How to Block Unknown Numbers on Your Phone | 5 Easy Ways
Random calls from unknown numbers can be irritating. Everyone thinks they know how to block unknown numbers, but there’s much more to it than just the basic “block contact” option on your phone. And what if you could completely stop these interruptions in a smarter, more efficient way?
This blog doesn’t aim to tell you what you already know. It’s about introducing you to five real, simple methods you likely never thought of. From secret features on your phone to tools you didn’t even know existed, these methods will help you block unwanted unknown numbers more easily than ever.
So, are you ready to take control of your phone and stop unnecessary distractions? Read on to find the best ways to block unknown numbers and control who can contact you.
Table of Contents
Understanding Unwanted Calls
Unwanted calls come in various forms, but they have one thing in common: They interrupt your day and frequently leave you wondering how random people got your phone number. These calls can be harmless nuisances or serious threats, and knowing how they work is the first step to preventing them.
Types of Unwanted Calls
Unwanted calls can take many forms, from telemarketers seeking to sell you something you never asked for to automated robocalls wasting your time. Fake calls are another rising threat, and criminals use nifty tricks to mask the numbers they are calling from, luring people into revealing sensitive information. You might also find yourself getting constant calls from stranger’s phone numbers which may be an accidental dial or an intentional way of harassing you. Such calls are an ever-rising nuisance.
Why These Calls Are a Problem
Unwanted calls are more than just annoying when your phone rings at all hours. These fake calls are a security threat as some scammers impersonate trusted entities to access personal or financial information. A call from a random stranger’s phone number has a good chance of turning harassing, or worse, someone could even answer a call and be engulfed in online scams. Aside from the security aspect, they waste your time, they cause stress, and they distract you from other things that require your attention.
Statistics and Facts
Fake calls are reported in the millions worldwide each year, with some countries experiencing billions of spams calls monthly. Studies indicate that more than 60 percent of mobile users receive calls daily from phone numbers they don’t know. Scammers have also adopted more advanced spoofing techniques to obscure their identity, making it difficult for people to know whether a call is real or fake. These heart-wrenching figures give reason for why action is necessary.
Method 1: Block Unknown Numbers Using Built-in Phone Features
Luckily, your smartphone already has features that will prevent you from receiving these calls. If you are wondering how to block unknown numbers quickly, you’ll find a direct way to do so for all of your iOS and Android devices.
For Android Users
1. Open the Phone app on your phone.
2. Select the three-dot menu or settings icon, typically found at the top right.
3. Tap on Settings and then select Blocked Numbers or Call Blocking.
4. Enable Block Unknown Numbers to prevent calls from private or unknown numbers.
5. To block an individual number, navigate to the call log, tap on the number, and select Block or Report Spam.
With these steps, Android users will easily block unknown numbers and specific calls.
For iOS Users
1. Open the Settings app.
2. Scroll down and tap on the Phone option.
3. Tap on Silence Unknown Callers to automatically send calls from numbers you don’t recognize directly to voicemail.
4. To prevent specific numbers from calling you, go to the Recent Calls list, within the Phone app.
5. Tap the info icon next to the number, and then tap Block this Caller.
You will be free from annoying unknown numbers as well as specific numbers with these easy steps.
Method 2: Using Call Blocking Apps
However, when the built-in features are not enough, call blocking apps serve as a robust solution to handle calls from unknown numbers. These apps are basic tools that prevent spam calls, fake numbers, and unwanted calls from reaching your phone.
Why Use Third-Party Apps
Call blocking apps are smart. They have the ability to identify unknown number calls and block them immediately. Many apps maintain lists of known spam callers, so even if a scammer switches their number, the app can block them. Some apps offer options on what kinds of calls to block, for example, telemarketers, and false numbers posing as real ones.
Because these apps run in the background, you do not need to manually block each number. They screen unwanted calls on your behalf, saving you time and effort.
How to Choose the Right App
Find applications that are user-friendly and effective at blocking calls from unknown numbers. An effective app should include options to add numbers to a blocklist, to automatically evade spam calls and to regularly update its software to catch new scams.
Ensure that the app does not slow down the phone or take too much battery. Look for apps other people trust by checking user reviews. There are free apps that work well, but paid apps have more comprehensive features such as advanced spam identification or call tracking.
If you are using the right app, handling calls from unknown numbers is not a hassle anymore giving you more time and peace.
Method 3: Use Carrier Services to Block Unknown Numbers
If unwanted calls are overwhelming your phone, carrier services provide a simple way to manage them. Such services allow you to block unknown numbers at the network level so that unwanted calls don’t reach your device in the first place. This is how to block unknown numbers, step by step, with the major carriers in India.
Overview of Carrier Call Blocking Services
Carrier call blocking services filter your calls at the network level. They keep a block list of numbers and block the calls from reaching your phone, including spam callers and known telemarketers. The services take advantage of artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies to identify and block fake or unknown number calls.
Some carriers offer this as a free feature, while others make it part of a premium plan that includes benefits like spam call warnings, block lists, and call reports.
In India, prominent mobile carriers like Airtel, and Jio provide efficient call blocking features.
For Airtel Users:
Airtel has a spam detection feature on its Airtel Thanks app that prompts the user with a spam warning and gives them the option of blocking it even before the call gets connected.
Download the Airtel Thanks App
Install the latest version of the Airtel Thanks app from Google Play or Apple app store.
Log In
• Open the application and finish the sign in process with your Airtel number.
• Use the one-time password (OTP) sent to your phone to verify your account.
Access Call Blocking Settings
• After logging in, navigate to the Manage Services section.
• Search for spam call management or call blocking options.
Enable Spam Call Blocking
• Enable the setting to block unknown callers or spam calls.
