Blocking unwanted phone calls is a common problem that many people face today. Fortunately, there are several simple and effective methods you can use to bar calls from specific numbers or unknown callers. In this article, we will explore the various ways you can block calls, including using your phone’s built-in settings, installing third-party apps, and contacting your service provider. By following these steps, you can regain control over your phone and eliminate those annoying and intrusive calls.
Using your phone’s built-in settings is the most straightforward way to block calls. Most smartphones have a feature that allows you to block specific phone numbers. To access this feature, navigate to your phone’s settings menu and select the “Phone” or “Call Blocking” option. From there, you can add individual phone numbers to your block list. Once a number is blocked, the caller will not be able to reach you, and you will not receive any notifications of their attempts to call. However, it’s important to note that this method only works for specific phone numbers that you have manually added to your block list. If you want to block calls from unknown numbers or all numbers except those in your contacts, you will need to use a different method.
Third-party apps offer a wide range of features for blocking calls, including the ability to block unknown numbers, spam calls, and robocalls. These apps use sophisticated algorithms to identify and filter out unwanted calls, giving you peace of mind and reducing the number of interruptions you receive. Many call-blocking apps are available for both Android and iOS devices, and they typically offer a free trial period so you can try them out before committing to a subscription. Once you have installed a call-blocking app, you can configure it to block calls based on specific criteria, such as the caller’s number, area code, or call type. Some apps also allow you to create custom block lists and set up automatic rules for blocking calls.
Identify and Target Unwanted Calls
Identifying and targeting unwanted calls is the first step towards effectively barring them. Here’s a detailed guide to help you:
Caller ID Spoofing:
Caller ID spoofing is a technique where scammers disguise their phone number to appear as legitimate entities. To combat this, use caller ID blocking apps or services that screen incoming calls against a database of known spammers.
Robocalls:
Robocalls are automated prerecorded messages often used for telemarketing and scams. To minimize these calls, register your number on the National Do Not Call Registry (www.donotcall.gov). You can also block specific numbers or use call blocking apps that intercept and filter robocalls.
Scams:
Recognize common scam tactics, such as calls claiming to be from government agencies, tax authorities, or utility companies demanding immediate payment or personal information. If suspicious, hang up and report the call to the Federal Trade Commission (ftc.gov).
Unwanted Calls from Businesses:
If you’re receiving unwanted calls from legitimate businesses, opt out of their contact lists by emailing them directly or visiting their websites. You can also use call blocking apps that allow you to create custom blocklists and filter calls based on categories, such as “Telemarketing.”
Use Built-In Call Blocking Features
Many smartphones and landlines offer built-in call blocking features that allow you to block unwanted calls from specific numbers. These features are usually accessible through the phone’s settings or call log.
Mobile Phones
On mobile phones, the call blocking feature can typically be found in the “Settings” or “Phone” app. Look for an option labeled “Call Blocking” or “Blocked Numbers.” From there, you can manually add phone numbers to the block list or enable automatic call blocking for specific area codes, prefix numbers, or private/unknown numbers.
Landline Phones
Landline phones usually have a dedicated call blocking button or a feature accessed through the phone’s menu system. The location and method of accessing the call blocking feature varies depending on the make and model of the phone. Consult your phone’s user manual for specific instructions.
| Phone Type | Call Blocking Access |
|---|---|
| Android Smartphones | Settings > Phone > Call Blocking |
| iPhone | Settings > Phone > Blocked Contacts |
| Landline Phones (Varies) | Call Blocking Button or Menu Feature |
Register with the National Do Not Call Registry
The National Do Not Call Registry is a government-run service that allows you to register your phone number to opt out of receiving most telemarketing calls. The registry is free to use and it is a good way to reduce the number of unwanted calls you receive.
To register for the National Do Not Call Registry, you can either call 1-888-382-1222 or register online at www.donotcall.gov. You will need to provide your name, address, and phone number. Once you have registered, your number will be added to the registry within 30 days.
It is important to note that the National Do Not Call Registry does not block all telemarketing calls. It only blocks calls from businesses that are required to register with the registry. These businesses include:
| Type of Business | Required to Register? |
|---|---|
| Telemarketers who sell goods or services | Yes |
| Charities | No |
| Political organizations | No |
| Companies that you have a business relationship with | No |
If you are receiving telemarketing calls from businesses that are not required to register with the National Do Not Call Registry, you can contact the company directly and ask them to remove you from their calling list.
