Tired of unwanted phone calls interrupting your day or even worse, in the middle of the night? You’re not alone. Millions of people are plagued by this nuisance. The good news is that there are several effective ways to stop these calls on your iPhone. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can finally achieve peace and tranquility from incessant phone calls.
One of the simplest methods to block unwanted calls is by using the Do Not Disturb feature on your iPhone. This feature allows you to silence all incoming calls except for those from your contacts or specific numbers that you designate as important. You can schedule Do Not Disturb to activate during specific times, such as during work hours or at night when you want to ensure uninterrupted sleep. Additionally, you can manually activate Do Not Disturb whenever you need a break from phone calls.
Another effective way to block unwanted calls is by using a call-blocking app. There are numerous apps available in the App Store that offer advanced call-blocking features. These apps allow you to create custom block lists, block calls from specific area codes or countries, and even filter out calls from numbers that are not in your contacts. Some apps also offer spam detection and automatic blocking, providing an extra layer of protection against unwanted robocalls and telemarketers.
Disable All Notifications
One of the simplest ways to stop receiving calls on your iPhone is to disable all notifications. This will prevent any notifications from appearing on your screen, including calls. To do this:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Tap “Notifications.”
- Tap the app you want to disable notifications for (in this case, “Phone”).
- Toggle the “Allow Notifications” switch to the “Off” position.
Alternatively, you can use the “Do Not Disturb” feature to temporarily disable all notifications, including calls. To do this:
- Swipe down from the top-right corner of your iPhone’s screen to open the Control Center.
- Tap the “Do Not Disturb” icon (it looks like a crescent moon).
The “Do Not Disturb” feature will be active until you turn it off or until a certain period of time has passed (e.g., until the next morning). You can also customize the “Do Not Disturb” settings to allow certain types of notifications (e.g., calls from specific contacts) to get through.
Turn on Do Not Disturb Mode
Do Not Disturb mode is a great way to silence all incoming calls and notifications, so you can focus on what you’re doing without interruption. Here’s how to turn it on:
- Swipe down from the top-right corner of your screen to open Control Center.
- Tap the moon icon in the top-right corner.
- Do Not Disturb mode is now turned on.
You can also customize Do Not Disturb mode to allow certain calls and notifications to come through. To do this:
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap “Do Not Disturb.
- Under “Allowed Notifications,” tap “Calls” and then select which contacts you want to allow calls from.
- Tap “Messages” and then select which contacts you want to allow messages from.
- Tap “Apps” and then select which apps you want to allow notifications from.
You can also set Do Not Disturb mode to turn on automatically at certain times or locations. To do this:
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap “Do Not Disturb.”
- Under “Scheduled,” tap “Add Schedule.”
- Set the time and days of the week you want Do Not Disturb mode to turn on automatically.
Use Focus Mode
Configure Focus Mode
To use Focus Mode, follow these steps:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Tap “Focus.”
- Create a new Focus mode or select an existing one.
- Under “Allowed Notifications,” tap “Apps.”
- Scroll down and find the “Phone” app.
- Tap the toggle switch next to “Phone” to turn off notifications from that app.
Schedule Focus Mode
You can also schedule Focus Mode to turn on automatically at specific times or locations:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Tap “Focus.”
- Create a new Focus mode or select an existing one.
- Tap “Schedule.”
- Set the time or location when you want Focus Mode to turn on.
Create a Custom Focus Mode
You can also create a custom Focus mode that allows you to choose which apps and people can still contact you:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Tap “Focus.”
- Tap the “+” button in the top-right corner.
- Select “Custom.”
- Enter a name for your custom Focus mode.
- Under “Allowed Notifications,” select the apps and people who can still contact you.
Set Up Call Blocking Rules
Use the Settings App
Open the Settings app on your iPhone and tap “Phone.” Scroll down and tap “Blocked Contacts.” On the next screen, tap “Add New” and enter the phone number you want to block. You can also block calls from all unknown numbers by tapping the toggle switch next to “Block Unknown Callers.”
Use the Phone App
Open the Phone app and tap the “Recents” tab. Find the phone number you want to block and tap the “i” icon next to it. On the next screen, tap “Block this Caller” and then tap “Block Contact” to confirm.
Use a Third-Party App
There are several third-party apps available in the App Store that can block calls. These apps typically offer more features than the built-in call blocking options, such as the ability to block calls based on keywords or caller ID. Some popular third-party call blocking apps include Truecaller, Hiya, and RoboKiller.
