How to Block Hidden Calls on iPhone: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you tired of receiving unwanted calls from hidden or unknown numbers on your iPhone? If your phone number has found its way onto marketing lists, you’re likely familiar with the frustration of constant interruptions by masked callers. Fortunately, iOS offers several ways to block these annoying calls, helping you regain peace of mind. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to configure your iPhone to block hidden calls using both native iOS features and third-party applications.

Blocking hidden calls Using iOS’s Native Silent Mode

Apple introduced a simple yet effective feature in iOS 13 called “Silence Unknown Callers.” This option allows you to automatically send calls from unknown numbers directly to your voicemail. These calls won’t ring on your phone, though they will still appear in your call log for you to review later if necessary.

When you enable this feature, only calls from numbers saved in your contacts, recent outgoing calls, and numbers included in emails or text messages you’ve received will ring through to your phone. This is a great way to filter out potentially unwanted calls without completely missing out on important ones.

How to Activate Silent Mode for Unknown Callers

To activate this feature, follow these steps:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Scroll down and tap on Phone.
3. Locate and select Silence Unknown Callers.
4. Toggle the switch to the On position.

Once this is enabled, all calls from unknown numbers will be silenced and sent to voicemail. This feature is particularly useful if you often receive calls from unknown numbers but don’t want to be disturbed by them.

Enhancing Call Blocking with Third-Party Apps

While iOS’s native features are helpful, they may not be enough if you receive a high volume of spam or hidden calls. In such cases, you might consider using a third-party app like Truecaller to enhance your call-blocking capabilities. These apps offer more advanced filtering options and can block specific types of calls, such as spam or telemarketing calls, more effectively.

How to Block Hidden Calls on iPhone: Why Choose Truecaller?

Truecaller is one of the most popular call-blocking apps, boasting a community of over 450 million users worldwide. It uses its vast database of known spam numbers to quickly identify and block unwanted calls. Additionally, Truecaller can filter spam text messages, preventing them from cluttering your inbox.

How to Block Hidden Calls on iPhone: Steps to Block Calls Using Truecaller

Here’s how you can use Truecaller to block hidden or unknown calls on your iPhone:

1. Download and Install the App:
   • Go to the App Store and search for Truecaller (or any similar app).
   • Download and install the app on your iPhone.
2. Set Up Your Account:
   • Open the Truecaller app and follow the on-screen instructions to create an account.
   • You may need to verify your phone number and grant the app necessary permissions.
3. Activate Call Blocking:
   • After setting up, go back to your iPhone’s Settings.
   • Scroll down and tap on Phone.
   • Select Call Blocking & Identification.
   • Toggle the switch next to Truecaller to enable it for call blocking.
4. Enjoy Peace of Mind:
   • Once enabled, Truecaller will automatically block known spam numbers and other unwanted calls. You can customize the app’s settings to block specific types of calls according to your needs.

Additional Measures for Blocking Unwanted Calls

In addition to using iOS features and third-party apps, there are other steps you can take to block unwanted calls more effectively:

1. Contact Your Carrier: Many mobile carriers offer call-blocking services at the network level. Contact your carrier to inquire about options to block specific types of calls, such as spam or international numbers.
2. Register with the Government’s Do Not Call List: In some countries, such as the United States, you can register your phone number with the national Do Not Call Registry to reduce telemarketing calls. While this won’t block all unwanted calls, it can significantly reduce the number you receive.
3. Use iOS’s Built-In Call Reporting: If you receive a spam call that wasn’t blocked, you can report it directly from your call log. Just tap the info icon next to the call, scroll down, and select Block this Caller. You can also report the number as spam.

Conclusion

Blocking hidden calls on your iPhone is a simple process that can save you from countless interruptions. Whether you choose to rely on iOS’s native features like Silent Mode for Unknown Callers or opt for a more robust solution like Truecaller, you’ll find that you can regain control over who gets to reach you. For those who receive a high volume of spam or telemarketing calls, combining these methods with carrier-level blocking and government registries can provide even greater protection.

By taking these steps, you’ll ensure that your iPhone becomes a fortress against unwanted calls, allowing only the most important contacts to reach you. So go ahead and configure your settings today your peace of mind is just a few taps away.