How do I activate the 'Silence Unknown Callers' feature on my iPhone?

To activate 'Silence Unknown Callers', go to Settings > Phone and toggle on the feature. This will silence calls from numbers not in your contacts, sending them directly to voicemail.

What is the 'Call Screening' feature on iOS 26?

'Call Screening' prompts unknown callers to state their name and reason for calling before your phone rings, allowing you to decide whether to answer based on the caller's information.

How can AT&T ActiveArmor Mobile Security help me manage unknown callers?

AT&T ActiveArmor Mobile Security automatically blocks calls from likely fraudsters, provides alerts on suspected spam, and allows manual blocking of calls, enhancing your ability to manage unknown callers.

How to Screen Unknown Callers on Your AT&T iPhone

Receiving calls from unknown numbers can be both inconvenient and potentially risky. Fortunately, your AT&T iPhone offers several features to help you screen these calls effectively.

What Built-in Features Does My iPhone Offer to Manage Unknown Callers?

Apple provides several built-in options to help you manage calls from unknown numbers:

Silence Unknown Callers: This feature silences calls from numbers not in your contacts, sending them directly to voicemail. To activate it:

Open Settings.
Tap Phone.
Toggle on Silence Unknown Callers.

This method is effective but may also silence important calls from numbers not saved in your contacts. (support.apple.com)

Call Screening: Introduced in iOS 26, this feature prompts unknown callers to state their name and reason for calling before your phone rings. To enable it:

Go to Settings.
Tap Phone.
Select Screen Unknown Callers.
Choose Ask Reason for Calling.

This approach allows you to decide whether to answer based on the caller's information, effectively filtering out unwanted calls. (support.apple.com)

How Can AT&T Services Help Me Screen Unknown Callers?

AT&T offers additional tools to assist in managing unknown callers:

AT&T ActiveArmor Mobile Security: This service automatically blocks calls from likely fraudsters, provides alerts on suspected spam, and allows manual blocking of calls. To activate it:

Open the Phone app.
Tap the Menu icon, then select Settings.
Choose Blocked numbers.
Toggle on Unknown to block calls from unknown numbers.

This service is free for eligible users and can significantly reduce unwanted calls. (att.com)

Are There Third-Party Apps That Can Help Me Screen Unknown Callers?

Yes, several third-party apps can enhance your ability to screen unknown callers:

Robokiller: This app identifies and blocks spam calls, providing real-time alerts and detailed reports. It offers a free trial, after which a subscription is required.
Truecaller: This app identifies unknown numbers and blocks spam calls. It has a free version with basic features and a premium version with additional functionalities.

These apps can be downloaded from the App Store and may require additional permissions to function effectively.

How Do I Block Specific Numbers on My iPhone?

To block a specific number:

Open the Phone app.
Tap the Recents tab.
Find the number you want to block.
Tap the Info icon next to the number.
Scroll down and tap Block this Caller.

Blocked numbers will be sent directly to voicemail. (support.apple.com)

What Are the Limitations of Blocking Unknown Callers on My iPhone?

While blocking unknown callers can reduce unwanted interruptions, it may also block important calls from numbers not saved in your contacts, such as calls from doctors, delivery services, or businesses. It's essential to weigh the benefits against the potential inconvenience of missing important calls. (tomsguide.com)

By utilizing these built-in features and services, you can effectively manage and screen unknown callers on your AT&T iPhone, reducing unwanted interruptions while ensuring you don't miss important calls.