Introduction
How many times have you answered a phone call only to find out it is an unknown caller or a telemarketer? Blocked or unidentified calls can be frustrating at best and a potential security risk at worst. The good news is that there are several ways to block unknown callers and put a stop to unwanted disturbances. This article outlines the best methods for keeping your phone-free from nuisance calls.
Use Call Blocking Apps
Call blocking apps are an excellent way to block calls from unknown numbers. These apps usually come with a considerable database of spam numbers, which can be updated regularly to ensure that new spam numbers that emerge are added to the list. Some popular call blocking apps include Truecaller, Mr. Number, and YouMail.
To use call blocking apps, download them from the app store, and install them on your phone. Next, you can configure settings that allow you to block specific numbers, private or unknown numbers, and calls from numbers outside your country or area code. You will also be able to see the list of blocked numbers, and when you receive a call from any blocked numbers, you will see a notification reminding you of it.
The main benefit of using call blocking apps is the ability to block all or selective unknown numbers. Call blocking apps also have a feature to report a number as spam, which helps improve the databases of these apps, making them more effective in blocking unwanted calls.
Enable “Do Not Disturb” Mode
“Do Not Disturb” (DND) is another reliable option for blocking calls from unknown numbers. DND mode silences your phone and provides you additional control over who can contact you, making it an ideal solution for blocking unwanted calls, especially during crucial times of the day.
To enable DND mode on smartphones running iOS or Android, go to the settings option and turn on DND mode. You can also customize DND settings to include only specific contacts, or set up timed schedules when DND mode goes on or off.
The primary benefit of enabling DND mode is that it allows you to block calls and messages, and it silences notifications from unknown or unwanted numbers. DND mode also saves a considerable amount of your phone’s battery by putting away unnecessary notifications and calls.
Register with the National Do Not Call Registry
Another practical solution to block unknown and unwanted calls is to register your phone number with the National Do Not Call Registry. The registry is a free service provided by the US Federal Trade Commission that allows you to stop telemarketing calls from legitimate companies that use automated phone calls. Once you register your phone number, telemarketers cannot legally contact you for sales pitch purposes.
To register with the National Do Not Call Registry, visit their website on the internet. You will have to enter your phone number and email address, and a confirmation link will be sent to your email. Once you confirm your email, your phone number will be added to the registry’s database.
The primary benefit of registering with the National Do Not Call Registry is the statutory protection that it provides against telemarketers who could potentially fraudulently obtain money from you through trickery or harassing sales pitches.
Use Carrier’s Call Blocking Service
Most phone carriers offer call blocking services to their users. These services provide an easy way to block unwanted calls and send them directly to voicemail. Although this service may not be as effective as call blocking apps, it can still be useful in preventing unknown, unwanted numbers from disturbing and diverting your time.
To enable and use call blocking services, contact your carrier and request the service to be added to your phone. After adding the service, you can select which numbers to block or send directly a voicemail.
The primary benefit of using the carrier’s call blocking service is that it provides an easy way to block unwanted calls, so they don’t disturb you during the day or night.
Manually Block Numbers
If none of the above mentioned automatic options works for you, you can still manually block numbers on your smartphone. This method of manual blocking will persist, despite changing phones or carriers, and gives more power in the hands of a user to identify and block numbers that they do not wish to contact them.
Blocking a number manually is easily done on both Androids and iPhones. On both systems, navigate to the call logs, select the unknown number you wish to block, and choose the ‘block number’ option.
The primary benefit of manually blocking numbers is the ability to block any number you desire without having to depend on third party services.
Don’t Answer Calls from Unknown Numbers
As a general rule, if you do not recognize the number, you should not answer the call. In many cases, unknown numbers are often from unwanted calls and could be potential telemarketers or scam artists. By not answering unknown numbers, you are less likely to waste time and resources answering unwanted calls and protect yourself from fraudulent schemes.
The primary benefit of this method is that it does not require any action on your part, and you can avoid telemarketers and spam calls on your phone.
Use Custom Ringtones
Setting custom ringtones for known contacts can be helpful in ensuring you only answer calls from people you want to speak with. This solution is especially helpful for distinguishing between work contacts and personal calls and avoiding disturbance while working or in meetings.
To set up custom ringtones, navigate to your phone’s contacts, select the contact, and scroll down to the bottom to select “ringtone.” You can then set the preferred tune for each individual in your contact list.
The primary benefit of custom ringtones is the ability to distinguish between known and unknown contacts while you work or go about your life.
Conclusion
In conclusion, blocking unknown calls can give you peace of mind and protect you from unwanted disturbances and even potential security risks. There are several ways to block unknown callers, including using call blocking apps, enabling “Do Not Disturb” mode, registering with the National Do Not Call Registry, using the carrier’s call blocking service, manually blocking numbers, not answering unknown numbers, and using custom ringtones.
By using these methods, you can avoid unwanted telemarketers and spam calls while keeping your phone-free from potential scammers.
Final Thoughts
The increasing number of unsolicited and unknown calls has become a significant issue in modern times. By using the methods highlighted in this article, you can control who calls you and avoid unwanted disturbances that consume valuable time. Whether you use one or many of these methods, you can take back control of your phone and stay protected.