Set Up Call Filtering Options
Silence Unknown Callers
Your iPhone has a feature called “Silence Unknown Callers” that can automatically send calls from unknown numbers to voicemail. To enable this feature, go to Settings > Phone > Silence Unknown Callers and turn on the toggle switch. Any calls from numbers that are not in your contacts or recent calls will be automatically silenced.
Filter Calls from Apps
You can also filter calls from specific apps using the “Call Filtering” feature. To do this, go to Settings > Phone > Call Filtering. On the next screen, tap “Add App” and select the app you want to filter calls from. You can then choose to block all calls from that app, or only allow calls from contacts or recent calls.
| Filtering Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Allow Calls from Contacts | Only allows calls from numbers that are in your contacts. |
| Allow Calls from Recent | Only allows calls from numbers that have recently called you. |
| Block Calls from Unknown | Blocks all calls from numbers that are not in your contacts or recent calls. |
Contact Your Carrier
Most carriers offer a service that allows you to block calls from specific numbers or from all numbers that are not in your contacts. This service is usually free, but it may require you to register for it.
How to Contact Your Carrier
- Call customer service. This is the most direct way to contact your carrier. You can find the customer service number on your bill or on the carrier’s website.
- Visit a retail store. Most carriers have retail stores where you can get help with your account. You can find the nearest store on the carrier’s website.
- Chat online. Many carriers offer online chat support. You can usually find the link to the chat support on the carrier’s website.
What to Expect When You Contact Your Carrier
When you contact your carrier, you will need to provide them with your account information. They may also ask you to provide the phone number that you want to block. Once you have provided the necessary information, the carrier will be able to block the calls for you.
Additional Information
Here is some additional information about blocking calls from your carrier:
- Blocked calls will go to voicemail. When you block a call, the caller will not be able to reach you. The call will go to voicemail instead.
- You can unblock calls at any time. If you change your mind about blocking a call, you can unblock it at any time. You can usually do this by following the same steps that you used to block the call.
- There may be a limit to the number of calls that you can block. Most carriers have a limit on the number of calls that you can block. This limit is usually 100 calls.
| Carrier | Phone Number |
|---|---|
| AT&T | 1-800-331-0500 |
| Verizon | 1-800-922-0204 |
| T-Mobile | 1-877-453-1304 |
| Sprint | 1-888-211-4727 |
Fix Phone Settings
Navigate to the Settings app on your iPhone, and tap on “Phone.” In the “Allow Calls From” section, you will find several options:
Everyone
This option allows calls from any number, including those that are not in your contacts.
Contacts Only
This option allows calls only from numbers that are saved in your contacts.
Favorites Only
This option allows calls only from numbers that are in your Favorites list.
No One
This option blocks all incoming calls.
Silence Unknown Callers
This option sends calls from unknown numbers directly to voicemail.
Check for iOS Updates
1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Tap on “General”.
3. Tap on “Software Update”.
4. If an update is available, tap on “Download and Install”.
5. Once the update is installed, restart your iPhone.
6. Check if the “Silence Unknown Callers” option is enabled.
7. To enable this option, go to Settings > Phone > Silence Unknown Callers and toggle the switch to the ON position.
8. This will prevent any calls from numbers that are not in your contacts from ringing through.
| Device | iOS Version | Do Not Disturb Mode Enabled | Silence Unknown Callers Enabled |
|—|—|—|—|
| iPhone X | iOS 15.4.1 | Yes | Yes |
| iPhone 12 | iOS 15.5 | Yes | No |
| iPhone 13 | iOS 16.0 | No | Yes |
Use Third-Party Call Blockers
Third-party call blockers are apps that you can download from the App Store. They work by blocking calls from numbers that are not in your contacts, numbers that you have manually added to a block list, or numbers that are known spammers. These apps are effective in blocking unwanted calls, and they can also provide additional features such as call recording, voicemail transcription, and call analytics.
How to choose a third-party call blocker
There are many different third-party call blockers available, each with its own features and price point. When choosing a call blocker, consider the following factors:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Call blocking | The ability to block calls from specific numbers, or from categories of numbers (such as spammers or telemarketers). |
| Call recording | The ability to record incoming and outgoing calls. |
| Voicemail transcription | The ability to transcribe voicemail messages into text. |
| Call analytics | The ability to track call history, identify patterns, and block specific callers. |
Once you have considered these factors, you can choose a call blocker that meets your needs.
