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This iPhone Trick Can Eliminate Spam Calls for Good

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Why This Matters

The new call screening feature in iOS 26 offers iPhone users an effective way to combat spam calls, enhancing user experience and reducing stress. This update demonstrates Apple's ongoing commitment to privacy and user control, which can influence industry standards and consumer expectations for call management. By enabling users to filter unwanted calls more efficiently, it also potentially reduces scam and phishing risks.

Key Takeaways

Spam calls are annoying. I always have my phone ringer on in case there is an emergency but that means my iPhone receives spam calls at least a handful of times a week. Spam calls can be stressful, especially if you're trying to stay quiet so as not to disturb a napping baby. But thanks to iOS 26's call screening feature, spam calls haven't bothered me for months.

Call screening isn't an Apple Intelligence feature so any iOS 26-compatible iPhone, like the iPhone 14 Pro, can use it. I enabled the feature early in the beta process and my iPhone has diligently held back spam calls, like the Hoover Dam, ever since. But you have to enable it first.

Here's how to enable call screening in a few easy steps and what to know about the new feature.

Read more: Win a New Apple Watch in CNET Big Guessing Game Contest

How to turn call screening on your iPhone

1. Tap Settings.

2. Tap Apps near the bottom of the menu.

3. Tap Phone.

Under the section Screen Unknown Callers, you'll see three options: Never, Ask Reason for Calling and Silence. Here's what you should know about each of these options and which one is right for most people.

Apple/CNET

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