This guide provides general instructions for completely disabling spam blocking apps and services on your mobile device. While specific steps vary by provider, most spam blocking services follow similar patterns. Complete all applicable steps below to ensure the service is fully deactivated, preventing conflicts when you set up Call Guard and ensuring you're no longer billed.

What you typically need to do:

• Step 1: Disable blocking features within the app
• Step 2: Remove phone system permissions and integrations
• Step 3: Cancel any paid subscriptions
• Step 4: Remove network-level or account-level services (carrier apps only)

Important: Simply deleting a spam blocking app usually doesn't stop the service. Most spam blockers integrate with your phone's system and your carrier's network, requiring multiple steps for complete removal.

Step 1: Disable Features Within the Spam Blocking App

Common App Settings to Turn Off

Call Blocking Features:

• Look for settings like "Call Blocking," "Spam Block," "Scam Block," or "Auto-Block"
• Find "Call Routing," "Call Categories," or "Call Types" settings
• Set all call types to "Allow" or turn OFF all blocking:
  • Spam/Scam calls
  • Telemarketing calls
  • Political calls
  • Survey calls
  • Unknown numbers
  • International calls

Personal Block Lists:

• Clear your "Block List," "Blacklist," or "Personal Block List"
• Remove all manually blocked numbers
• Turn OFF any "Auto-add to block list" features

Text/SMS Blocking:

• Disable "Text Blocking," "SMS Filtering," or "Message Protection"
• Turn OFF "Block texts from email" or similar email-to-text blocking
• Disable any spam text categorization or filtering

Allow Lists/Contacts:

• Turn OFF "Always allow contacts" or "Whitelist contacts only"
• Disable "Send unknown calls to voicemail" features
• Remove any restrictions on non-contact callers

Step 2: Remove Phone System Permissions and Integrations

For iPhone Users

1. Remove Call Blocking & Identification Integration

1. Go to iPhone Settings > Phone
2. Tap "Call Blocking & Identification"
3. Look for your spam blocking app in the list
4. Turn OFF the switch next to the app name

2. Remove Message Filtering Integration

1. Go to iPhone Settings > Messages
2. Tap "Unknown & Spam" (if available)
3. Under "SMS Filtering," ensure your spam app is not selected
4. Turn OFF "Filter Unknown Senders" if it was enabled by the spam app

3. Remove App Permissions

1. Go to iPhone Settings > Privacy & Security
2. Check these permission sections:
   • Phone - Remove access for your spam blocking app
   • Contacts - Turn OFF access
   • Location - Disable location access
   • Notifications - Turn OFF if desired

For Android Users

1. Check Default Apps Settings

1. Go to Settings > Apps > Default apps
2. Look for "Caller ID & spam" or "Phone app"
3. Ensure your spam blocking app is not set as default
4. Change to "None" or your phone's built-in option

2. Remove App Permissions

1. Go to Settings > Apps > [Your Spam Blocking App]
2. Tap "Permissions"
3. Revoke these permissions:
   • Phone
   • Contacts
   • SMS/Messages
   • Location
   • Storage
   • Microphone (if applicable)

Step 3: Cancel Paid Subscriptions

Most spam blocking apps offer both free and premium features. If you're paying for enhanced features, cancel these subscriptions:

If You Subscribed Through iPhone App Store

1. Go to iPhone Settings > [Your Name] > Subscriptions
2. Find your spam blocking app
3. Tap "Cancel Subscription"
4. Confirm the cancellation

If You Subscribed Through Google Play Store

1. Open Google Play Store
2. Tap your profile icon > "Payments & subscriptions" > "Subscriptions"
3. Find your spam blocking app
4. Tap "Cancel subscription"
5. Follow prompts to confirm

If You Subscribed Through the App Directly

1. Open the spam blocking app
2. Look for "Settings," "Account," "Subscription," or "Billing"
3. Find subscription management options
4. Select "Cancel," "Downgrade to Free," or "Remove Service"
5. Follow prompts to confirm

If You Subscribed Through Your Carrier

For carrier-provided services (like Verizon Call Filter, T-Mobile ScamShield, etc.):

1. Log into your carrier's website or app
2. Go to "Manage Services," "Add-ons," or "Features"
3. Find the spam blocking service
4. Select "Remove" or "Cancel"
5. Confirm the change

Step 4: Remove Network-Level Services (Carrier Apps Only)

For Carrier-Provided Spam Blocking Services

Check for Dial Codes: Some carriers offer dial codes to quickly disable services:

• Try dialing codes like #632# or similar (varies by carrier)
• Look for these codes in your carrier's support documentation

Contact Customer Service:

• Call your carrier's customer service (usually 611 from your phone)
• Ask to completely remove the spam blocking service from your account
• Request confirmation that all network-level blocking is disabled

Account Management:

• Log into your carrier's online account
• Navigate to line settings or services
• Look for spam protection, call protection, or security services
• Disable or remove these services

General Troubleshooting Tips

If calls or texts are still being blocked:

• Wait 24-48 hours for all changes to take effect
• Restart your phone after making changes
• Check that you've disabled ALL features in the app
• Verify no other spam blocking apps are installed
• Contact the service provider for verification

If you can't change app settings:

• Try using cellular data only (turn off Wi-Fi temporarily)
• Sign out and back into the app
• Update the app to the latest version
• Uninstall and reinstall the app, then immediately disable features

If subscription cancellation isn't working:

• Check all possible billing methods (carrier bill, App Store, Google Play, PayPal, credit card)
• Look for auto-renewal settings in your payment methods
• Contact customer service for the app or service
• Keep records of cancellation confirmations

Testing Complete Removal

After completing all steps:

1. Have someone call you from a number that was previously blocked
2. Send yourself a test text from an email address (if applicable)
3. Check that no spam labels appear on incoming calls
4. Verify voicemail is working normally
5. Monitor your next bill to ensure no charges appear

Common Spam Blocking Apps and Services

Carrier Services:

• Verizon Call Filter
• T-Mobile ScamShield
• AT&T ActiveArmor
• Sprint Call Screener

Third-Party Apps:

• RoboKiller
• Truecaller
• Hiya
• Call Blocker apps

Built-in Phone Features:

• iPhone's "Silence Unknown Callers"
• Android's "Caller ID & spam protection"
• Samsung's "Smart Call" feature

When to Contact Support

Contact the app developer or service provider if:

• Settings won't save or keep reverting
• You're still being charged after cancellation
• Calls are still being blocked after following all steps
• The app won't let you disable certain features
• You need help identifying all active subscriptions

For carrier services, call:

• Customer service (usually 611)
• Technical support
• Account management

By following these general principles, you should be able to completely disable most spam blocking services, regardless of the specific provider or app. The key is being thorough and checking all possible integration points between the app, your phone's settings, and any network-level services.