How to Block Calls on iPhone: A Comprehensive Guide

I. Introduction

Receiving unwanted calls is an issue that plagues many iPhone users. Whether it’s telemarketers, spam calls, or annoying acquaintances, constantly receiving unwanted calls can be frustrating. The good news is, there are various options available to block such calls. This article aims to provide readers with a comprehensive guide on how to block calls on the iPhone.

II. A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Block Calls on Your iPhone

The iPhone offers several options when it comes to blocking calls. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to block a specific number, all incoming calls, and calls from unknown numbers:

How to Block a Specific Number

To block a specific number, follow these steps:

1. Open the Phone app on your iPhone.
2. Tap on the “Recents” tab to view your recent calls.
3. Find the number you want to block and tap on the “i” icon next to it.
4. Scroll down and tap on “Block this Caller.”

How to Block All Incoming Calls

To block all incoming calls, follow these steps:

1. Go to Settings on your iPhone.
2. Tap on “Do Not Disturb.”
3. Toggle “Do Not Disturb” on.
4. By default, this option silences calls and notifications from everyone. If you want to receive calls from certain contacts, you can create a list of “Allowed Calls.”

How to Block Calls from Unknown Numbers

To block calls from unknown numbers, you can enable the “Silence Unknown Callers” feature. Here’s how:

1. Go to Settings on your iPhone.
2. Tap on “Phone.”
3. Toggle “Silence Unknown Callers” on.

Enabling this feature will silence calls from unknown numbers, sending them straight to voicemail. However, it’s worth noting that this feature will also silence calls from legitimate unknown numbers, such as emergency services or doctor’s offices. Make sure to turn off this feature if you’re expecting an important call from an unknown number.

III. Top 5 Best Call Blocking Apps for iPhone

If you’re looking for a more comprehensive call blocking solution, there are several apps available on the App Store that can help. Here are our top picks:

1. Truecaller

Truecaller is a popular call blocking app that not only blocks unwanted calls but also identifies spam callers and telemarketers. It also has a whitelist feature, allowing you to create a list of contacts that are allowed to call you. Truecaller also offers a free version with limited features and a paid version with more advanced options.

2. Call Blocker Free – Blacklist

Call Blocker Free – Blacklist is a simple but effective call blocking app. It allows you to create a blacklist of numbers you want to block, as well as a whitelist of numbers that are allowed to call you. The app also has a feature that blocks calls that are not in your contacts, which is useful for avoiding telemarketers and spam calls.

3. Mr. Number: Call Block & Lookup

Mr. Number: Call Block & Lookup is another popular call blocking app that not only blocks calls but also identifies and blocks spam text messages. It has a community-based feature that allows users to report spam calls and texts, making it more effective over time. The app also has a whitelist feature, allowing you to create a list of contacts that are allowed to call you.

4. Nomorobo Robocall Blocking

Nomorobo Robocall Blocking is designed specifically to block robocalls and telemarketers. It uses a constantly updated database to block known spam numbers, as well as a feature that identifies and blocks new spam calls as they come in. The app also has a whitelist feature, allowing you to create a list of contacts that are allowed to call you.

5. Call Bliss

Call Bliss is a call blocking app that offers a unique feature: it reads your calendar to automatically silence calls during scheduled events. This is useful for avoiding calls during important meetings or events. The app also has a whitelist feature, allowing you to create a list of contacts that are allowed to call you.

Once you’ve chosen a call blocking app, follow these steps to set it up:

1. Download the app from the App Store.
2. Launch the app and follow the on-screen instructions to set it up.
3. Grant the app permission to access your contacts and phone.
4. Create a blacklist of numbers you want to block, or enable the app’s default settings.

IV. The Ultimate Guide to Blocking Unwanted Calls on Your iPhone

Blocking calls on your iPhone can be done in several ways, and each method has its own benefits and drawbacks. Here’s a breakdown of each option:

Call Blocking from the Phone’s Settings

The iPhone’s settings offer a basic call blocking feature that allows you to block calls from specific contacts. Here’s how:

1. Go to Settings on your iPhone.
2. Tap on “Phone.”
3. Tap on “Blocked Contacts.”
4. Add the contact you want to block.

This method is useful for blocking specific contacts but isn’t effective for blocking spam or unknown numbers.

Blocking Calls from Specific Contacts

To block calls from specific contacts, you can use the iPhone’s “Do Not Disturb” mode. Here’s how:

1. Go to Settings on your iPhone.
2. Tap on “Do Not Disturb.”
3. Toggle “Do Not Disturb” on.
4. Tap on “Allow Calls From.”
5. Select “All Contacts” or “Favorites,” or create a custom list.

Enabling “Do Not Disturb” mode allows you to silence calls and notifications from everyone except the contacts you allow. This method is useful for blocking specific contacts but isn’t effective for blocking spam or unknown numbers.

Enabling Silencing Unknown Callers Feature

Enabling the “Silence Unknown Callers” feature is a useful option for silencing spam calls and unknown numbers. Here’s how:

1. Go to Settings on your iPhone.
2. Tap on “Phone.”
3. Toggle “Silence Unknown Callers” on.

This option is effective for blocking unknown numbers but may also silence legitimate calls from unknown numbers, so make sure to turn it off if you’re expecting an important call from an unknown number.

V. How to Block Telemarketing Calls on Your iPhone

Telemarketing calls can be particularly annoying, but there are several options available to block them on your iPhone:

1. Block the Number

If you receive a telemarketing call from a specific number, you can block the number using the Phone app. Follow the same steps outlined in Section II for blocking a specific number.

2. Use a Call Blocking App

As mentioned in Section III, there are several call blocking apps available on the App Store that are specifically designed to block telemarketing calls. Truecaller and Nomorobo Robocall Blocking are two popular options.

3. Enable the “Silence Unknown Callers” Feature

Enabling the “Silence Unknown Callers” feature, as outlined in Section II, is also effective for blocking telemarketing calls.

VI. Using Do Not Disturb Mode to Block Calls on Your iPhone

Do Not Disturb mode is a useful option for silencing all calls and notifications, except for those you allow. Here’s how to enable and customize it:

1. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to access the Control Center.
2. Tap on the crescent moon icon to enable “Do Not Disturb” mode.
3. Tap on the icon again to turn off “Do Not Disturb” mode.
4. To customize “Do Not Disturb” mode, go to Settings > “Do Not Disturb.”

You can also choose to allow certain calls to come through while “Do Not Disturb” mode is enabled by creating a list of “Allowed Calls,” as outlined in Section II.

VII. Conclusion

Receiving unwanted calls on your iPhone can be a hassle, but there are various options available to block them. Whether you choose to block specific numbers, enable the “Silence Unknown Callers” feature, or use a call blocking app, it’s worth exploring these options to improve your overall phone experience.