Scam-Proof — The Companion Page

The book's settings paths, kept current. By MJ Pierce.Menus move. Device makers rename and reshuffle their settings constantly — which is why the book gives you feature names and this page keeps the current paths. Bookmark it; it will always be free.

Current settings paths (updated July 2026)

Silence Unknown Callers (iPhone): Settings → Apps → Phone → Silence Unknown CallersCall Screen / Caller ID & Spam (Android/Pixel): Phone app → ⋮ menu → Settings → Spam and Call ScreenCaller ID and spam protection (Samsung): Phone app → ⋮ menu → Settings → Caller ID and spam protectionFilter Unknown Senders (iPhone): Settings → Apps → Messages → Filter Unknown SendersSpam protection (Android Messages): Messages app → profile icon → Messages settings → Spam protectionAutomatic Updates (iPhone/iPad): Settings → General → Software Update → Automatic UpdatesAutomatic Updates (Mac): System Settings → General → Software UpdateSoftware update (Samsung): Settings → Software update → Auto download over Wi-FiWindows Update / Defender: Settings → Windows Update · Settings → Privacy & security → Windows SecurityPlay Protect (Android): Play Store app → profile icon → Play Protect

Official help, straight from the maker

When you want instructions for your exact model, go to the maker — nobody else:Apple: support.apple.comGoogle / Android / Pixel: support.google.comSamsung: samsung.com/supportMicrosoft / Windows: support.microsoft.comYour phone also carries its own manual: on iPhone, the Tips app; on Samsung, search Settings for "User manual."

The YouTube method (with one warning)

For anything visual, YouTube is often the fastest teacher. Search the feature name plus your exact model — "Silence Unknown Callers iPhone 15" — and pick a recent video.One warning, and it matters: tech-"help" video is also a scam channel. Skip any video that tells you to install an app it links to, call a phone number, or click a link in the description to "fix" something. You are looking for someone pointing at their screen, nothing more. A video asking you to do anything besides watch is selling something — or worse.

Tell me what you found

If a path on this page has moved, a chapter saved you from a scam, or something in the book didn't work on your device — I want to know. It takes a minute and it makes the next printing better. Use the form below.I read everything. I can't answer everything, and I can't provide personal tech support — but every message shapes what I fix and what I write next.

Get the next briefing

Scam-Proof is the first book in the Informed & Connected series. Leave your email and I'll tell you — no more than once a month — when new guides, updated paths, or the next book are ready. No spam. (Obviously.)