How to Block Spam Calls on Your iPhone 13

Hate spam calls? So do we! They’re annoying as hell, and it seems like the problem gets worse by the day. In this post, we look at how to block spam calls on iPhone 13 or at least minimize them. But before we do, let’s take a look at the three most common types of spams calls.

The first is telemarketing calls from real companies trying to sell you stuff. Carriers and internet service providers love to use them in hopes of luring consumers away from the competition. Then there are robocalls, which are automated phone calls with pre-recorded sales messages. They are also frequently used for political campaigns, charitable causes, and more. Lastly, there are scam calls from shady characters trying to take advantage of you. They pretend to be FBI, CIA, or bank employees and try to get you to reveal your financial or other sensitive data.

So, how can you protect yourself from spam calls? Here’s how you can block the spam calls on your iPhone 13.

Note: information in this article apply to iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, and iPhone 13 Pro Max.

Block spam calls on iPhone 13 with apps and carrier services

The best way to block spam calls on your iPhone 13 is with dedicated apps, which rely on databases of millions of numbers. Whenever you get a call from a number listed in the database, the app will warn you with a message displayed on your screen. Alternatively, it can also send the call to voicemail so you don’t have to deal with it at all.

There are a few apps, including TrueCaller, that you can use to block spam calls on your iPhone 13. Some of these apps are free, while others require a subscription.

1. Go to the App Store and download an app that detects and blocks spam phone calls. You can download and install multiple apps with this feature from different app developers.
2. Go to Settings > Phone. Tap Call Blocking & Identification.
3. Under Allow These Apps To Block Calls And Provide Caller ID, turn the app on or off.

Additionally, the big three U.S. carriers offer apps and services to help their users fight unwanted calls. Features differ from carrier to carrier, as do pricing and availability. Most work the same as the apps described above, which means they’ll notify you when you get a spam call or block it so it won’t even reach you.

AT&T Call Protect

When you download the app, you can enable “Spam Risk” blocking, send “Unknown Callers” direct to voicemail on your iPhone, and use the Siri function at no charge. Spam Risk is the largest category of nuisance calls identified by AT&T Call Protect. Siri shortcuts can be enabled in the iOS Shortcuts app.

T-Mobile Scam Shield

This app gives you control over T-Mobile’s anti-scam protections like Scam ID, Scam Block, and Caller ID. Even if a caller isn’t in your contact list, you’ll now be able to access their details. Full Caller ID access is already standard with Scam Shield, just turn it on.

Verizon Call Filter

Call Filter detects spam and blocks high-risk spam calls by forwarding them to voicemail. The Call Filter app screens incoming callers to alert you if a number may be spam, a robocall, or fraud. The Verizon Call Filter costs $2.99 per month for one line which includes additional features such as Caller ID, Spam lookup, Personal blocklist, Spam risk meter. Also, you can get it at $7.99 per month for 3 or more lines. Though, you need to note that Call Filter is not available on lines with Dual SIM capable devices while both the eSIM and physical Verizon SIM are active on the device at the same time.

Keep in mind that while apps and services offered by carriers are the best way to block spam calls, they aren’t perfect. They won’t completely eliminate these unwanted calls, but they will greatly reduce them.

Block spam calls on iPhone 13 one by one

If you’re getting harassed by just a few companies or individuals regularly, the easy way to block unwanted calls is to block their numbers. Here’s how to block spam numbers on an iPhone 13.

1. Open the Phone app on your iPhone.
2. Tap Recents, and then press the ‘i’ button next to the number.
3. Now, scroll down and select Block this Caller to block the number.

You won’t be receiving any notifications for the calls for the number you have blocked. And if you want you can review the blocked numbers and unblock a number to receive calls from it again.

Follow the steps below to unblock a number on your iPhone.

1. Open the Settings app on iPhone.
2. Now, tap Phone.
3. Select Blocked Contacts, and tap the Edit button on the top right corner.
4. Lastly, press the ‘-’ icon near the number to unblock it.

Block spam calls on iPhone 13 by only allowing calls from your contacts

Another way to win against spam calls on your iPhone 13 is to block all numbers except for those in your contacts list. Sure, this might be an extreme measure, but it will get the job done.

When you receive a call from a number not saved in your contacts, your iPhone 13 won’t ring, but you’ll be able to see that the call happened within the phone app. Nice!

To turn on Silence Unknown Callers, go to Settings > Phone, then scroll down, tap Silence Unknown Callers, and turn on the feature. Calls from unknown numbers are silenced and sent to your voicemail, and appear in your recent calls list.

This method obviously has a major drawback. You’ll likely miss calls from friends, family members, coworkers, and others who may have changed their number or call from a different phone. So make sure you only opt for this measure if all else fails.