"Robocalls are the number one complaint I hear from seniors in the Venice area. Most people don't know that their phone and their carrier already have free tools built in to stop them — they just need to be turned on."
Android: Phone app → three dots menu → Settings → Caller ID & Spam → Filter spam calls → ON
All carriers: Call or text your carrier to enable their free spam blocking — details below.
Americans received over 50 billion robocalls last year. That's roughly 150 per person. If it feels like your phone rings constantly with numbers you don't recognize, you're not imagining it — and you're not alone. The good news: there are several free, built-in tools that dramatically reduce robocalls without paying for any app or service.
I'm going to walk you through every method, starting with the most effective. Work through these in order and by the end you'll have cut your robocalls by 80–90%.
Before we fix this, understand one thing: never press any number when a robocall asks you to "press 1 to be removed from our list" or "press 2 to speak to an agent." Pressing any key confirms your number is active and gets you added to more lists. The only right move is to hang up immediately.
Method 1: Silence Unknown Callers (iPhone)
iPhone: Silence Unknown Callers
Works on any iPhone running iOS 13 or later · Takes 60 seconds
This is the single most effective robocall fix for iPhone users. When enabled, any call from a number not in your contacts, recent calls, or Siri suggestions goes straight to voicemail — silently. Legitimate callers leave a voicemail. Robocallers don't.
Make sure any doctors, pharmacies, or businesses you deal with regularly are saved in your Contacts — otherwise their calls will also go to voicemail. This is easy to fix: just add them as contacts and they'll ring through normally.
Method 2: Filter Spam Calls (Android)
Android: Google's Spam Filter
Works on most Android phones with Google's Phone app · Takes 60 seconds
Google's Phone app has a built-in spam filter that identifies and blocks known robocall numbers automatically. It's updated constantly as Google identifies new spam numbers. Most Android phones have this already — it just needs to be switched on.
If you have a Samsung Galaxy, open the Phone app → tap the three lines menu → Settings → Block numbers → turn on "Block calls from unknown numbers." This works alongside Google's filter for double protection.
Method 3: Free Tools From Your Carrier
This is the step most people skip — and it's completely free. Every major carrier offers a spam blocking service. Call or text your carrier and ask them to enable it on your account. Here's exactly what each carrier offers:
Carrier Spam Blocking — All Free
Contact your carrier directly to activate · Takes 5 minutes
Method 4: The National Do Not Call Registry
FTC Do Not Call Registry
Free federal registry · Stops legitimate telemarketers (not scammers)
The National Do Not Call Registry is run by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and is completely free. Registering your number means legitimate telemarketers are legally required to stop calling you within 31 days. It won't stop illegal robocallers and scammers — they ignore the list — but it eliminates the legitimate solicitation calls.
You can verify your number is registered at donotcall.gov without re-registering. Registration is permanent and never expires — so if you registered years ago, you're still on the list.
Know These Robocall Scams — They Target Seniors Specifically
Blocking tools stop most robocalls. But some still get through — and the ones that do are the most dangerous. These are the scams I see most often affecting seniors in the Venice area:
Don't be embarrassed — these scams fool people of all ages and intelligence levels. If you gave out personal information or sent money, call your bank immediately (number on the back of your card), then report it to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov. Acting quickly can sometimes reverse wire transfers or stop further damage.
What About Robocall Blocking Apps?
You've probably seen ads for apps like Nomorobo, Hiya, or RoboKiller. They work — but honestly, for most seniors the free built-in tools above do 90% of what these paid apps do. I rarely recommend spending money on a robocall app when the carrier tools and built-in phone settings are already excellent.
The one exception: if you've done everything above and are still getting flooded with calls, Nomorobo is the most reputable paid option at around $1.99/month. It has a strong track record and is legitimate — unlike some "call blocking" apps that are themselves scams.
Do These 3 Things Today and You're 90% Protected
Step 1: Enable Silence Unknown Callers (iPhone) or Filter Spam Calls (Android) — takes 60 seconds.
Step 2: Contact your carrier and ask them to enable their free spam blocking service.
Step 3: Register at donotcall.gov if you haven't already.
You'll notice the difference within days. And remember — the calls that do get through are the most dangerous ones. Hang up on any call that creates urgency, asks for personal information, or requests gift cards. No legitimate organization does any of those things.
About the author: Shawn runs Simply Connected, providing in-home tech support for seniors and seasonal residents in the Venice, Florida area. If you'd like hands-on help setting up any of these protections, we come to you.