How do I silence spam and unknown phone callers on my iPhone?
Direct Answer
Go to Settings, tap "Phone," scroll down to "Silence Unknown Callers," and switch the toggle to ON (green).
🚨 Emergency Rule: Stop & Do Not Send Money
If someone contacted you asking for payment via gift cards, wire transfer, or Zelle, or asking for verification codes, hang up or do not reply. Real banks and government agencies never ask for payment this way.
📞 Call family on trusted known number: Never call back the incoming caller ID number. Call your relative directly using the number in your phone contacts.
🛡️ Free Senior Fraud Helpline: AARP Fraud Watch Network: 1-877-908-3360
Immediate Action Steps If You Were Contacted
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1
Open Settings
Tap the grey icon with gears labeled "Settings" on your iPhone home screen.
👀 Grey gear icon.
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2
Scroll down to "Phone"
Scroll down through the menu until you see the green icon with a white telephone handset labeled "Phone." Tap it.
👀 Green icon with white telephone receiver.
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3
Tap "Silence Unknown Callers"
Scroll down toward the bottom of the Phone menu until you see the row labeled "Silence Unknown Callers." Tap on it.
👀 Row labeled "Silence Unknown Callers" near bottom.
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4
Turn the switch ON (Green)
Tap the switch next to "Silence Unknown Callers" so that it slides to the right and turns green.
👀 Green toggle switch indicating ON.
Emergency Steps: If You Already Sent Money or Shared Passwords
1. Call Your Bank Fraud Department Now: Call the number on the back of your card immediately to freeze transfers or cancel your card.
2. Change Passwords on a Different Device: Change your email and bank passwords immediately.
3. File a Report with IdentityTheft.gov: Official free recovery plan from the Federal Trade Commission.
If You Don't See It / Troubleshooting
If you are expecting a call from a delivery driver, contractor, or new doctor not in your contacts
You can temporarily turn this setting off (grey), or if you called them recently, iPhone will allow their return call through automatically.
Good to Know
- Calls from numbers saved in your Contacts, recent outgoing calls you made, and Siri Suggestions will still ring normally.
- Silenced calls go straight to your voicemail so you never miss an actual emergency or message.