How to Block Unknown Callers on iOS: A Comprehensive Guide

Dealing with unknown callers can be a tiresome experience, especially when they are constantly trying to get through to you through spam calls. Fortunately, iOS offers several methods to block these unwanted callers, both through its default settings and through third-party apps. This guide will walk you through the process of blocking unknown callers on your iPhone, ensuring you can enjoy a more peaceful and secure phone experience.

Using iOS Default Settings to Block Unknown Callers

One of the easiest ways to block unknown callers on your iPhone is by using the default settings. Here's how you can do it:

Go to the green telephone icon on your iPhone. Tap on the phone icon to open the recent calls. Look for telephone numbers you don't recognize and are not in your contacts. Tap each number you don't recognize to bring up its details. Scroll down to the bottom of the screen where you'll see the word "BLOCK CALLER" in red letters. Tap on "BLOCK CALLER" for each number you wish to block. These anonymous callers will be blocked. However, any new anonymous calls will not be blocked, so you will have to block them after their first incoming call.

Silencing Unwanted Calls

If you want more control over which calls you receive, consider using the "Silence Unknown Callers" feature. This feature is so effective that I leave it enabled 99% of the time, and it stops all spam calls as well:

Go to Settings > Phone > Silence unknown callers. Without looking at your recent calls, you’ll never know or hear them.

The key is to ignore the calls. If you answer, you are confirming it as a good number, but over time, they will go away if you simply don't respond. I typically get just one such call per month.

Using Third-Party Apps to Block Unknown Callers

For a more robust solution, there are several apps available on the App Store that can help you manage and block unknown callers. Here are some of the popular options:

YouMail

With YouMail, you can prevent your phone from ringing if the caller is not in your contacts. It also offers enhanced call protection features.

Truecaller

Truecaller can block unknown and spam calls, as well as identify the caller's name and number. It also offers call recording and call spam protection.

Hiya

Hiya is a reliable app that uses machine learning to block spam calls and ensure you only receive important calls.

RuboKiller

RuboKiller offers advanced call blocking features, including real-time detection and prevention of robocalls and spam calls.

Some cellular carriers also offer this service, usually for a monthly fee, which can be a convenient option for those who prefer a bundled solution.

Blocking Calls in the Traditional Way

For a more manual approach, you can use the traditional way to block calls through the iPhone's settings:

Go to Settings > General > Calls. Select "Blocked Numbers." Add or remove any number you want to block manually.

However, many users prefer using apps for better organization and management of their call blocking needs. I personally use the Call Blocker for iPhone to manage unknown and spam caller information efficiently.

Using Call Blocker Apps for Enhanced Protection

Call blocker apps like Call Blocker for iPhone offer advanced features to block unwanted calls, identify spam callers, and maintain a personalized list of contacts. Here’s how you can use these apps to manage unwanted calls:

Open the call blocker app and add numbers from your contacts to the blacklist. Create a customized spam list with categories and label them with available tags like "Spam," "Threat," "Telemarketer," "Fraud," etc. By adding more contacts to the list, you build a database of spammers. The more you add, the better the app will warn you about potential unwanted callers.

By taking these steps, you can significantly reduce the number of unsolicited calls you receive, allowing you to focus on the calls that matter most.

Conclusion

Blocking unknown callers on your iPhone is a straightforward process that can greatly enhance your phone experience. Whether you prefer the default settings or use third-party apps, there are several methods to help you manage and eliminate unwanted calls. By following these guidelines, you can stay safe and enjoy a more peaceful and productive mobile experience.