How to Block Unknown Callers

Written by Jack Lloyd

Last Updated: April 13, 2024 Tested

This wikiHow teaches you how to block calls from anonymous numbers on your iPhone or Android. You can do this by using Do Not Disturb on your iPhone, or by changing call settings on your Android if you have a Samsung phone. If you don't have a Samsung phone, you can download an app called "Should I Answer?" to block incoming unknown calls on Android. Unfortunately, there isn't an app or a setting available on iPhone that will only block incoming private, unknown, or restricted calls.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

On iPhone

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Tap the grey app with 2 gears on it. You'll usually find it on the Home Screen.
It's near the top of the Settings page.

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It will turn green
.
This option is near the bottom of the screen.
5
Tap All Contacts. Doing so will select your entire contacts list as the exception to Do Not Disturb. You will no longer receive calls from people who aren't saved in your Contacts app.
- This method blocks calls from any numbers that aren't saved in your Contacts app, meaning that you might miss out on a work- or appointment-based call.
- Do Not Disturb also prevents other app notifications (e.g., text messages, email, social media) from showing up as alerts.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

On Samsung Galaxy

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1
Make sure that you have a Samsung phone. Samsung phones are the only Androids that have an anonymous caller rejection setting.^{[1]
X
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- If you're using a non-Samsung Android phone, skip ahead to the Should I Answer app method instead.
Tap the phone-shaped app on your Android's main screen.
It's in the top-right corner of the screen. A drop-down menu will appear.
You'll find this near the bottom of the drop-down menu.
It's in the middle of the menu. This will open the call-blocking settings.
It will turn blue
. Your Samsung will now block any calls from unknown numbers.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Using Should I Answer on Android

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1
Download Should I Answer. If you already have the Should I Answer app, skip this step. To download it:
- Open the
  Google Play Store.
- Tap the search bar.
- Type in should i answer
- Tap Should I Answer?
- Tap INSTALL
- Tap AGREE
Tap OPEN on the right side of the Google Play Store page, or tap the Should I Answer app icon in your Android's App Drawer.
Both CONTINUE options are at the bottom of the screen. Doing so will take you to the main page.
It's at the top of the main Should I Answer page.
This area is near the bottom of the page.
6
Tap the grey "hidden numbers" switch
. It will change color
which means that Should I Answer will block incoming calls from restricted or anonymous numbers.
- You can close Should I Answer after this point—your settings will be saved and Should I Answer will remain on in the background.

Community Q&A

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Question

We are trying to trace an ex who uses restricted number calling to obtain proof to get an injunction. Will this TrapCall app work to reveal their cell phone number?

Community Answer

Yes, TrapCall reveals blocked numbers.

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Question

How can I stop getting blocked calls on my landline phone?

Community Answer

You can use PhoneTray software (installed on your PC) to prevent blocked calls from getting through on a landline. It costs around $30.

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Question

How do I get rid of an unknown number on Whatsapp?

Community Answer

Go onto recent calls and select, Clear Recent. The number should now be gone.

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Tips

If you live in the United States of America, you can register your phone number with the Do Not Call registry by going to https://www.donotcall.gov/register/reg.aspx, clicking REGISTER HERE, and entering your phone number and a working email address. This will require telemarketers and spammers to remove your phone number from their call lists within 31 days.

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