Introduction
Receiving unwanted phone calls can be frustrating and time-consuming. Whether it’s a telemarketer trying to sell you something you don’t need or a spammer wasting your time with irrelevant offers, it’s important to know how to block a call on your smartphone. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you stop unwanted phone calls once and for all.
The purpose of this article is to provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to block calls, including unconventional ways of blocking, instructions on how to block calls and messages on your iPhone or Android, and tips for users of specific models. Additionally, we will discuss ways of protecting your privacy while blocking calls, and ways to block calls from unknown numbers. So, let’s get started!
Step-by-step guide: How to block unwanted calls on your smartphone
The first step to blocking unwanted calls is to identify the number you want to block. Once you have identified the number, follow the steps below:
- Open the Phone app on your smartphone
- Select the Recent Calls tab
- Long-press on the phone number you want to block until a menu appears
- Select Block Number from the menu
- Confirm that you want to block the number
That’s it! The number will now be added to your phone’s block list, and all calls from that number will be automatically rejected. It’s important to note that this method may vary slightly depending on your smartphone model or operating system, but the process is generally the same.
5 unconventional ways to block calls from telemarketers
While the method of blocking calls described above is effective, there are alternative ways to block calls from telemarketers that you may find more convenient or efficient. Here are five unconventional ways to block calls from telemarketers:
1. Use a third-party app
There are many apps available on both the App Store and Google Play that can help you block calls from telemarketers. These apps use a database of known telemarketer numbers to automatically block calls from them. Some popular apps include Truecaller, Mr. Number, and Call Blocker.
2. Create a custom ringtone
If you’re tired of getting annoyed by phone calls from telemarketers, creating a custom ringtone can help. Choose a silent ringtone and assign it to known telemarketer numbers. This way, your phone won’t ring when they call, but you’ll still get a notification of the call.
3. Block calls by category
If you’re receiving unwanted calls from a specific category, such as debt collectors or political campaigners, you can block calls from that category altogether. On Android, this feature is built into the Phone app, while on iPhone, you can enable it through your carrier settings.
4. Answer and hang up immediately
When you receive a call from a telemarketer, answer the call, then immediately hang up. This tells the telemarketer that your number is not worth calling again.
5. Change your number
If all else fails, you can always change your phone number. This is a drastic measure, but it can be an effective way to stop unwanted phone calls altogether.
While these methods can be effective, it’s important to remember the potential risks and drawbacks. For example, some third-party apps may access your contacts or other personal information, so be sure to read the permissions carefully before downloading.
The ultimate guide to blocking calls and messages on your iPhone or Android
If you’re looking for more customized and detailed instruction on how to block calls and messages, this section is for you. Here, we provide in-depth instructions for both iPhone and Android devices for users of specific models.
Blocking calls and messages on iPhone
To block a call or message on iPhone, follow the steps below:
- Open the Phone or Messages app
- Select the recent call or message from the number you want to block
- Tap the information icon (i) next to the number
- Select Block this Caller
- Confirm that you want to block the number
If you have an iPhone 7 or later, you can also use the Silence Unknown Callers feature to automatically block calls from numbers not in your contacts.
Blocking calls and messages on Android
To block a call or message on Android, follow the steps below:
- Open the Phone or Messages app
- Select the recent call or message from the number you want to block
- Tap the information icon (i) next to the number
- Select Block number or Block contact
- Confirm that you want to block the number
On some Android devices, you can also enable the Call Reject feature, which allows you to automatically reject calls from specific numbers or categories.
Block calls without sacrificing privacy: Tips and tricks
While blocking unwanted calls can be helpful, it’s important to protect your privacy at the same time. Here are some ways to block calls without compromising your personal information:
Use safe and trusted call-blocking apps
As mentioned earlier, some third-party apps may access your personal information. To ensure your privacy is protected, use safe and trusted apps like those mentioned above. Additionally, look for apps that have a good rating and reviews.
Enable the Do Not Disturb feature
On both iPhone and Android, you can enable the Do Not Disturb feature to block calls during certain times of the day. This is a helpful feature if you’re in a meeting or trying to get some work done.
Use a separate phone number for business calls
If you’re receiving unwanted business calls on your personal phone, consider using a separate phone number for business calls. This way, you can easily block the number without affecting your personal phone number.
How to block calls from unknown numbers
Blocking calls from unknown numbers can be a little trickier than blocking calls from known numbers. Here are some solutions:
Built-in solutions
Both iPhone and Android have built-in features that allow you to block calls from unknown numbers. On iPhone, enable Silence Unknown Callers feature. On Android, use the Call Reject feature to automatically reject calls from unknown numbers.
Third-party solutions
There are also many third-party apps that can help you block calls from unknown numbers. Apps like Call Blocker or TrapCall can identify the caller and let you decide whether to block or answer the call.
Overall, there are plenty of options for blocking unwanted calls on your smartphone. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you’ll be able to quickly and easily block calls that you don’t want to receive.
