Hands-On Tech 252: Stopping Spam Callers

Host: Micah Sargent
Date: February 1, 2026
Podcast: All TWiT.tv Shows (Audio)

Episode Overview

In this episode of Hands-On Tech, Micah Sargent tackles a pressing modern annoyance: spam and scam phone calls. Responding to a listener named Omar, who reports receiving an overwhelming number of spam calls daily, Micah breaks down practical steps—primarily for iPhone, but with some advice applicable to Android—to dramatically reduce unwanted calls. The episode covers built-in phone features, carrier tools, legal registries, and third-party apps, balancing effectiveness with privacy concerns and accessibility.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Scale of the Spam Problem

• Listener’s Dilemma: Omar receives up to 25 spam calls daily, with 15 calls in just ten minutes.
• Micah’s Reaction: “First of all, Omar, that's awful. That's way too many. That's ridiculous. It should stop.” (01:50)

2. Built-In iPhone Solutions

Silence/Screen Unknown Callers (03:10)

• Location: Settings → Phone
• Three Options:
  • Never: “Calls from unsaved numbers will ring and then those missed calls will be displayed on the recents list.” (04:15)
  • Ask Reason for Calling (New Feature):
    • Incoming call from unknown number prompts the caller to state why they're calling.
    • User receives a notification with the caller’s stated reason and can choose to answer or ignore.
    • Example scenario: “Let’s say I don’t know Angela from Scranton... My phone will go, 'Hi, what are you calling for?' Angela says, 'I’m calling for this,' and then I get a notification...” (05:20)
  • Silence: “If a number is not saved in your contacts, it does not ring and it goes straight to voicemail and then will be put into the recents list.” (06:13)
    • Downside: Important calls (from, e.g., a doctor or delivery driver) will be missed if not in contacts.
    • Workaround: Temporarily disable if expecting important unknown calls.

Micah’s Recommendation

• The new “Ask Reason for Calling” feature is preferred, as it adds a filter but still allows important calls without whitelisting every potential new number.

Call Filtering & Carrier Integration (08:06)

• “Your carrier and your phone can work together to help cut back on those calls that are coming through.”
• Spam identification: Calls flagged by the carrier as spam/fraud are automatically silenced and moved to the spam list if supported.

Live Voicemail (09:14)

• Function: Real-time transcript of voicemails as they're being left.
• Caveat: “If you have Live Voicemail turned off, then the Ask reason for calling feature is not something that's going to work.” (10:00)

3. Major Carrier-Level Filtering Tools (17:20)

• Catch calls before they reach your phone.
• Verizon: Call Filter (free tier available)
• AT&T: Active Armor (free tier; some plans include subscription version)
• T-Mobile: Scam Shield (completely free)
• Setup: Visit your carrier’s site for instructions.
• Quote: “Because it's at the network level, it's going to cut back on so much.” (20:10)

4. Do Not Call Registry (21:05)

• Not a cure-all: Scammers may ignore the law, but is still worthwhile.
• “I am also on the Do Not Call Registry. And those two things together have made a difference. They, they truly have made a difference.” (21:55)
• Benefit: Adds legal recourse if registered telemarketers continue to call.

5. Third-Party Apps and Privacy (23:00)

• Options: Hiya and Nomorobo (both have free tiers)
• Caveat: Privacy concerns, as some apps log your call data and may market to you.
• Micah’s Advice: “Be very mindful of the privacy policies for these different services.” (23:30)
• Don’t start here—use built-in and carrier options first.

6. Suggested Action Order (25:50)

Micah revises his order of recommendations:

1. Carrier Options: Start here for network-level blocking.
2. Built-in Phone Features: Use iPhone/Android filters for calls that pass carrier checks.
3. Do Not Call Registry: Add yourself for legal protection.
4. Third-Party Apps: Only as a last resort if the above don't suffice.

“If you're still getting calls at that point, you won't see things happen immediately... give it a week or two of trying out these features and then when things feel different, they should.” (26:50)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Micah Sargent on overwhelming spam calls:
  “First of all, Omar, that's awful. That's way too many. That's ridiculous. It should stop.” (01:50)

• On the “Ask Reason for Calling” feature:
  “I recommend the new feature, which is the Ask Reason for Calling option. I think it's very handy and does make a difference.” (07:32)

• Privacy warning regarding third-party apps:
  “Depending on the service and how it works and where it cuts into your calls, you need to be aware that it has every opportunity to log what calls you're getting.” (23:20)

• Micah’s advice on trial and error:
  “Give it a week or two of trying out these features and then when things feel different, they should. If they don't, then you know, you need to kind of move to the next step.” (27:05)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Listener question and spam problem introduced: 01:00
• iPhone’s call blocking features overview: 03:10
• “Ask Reason for Calling” feature explained: 05:20
• Potential downsides of silencing unknown callers: 06:40
• Carrier-level spam tools: 17:20
• Do Not Call Registry discussion: 21:05
• Third-party app warning: 23:00
• Action plan order revised: 25:50
• Closing thoughts: 28:00

Takeaways for Listeners

• Use network-level blocking from your mobile carrier first.
• Leverage phone OS features—prefer “screen” features over total silencing to avoid missing legitimate calls.
• Register on official “Do Not Call” lists for additional protection and recourse.
• Third-party apps can help, but weigh their privacy implications carefully.
• Tackle spam calls methodically, moving to stricter measures only if needed.

For tech help or to submit a question:
Write to HOT@twit.tv

This summary captures the practical, helpful, and slightly playful tone Micah brings to the show, and serves as a focused, actionable guide for fighting spam calls on smartphones.