10 best ways to stop unwanted phone calls

The phone rings. You answer the phone and it’s a robot calling to inform that you have won a prize or to remind about your unpaid bills.

Almost every one of us faces spam calls or unwanted calls at least once in a day. These calls arise from scammers using auto-diallers to make thousands of calls in a minute. These calls interrupt our work and waste our time while other important calls are in the queue. These spam calls are a real nuisance.

Do you feel frustrated with these unwanted calls? Yes… How do you deal with these unwanted calls?

There are different possible ways to block the spam calls on your phone. Here are the 10 best ways to block unwanted phone calls on your smartphone (Android & iOS) and landline.

1. How to block calls from unwanted or unknown numbers on Android devices?

With the in-built feature available for blocking calls on your android devices, you can easily block spam calls.

Blocking a specific number: Select the number -> Choose block

To do so, click the Settings icon from your mobile phone -> Select blocking icon -> Choose block all numbers except contacts. These icons may vary based on the mobile device that you are using but the described steps are common in most of the mobile phones.

Few mobile phones also have extra features like ‘Do Not Disturb’, where you can set a timeline during which calls will go straight to voicemail.

2. How to avoid unknown calls on your iPhone device?

One easy way to avoid calls from the specific unidentified number is that Open the phone app -> Tap Recent -> Press info icon -> Tap block this caller.

Another way to avoid unknown calls on an iPhone is that Select settings -> Phone -> Enable silence unknown caller option. This feature will automatically silence all calls from the unidentified numbers and these calls are sent to voicemail.  However, these calls appear on your recent lists so that you can see that number and return to the call if needed.

3. How to block calls using free call blocking apps in Android and iOS?

Stop the annoying and time-consuming spam calls by downloading the free dedicated apps from the Google Playstore and Appstore. Using these apps, we can control the anonymous and unwanted calls. Here are some of the best apps for blocking unwanted calls

• Truecaller

The world’s best Caller ID that will identify anyone calling you. It can block spam and telemarketers. You can see names of unknown numbers in the call history and you can even block by name and number series.

• Call Control

Whether it’s a robot call, an annoying telemarketer, a scam, a bully or just any person, Call Control blocks all the unwanted calls that you wouldn’t like to talk to. It can block SMS and has features including personal blocklist, caller ID and smart dialler

• Hiya 

It is a hassle-free app that blocks spam calls automatically.  Whether it’s a friend, robocaller or a fraud number, Hiya gives you real-time context on who’s calling. The automatic spam alerts feature warns you about incoming spam calls. You can also report spoof calls to the Hiya community. You can even add names and addresses from Hiya to your phone book contacts.

There are also other free apps like Whoscall, Mr. Number – Block Calls & Spam, Blacklist Plus – Call Blocker. Some of the best paid apps are also available to block calls from unknown numbers including Nomorobo Robocall Blocking, RoboKiller: Spam Call Blocker.

4. How to block unwanted calls using carrier services?

Since the number of spam and unwanted calls are increased, the cell carrier now offers a service to block unwanted calls by default. These carriers have the ability to identify call origination sources and create services to prohibit from unwanted calls. You can refer to the carrier’s website or call customer service personnel to find out the best options or services.

5. How to block calls by registering your number on Do-Not call lists?

The main object of the National Do-Not-Call registry maintained by the United States federal government is to block unwanted calls. This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) where we can register to this service through phone or online.

To register in the Do-Not call registry, visit donotcall.gov or call toll-free number 1-888-382-1222 from the phone. If you register online, you’ll receive an email containing a link and you’ll need to click on the link within 72 hours, if not your registration will not be completed.

This may take up to 31 days to stop calls from unknown numbers. Once the number has been registered, it will not be expired until you disconnect or remove your number from the registry.

An important thing to know about the National Do Not Call List—it can only restrict sales calls.

In India, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has created a NDNC Filter i.e. National Do Not Call Registry which is fully run by Indian Govt. The main purpose of the creation of NDNC is to prevent unwanted marketing SMS and calls from telemarketers.

To add your number in NDNC list you need to send a SMS (“START 0”) to 1909. You will instantly receive a SMS for registration in NDNC list. It may take up to 2-3 days to activate DND (Do not Disturb) on your number.

6. How to block calls using Google Voice?

Google Voice is a voicemail service that gives you a phone number for calling, text messaging and voicemail. You can block unwanted calls using Google voice by following the below steps.

1. On your Mac or computer, visit voice.google.com.
2. Open the tab for Calls -> Click More icon (i.e. icon with three dots) -> Choose block number -> Click Block to confirm

7. Do you know the fact of Not Responding to spam calls will avoid unwanted calls?

Nowadays scammers keep track of our actions/interest/response during the calls. If you receive spam or robocalls, avoid dialing any numbers in their automated menu and avoid replying to text messages with “STOP”. This will give them the idea that the number is active and they may try to call you more frequently.

8. How to report unwanted Calls?

You may file a complaint if you still continue to receive unwanted calls

For United States, report the number to your provider at 7726 (SPAM) and to the FTC at ftc.gov/complaint or 1-888-382-1222.

In case of India, report the number in NCPR (National customer Preference Register also known as DND registry) by dialing 1909 or by sending SMS to 1909.

9. Do you know about call blocking gadgets?

Call blocking gadgets or devices are available to block spam calls and these devices take a good control of your landline. Basically, this device is connected to your phone line and works with your caller I.D.

Here are the few best call blocking gadgets for land phones CPR V5000 Call Blocker, Panasonic Call Blocker for Landline Phones, CPR Shield Land phone Call Blocker, Digitone ProSeries Call Blocker, MCHEETA Landline Call Blocker, AT&T CL2940 Corded Phone, etc.

10. How to block unwanted calls on your Landline?

There are a few ways that you can protect your landline from scam calls. The below list of procedures will be helpful to block calls from an unknown number.

(i) To enable call blocking feature in your Landline: After picking the phone wait for the dial tone -> Dial *60 -> Listen to the instruction -> Follow the instructions to enable call blocking feature. With most service providers, by pressing the number ‘3’, call blocking feature will be activated.

Few service providers also use code *67 instead of *60 in order to activate call blocking feature

(ii) To Block specific number: To block a specific number, input the area code, phone number that you wish to block and then dial # button. Once you have blocked a number, it will remain in the telephone blocked list directory until you manually remove it or deactivate the call blocking feature.

(iii) Anonymous call rejection: Lift the receiver -> Listen to dial tone -> Press *77 -> Listen to the confirmation tone. This in turn will activate the call rejection feature and will be applicable only when you have a caller ID.

Knowing different ways to block spam or robocalls, can make your day great. Hope this blog helped you to avoid such unwanted phone calls.