Tired of receiving calls from unknown numbers on your iPhone? If you’re looking for ways to stop these interruptions, learning how to block unknown calls on iPhone can help. Dealing with unsolicited calls can be annoying and even dangerous, as many of them are spam or robocalls. Fortunately, there are a number of simple methods to block these calls on your iPhone. In this guide, we’ll explore various ways to silence those unwanted calls, giving you a peaceful and secure phone experience.
What Are Unknown Calls?
An “unknown call” refers to any phone call that comes from a number not saved in your contacts or recognized by your phone’s caller ID. These calls might show up as “No Caller ID,” “Blocked,” or even “Private Number.” Sometimes, it may even display a random number that’s not in your contact list. In addition, some unknown calls may appear to be from numbers that look familiar, but they are still unrecognized by your phone.
Risks of Receiving Unknown Calls
While not all unknown calls are harmful, many are linked to spam, fraud, or robocalls. For example, these calls might try to sell you something, trick you into giving away personal information, or simply waste your time with repeated calls. As a result, learning how to block unknown calls on iPhone can save you from these frustrations and potential dangers, helping you avoid interruptions and protect your privacy. Furthermore, blocking these calls ensures that you are only receiving calls that matter to you.
Why Blocking Unknown Calls is Important
Blocking unknown calls on your iPhone is more than just an inconvenience—it’s a matter of protecting your privacy and security. Given the rise of spam calls, robocalls, and potential scams, it’s essential to take control of who can contact you. Notably, these unwanted calls can waste your time, expose you to scams, or even compromise your personal information. Therefore, by learning how to block unknown calls on iPhone, you can ensure that your phone is only ringing with calls that matter to you.
How to Block Unknown Calls on iPhone
Fortunately, Apple offers several built-in options to block unknown calls on your iPhone. Let’s take a look at the main methods:
1. Silence Unknown Callers
One of the most effective features is the “Silence Unknown Callers” option, which is available in iOS 13 and later. This feature silences calls from numbers that are not in your contacts or recently dialed. The call goes straight to voicemail, and you’ll only receive a notification if the caller leaves a message. To enable this feature:
- Go to Settings > Phone.
- Scroll down and tap Silence Unknown Callers.
- Toggle the switch to turn it on.
2. Block Specific Numbers
If you are receiving calls from a particular number that you want to block permanently, you can easily do so. Follow these steps to block a number:
- Open the Phone app and go to Recents.
- Find the number you want to block and tap the info icon (i).
- Scroll down and tap Block this Caller.
- Confirm your choice.
3. Do Not Disturb Mode
Another way to block unknown calls is by using the Do Not Disturb (DND) mode. This method silences all calls, including unknown ones. However, you can still allow calls from people in your contacts or favorites. To activate DND mode:
- Go to Settings > Do Not Disturb.
- Toggle the switch to turn on DND.
- You can customize this feature to allow calls only from contacts or favorites.
Third-Party Apps to Block Unknown Calls
If you’re not satisfied with the built-in features, you can also use third-party apps to block unwanted calls. These apps often offer additional features, like identifying spam calls and blocking robocalls. Some popular options include:
- Hiya: This app provides spam detection and blocks unwanted calls.
- Truecaller: Known for identifying unknown numbers, Truecaller also allows you to block spam calls.
- RoboKiller: This app blocks robocalls and even fights back by sending prerecorded messages to scammers.
To use these apps, simply download them from the App Store, follow the setup instructions, and enable call blocking features.
Conclusion
Blocking unknown calls on iPhone is not only simple but essential in today’s world of spam and scams. Whether you prefer using your phone’s built-in features, carrier solutions, or third-party apps, there’s an option to suit your needs. By following these steps, you’ll be able to protect yourself from unnecessary interruptions and ensure that your iPhone remains a reliable tool without the hassle of unknown callers.
FAQs
- How do I block all unknown calls on iPhone?
You can block all unknown calls by enabling the Silence Unknown Callers feature in your phone’s settings. - Can I still receive voicemails from blocked calls?
Yes, blocked calls will be sent to voicemail, and you can listen to any messages left by the caller. - Does Do Not Disturb block unknown calls?
Yes, Do Not Disturb mode can block all calls, including unknown ones, depending on your settings. - Can I unblock numbers I accidentally blocked?
Yes, you can easily unblock numbers by going to the Blocked Contacts section in your iPhone’s settings. - Are there any third-party apps that can help block unknown calls?
Yes, apps like Hiya, Truecaller, and RoboKiller can help block unknown calls and provide additional spam protection.