• You can also manually add specific numbers to your block list through the app.
Contact Customer Care for Network-Level Blocking
If you require more help, call 121 and ask about additional network-level call blocking services.
For Jio Users:
Jio Call app provides free call blocking tools, enabling users to block unknown numbers and maintain a block list.
Download the JioCall App
Go to Google Play Store or Apple App Store and download the JioCall App, which includes advanced call management features.
Log In
• Open the app and log in using your Jio number.
• Confirm your log in with the one-time password that is sent to your phone.
Activate Call Blocking
• Open the app’s Call Settings or Spam Blocking section.
• Turn on the spam blocking feature to block unknown numbers, as well as flagged spam calls.
Customize Your Block List
For ultimate control over incoming calls, add specific numbers to your block list.
Request Additional Support
To enable network-level call blocking features, you can reach out to Jio customer care by calling 198.
Method 4: Activate "Do Not Disturb" Mode for Blocking Unknown Numbers
“Do Not Disturb” mode is frequently associated with silencing notifications, but it can do much more. A best option for blocking spam calls on android from stranger numbers without having to download anything, it is a hidden treasure for someone who is getting too many pesky phone calls! When set up properly, this tool ensures that only the people you trust are able to contact you.
Why "Do Not Disturb" Mode is Effective
What makes “Do Not Disturb” mode so effective is that it filters calls at the system level. Most people don’t know you can set this to only allow calls from certain people. It acts as an integrated call filter, allowing you to block all incoming calls from numbers you don’t recognize but ensuring you never miss an important call from someone in your address book.
Setting Up "Do Not Disturb" on iOS
- Launch Settings, and tap Focus. Choose the option Do Not Disturb
- Under People, edit who can get in touch with you. Add trusted contacts here.
- If you want to completely block spam calls on iPhone, just leave the allowed list blank. This will block calling from everyone except for saved contacts.
- Tap on Calls From, then select either Favorites or No One, as applicable. It therefore blocks calls from unknown or unrecognized numbers.
- For extra protection, enable Silence Unknown Callers in the Phone settings. This stops calls from numbers you haven’t saved to your device.
- Set “Do Not Disturb” to turn on automatically at certain times, or turn it on manually when you need to concentrate without interruption.
Setting Up "Do Not Disturb" on Android
- Simply open Settings on your Android device and search for the Do Not Disturb option.
- Switch on the toggle to enable the mode.
- In the “People” or “Calls” section, choose who can reach you. Select Contacts Only to block spam calls on android devices.
- For even more control, you can set it to No One, so that no calls are allowed through while in “Do Not Disturb” mode unless authorized.
- Enable Silence Unknown Callers in the Phone settings for an extra layer of protection. This feature will prevent calls from unsaved numbers from ringing in your device.
- Use the “Do Not Disturb” schedule option to turn on for certain hours automatically or to manually activate when you need focused time.
Method 5: Use Parental Control Apps to Manage Calls
Parental control apps can be a game changer in blocking unknown numbers and stopping spam calls. These apps are not just for monitoring kids, they also come with robust features that can help you better manage or stop incoming calls. Whether those telemarketers, robocalls, or other unwanted calls you don’t want to hear, these apps make it easy to filter what goes through to your phone.
How Parental Control Apps Help with Call Blocking
Parental control applications allow you to have total control over the calls, enabling you to control the people who can and cannot call a device. These apps let you block unknown numbers calls (for example, Nuisance Call Blocker), or block specific individual numbers on your kid’s device, or limit calls to whitelisted numbers only (i.e., numbers you trust).
These apps are more powerful than basic phone settings as they allow you to easily check call logs and manage blocked call logs. You can set rules to stop spam and random calls such that you will only get calls from people you know, thus freeing yourself from the unwanted callers. This simplifies the call management and works quite well.
“Qoli.ai is your go-to parental control tool for call monitoring and management. It allows you to view all the incoming and outgoing calls on your device, block/unblock unwanted numbers and make sure only trusted contacts can get through. And with its user-friendly features, Qoli.ai puts you in full charge of calls, making sure no spam or no unknown numbers interrupt your day.”
Get Qoli.ai now and stop unknown callers from interrupting your day!
Conclusion
Unwanted calls have been a significant disruption to your daily life, but now you know smart and effective methods to block unknown numbers to regain control of your phone. Whether you simply take advantage of built-in features, third-party apps, carrier services or even flip the “Do Not Disturb” switch, you have a number of powerful tools available that can combat those interruptions.
With these steps, you can finally say goodbye to spam, scams and random callers on your phone. This is a time to act, to protect your privacy and ensure only the calls that matter come through. So, stop stressing over unknown phone numbers and confidently manage your phone calls!
Frequently Asked Questions
How to check blocked contacts? +
To review which contacts are blocked on your phone, open the Settings app, then head to Phone or Contacts, then choose Blocked Contacts or Blocked Numbers. There you can see and manage your blocked list.
How to block unknown numbers on my mobile? +
Using built-in features, you can block unknown numbers on your mobile. On iPhone, turn on Silence Unknown Callers in Settings. On Android, either use the Block Unknown Numbers option in the phone settings, or through third-party apps.
How do I remove my number from the spam list? +
Call your mobile service provider and ask to have your number removed from their spam database. You can also register your number on the Do Not Disturb (DND) list to avoid receiving any unwanted calls.
How can I permanently block spam? +
For permanent spam-blocking, turn on call-blocking features on your phone, or download third-party apps that detect and block spam calls. Additionally, register yourself with the national DND service.
How to disable call blocking? +
To turn off call blocking, open the Settings app on your phone, tap Call Blocking or Spam Protection, then turn off any call-blocking features or change the settings to allow all calls.