mobile Scam Shield, and Cricket call protection tools all help. The best one is usually the one included with your carrier plan and kept turned on.
How is AI call screening different from spam blocking?
Spam blocking tries to stop bad calls. AI call screening answers missed calls, figures out what the caller wanted, and gives you context before you decide whether to call back.
Want every missed call screened live?
Katch adds live AI screening on top of the usual anti-spam tools, so you miss less while filtering more.
Try Katch