How to Block Someone from Calling or Texting You on Your iPhone

Have you ever found yourself receiving unwanted calls and texts that make your life stressful and uncomfortable? Whether it's a persistent telemarketer or someone you no longer wish to interact with, blocking them from contacting you is one of the most effective measures to protect your privacy and maintain peace of mind. This guide will walk you through the process on your iPhone, including what to do if the individual is being harassing or threatening.

Blocking a Caller on Your iPhone

First, it's important to establish that blocking a number can be done through several methods, including the Settings app, third-party apps, and even your phone carrier. If the number is unknown or consistent, you can take the following steps to block them:

Using the iPhone Settings App

Open the Settings app on your iPhone.

Navigate to Phone.

Tap on Contact at the top right corner.

If you know the country code of the caller, create a contact with just the country code. This will block all numbers with that country code. This is a simple and effective way to block a specific type of caller.

To block an individual's contact:

#8220;Add Contact#8221; via the Phone App

Go to their contact and tap on More (three dots) to the bottom left of the screen.

Select Block Contact.

A message will appear confirming that the contact has been blocked.

Blocking on WhatsApp

If the unwanted contact is only sending you messages via WhatsApp, here is how you can block them:

#8220;Block Contact on WhatsApp#8221;

Open WhatsApp on your iPhone.

Navigate to the contact's profile.

Tap on the three dots in the top right corner.

Select More and then Block.

A confirmation dialogue will appear. Tap Block to finalize the action.

Once this process is complete, the person you blocked will no longer be able to contact you through WhatsApp.

Changing Your Phone Number

For more extreme cases, where the unwanted calls continue despite blocking, changing your phone number might be necessary. Here’s how to proceed:

Choose a new phone number that is not linked to your current number.

Contact your mobile carrier to set up the new number and ensure it’s linked to your account.

Set a special "code word" in your carrier's records to help identify the account easily.

Enable two-factor authentication for added security on your account.

Additionally, if the person is being harassment or threatening, it is recommended to seek legal advice and consider taking additional measures such as filing a restraining order.

Seeking Legal Assistance

In severe cases, you might need to involve law enforcement. If you feel threatened, especially by threatening messages or calls, follow these steps:

Go to your local police station and file a complaint for a restraining order.

Notify the fraud department or the appropriate unit of your phone carrier if they are also involved in sending fraudulent and harassing messages.

Inform the officer handling the case that you are afraid for your safety and that of your household. They are legally required to create a report each time a complaint is filed.

In some cases, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) may also become involved in the investigation.

Conclusion

Dealing with unwanted calls and messages can be overwhelming, but taking proactive steps to protect your privacy and safety is crucial. Whether you choose to block a number, change your phone number, or even involve law enforcement, know that you have options and resources available to help you prevent further contact.