Are you tired of receiving unwanted calls and messages from a particular number on your iPhone? Well, you’re not alone. Many people face this annoying and intrusive problem every day. The good news is that there is a solution – you can permanently block a number on your iPhone. In this blog post, we will guide you through the steps to do so and provide you with some additional tips to maximize your blocking capabilities.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of Blocking a Number
Blocking a number on an iPhone may seem like a straightforward task. However, many users face difficulties due to the complexity of the process or the lack of knowledge about the available options. Despite the potential challenges, it’s essential to know how to block numbers to protect your privacy and have a peaceful experience with your device.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before diving into the methods of blocking a number on your iPhone, there are a few things you need to prepare:
1. Update your iPhone: Make sure your iPhone is running on the latest iOS version. Sometimes, new features, including blocking options, are introduced in updates.
2. Backup your data: It’s always a good idea to create a backup of your data before making any changes to your device’s settings. This precautionary measure ensures that you don’t lose any important information during the blocking process.
3. Identify the number: Before you can block a number, you need to identify the specific contact or phone number you wish to block. This can be done through your call history or by saving the number as a contact.
Method 1: How to Block A Number via Phone Settings
One of the most straightforward ways to block a number on your iPhone is through the phone settings. Follow these steps:
1. Open the “Settings” app on your iPhone.
2. Scroll down and tap on “Phone”.
3. In the “Calls” section, select “Blocked Contacts”.
4. Tap on “Add New” and choose a contact from your phonebook or manually enter the number you want to block.
5. Confirm your selection, and the number will be added to your blocked list.
Pros:
1. Easy and quick to set up.
2. Does not require any additional apps or downloads.
3. The blocked contact will not be able to call or message you, and their voicemails will be automatically redirected to a separate folder.
Cons:
1. Limited functionality – only blocks calls and messages from the specific contact.
2. Does not provide an option to block unknown or private numbers.
Method 2: How to Block A Number via Messages
If you receive unwanted messages from a particular number, you can block it directly from the message thread. Here’s how:
1. Open the Messages app on your iPhone.
2. Find the conversation with the contact you want to block.
3. Tap on the contact’s name at the top of the screen.
4. Scroll down and select “Block this Caller”.
5. Confirm your choice, and the contact will be blocked.
Pros:
1. Convenient method, especially for blocking specific numbers that primarily contact you via messages.
2. No need to navigate through the settings app.
Cons:
1. Only blocks messages from the specific contact, not calls.
2. Does not offer a block option for unknown or private numbers.
Method 3: How to Block A Number via Contacts
If the number you want to block is already saved in your contacts, you can block it directly from the contact’s information. Here’s how:
1. Open the “Contacts” app on your iPhone.
2. Find the contact you wish to block.
3. Tap on the contact’s name to open their details.
4. Scroll down and select “Block this Caller”.
5. Confirm your decision, and the contact will be blocked.
Pros:
1. Simple method for blocking known contacts.
2. Blocks both calls and messages from the specific contact.
Cons:
1. Limited to blocking contacts already saved in your phonebook.
2. Doesn’t provide an option to block unknown or private numbers.
Method 4: How to Block A Number via a Third-Party App
If you’re looking for additional blocking features and enhanced capabilities, using a third-party app may be the solution for you. There are various apps available on the App Store specifically designed for blocking unwanted calls and messages. Here’s a general guide on how to use these apps:
1. Open the App Store on your iPhone and search for a call-blocking or spam-blocking app, such as “Truecaller” or “Hiya”.
2. Download and install the chosen app.
3. Open the app and follow the on-screen instructions to set it up.
4. Grant the necessary permissions and access to your phone’s contacts and call history.
Pros:
1. Offers advanced features, such as identifying and blocking known spam callers.
2. Provides the ability to block unknown or private numbers.
3. Can often be more effective in blocking unwanted calls and messages compared to the built-in iOS methods.
Cons:
1. Requires downloading a third-party app, taking up storage space on your device.
2. Some apps may have additional features that require a subscription or in-app purchases.
Why Can’t I Block A Number?
Sometimes, you may encounter difficulties in blocking a number on your iPhone. Here are some common reasons why blocking may not be working for you and their possible fixes:
1. Limited blocking options: Depending on your iOS version or device model, the blocking options may vary. Ensure that your iPhone is updated to the latest software version to access all available blocking features.
2. Contact stored in different formats: If you have saved the contact in multiple formats (e.g., with and without the country code), ensure that you are blocking the specific format used for the unwanted calls or messages.
3. Carrier limitations: In some cases, your mobile carrier may have limitations on blocking numbers. Contact your carrier’s customer support for assistance and inquire about any available blocking services.
Additional Tips
Apart from the blocking methods mentioned above, here are three additional tips to help you manage and further enhance your blocking capabilities:
1. Enable “Silence Unknown Callers”: In iOS 13 and later, you can enable the “Silence Unknown Callers” feature to automatically silence calls from numbers not in your contacts. This can help reduce the annoyance of spam calls.
2. Use Call-Blocking Extensions: Some third-party apps, like “Nomorobo” or “RoboKiller”, offer call-blocking extensions that work in conjunction with the built-in call blocking options. These extensions provide an extra layer of protection and can help identify and block known spam calls.
3. Report spam calls: If you receive spam calls or messages, be sure to report them to your carrier or directly through the official channels provided by your country’s authorities. Reporting these incidents can contribute to preventing spam activities and protecting other users.
5 FAQs about Blocking Numbers on iPhone
Q1: Can I block restricted and unknown numbers on iPhone?
A1: Unfortunately, the built-in blocking options on iPhone do not allow you to block restricted or unknown numbers. However, you can consider using third-party call-blocking apps that offer this functionality.
Q2: Will the blocked contact know that they are blocked?
A2: No, the blocked contact will not receive any notification or indication that they have been blocked. They will simply be unable to reach you through calls or messages.
Q3: Can I unblock a number after blocking it?
A3: Yes, you can unblock a number at any time by accessing the blocking settings and removing it from the blocked contacts list.
Q4: Will blocking a number also block FaceTime calls?
A4: Yes, when you block a contact on iPhone, it will block both regular calls and FaceTime calls from that contact.
Q5: Can I see if a blocked number tried to contact me?
A5: Yes, you can check if a blocked number contacted you by looking at your call log or message history. However, the calls or messages from the blocked number will not show up as notifications on your device.
In Conclusion
Blocking a number on your iPhone is an effective way to regain control over your privacy and protect yourself from unwanted calls and messages. By using the built-in blocking options or third-party apps, you can easily block specific contacts or even unknown and spam callers. Remember to stay updated with the latest iOS version, report spam calls, and utilize additional features like “Silence Unknown Callers” to further enhance your blocking capabilities.