As a smartphone user, you may have experienced the frustration of receiving unknown calls. It can be annoying, especially when you are in the middle of an important task. Fortunately, iPhone has introduced a new feature that lets you turn off unidentified calls. It allows you to avoid spam, fraud, and other unwanted calls. In this article, we will guide you through several methods through which you can easily turn off unknown callers on your iPhone.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
Before we dive into the different methods to turn off unknown callers, here are some essential things that you will require:
- An iPhone running iOS 13 or later
- A stable internet connection
- Access to the Phone Settings
What Requires Your Focus?
To avoid missing important calls while turning off unknown callers, you may need to add known contacts to Favorites or create a VIP list. This way, you will be notified when someone on the VIP list calls.
Different Methods to Turn off Unknown Callers on iPhone
Method 1: Using Do Not Disturb Mode
Do Not Disturb is an iPhone feature that does not let calls, notifications, and alerts interfere with your work or sleep. When activated, all calls and messages are silenced, and you will only receive notifications from Favorites or repeated calls. Here is how you can use Do Not Disturb mode to turn off unknown callers on iPhone:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone
- Scroll down and tap on the "Do Not Disturb" option
- Toggle on "Do Not Disturb"
- Select "Allow Calls From"
- Select the "All Contacts" option or "Favorites"
Pros:
- You can set the duration of the ‘Do Not Disturb’ mode according to your schedule
- You won’t be bothered by any calls or notifications
Cons:
- You may miss important calls from unknown numbers as well as important updates from non-favorite contacts
Method 2: Using Silence Unknown Callers Feature
Apple recently introduced a new feature called "Silence Unknown Callers" for iOS 13 and later versions. This feature automatically silences all calls from unknown numbers, sending them straight to voicemail. Here is how to turn on the Silence Unknown Callers feature:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone
- Select "Phone" option
- Toggle on the "Silence Unknown Callers" button
Pros:
- You will not receive any disturbing calls and notifications from unknown numbers
- It saves you time by automatically sending voicemails to the unwanted spam and fraud numbers
Cons:
- You may miss important calls from unknown numbers that are not spam or fraud.
Method 3: Using Third-Party Apps
You can also use third-party apps to avoid unwanted calls and SMS. Apps such as Truecaller, Hiya, and RoboKiller allow you to block spam calls from telemarketers, fraudsters, and other scammers. Here’s how to use third-party apps to avoid unknown calls:
- Download and Install the app on your iPhone
- Open the app and follow the instructions to set up
- Allow the app to access your contacts and phone settings
- Select the features you want to use, such as call blocking and spam filtering.
Pros:
- Third-party apps protect you from spam, telemarketing, and unwanted calls
- You can customize the settings to block calls and messages from unknown numbers and scammers
Cons:
- Some of the applications may not be free.
- The apps may not be as secure as the iOS built-in features
Why Can’t I Turn off Unknown Callers on iPhone?
There may be a few reasons why your iPhone is not allowing you to turn off unknown callers:
1. Outdated OS version
If your iPhone software is not updated, you may not have access to some of the latest iOS features.
Fix:
Upgrade your iPhone to the latest iOS version.
2. Carrier Settings issue
Your iPhone carrier may have certain restrictions on the ‘Silence unknown callers’ feature.
Fix:
Contact your mobile service provider to have them help with disabling the ‘Silence unknown callers’ limitation.
Implications and Recommendations
- Turning off unknown callers can be helpful in avoiding unwanted calls and messages.
- To avoid missing important calls, add important contacts to your Favorites list or create a VIP list.
- If you plan to use third-party apps, do some research and choose a secure and reliable one.
- Be cautious when receiving calls or messages from unknown numbers and avoid providing personal information over the phone.
5 FAQs about Turning off Unknown Callers on iPhone
Q1: How can I identify spam calls on my iPhone?
A: There are several ways to identify a spam call on your iPhone. One of the effective ways is to check the phone number using a reverse phone lookup website. Other methods include checking the caller’s location, or identifying the caller ID information on the phone screen.
Q2: How can I add contacts to my Favorites list?
A: Here’s how you can add contacts to your Favorites list:
- Open the Phone app on your iPhone.
- Click on the "Contacts" option on the bottom left corner of the screen.
- Tap on the contact you want to add to your Favorites list.
- Click on "Add to Favorites".
Q3: Can I still receive voicemails from unknown callers when I turn on the Silence Unknown Callers feature?
A: Yes, you can still receive voicemails from unknown callers when you turn on the Silence Unknown Callers feature. The feature automatically sends calls from unknown numbers straight to voicemail.
Q4: Can I block unknown callers on my iPhone?
A: Yes, you can block unknown callers on your iPhone using the built-in feature called "Silence Unknown Callers" or third-party apps.
Q5: Is it safe to accept calls from unknown numbers?
A: It is generally not safe to accept calls from unknown numbers. Scammers and fraudsters often use tactics like disguised phone numbers or fake caller identities to trick people to give out personal information.
Final Words:
Turning off unknown callers on your iPhone can help save time and avoid unwanted calls. You can either use the in-built iOS features or third-party apps to turn off unknown callers. Remember to stay cautious when receiving calls from unknown numbers and take steps to secure your personal information.
