FCC Publishes Free Guides to Help You Block Robocalls and Spam Texts
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr has taken direct aim at one of modern life's biggest annoyances: the robocall. On Tuesday, the FCC released a new set of step-by-step guides showing consumers exactly how to activate the call- and text-blocking features already built into their phones and wireless plans. No extra fees, no waiting, no excuses.
Carr announced the move on X, writing:
“We are continuing to take additional steps to crack down on them. The guides we release today are yet another important step in this effort, streamlining essential information and empowering consumers to block and filter calls from their device.”
How the New FCC Guides Work
The guides cover both major smartphone platforms, iPhone and Android, and the three largest nationwide carriers: AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon. Consumers can select instructions for their device, then pair that with a separate guide for their carrier. The FCC recommends using both to ensure all available protections are switched on. For example, an Android user on Verizon would follow both the Android guide and the Verizon guide, rather than relying on a single layer of protection.
Many of these features are already included in customers' wireless plans at no extra cost. All three carriers also offer free tools to report unwanted calls and texts directly.
Why Robocalls Remain a Top Consumer Complaint
The scale of the problem is staggering. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) received more than 2.6 million Do Not Call complaints during fiscal year 2025. Of those, roughly 1.6 million involved robocalls, while about 802,000 involved live callers. Debt-reduction pitches, impostor scams, and medical or prescription-related calls topped the list of most-reported categories. With election season approaching, when political robocalls peak in annoyance, the timing of Carr's rollout could not be better.
Holding Carriers Accountable
The FCC is also pushing accountability further up the chain. Earlier this month, the commission sought public comment on creating a Robocall Scorecard, a transparency tool that would let consumers see how well their voice provider actually fights illegal calls, not just how well they claim to. The proposal would examine both provider practices and real-world results, putting carriers on the hook for their performance.
Additionally, the FCC has proposed tightening requirements on originating voice providers, the companies at the very start of the call chain. The argument is simple: these providers are best positioned to screen out bad actors before illegal calls ever enter U.S. telephone networks. The proposal includes stronger “Know Your Customer” requirements and real penalties tied to illegal calls. No more looking the other way.
A Rare Win for Consumers
For once, Washington has done something genuinely useful. Pick the guide for your phone, pick the guide for your carrier, and turn on the protections. It is a small step, but a welcome one for millions of Americans tired of being harassed by scammers and spammers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the FCC's robocall blocking guides really free?
Yes. The guides themselves are free to access, and most of the blocking features they describe are already included in standard wireless plans at no additional cost. AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon also offer free reporting tools for unwanted calls and texts.
What is the FCC's Robocall Scorecard?
The Robocall Scorecard is a proposed transparency tool that would allow consumers to see how effectively their voice provider combats illegal robocalls. It would evaluate both provider practices and real-world results, holding carriers accountable for their performance.
Which carriers are covered by the new FCC guides?
The guides cover the three largest nationwide carriers: AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon. Instructions are also provided for both iPhone and Android devices, so consumers can combine device-specific and carrier-specific guidance for maximum protection.
