If your phone rings with a prerecorded message or a synthetic voice before you've said a word, you've likely received a robocall. Here's what the term actually means and where it comes from.
What is a robocall?
A robocall is a phone call placed automatically by a computer system, usually delivering a prerecorded or synthetic-voice message rather than connecting you to a live person right away. Robocalls are placed using autodialers that can reach large numbers of phones in a short time.
Are all robocalls bad?
No. Some robocalls are legitimate: appointment reminders, school closure alerts, flight delay notices, and delivery updates are often automated calls you actually want. Others are unwanted marketing, or attempts to scam or mislead the person answering. The automated format alone doesn't tell you which kind you're getting.
Why do robocalls happen so often?
Autodialing software is inexpensive to run and can call large lists of numbers, including numbers generated in sequence rather than sourced from a real contact list. That's part of why a robocall can arrive even if you've never given a number out publicly.
How to reduce the robocalls you get
No single setting or app can guarantee that every robocall will disappear, but a few habits reduce how many reach you: avoid answering or interacting with unknown automated calls, don't press any number in response to a robocall's prompt, use your device's built-in call screening or blocking where available, and use Getcaller for caller ID and spam-score context so you have more information before you answer.
FAQ
Should I press a number to opt out of a robocall?
Be cautious. Pressing a key can sometimes confirm your number is active to a scam operation rather than opt you out. Hanging up is usually safer for calls you didn't expect.
Can Getcaller block robocalls?
Getcaller can help by showing caller ID and spam-score context and supporting blocking flows, but no app can guarantee every automated or spam call will be blocked.
For step-by-step blocking options, see how to stop robocalls and reduce unwanted calls. Download Getcaller to add caller context to unknown calls.