Helpful Guide
Nuisance calls can make you feel as if you need to answer every ring just in case it is your GP, a family member, or an important delivery. In reality, the safest approach is often the opposite. If you are unsure who is calling, you can slow things down and let the phone work for you.
The good news is that both iPhone and Android phones include simple tools that can cut down repeat nuisance calls. You do not need to become technical, and you do not need to answer unknown callers just to be polite.
A calm rule that helps straight away: if a caller is genuine, they will usually leave a voicemail, ring back later, or contact you in another normal way. Scammers often want to rush you before you have time to think.
Why these calls keep happening
Some nuisance calls come from aggressive marketing lists. Others are scam calls that try to frighten or pressure you into sharing money, passwords, or one-time security codes. The number on screen is not always trustworthy either, because scammers can make a call look local or familiar.
That is why the goal is not to guess perfectly every time. The goal is to make it harder for nuisance callers to get through, while keeping simple ways for real callers to reach you.
Four safe habits before you press answer
- Let unknown calls ring through to voicemail if you are not expecting them.
- Never give out passwords, PINs, or one-time codes on an incoming call.
- Do not trust a number just because it looks local or claims to be from your bank, broadband company, or a government office.
- Hang up and call back using an official number you already trust, such as the one on your bank card, bill, or the organisation’s real website.
Important: if a caller says you must act immediately, move money, install an app, or share a code that has just arrived by text, treat that as a warning sign and end the call.
On an iPhone
Apple includes a setting that can silence many callers who are not saved in your contacts.
Go to Settings > Apps > Phone > Silence Unknown Callers. Calls from unsaved numbers can be silenced and sent to voicemail instead of interrupting you.
- Add important numbers to Contacts. This helps ensure that family, carers, doctors, and other trusted callers still ring normally.
- Check voicemail and recent calls later. That lets you review unknown calls when you feel calmer.
- Block repeat nuisance numbers. If the same unwanted caller keeps returning, open the recent call and block it.
- Be aware of one small trade-off. If you silence unknown callers, a genuine new number may go to voicemail first. That is usually safer than answering in a rush.
On an Android phone
Android phones vary by brand, but most now offer spam protection and easy number blocking in the Phone app.
Open the Phone app and look for Caller ID & spam or Spam protection in Settings. You can also open a recent call and choose Block or Report spam when a number is clearly unwanted.
- Turn on caller ID and spam protection if your phone offers it.
- Block repeat callers from your recent call list.
- Do not ring back missed calls automatically unless you know who they are.
- Ask for help if menus look different. Android settings are not identical on every phone, so there is nothing wrong with getting a second pair of eyes.
How to avoid missing genuine calls
People often worry that blocking nuisance calls means missing something important. In practice, there are a few simple ways to stay reachable without answering every unknown number.
- Save trusted numbers in your contacts.
- Keep voicemail turned on and check it regularly.
- Ask family members, carers, and health professionals to leave a short message if you do not answer.
- Return the call using a number you already know is genuine if it claims to be from a bank, surgery, or company.
This keeps you in control. You are still responding, but on your terms rather than the caller’s.
When to report a suspicious mobile call in the UK
If the call seems like spam or a scam on your mobile, you can report it to 7726. That free reporting number helps UK mobile providers investigate unwanted calls and messages.
Easy way to remember it: 7726 spells SPAM on a phone keypad.
If you have already shared bank details, moved money, or given away a security code, contact your bank straight away. In England, Wales, or Northern Ireland, you can then report the fraud through the official Report Fraud service. If you are in Scotland, report it to Police Scotland on 101.
A simple plan if nuisance calls are making you anxious
- Save the numbers you trust most into Contacts.
- Turn on your phone’s unknown caller or spam protection setting.
- Block any repeat nuisance number that keeps appearing.
- Let unexpected calls go to voicemail.
- Report suspicious mobile calls or texts to 7726.
That small routine can make a phone feel manageable again, especially if repeated calls have started to make you nervous about picking it up.
When it is worth getting help
If the settings feel confusing, or if you are worried about getting this wrong for yourself or an older relative, it is sensible to ask for help. Simply Tech Support can help set up call-blocking tools, save trusted numbers, check voicemail, and make everyday phone use feel safer and less stressful.
Helpful sources: Apple support on managing unknown callers on iPhone, Google Phone app help on caller ID and spam protection, Google Phone app help on blocking or reporting a number, Ofcom guidance on reporting scam texts and calls to 7726, and NCSC guidance on reporting a scam phone call.
