Key Points:
- The fastest and easiest way to stop spam calls and texts in 2026 for iOS and Android devices is to enable Silence Unknown Callers and Caller ID & Spam, respectively.
- You can take things a step further by blocking out spam text messages, which brings them to a separate folder in quarantine. You should never respond to a suspected spam text or call.
- Be sure to be careful with the built-in OS filtering as it can send all phone calls outside of your contacts list straight to voicemail, which could cause issues in certain circumstances.
There's nothing more frustrating than being bothered by unrelenting spam calls and unwanted text messages clogging up your device and getting in the way of the quiet enjoyment of your Talkmobile SIM-Only plan. Fortunately, there are a few key ways that you can keep yourself safe and easily block or heavily restrict these calls and texts. We're going through everything that you need to know in 2026, on the device and hardware level, as quickly and easily as possible.
How to stop spam calls and texts in 2026 in brief
| Method | iOS Setup | Android Setup | Main Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Built-in OS filtering | Settings > Phone > Silence Unknown Callers | Phone app > Settings > Caller ID & Spam | Fast and free direct blocking at the OS level |
| Text message spam protection | Settings > Messages > Filter Unknown Senders | Messages app > Settings > Spam Protection | Isolates unknown texts into a dedicated folder and highlights as high risk |
| Carrier-level shielding | Carrier security apps | Carrier security apps | Network-level blocking of spam calls before they can commence |
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How to stop spam calls and texts explained
1. Built-in OS filtering method
The fastest and easiest way to stop spam calls and unwanted spam messages on iOS and Android devices is to use the built-in tech that both operating systems run on, which you can use to silence unknown numbers or block suspected spam calls and texts, too. It works by looking at who isn't in your Contacts list in the phone app. Here's how to do it for both iPhones and Androids in 2026.
- For iPhone: Go to Settings > Phone and enable Silence Unknown Callers. Be advised, this will send any unknown numbers straight to voicemail, so use this feature sparingly.
- For Android: Open the Phone app, tap the three dots, then go to Settings > Caller ID & Spam and toggle See caller and spam ID and Filter spam calls on to block suspected spam.
2. Text message protection method
Some spam texts can be dangerous, particularly if you open an attachment from a text that you don't recognise. Fortunately, you can easily keep yourself safe from phishing links and unwanted marketing messages for both iOS and Android. Here's how to do this as quickly as possible:
- For iPhone: Go to Settings > Messages and then scroll down to Message Filtering and enable "Filter Unknown Senders." It creates a separate tab for these messages and mutes notifications.
- For Android: Open Google Messages > tap on your Profile > Message settings > Spam protection and Enable spam protection. It uses machine learning to block suspected spam texts.
3. Carrier-level network security method
Some UK phone providers offer dedicated security apps that add an extra layer of protection against spam calls and unwanted text messages. While MyTalkmobile doesn't feature any security-level features, if you're with a different provider, you may be able to utilise something more thorough from another trusted provider.
Aleksha's advice
Don't use the built-in filtering methods on Android or iPhone if you're specifically waiting for a phone call that could be from a restricted number, such as a doctor's office. Instead, smartly enable and re-enable. If you don't recognise a number and don't trust who it is on the other end of the phone, don't take the call.
Alternative methods to stop spam calls and texts
If you're still worried about spam calls and texts, then you can take your protection an extra step further. In the UK, the Telephone Preference Service (TPS) acts as a national "Do Not Call" registry for both mobile phones and landlines. By registering and making a complaint, you can opt out of any unsolicited sales and marketing calls; you can sign up as a Sole trader, a Partnership, a Limited company, a PLC, or as a Residential. You're also able to read about all the enforcement actions taken by the TPS. It's entirely free to sign up. Alternatively, you can consider a reputable third-party call management tool from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store. There are a few to consider, such as Hiya, RoboKiller, or Truecaller.
What else to consider when stopping spam calls and texts in 2026
You should never reply STOP to an unknown text, as responding to a spam text can confirm your phone number is both active and monitored, which can mean an increased amount of spam calls and messages thrown at you. Similarly, some higher-level scammers can spoof the digits in their number to make calls appear to be coming from your local area. You should avoid answering any calls you aren't expecting; most local businesses will follow up with a voicemail or a proper text, but you can also input the number into a search engine like Google to see who it really was if you're unsure.