How to use a third-party call blocker
Once you have downloaded a call blocker, you will need to set it up. The setup process will vary depending on the app, but generally involves granting the app permission to access your contacts and call history. Once the app is set up, it will start blocking calls according to the settings you have chosen.
Silence Unknown Callers
To silence calls from unknown numbers, navigate to Settings > Phone and turn on Silence Unknown Callers. This will send calls from numbers not in your contacts or recent calls list to voicemail.
Within this setting, you can choose whether to:
- Silence calls from all unknown callers
- Allow calls from unknown numbers in your Contacts app
You can further customize the silencing of unknown calls by selecting:
- Messages from the caller: Receive text messages from silenced callers
- Send to voicemail: Send calls from silenced callers directly to voicemail
| Option | Effect |
|---|---|
| Silence Calls | Prevents calls from unknown numbers from ringing on your device. |
| Allow Contacts | Allows calls from unknown numbers in your Contacts app to ring through. |
| Messages from the Caller | Lets you receive text messages from silenced callers. |
| Send to Voicemail | Automatically sends calls from silenced callers to voicemail. |
Troubleshoot Other Issues
If you’re still having trouble receiving calls on your iPhone, try the following additional troubleshooting steps:
1. Check for Network Issues
Ensure that your iPhone is connected to a stable cellular or Wi-Fi network. If you’re experiencing poor signal or frequent network drops, this could be preventing calls from coming through.
2. Disable Call Forwarding
Call forwarding redirects incoming calls to another number. If this feature is turned on, it could be preventing you from receiving calls on your iPhone.
3. Remove Third-Party Call Blocking Apps
Check if you have any third-party call blocking or filtering apps installed on your iPhone. These apps can sometimes interfere with incoming calls.
4. Check for Carrier Settings Update
Occasionally, your carrier may release an update to their network settings. Updating these settings can resolve issues with call reception.
5. Reset Network Settings
Resetting your iPhone’s network settings can resolve issues with cellular and Wi-Fi connectivity. However, note that this will remove any custom network configurations.
6. Check for Hardware Damage
If you suspect that your iPhone may have physical damage, such as a cracked or dented antenna, this could be affecting its ability to receive calls.
7. Contact Your Carrier
If you’re unable to resolve the issue on your own, contact your carrier. They can provide technical support and investigate potential issues on their network or account.
8. Update Your iPhone
Apple regularly releases iOS updates that include bug fixes and performance improvements. Installing the latest iOS update can address issues related to call reception.
9. Restore Your iPhone
As a last resort, you can try restoring your iPhone to factory settings. This will erase all data from your device, so be sure to back up your important information before proceeding.
10. Advanced Troubleshooting
If none of the above solutions work, you may need to perform more advanced troubleshooting, such as:
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| SIM card not recognized | Reinsert the SIM card or try a new one. |
| No IMEI number | Contact your carrier to obtain an IMEI number. |
| Baseband or modem issues | These hardware-related issues require professional repair. |
How to Receive No Calls on iPhone
If you are tired of receiving unwanted calls, you can block them on your iPhone. There are a few different ways to do this, depending on what type of calls you want to block.
- To block a specific number, open the Phone app and tap on the “Recents” tab. Find the contact you want to block and tap on the “i” icon next to their name. Scroll down and tap on “Block this Caller.”
- To block all calls from unknown numbers, open the Settings app and tap on “Phone.” Tap on “Call Blocking & Identification” and then turn on the “Block Unknown Callers” switch.
- To block all calls except from your contacts, open the Settings app and tap on “Phone.” Tap on “Call Blocking & Identification” and then turn on the “Silence Unknown Callers” switch.
People Also Ask
How do I stop getting spam calls on my iPhone?
You can block spam calls on your iPhone by following the steps outlined above. You can also use a third-party app to block spam calls, such as Truecaller or Call Blocker.
How do I turn off Do Not Disturb?
To turn off Do Not Disturb, swipe down from the top of the screen to open the Control Center. Tap on the Do Not Disturb icon to turn it off.
How do I block calls from a hidden number?
You cannot block calls from a hidden number on your iPhone. However, you can use a third-party app to block calls from hidden numbers, such as TrueCaller or Call Blocker.
