Are you tired of receiving annoying calls from unknown numbers or telemarketers? Do you feel frustrated and helpless when you can’t seem to stop these pesky calls from coming in? You’re not alone. With the rise of robocalls and spam calls, it’s no wonder many of us are looking for ways to block unwanted calls from reaching our phones. In this article, we’ll explore the various methods to block a phone number from calling your phone, giving you back the peace of mind and quiet you deserve.
Understanding the Problem: Why You Need to Block Unwanted Calls
Before we dive into the solutions, let’s take a step back and understand the scope of the problem. According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Americans received an estimated 48 billion robocalls in 2020 alone. That’s a staggering 139 million calls per day! These unwanted calls can be not only frustrating but also potentially harmful, as they can be used to scam innocent people out of their hard-earned money.
Moreover, these calls can be a significant source of stress and anxiety, disrupting our daily lives and making it difficult to focus on what’s important. So, what can you do to take back control and block these unwanted calls from ruining your day?
Method 1: Block Calls Using Your Phone’s Built-in Features
The good news is that most smartphones come equipped with built-in features that allow you to block unwanted calls. Here’s how to do it on some of the most popular phone operating systems:
iPhone
On an iPhone, you can block a phone number by following these steps:
- Go to the Phone app and tap on the “Recents” tab
- Find the number you want to block and swipe left on it
- Confirm that you want to block the number
Android
On an Android device, the process is slightly different:
- Open the Phone app and tap on the three vertical dots in the top-right corner
- Tap on “Call settings”
- Scroll down to the “Call blocking” section
- Tap on “Add a number” and enter the number you want to block
- Tap on “Block” to confirm
Method 2: Use Third-Party Call Blocking Apps
While your phone’s built-in features can help block some unwanted calls, they may not be enough to stem the tide of robocalls and spam calls. That’s where third-party call blocking apps come in. These apps use advanced algorithms and crowdsourced data to identify and block unwanted calls. Here are some of the most popular call blocking apps:
Truecaller
Truecaller is one of the most popular call blocking apps, with over 250 million users worldwide. It uses a community-driven approach to identify and block spam calls, with users contributing to a massive database of known spam numbers.
Nomorobo
Nomorobo is another highly-rated call blocking app that uses a combination of machine learning and human feedback to identify and block unwanted calls. It’s also one of the few apps that can block calls from non-traditional VoIP numbers.
Method 3: Register on the National Do Not Call Registry
The National Do Not Call Registry is a government-run registry that allows consumers to opt out of receiving telemarketing calls. While it won’t block all unwanted calls, it can help reduce the number of calls you receive from legitimate telemarketers.
To register, simply visit the National Do Not Call Registry website and follow the prompts. You can register up to three phone numbers at a time, and your registration will be effective for five years.
Method 4: Contact Your Carrier
If you’re still receiving unwanted calls despite using the methods above, you can contact your carrier for additional assistance. Most carriers offer call blocking services or apps that can help block unwanted calls. Here are some of the major carriers’ call blocking services:
Verizon
Verizon’s Call Filter app uses AI-powered algorithms to identify and block unwanted calls. It also offers a “Spam Filter” feature that sends suspected spam calls directly to voicemail.
AT&T
AT&T’s Call Protect app uses a combination of machine learning and human feedback to identify and block unwanted calls. It also offers a “Spam Risk” feature that flags suspected spam calls.
T-Mobile
T-Mobile’s Scam Block feature uses a combination of machine learning and human feedback to identify and block unwanted calls. It also offers a “Caller ID” feature that displays the name and number of incoming calls.
Method 5: Use Call Blocking Devices
If you’re looking for a more hardware-based solution, you can consider using call blocking devices. These devices connect to your landline phone and use algorithms to identify and block unwanted calls. Some popular call blocking devices include:
CPR Call Blocker
The CPR Call Blocker is a popular device that connects to your landline phone and blocks up to 6,000 unwanted calls. It uses a combination of machine learning and human feedback to identify and block spam calls.
