How to Stop Spam Calls & Robocalls in the USA
Americans receive tens of billions of robocalls a year. If the Do Not Call Registry and your carrier's "Scam Likely" labels haven't fixed it, here's the approach that actually stops the calls on Android.
Step 1: Register with the National Do Not Call Registry
Add your number free at donotcall.gov (or call 1-888-382-1222 from the phone you want to register). This legally bars legitimate telemarketers from calling you. The limit: scammers and illegal robocallers ignore the registry entirely — and they're the bulk of the problem.
Step 2: Turn on carrier & STIR/SHAKEN labeling
Most US carriers now verify caller ID with STIR/SHAKEN and flag suspected spam as "Scam Likely" or similar. It's worth enabling, but labeling only warns you — the call still rings, and spoofed numbers still get through.
Step 3: Block every number not in your contacts (the reliable fix)
Because US robocalls spoof local numbers and rotate constantly, blocking them one by one never keeps up. Android 10+ has a call-screening role that handles calls from numbers not in your contacts before your phone rings — matching contacts inside Android, so the app never reads your contact list.
- Install the app Get Block Unknown Callers from Google Play — free, no sign-up, no contacts access.
- Set it as your call-screening app Confirm the role in the system dialog.
- Choose Block or Silence for non-contacts — reject them, or mute the ringer while keeping them in your log.
- Add exceptions Use the allow list and repeat-call bypass so doctors, schools, delivery, or a new work number get through.
Why this beats the registry and blocklists
Do Not Call Registry stops only law-abiding telemarketers — not scam robocalls.
"Scam Likely" labels warn you, but the phone still rings.
Number blocklists can't keep up with spoofed, ever-changing numbers.
"Not in my contacts" stops the entire category before it rings, while people you know come through normally.
Free · No sign-up · No contacts access
More: stop robocalls & scam calls · spam call statistics · should you call back?
Frequently asked questions
Why do I still get robocalls after joining the Do Not Call Registry?
The registry only binds legitimate telemarketers. Scammers and illegal robocallers ignore it, so the worst calls keep coming. Blocking every number not in your contacts stops them regardless.
How do I register for the Do Not Call list?
Go to donotcall.gov or call 1-888-382-1222 from the phone you want to register. It's free.
Does STIR/SHAKEN stop spam calls?
It verifies caller ID and helps carriers label likely spam, but the call still rings and spoofed numbers can slip through. It's a warning layer, not a blocker.
Do I need to give an app my contacts?
No. Android matches contacts internally, so a call-screening app blocks unknown numbers without requesting contacts permission.
Will I miss important calls?
Save important numbers to contacts or add them to the allow list; repeat-call bypass also lets urgent callers through.