Unwanted calls, including robocalls and telemarketing, can disrupt your daily life. Fortunately, there are several effective methods to block these calls on your iPhone. This guide explores built-in features, carrier services, and top-rated third-party apps to help you regain control over your calls.
What Built-in Features Does iPhone Offer to Block Unwanted Calls?
iOS provides several native features to help manage and block unwanted calls:
- Silence Unknown Callers: This feature silences calls from numbers not in your contacts, recent calls, or Siri Suggestions. To activate it:
- Go to Settings > Phone.
- Toggle on Silence Unknown Callers.
- Call Blocking & Identification: This allows third-party apps to block calls and provide caller ID. To enable it:
- Install a call-blocking app from the App Store.
- Go to Settings > Phone > Call Blocking & Identification.
- Enable the app under Allow These Apps To Block Calls And Provide Caller ID.
How Can Carrier Services Help Block Unwanted Calls?
Many U.S. carriers offer built-in spam and scam call protection:
- AT&T ActiveArmor®: Provides spam call blocking and fraud detection.
- Verizon Call Filter: Identifies and blocks spam calls.
- T-Mobile Scam Shield: Offers scam call blocking and caller ID.
To activate these services, download the respective app from the App Store and follow the setup instructions. (macobserver.com)
What Are the Top Third-Party Apps for Blocking Unwanted Calls?
Several third-party apps offer advanced features to block unwanted calls:
- Robokiller: Blocks 99% of robocalls and texts, using answer bots to waste scammers' time. (appshunter.io)
- Truecaller: Identifies unknown numbers and flags potential spam calls. (avnexo.com)
- Hiya: Detects spoofed calls and updates spam lists automatically. (avnexo.com)
How Do These Apps Compare to Each Other?
When comparing these apps, consider the following:
- Robokiller: Offers automatic spam blocking, customizable call filters, and fun anti-spam audio replies. (appshunter.io)
- Truecaller: Provides real-time caller ID and spam protection, integrating with your iPhone's default Phone app. (avnexo.com)
- Hiya: Focuses on detecting spoofed calls and automatically updating spam lists, with both free and premium versions available. (avnexo.com)
How Do I Set Up a Third-Party App to Block Unwanted Calls?
To set up a third-party app:
- Download the app from the App Store.
- Open the app and follow the in-app setup instructions.
- Go to Settings > Phone > Call Blocking & Identification.
- Enable the app under Allow These Apps To Block Calls And Provide Caller ID.
Are There Any Additional Tips to Reduce Unwanted Calls?
- Register on the National Do Not Call Registry: This can reduce telemarketing calls. (macobserver.com)
- Manually Block Numbers: If you receive repeated calls from the same number, you can block it directly from your iPhone.
By utilizing these built-in features, carrier services, and third-party apps, you can significantly reduce unwanted calls on your iPhone.