Call Blocker PRO
The Call Blocker PRO is another popular device that connects to your landline phone and blocks up to 3,000 unwanted calls. It uses a combination of machine learning and human feedback to identify and block spam calls.
Conclusion
In conclusion, blocking unwanted calls from calling your phone is easier than you think. By using a combination of your phone’s built-in features, third-party call blocking apps, the National Do Not Call Registry, your carrier’s call blocking services, and call blocking devices, you can take back control and enjoy a more peaceful existence. Remember, you don’t have to tolerate unwanted calls – take action today and start enjoying the bliss of silence!
What are unwanted calls and why do I get them?
Unwanted calls are typically from telemarketers, spammers, or debt collectors who try to sell you something, scam you, or collect a debt. You may get these calls because your phone number is publicly available, you’ve submitted your number online, or you’ve been a victim of data breaches.
These calls can be frustrating and disruptive to your daily routine. They may also be illegal if they’re from fraudulent or unregistered companies. Blocking unwanted calls is essential to take back control of your time and reduce potential threats to your personal and financial information.
How do I identify unwanted calls?
You can identify unwanted calls by checking the caller ID or listening to the pre-recorded message. Be wary of calls from numbers you don’t recognize, especially those with international prefixes or toll-free numbers. Some unwanted calls may display fake or spoofed numbers to make them appear local or legitimate.
If you answer an unwanted call, listen for signs of a scam or sales pitch. Be cautious of callers asking for personal information, trying to sell you something, or claiming to represent a government agency or reputable company. If you’re unsure about the caller’s intentions, it’s best to hang up and report the call to the relevant authorities.
Can I block unwanted calls on my landline phone?
Yes, you can block unwanted calls on your landline phone using various methods. One way is to register your number on the National Do Not Call Registry, which is a database managed by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). This registry prohibits telemarketers from calling your number.
You can also use call-blocking devices or services provided by your phone company. These devices or services can block calls from specific numbers or those that are identified as robocalls or telemarketing calls. Additionally, you can report unwanted calls to your phone company, which may help block future calls from those numbers.
How do I block unwanted calls on my mobile phone?
You can block unwanted calls on your mobile phone using built-in features or third-party apps. For example, iOS and Android devices have built-in call-blocking features that allow you to block specific numbers or report spam calls. You can also use third-party apps like Nomorobo, Truecaller, or Hiya, which provide real-time call blocking and spam filtering.
These apps often have vast databases of known spam and telemarketing numbers, which helps block unwanted calls before they reach your phone. Some apps may also provide additional features, such as call recording, caller ID, and number lookup.
Will blocking unwanted calls affect my ability to receive important calls?
Blocking unwanted calls should not affect your ability to receive important calls from legitimate sources. Most call-blocking methods or services allow you to whitelist specific numbers or callers that you want to receive calls from. This ensures that you continue to receive calls from family, friends, and important businesses.
If you’re using a third-party app, you can usually add contacts or specific numbers to a whitelist or allowlist, which ensures that those calls are never blocked. Additionally, many apps provide custom blocking rules or filters that allow you to fine-tune the types of calls you want to block.
Can I report unwanted calls to the authorities?
Yes, you can report unwanted calls to the authorities, including the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and your phone company. The FTC maintains a database of reported spam calls, which helps them track and shut down illegal operations.
You can report unwanted calls to the FTC online or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357). Provide as much information as possible, such as the caller’s number, the date and time of the call, and the details of the call. Your phone company may also have a process for reporting unwanted calls, which can help them block future calls from those numbers.
Is it worth paying for call-blocking services or apps?
Whether it’s worth paying for call-blocking services or apps depends on the frequency and severity of unwanted calls you receive. If you’re receiving a high volume of unwanted calls, a paid service or app might be a worthwhile investment. Many paid services and apps offer advanced features, such as real-time call blocking, caller ID, and number lookup.
Some call-blocking apps may also provide additional features, such as call recording, SMS blocking, or spam filtering. If you’re willing to pay a small fee each month, these features can provide added protection and convenience. However, if you receive only occasional unwanted calls, you might be able to manage with free or built-in call-blocking features on your phone.