How to Block Unwanted Calls on Your iPhone: A Comprehensive Guide

Unwanted calls, including robocalls and telemarketing, can disrupt your daily life. Fortunately, your iPhone offers several built-in features and third-party apps to help you manage and block these interruptions.

What Built-in Features Does My iPhone Offer to Block Unwanted Calls?

Apple provides several native tools to help you manage unwanted calls:

• Silence Unknown Callers: This feature silences calls from numbers not in your contacts, recent calls, or messages. To activate it:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Phone.
3. Select Silence Unknown Callers and toggle it on.

• Call Blocking & Identification: This allows third-party apps to block calls and provide caller ID. To set it up:

1. Install a call-blocking app from the App Store.
2. Go to Settings > Phone > Call Blocking & Identification.
3. Enable the app under Allow These Apps To Block Calls And Provide Caller ID.

How Can Third-Party Apps Help Block Unwanted Calls?

Third-party apps offer advanced features to enhance call blocking:

• Robokiller: Recognized as an Editor's Choice app, Robokiller effectively blocks 99% of robocalls and texts. It offers features like spam call blocking, text blocking, and a spam call database. (appshunter.io)

• Truecaller: This app provides caller ID and spam blocking, helping identify and block unwanted calls. (apps.apple.com)

• Nomorobo: Known for its robocall blocking and scam shield features, Nomorobo helps filter unwanted calls. (apps.apple.com)

• YouMail: This app offers spam blocking, safer calls, texts, and voicemail features. (apps.apple.com)

How Do I Set Up a Third-Party Call Blocking App on My iPhone?

To set up a third-party call blocking app:

1. Download the App: Go to the App Store and install your chosen call-blocking app.
2. Grant Permissions: Open the app and follow the on-screen instructions to grant necessary permissions.
3. Enable Call Blocking: Navigate to Settings > Phone > Call Blocking & Identification and toggle on the app.

Are There Any Carrier Services That Help Block Unwanted Calls?

Yes, many carriers offer services to help block unwanted calls:

• AT&T ActiveArmor® Mobile Security: Provides spam call blocking and additional security features. (apps.apple.com)

• T-Mobile Scam Shield: Offers scam and robocall blocking, along with caller ID and reverse number lookup. (appshunter.io)

• Verizon Call Filter: Helps identify and block spam calls at different risk levels. (appshunter.io)

How Can I Report Unwanted Calls to Help Reduce Them?

In the United States, you can report unwanted calls to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) through the National Do Not Call Registry. To register:

1. Visit donotcall.gov.
2. Click on Register Here and follow the instructions.

While registration reduces unsolicited calls, it may not eliminate all unwanted calls, as some organizations are exempt.

What Are Some Additional Tips to Manage Unwanted Calls?

• Use Focus Mode: Set up Focus Mode to silence calls from people not in your contacts. To configure:

1. Go to Settings > Focus.
2. Tap the plus symbol (+) to create a new Focus or edit an existing one.
3. Under People, tap Allow Calls From and choose Favorites or Contacts Only.
4. Ensure Silence Notifications From is enabled for all others.

• Regularly Update Your iPhone: Keep your device updated to benefit from the latest security features and improvements.

By utilizing these built-in features, third-party apps, and carrier services, you can significantly reduce unwanted calls and enjoy a more peaceful iPhone experience.

Highlights:

• iOS 26 mejora la gestión de llamadas: así funciona el nuevo filtro contra spam, Published on Monday, January 12
• iOS 26 call screening promises to keep spam callers at bay - here's how to set it up, Published on Wednesday, July 09