How to Block Spam Calls on iPhone: A Comprehensive Guide
In the digital age, spam calls have become an unwelcome nuisance, disrupting our daily lives. If you’re an iPhone user, it’s essential to know how to block spam calls effectively. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to block spam calls on iPhone, ensuring your phone remains spam-free and your sanity intact.
Section 1: Identifying Spam Calls
The first step in blocking spam calls is to identify them. Here are a few key indicators:
- Unknown caller: Calls from numbers you don’t recognize are likely spam.
- Robo-calling: Calls with automated messages are typically spam.
- Suspiciously familiar numbers: Some spammers use numbers that look similar to your own to trick you into answering.
Section 2: Blocking Spam Calls in iOS
Block Specific Numbers
To block a specific number, follow these steps:
- Open the Phone app and go to the Recents tab.
- Tap the "i" icon next to the number you want to block.
- Scroll down and tap "Block this Caller."
Block Calls from Unknown Numbers
To block all calls from unknown numbers, toggle on the "Silence Unknown Callers" feature:
- Go to Settings > Phone.
- Under "Calls," toggle on "Silence Unknown Callers."
Report Spam Calls
You can report spam calls to Apple to help improve spam identification:
- Open the Phone app and go to the Recents tab.
- Tap the "i" icon next to the spam call.
- Scroll down and tap "Report Junk."
Section 3: Using Third-Party Apps
In addition to the built-in features of iOS, you can use third-party apps to further enhance spam call blocking capabilities. Here are two popular options:
Hiya
Hiya is a free app that offers caller ID, spam call blocking, and a reverse phone lookup feature.
RoboKiller
RoboKiller is a paid app that uses a database of known spam numbers and advanced algorithms to block spam calls and robocalls.
| App | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Hiya | Caller ID, spam call blocking, reverse phone lookup | Free |
| RoboKiller | Spam call blocking, robocall detection, call recording | Paid |
Conclusion
Blocking spam calls on iPhone is essential for maintaining a peaceful and uninterrupted daily life. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can effectively identify and block spam calls, ensuring your phone remains a valuable tool for communication rather than a source of annoyance. Remember to stay vigilant against spammers and adopt a combination of built-in and third-party solutions to keep your iPhone spam-free.
FAQ about How to Block Spam Calls on iPhone
How do I enable the new call blocking feature on my iPhone?
- Go to the "Settings" app.
- Tap "Phone."
- Tap "Call Blocking & Identification."
- Toggle on the "Silence Unknown Callers" switch.
How do I block a number?
- Open the Phone app.
- Tap "Recents."
- Find the number you want to block and tap the "i" icon next to it.
- Scroll down and tap "Block this Caller."
How do I block all calls from a certain area code?
- Go to the "Settings" app.
- Tap "Phone."
- Tap "Call Blocking & Identification."
- Tap "Block Area Code."
- Enter the area code you want to block.
How do I unblock a number?
- Go to the "Settings" app.
- Tap "Phone."
- Tap "Call Blocking & Identification."
- Tap "Blocked Contacts."
- Find the number you want to unblock and tap the "Unblock" button.
Why am I still getting spam calls?
- The spammers may be using spoofed numbers, which makes it appear that the calls are coming from a different number than they actually are.
- Your phone number may have been leaked in a data breach.
- You may have inadvertently signed up for a service that shares your phone number with marketers.
How can I reduce the number of spam calls I get?
- Register your phone number with the National Do Not Call Registry.
- Use a call blocking app.
- Be careful about who you give your phone number to.
- Don’t answer calls from unknown numbers.
What are some other ways to block spam calls?
- You can use a call blocking app, such as Truecaller or RoboKiller.
- You can contact your phone carrier and ask them to block spam calls.
- You can use a VoIP service, such as Google Voice, which offers spam call blocking features.
How do I report a spam call?
- You can report a spam call to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ftccomplaintassistant.gov.
- You can also report a spam call to your phone carrier.
Is it legal to block spam calls?
- Yes, it is legal to block spam calls. The Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) allows you to block any unwanted calls, including spam calls.
How do I know if a call is spam?
- There are several ways to identify a spam call.
- The caller ID may be a toll-free number or a number from an unfamiliar area code.
- The caller may leave a voicemail that is full of gibberish or that offers you a free prize.
- The caller may ask you to press a number to speak to a live operator.
