Block unwanted callers on your iPhone
Unknown numbers. Spam calls. That one ex who keeps calling. We've all been there. Your iPhone rings at the most inopportune moment, and then it rings again. Of course, you can simply ignore it, but those missed calls keep nagging. Yet, many people think blocking numbers is a complicated process that requires delving into settings. The opposite is true. Apple has made blocking so simple that you can even do it while listening to music with your AirPods . In fact, most iPhone users don't even know they can automatically filter entire categories of unknown callers. No more hassle with individual numbers, just instant peace of mind. In this article, we'll show you how to get rid of those annoying callers in just 30 seconds —and how to be even less interrupted with the right accessories .
Useful links
- Refurbished iPhone collection - find the perfect device
- iPhone 14 models - the latest generation
- iPad collection - for those who want more screen space
Block a number instantly: the fastest method
Blocking a phone number on your iPhone takes literally 10 seconds. Open the Phone app, go to "Recent Calls," and tap the blue "i" next to the unwanted number. Scroll down and select "Block This Caller." Done.
But there are more ways. For example, through the contacts list: open a contact, scroll down, and tap "Block this caller." Or through messages: open the conversation, tap their name at the top, then double-tap the information icon and select "Block" at the bottom.
Different apps, different ways of working
By phone
The most common method is through the phone app. Open "Recent Calls," tap the information icon (the blue "i") next to the number you want to block. A "Block this caller" option will appear at the bottom. One tap and the number will no longer be reachable.
Via messages
In the Messages app, it works a little differently. Open the conversation with the unwanted sender. Tap their name at the top, then tap the information icon. You'll then have to tap the information icon again before the block option appears. This extra step prevents you from accidentally blocking someone.
Via FaceTime
With FaceTime, you can see all your conversations at a glance. Tap the information icon next to a number or email address. Scroll down for the block option. Conveniently, blocking someone in FaceTime automatically applies to all other Apple apps.
By email
Open the email from the unwanted sender. Tap the email address at the top. A pop-up will appear with the option to "Block this contact." Blocked emails are immediately sent to the trash. This setting automatically syncs across all your Apple devices.
Manage blocked numbers
All blocked contacts are clearly displayed in a single list. You can find this in Settings > Phone > Blocked Contacts. Here you can add or remove numbers. Swipe left on a number to unblock it.
For other apps it works similarly:
- FaceTime: Settings > FaceTime > Blocked Contacts
- Messages: Settings > Messages > Blocked Contacts
- Mail: Settings > Mail > Blocked
Good to know: blocked callers can still leave a voicemail. You just won't receive a notification. The caller won't even notice the block – the phone will ring normally and then go to voicemail.
Automatically filter unknown callers
Besides blocking individual numbers, you can block entire categories. Go to Settings > Phone and enable "Call out unknown callers." This sends all numbers not in your contacts directly to voicemail. Ideal for blocking telemarketers and spam.
You can also enable "Silent Unknown Callers." This way, your phone won't ring when you call an unknown number, but you'll still see the missed call. This is handy if you expect a delivery service or doctor to call you.
Tips for effective blocking
- Don't block too quickly. Sometimes an unknown number calls for a legitimate reason—think of a delivery person or a garage. Check if the number has called before before blocking it.
- Take advantage of spam identification. iOS is increasingly automatically identifying spam calls. These appear as "Possible Spam" in your call log. You can enhance this feature by installing apps like Truecaller.
- Check your blocks regularly. You can see all blocked numbers in a row in your settings. Sometimes you accidentally block an important number. Checking them periodically prevents you from missing important calls.
What exactly happens after blocking?
When you block a number, several things happen. Phone contact becomes impossible—the call won't go through. Text messages vanish into thin air, without you noticing. FaceTime requests are automatically declined.
The blocked person won't notice much of this. When they call, they'll hear the normal ringtone, followed by voicemail. Messages will appear to be sent normally. Apple deliberately designed this to prevent escalation.
Important note: Blocking only works at the device level. If you block someone on your iPhone, they may still be able to reach you on your iPad or Mac. To block the number completely, you must block it on all devices.
Alternatives to blocking
Sometimes, completely blocking calls is too drastic. You can also choose "Do Not Disturb" during certain hours. Or set a custom ringtone for unwanted callers—for example, silence. This way, you'll see they're calling, but you won't be disturbed.
Also consider hiding your number on outgoing calls. You can disable this in Settings > Phone > Show my caller ID. This is useful if you don't want others to save your number.
When blocking doesn't work
Sometimes blocked numbers still get through. This mainly happens with spoofing—scammers disguising their numbers. Blocking them unfortunately doesn't help prevent this practice. Report these numbers to your provider.
Also check if your iOS is up to date. Apple regularly improves the blocking functionality. You can see if any updates are available via Settings > General > Software Update.
Note: Restoring your iPhone to factory settings will also delete your block list. So, if you've blocked a lot of numbers, make a backup first. iCloud will automatically sync the list to a new device.
Conclusion
Blocking unwanted callers on your iPhone is a piece of cake. Whether you block individual numbers or filter entire categories of unknown callers, you'll be done in half a minute . No hassle with complicated menus, just a few taps and you're done. Do check your block list regularly and keep iOS up to date for the best spam protection. With these simple steps and the right accessories like good earbuds, you can decide when you're available. And that saves a lot of frustration.
