Introduction
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to block calls. We’re glad you’re here, and we’re excited to share with you all that you need to know about blocking unwanted calls. Whether you’re tired of getting spam calls or looking to protect yourself from scammers, you’re in the right place!
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty details, let’s address some essential questions:
What is Call Blocking?
Call blocking is a feature that allows you to prevent unwanted calls from reaching your phone. When you block a call, the caller cannot reach you directly, and their calls will go straight to voicemail or get rejected. In the following paragraphs, we’ll explain the different types of calls that people typically want to block.
Why Do People Block Calls?
People block calls for various reasons. Some may want to avoid aggressive marketers or telemarketers who make unsolicited calls. Others are looking to protect themselves from scams or fraudsters who use phone calls to gain access to sensitive information.
Unfortunately, the volume of unwanted calls is growing, and it can be a struggle to keep up with them. That’s why it’s essential to understand how to block them. In the following paragraphs, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about blocking calls.
Types of Calls to Block
| Call Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Spam Calls | Automated calls with pre-recorded messages promoting products or services |
| Telemarketing Calls | Calls from companies offering products or services you may not want or need |
| Scam Calls | Fraudulent calls designed to steal your personal information or money |
| Robocalls | Pre-recorded messages from automated systems usually promoting products or services |
| Stalker Calls | Calls from individuals who are harassing you, usually for personal or romantic reasons |
Now that we’ve defined the different types of calls to block let’s get into how to block them.
How to Block Calls
1. Block Calls through Your Phone Settings
One way to block calls is through your phone’s settings. Most phones have a built-in call blocking feature that you can access through the settings menu. Follow these simple steps to block calls:
- Go to the phone app on your device
- Tap the three dots in the upper-right corner or the “More” option
- Select “Settings” from the menu
- Tap “Block numbers”
- Enter the phone number you want to block
- Select “Block” or “Done” to save the changes
By following these steps, you can block unwanted calls from specific phone numbers. However, this method may not work for all types of calls you want to block. That’s why we have compiled a list of more ways to block calls below.
2. Use Call Blocking Apps
There is a plethora of call blocking apps available in both the App Store and the Google Play Store. These apps allow you to block calls from specific numbers or even entire area codes. They also have additional features such as call logs, SMS filters, and more. Some popular call blocking apps include:
- Truecaller
- Mr. Number
- Call Blocker
- Should I Answer?
- Calls Blacklist
3. Contact Your Carrier
Another way to block calls is to contact your phone carrier. Most phone carriers offer call blocking services for free or a small fee. You can contact your carrier and request that they block specific numbers or types of calls from reaching your phone. They may also offer additional features such as blacklisting and whitelisting options.
4. Do Not Call Registry
The Do Not Call Registry is a federal registry designed to protect consumers from unwanted telemarketing calls. If you register your phone number, telemarketers are prohibited from contacting you. To register, visit www.donotcall.gov, or call 1-888-382-1222 from the phone you want to register.
5. Use Third-Party Call Filtering Services
Another option is to use a third-party call filtering service. These services can identify robocalls and blacklist spam numbers automatically. Some popular third-party call filtering services include:
- NoMoRobo
- RoboKiller
- Call Control
- Hiya
- Truecaller Premium
6. Use Your Voicemail Greeting to Discourage Callers
You can use your voicemail greeting to discourage unwanted calls. Record a greeting that informs callers that you do not accept unsolicited calls or that you are on the Do Not Call Registry. This method may not prevent all calls, but it can reduce the volume of unwanted calls you receive.
7. Be Careful When Sharing Your Phone Number Online
Scammers often obtain phone numbers by collecting them from online sources. Be careful when sharing your phone number online, and only share it with trusted sources. Also, be cautious when filling out online forms that require your phone number, as some of these forms may be scams.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How Do I Block Unknown Numbers?
Most phones do not allow you to block unknown numbers. However, you can use call filtering services that can identify and blacklist spam numbers automatically.
2. Can I Block a Number from Texting Me?
Yes, most phones allow you to block both calls and texts from specific numbers.
3. Will a Blocked Caller Know They’ve Been Blocked?
Yes, when you block a caller, they will know that they’ve been blocked. They will either receive a message stating that the call cannot be completed or get sent straight to voicemail.
4. How Do I Unblock a Caller?
Unblocking a caller varies depending on your phone’s settings. To unblock a caller, open your phone app and navigate to the settings menu. Then, find the “blocked numbers” tab and select the number you want to unblock.
5. Can I Block Calls from Outside My Country?
Yes, most call blocking apps allow you to block calls from specific countries or area codes.
6. Can I Block Calls on All My Devices?
Yes, most call blocking apps allow you to block calls on all your devices as long as you’ve downloaded the app on each device.
7. Will Call Blocking Services Affect My Business Calls?
Call blocking services may also block legitimate business calls. If you’re expecting an important call, make sure to whitelist the caller’s number or disable call blocking temporarily.
8. Do Call Blockers Work on Private or Unknown Numbers?
Call blockers cannot block private or unknown calls, as they do not have a phone number to block.
9. Can Call Blockers Protect Me from Scammers?
Call blockers can identify and blacklist known spam numbers, but they may not be able to protect you from all scammers. It’s always a good idea to be cautious when answering calls from unknown numbers.
10. Can I Block Calls Without Using an App?
Yes, most phones have a built-in call blocking feature that you can access through the settings menu.
11. How Can I Block Calls on My Landline?
You can contact your landline phone carrier and request call blocking services. They may offer additional features such as blacklisting and whitelisting options.
12. Can Call Blockers Help with Robocalls?
Yes, call blockers can identify and blacklist known robocall numbers. However, robocallers often use random numbers to avoid call blocking services, so they may not be foolproof.
13. Is Call Blocking Legal?
Yes, call blocking is legal as long as it’s used to block unwanted calls and not to harass or defame others.
Conclusion
Blocking unwanted calls can be a daunting task, but with the right tools and knowledge, it’s entirely possible to reduce the volume of unwanted calls you receive. Whether you choose to use a call blocking app, contact your carrier, or use a third-party filtering service, the key is to stay informed and be cautious when sharing your phone number online. By following the tips outlined in this guide, you can take back control of your phone and protect yourself from unwanted calls.
If you have any questions or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to your phone carrier or contact us.
Closing Statement with Disclaimer
Thank you for taking the time to read our guide on how to block calls. We hope you found it helpful and informative. Please note that the information provided is for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional advice. We do not endorse any specific products or services mentioned in this guide. You should always consult with your phone carrier or a legal professional if you have any questions or concerns about call blocking.