How to Stop Unwanted Calls on Your Mobile Phone (FTC Video Guide)

Unwanted calls are more than an annoyance; many are scams. You can’t stop every one, but a few settings can block or silence most of them. This short FTC video explains the main options for cell phones. Our guide turns them into a quick setup checklist.

From the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) · Part of our Online Safety Video Library

What the video shows

The video explains that a call-blocking app is often your best option. These apps can stop scam calls before they reach you, silence calls from unknown numbers, or send suspicious calls to voicemail. Some are free and some are not.

It also suggests asking your carrier about its blocking services and checking your phone’s own settings, like Do Not Disturb. Since blocking won’t catch every call, it recommends reporting unwanted calls to the FTC, including the number on caller ID and any callback number.

Key takeaways

• Your phone and your carrier both offer free tools to filter spam calls.
• Call-blocking apps can add more protection; read reviews before you choose one.
• Silencing unknown callers sends them to voicemail, where real callers can leave a message.
• Blocking reduces calls but won’t stop them all, so the habit of not answering unknown numbers still matters.
• Reports to the FTC help companies block scam numbers for everyone.

Set up call blocking in 10 minutes

1. Check your phone’s settings. Look in your Phone app settings for options to silence unknown callers or filter spam and suspected scam calls, and turn them on.
2. Turn on your carrier’s free spam protection. Most major carriers offer a free app or account setting that labels or blocks likely spam.
3. Consider a call-blocking app if you still get many calls. Read expert reviews and check what data the app collects.
4. Block repeat numbers directly from your recent calls list.
5. Report unwanted calls at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, including the caller ID number and any number you were told to call back.

A word about the Do Not Call Registry

Signing up at DoNotCall.gov is free and stops many legitimate sales calls. Scammers ignore it, though, so if you are on the list and still get a sales call, that is a strong sign it is a scam.

Common questions

Will silencing unknown callers make me miss important calls?

Callers not in your contacts go to voicemail instead of ringing. Doctors’ offices and delivery services can leave messages. Add important numbers to your contacts to be safe.

Should I answer and say ‘stop calling’?

It’s better not to answer. Responding can confirm your number is active and lead to more calls.

Are call-blocking apps safe?

Many are, but some collect your contacts or call history. Check the app’s privacy details before installing.

Related guides

• Stop Scam Calls on a Parent’s Phone
• How to Stop Calls From Fake Numbers (Video Guide)
• Hang Up on Social Security Scam Calls (Video Guide)
• Built-In Phone Privacy Tools

About this video

This video was produced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), a U.S. government agency, and plays from the agency’s own channel. Juggling Chaos wrote this summary and guide; we are not affiliated with or endorsed by the agency. Some details on screen, such as phone models or web addresses, may look dated, but the advice still applies. Checked October 7, 2026.

The FTC’s full guide is at How to Block Unwanted Calls.