Blocking Spam Calls and Unwanted Numbers

There's no perfect way to stop every spam call, but a layered approach gets rid of most of them. Here's what we recommend.

Block a Specific Number

Use this when one persistent caller (or texter) is bothering you.

iPhone

1. Open the Phone app and go to Recents.

2. Tap the (i) next to the number, scroll down, and tap Block this Caller.

3. To unblock later: Settings > Apps > Phone > Blocked Contacts.

For texts, you can also block from inside Messages by tapping the contact name at the top of the thread > Info > Block this Caller.

Android

1. Open the Phone app and go to Recents (or Call history).

2. Long-press the number and choose Block / Report spam.

3. Manage blocked numbers later under Phone > Settings > Blocked numbers.

In Google Messages, open the conversation, tap the menu (three dots) > Details > Block & report spam.

Silence Unknown Callers

This sends every call from a number not in your contacts straight to voicemail. Powerful, but make sure people you actually want calls from are saved in your contacts first.

• iPhone: Settings > Apps > Phone > Silence Unknown Callers > toggle on.

• Android (Pixel/Stock): Phone app > Settings > Spam and Call Screen > See caller & spam ID and Filter spam calls.

• Samsung: Phone app > Menu > Settings > Block numbers > Block unknown callers.

Add Yourself to the Do Not Call Registry

Free, US government registry that legitimate telemarketers must respect:

• https://www.donotcall.gov

It won't stop scam callers (who already ignore the law) but it does cut down on legitimate marketing calls.

Report Spam to Your Network

Reporting spam helps the network's filters get smarter. Parrot Mobile uses T-Mobile's underlying network in the US, so:

• Forward spam texts to 7726 (spells "SPAM"). You'll get a reply asking for the sender's number — reply with that.

• For nuisance calls, you can also report at https://www.tmocallreporting.com.

Block Texts from a Short Code or Marketing Sender

Reply STOP to any legitimate marketing message. The sender is legally required to stop messaging that number. If they don't, report the short code to 7726 and forward us the screenshot at support@parrotmobile.com.

My Number Is Being Used in Spam Calls

If people are calling you back saying you called them — but you didn't — your number is being spoofed. There's no way for any carrier to fully prevent this; the spammer just puts your number in the caller ID field.

What helps:

• Add a polite voicemail greeting saying you don't make outbound spam calls.

• Use STIR/SHAKEN-aware caller ID on your phone (already on by default for iOS 13+ and recent Android).

• Spoofing campaigns usually move on within a few days.

For more on caller ID, see Caller ID (CNAM): How Your Name Shows on Outgoing Calls.

Need More Help?

If you're getting harassing or threatening calls, document the dates and numbers and email support@parrotmobile.com. We can help with carrier-level blocks for serious cases. For threats or stalking, contact local law enforcement — they can request call records through the proper channels.