How to Block Calls from Unknown Numbers on iPhone?

We have prepared a guide on how to stop unknown numbers from calling your iPhone. A few simple steps will help you or your loved ones permanently get rid of annoying spam and calls from strangers.

How to Block Hidden Numbers on iPhone and Silence Calls

Spammers have long learned to hide and change numbers. Therefore, first, let’s figure out how to block any unknown or anonymous (hidden) number on an iPhone. In the first case, the number is displayed but is unfamiliar to you. In the second — the message “Number hidden/unknown” appears.

The “Silence Unknown Callers” feature will eliminate calls from such numbers. It is available in newer versions of iOS — 13 and above.

In settings, select “Phone.” Scroll down and find the “Silence Unknown Callers” option, and toggle it to the right.

Here’s what will happen: a call from an unknown number will be redirected to voicemail. You won’t hear the ringtone, but you will see the call in the missed calls list.

Note that calls are not silenced if:

• The contact is saved in your phone.
• You have previously spoken with the person using that number or sent them a message.
• The number is suggested by Siri (the program gives suggestions using phone numbers from emails and messages).

Before enabling this feature, make sure you have saved all necessary contacts to avoid missing important calls.

Keep in mind that silencing will not work for 24 hours from the moment you activate the “Emergency Call” mode. Be careful: by using this method, you might miss a call from a courier, a taxi driver, or a child if they call from an unknown number.

How to Identify Numbers and Enable Call Filtering on iPhone

Another option is to make the hidden number known and then block it.

You can choose a method of identification using data from Apple Business Connect. In settings, click on “Phone” > “Call Blocking & Identification.” Choose one or more methods:

• Using your carrier (if applicable).
• Using installed apps (one or more).

After activating these options, your carrier or apps will be able to identify and block numbers (more details about these capabilities will be discussed in the following sections). To identify a number, your smartphone will use data from the Business Connect platform, where companies add information about themselves.

How to Block a Known Phone Number on iPhone

When the contact is identified, it can be blocked in several ways.

Method 1 – This works if you have saved the number under any name.

Go to “Phone” — the icon with the green receiver. In “Contacts,” find and select the subscriber. Scroll down to the “Block this Caller” option, confirm by selecting “Block Contact.”

This option also blocks voice calls, messages, and FaceTime calls. So now you know how to block a contact in the main iPhone applications.

Method 2 – This is relevant if you recently received a call and realized it was a spammer or any other unwanted caller.

Go to “Phone” > “Recents.” Tap the “Info” button (“i” in a circle), scroll down the menu, tap “Block this Caller” > “Block Contact.”

Method 3 – This works in “Settings.”

Here, choose “Phone,” then — “Blocked Contacts” > “Add New.” Enter the contact you want to add to the blacklist. Done.

How Does Call Blocking Work on iPhone?

When a blocked caller tries to call you, they will hear short beeps, as if the call was dropped, or be redirected to voicemail. They can leave a message on the voicemail, but you will not receive a notification. The caller will not know that you have blocked them.

Blocking works only one way. That is, if you have blocked a caller, you can still call them.

How to Disable Call Blocking in iPhone Settings

If you realize you have mistakenly added a number to the blacklist, you can undo it.

• In “Settings,” find “Phone.”
• Scroll through the list of options to “Blocked Contacts.”
• Find the contact, tap “Edit” > “Unblock” > “Done.”

Now the caller can reach and message you again.

Blocking Spam Calls on iPhone with Mobile Operators

Not all operators offer this feature, but many do. Therefore, it is useful to know how to block calls this way.

Services like “Anti-Spam,” “Spam Filter,” “SMS Filter,” and so on can be free or paid. Check this information with your operator.

The algorithm may look like this:

• Go to “Settings,” then — “Phone,” “Call Blocking & Identification.”
• Activate “Silence Junk Callers” (available for some operators).

Algorithms will determine if a call is useful or spam, and in the latter case, direct the caller to voicemail.

Apps for Blocking Spam and Identifying Unknown Numbers on iPhone

You can also find apps in the App Store to combat phone spam.

After installing any of these apps:

• Go to the “Settings” menu.
• Choose “Phone.”
• You need the “Call Blocking & Identification” option.
• Select which app will be used for identification.

There can be several, and you can prioritize them using the “Edit” button: just drag the apps into the desired order.

Apps to Automatically Block Spam on iPhone

Apps can automatically block spam, rejecting all calls from strangers. This way, you can ignore call centers, robocalls, debt collectors, and more. If a caller ID is provided, the device identifies the caller, checks against a database, and then blocks or allows the call.

For combating spam, you can use:

• AntiSpam: Call Blocker/Anti-Collector: Blacklist — blocks calls from debt collectors.
• Truecaller: Caller ID & Block — identifies and blocks spam.
• Getcontact — a messenger and caller ID, protects against robocalls, fraudsters, and many other apps from various developers.

Now you know how to block and silence calls from unknown numbers on your iPhone. Use these tips to ensure no one can ruin your mood, distract you from important tasks, or disturb your rest. And be sure to set up this feature on your elderly relatives’ smartphones. If you can’t manage spam on your own, come to iSpace. We will help you configure your device, download the necessary apps, and show you how to use them. We will also demonstrate the capabilities of any Apple device.