How to Block iPhone Calls by Name Instead of Number

Have you ever picked up a call only to recognize the name of the caller before seeing their number on the display? This guide will walk you through the process of blocking iPhone calls by name instead of number. While the name does not get transmitted from the calling device, you can still set up your iPhone to block calls from specific contacts using their names.

Why You Might Want to Block by Name

Blocking calls by name offers a level of privacy and control. If you receive phone calls from certain contacts frequently, but prefer not to answer them immediately, you can opt to block those calls directly from the contact list. This method is particularly useful if you recognize the caller's name but not the number, or if you receive many unwanted calls from specific people.

Blocking by Name – The How-to Guide

1. Open the Contacts App: Start by navigating to your iPhone’s Contacts app.

2. Find the Contact: Search for the name of the person you want to block by typing their name in the search bar at the top of the screen.

3. Select the Contact: Once you find the desired contact, tap on it to open their profile.

Block the Journey

4. Select the '...' Icon: To the right of the contact's photo, you should see three dots (…). Tap on this icon to reveal more options.

5. Choose 'Block' Option: Among the options provided, select ‘Block’. This will block all calls, texts, and FaceTime from this contact.

How Can You Identify the Caller's Name if the Number Isn't Added?

If you find yourself in a situation where you know the name but not the number, there are a few ways to identify and block the unwanted calls:

1. Find the Number: Sometimes, the number appears in your contacts but is not associated with a name. Check your contacts to see if you can find the number under a different name. If you do, consider updating the contact information to include the name and the number.

2. Listen for Voice Mail: Another way to identify the number is by taking a voice mail from the call. Playing the voice mail can sometimes provide additional clues about who is calling.

3. Use Caller ID apps: There are third-party apps available in the App Store that can help you identify unknown callers by recognizing their phone models, carrier information, or other metadata associated with the call.

Additional Tips for Blocking iPhone Calls

1. Check Call Blocks: Sometimes, people might call you from different phone numbers under the same name. Be sure to check all related contacts to ensure you're blocking all possible numbers associated with the person.

2. Use the ‘Call Block’ Feature directly: Instead of searching for the contact, you can also block calls directly from the call screen. Simply tap the phone call, swipe left, and select ‘Block Caller’.

Conclusion

Blocking iPhone calls by name ensures that you maintain control over your calls and prevent unwanted contacts from bothering you. Even though the name doesn’t get transmitted from the calling device, you can still set up your iPhone to recognize and block specific contacts based on the name. This method provides a convenient and efficient solution for managing your incoming calls.