Overview

These days, robo-calls are pretty ubiquitous and unavoidable. However, I have found a way to minimize them without opting in to paid blocking services. Moreover, I would like to note that iPhones (as well as Android) do have a robo-call/spam blocking feature built into the OS; however, as I noted in my recent post about iOS call blocking, a user might have that feature disabled.

The Fix (Really this Should be Titled the Tech Tip)

I have noticed a simple pattern: when I see a robo-call or a call from an unknown number come in (more on that below) and I answer, if I stay absolutely silent, the call hangs up. After employing this strategy for a while, I have noticed that I receive fewer and fewer robo-calls.

Now, there are times when an unknown number is a legitimate call (for example, a call-back from a job application). I have noticed that, without fail, if I stay silent long enough, the caller will start saying, "Hello?" At that point, I know that it’s a legitimate caller and I can continue the conversation; I have not had any complaints from anyone calling me about this brief silence. I have recommended this to some colleagues and have gotten positive feedback.

iOS 26 Call Screening Feature

I will note that as of iOS 26, a new feature—which you can read about here—allows your iPhone to answer the call for you, and the robo-call will automatically hang up.

The best part of this is that all you receive is a quick notification (unless your focus settings block it), resulting in a minimal interruption to your day. As best as I can tell, this does mean that robo-calls will know that the line belongs to a person, so your number may be listed as a possible target. BUT, you can still mark the number as spam, which will help minimize the amount that comes through.

Post Script note about AI Usage in this post

I made use of Google's Gemini AI to proofread and work through the clarity of this blog post; however, the contents contained therein are all my original thoughts.