Use Call Screening Services
There are a variety of call screening services available that can help you block unwanted calls. Some of these services are free, while others charge a monthly fee. Here are a few of the most popular call screening services:
| Service | Cost | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Hiya | Free (basic plan), $2.99/month (premium plan) | Caller ID, spam blocking, call blocking |
| Mr. Number | Free (basic plan), $4.99/month (premium plan) | Caller ID, spam blocking, call recording, call blocking |
| Robokiller | $4.99/month | Caller ID, spam blocking, call blocking, call recording |
Call screening services work by identifying and blocking unwanted calls. They typically use a combination of caller ID, spam lists, and artificial intelligence to determine which calls are legitimate and which are spam. Some call screening services also allow you to create a personal blocklist of numbers that you do not want to receive calls from.
Call screening services can be a valuable tool for reducing the number of unwanted calls that you receive. However, it is important to note that no call screening service is 100% effective. There will always be some spam calls that get through. If you are concerned about receiving spam calls, it is important to be vigilant and to report any spam calls that you do receive.
Block Calls by Phone Number
If you’re receiving unwanted calls from a specific number, you can block it using your phone’s settings.
Steps
- Open your phone’s Settings app
- Tap on the “Phone” or “Call Blocking” section
- Tap on “Block List” or “Blocked Numbers”
- Enter the phone number you want to block
- Tap on “Block” or “Add”
- The number will now be added to your block list and you will no longer receive calls from it.
Additional DetailsHere are some additional details about blocking calls by phone number:
- You can usually block up to 100 numbers at a time.
- Blocked numbers will not be able to call you or send you text messages.
- You can unblock a number at any time by going back to the block list and deleting it.
Block Calls by Contact
If you’re receiving unwanted calls from a contact in your phone’s address book, you can block them using the following steps:
- Open your phone’s Contacts app
- Tap on the contact you want to block
- Tap on the “Block” or “Add to Blacklist” option
- The contact will now be added to your block list and you will no longer receive calls from them.
Block Calls by Caller Type
If you’re receiving unwanted calls from specific types of callers, you can block them to prevent them from reaching your phone. Here’s how to block calls by caller type:
1. Block Unknown Callers:
Block calls from numbers that aren’t saved in your contacts or phone book.
2. Block Private Callers:
Block calls from numbers that are displayed as “Private” or “Unknown.”
3. Block International Callers:
Block calls from numbers that have international country codes.
4. Block Out-of-Area Callers:
Block calls from numbers that are not in your local area or country.
5. Block Robocalls:
Use apps or services that automatically identify and block suspected robocalls.
6. Block Spam Calls:
Use call-blocking apps that maintain databases of known spam numbers and block them.
7. Block Specific Numbers or Contacts:
Block calls from specific phone numbers or contacts that you want to avoid. To do this:
- Open the call log or contact list.
- Select the contact or number you want to block.
- Tap the “Block” or “Add to Blacklist” option.
Note: The exact steps for blocking calls by caller type may vary depending on your phone or carrier.
Caller Type How to Block Unknown Callers Use call-blocking apps or enable “Unknown Caller Blocking” in your phone settings. Private Callers Select the option to “Block Private Numbers” in your phone’s call settings. International Callers Use apps or services that allow you to block or filter calls by country code. Contact Phone Service Providers
If you have a landline phone, you can contact your phone service provider to bar incoming calls from specific numbers. Here’s how to do it:
1. Find your phone service provider’s contact information
This information can usually be found on your phone bill or on the provider’s website.
2. Call your phone service provider
Once you have the contact information, call your phone service provider’s customer service line.
3. Explain your request
Tell the customer service representative that you want to bar incoming calls from specific numbers.
4. Provide the numbers you want to bar
You will need to provide the phone numbers that you want to bar incoming calls from. You can provide up to 5 numbers per request.
5. Confirm your request
Once you have provided the numbers, the customer service representative will confirm your request. They may also ask you to provide some additional information, such as your account number or address.
6. Wait for confirmation
Once you have confirmed your request, the customer service representative will process it. You should receive a confirmation email or text message within a few minutes.
7. Test the call barring
Once you have received confirmation, test the call barring to make sure it is working correctly. Call one of the numbers that you barred and verify that you do not receive a call.
