Does the incessant ring of your iPhone from unknown callers interrupt your daily routine? You’re not alone. Spam calls are a persistent problem plaguing millions of smartphone users around the world. But, don’t fret. There are several ways to block spam calls on iPhone, and this article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to do just that.
Understanding Spam Calls
Before we delve into how to block spam calls on iPhone, it’s crucial to understand what they are. Spam calls typically come from automated systems and can range from irritating telemarketing calls to malicious scams. According to the Federal Trade Commission, nearly 2.4 billion robocalls are made each month.
Built-in iOS Features
Apple is well aware of this nuisance and has included several features in iOS to help users handle these spam calls.
Silence Unknown Callers
Starting from iOS 13, Apple introduced a feature called "Silence Unknown Callers." This feature, when turned on, allows calls only from your contacts, recent outgoing calls, and Siri suggestions. Unknown callers and spammers are sent directly to your voicemail.
To enable this feature:
- Open the ‘Settings’ app.
- Scroll down and tap on ‘Phone.’
- Scroll down to ‘Silence Unknown Callers.’
- Toggle on ‘Silence Unknown Callers.’
This feature won’t block spam calls, but it will silence them, helping to reduce their disruptive impact.
Silence Junk Callers
Silence Junk Callers is pretty self explanatory. Not everyone will have this feature because it varies from carrier to carrier (Verizon, T-Mobile and Sprint users should have something of this ilk), but follow the instructions below to see if this featur is available on your iPhone.
- Go to ‘Settings.’
- Scroll down and tap on ‘Phone’.
- Look for ‘Call Blocking and Identification.’
- Turn the toggle on for ‘Silence Junk Callers.’
Block Specific Numbers
If a particular number keeps pestering you, you can block that specific number directly from your call log.
Here’s how:
- Open the ‘Phone’ app.
- Navigate to ‘Recents.’
- Tap on the ‘i’ icon next to the spam number.
- Scroll down and tap ‘Block this Caller.’
Third-Party Call Blocking Apps
Beyond the built-in features, numerous third-party apps can help identify and block spam calls on your iPhone. These apps use large databases of known spam numbers and user reports to block or warn about incoming spam calls. Here are a few options:
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Hiya: Hiya identifies the calls you want to pick up & blocks the ones you want to avoid.
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RoboKiller: RoboKiller not only blocks spam calls but also uses answer bots to waste the time of spam callers.
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Nomorobo: Nomorobo blocks annoying robocalls, telemarketers, and phone scams.
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First, download a spam-blocking app like RoboKiller or Hiya from the App Store.
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Next, go to Settings > Phone.
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Tap Call Blocking & Identification.
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Under Allow These Apps To Block Calls And Provide Caller ID, turn the app on or off.
Reporting Spam Calls
Despite your best efforts, some spam calls might still slip through. When this happens, it’s essential to report them. The information you provide can help improve spam detection and blocking technologies.
- Reporting to Your Network Provider: Most network providers offer services to report and block spam calls. Check with your provider to learn about their specific procedures.
- Reporting to FTC: In the United States, you can report unwanted calls to the Federal Trade Commission.
Also, Apple provides an option to report spam directly from your iPhone:
To report SMS messages and calls as spam, you first need to enable an Unwanted Communication Reporting extension, called an SMS/Call Reporting extension in the Settings app (see Settings > Phone > SMS/Call Reporting). Then, follow the steps below:
- Open the ‘Phone’ app.
- Navigate to ‘Recents.’
- Tap on the ‘i’ icon next to the spam number.
- Scroll down and tap ‘Report this Caller.’
General Tips to Avoid Spam Calls
Blocking spam calls on iPhone is just one part of the equation. It’s equally important to adopt practices that reduce the likelihood of receiving spam calls.
Don’t Answer Unknown Calls
If you receive a call from an unknown number, it’s best not to answer it. If it’s important, the caller will leave a message.
Be Careful When Giving Out Your Number
Be cautious when subscribing to online services or filling out forms. Always check the privacy policy to see how your data will be used.
Register Your Number with the National Do Not Call Registry
In the U.S, you can register your number with the National Do Not Call Registry. This should reduce the number of telemarketing calls you receive.
Conclusion
iPhone spam calls can be annoying and disruptive, but armed with the knowledge from this guide, you can significantly reduce their frequency and impact. Remember to use the built-in features of your iPhone, consider the use of third-party apps, report spam calls when they happen, and adopt practices that can help avoid spam calls in the first place.
Don’t let spammers disrupt your peace. Take back control of your iPhone and enjoy the uninterrupted flow of your daily routine.