8. Additional information
Here are some additional things to keep in mind when barring calls:
You can bar both incoming and outgoing calls.
To bar outgoing calls, you will need to contact your phone service provider and provide them with the numbers that you want to bar.
You can bar calls from specific numbers, area codes, or entire countries.
When barring calls from specific numbers, you will need to provide the full phone number, including the area code.
Call barring is usually free of charge.
However, some phone service providers may charge a fee for this service.
Consider Legal Options
In some cases, legal action may be necessary to bar calls from harassing individuals. Several legal options are available to consider, including:
Temporary Restraining Order (TRO)
A temporary restraining order is a court order that prevents the harassing individual from contacting you in any way, including by phone. A TRO can be obtained quickly, typically within a few hours or days, and can provide immediate relief from harassment.
Permanent Injunction
A permanent injunction is a court order that permanently prohibits the harassing individual from contacting you. A permanent injunction requires a more formal process than a TRO, but it can provide long-term protection from harassment.
No-Contact Order
A no-contact order is a type of restraining order that prohibits the harassing individual from approaching you or coming within a certain distance of you. No-contact orders can be helpful in cases where the harassing individual is stalking or threatening you.
Civil Lawsuit
In some cases, you may be able to file a civil lawsuit against the harassing individual for damages such as emotional distress, lost wages, or medical expenses. A successful lawsuit can result in a judgment against the harassing individual, which can be enforced by the court.
Steps to Obtain a Legal Order
To obtain a legal order to bar calls, you will typically need to follow these steps:
Step Action 1 Gather evidence of the harassment, such as phone records, text messages, or emails. 2 File a petition or motion with the court. 3 Attend a hearing where you will present your evidence and argue your case. 4 If the court finds in your favor, it will issue an order barring the harassing individual from contacting you. Stay Vigilant and Monitor Call Activity
Monitoring call activity is crucial in preventing malicious calls. Here are some key steps to stay vigilant:
1. Regularly Review Call Logs
Review your call logs periodically to identify unusual patterns or suspicious numbers. Block any numbers that appear suspicious.
2. Use Caller ID Screening
Enable caller ID screening to identify incoming calls and block known spam or scam numbers.
3. Analyze Call Duration
Identify calls with excessive duration, as they may be potential spam calls.
4. Track Call Frequency
Monitor the frequency of calls from specific numbers. Repeated calls from the same number may indicate spam or harassment.
5. Check for International Calls
Be cautious of international calls, as they may incur high charges or be part of a scam.
6. Use Anti-Robocall Apps
Install anti-robocall apps that automatically block known spam numbers and provide call filtering options.
7. Report Suspicious Calls
Report suspicious calls to your carrier or the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
8. Educate Family and Friends
Inform family and friends about call-blocking techniques and encourage them to report suspicious calls.
9. Maintain a Do Not Call List
Register your phone number on the National Do Not Call Registry to reduce unwanted calls.
10. Additional Precautions
Consider these additional precautions for enhanced call-blocking:
Precaution Description Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) Hides your IP address and encrypts your internet activity, making it harder for scammers to target your phone. Enable Two-Factor Authentication Requires a second verification code when logging into your account, preventing unauthorized access to your phone number. Monitor Your Credit Reports Check your credit reports regularly to detect any unauthorized phone or service subscriptions. How To Bar Calls
Call barring is a phone service that allows you to block incoming calls from certain numbers. This can be useful for a variety of reasons, such as blocking unwanted calls from telemarketers or blocking calls from someone who is harassing you.
There are two main types of call barring:
- Incoming call barring: This blocks all incoming calls to your phone.
- Outgoing call barring: This blocks all outgoing calls from your phone.
To bar calls, you will need to contact your phone service provider. They will be able to provide you with the necessary instructions on how to set up call barring.
People Also Ask About How To Bar Calls
How do I bar calls on my iPhone?
To bar calls on your iPhone, go to Settings > Phone > Call Barring & Identification. You will need to enter your passcode and then select the type of call barring you want to set up.
How do I bar calls on my Android phone?
To bar calls on your Android phone, go to Settings > Call Settings > Call Barring. You will need to enter your PIN and then select the type of call barring you want to set up.
How do I bar calls from a specific number?
To bar calls from a specific number, you will need to contact your phone service provider. They will be able to provide you with the necessary instructions on how to set up call barring for a specific number.
