Introduction
Receiving unwanted phone calls is one of the most annoying and intrusive aspects of modern life. Whether it’s an automated call from a telemarketer or a harassing call from an unknown number, being disturbed by unexpected phone calls can be extremely frustrating. Fortunately, there are several ways to block phone calls and protect yourself from these unwanted disturbances.
The purpose of this article is to provide a comprehensive guide on how to block phone calls. We will discuss the use of the Do Not Disturb setting on your phone, creating a contact list to block specific numbers, utilizing call blocking apps, asking your carrier for help, and changing your number.
Use the Do Not Disturb Setting on Your Phone
One of the simplest and most effective ways to block phone calls is to use the Do Not Disturb setting on your phone. This is a feature that can be found in both Android and iOS phones and allows you to set specific times when incoming calls will be blocked. You can also choose to allow calls from certain contacts or enable an “emergency bypass” so that important calls can still get through.
Steps to Enable Do Not Disturb
Enabling the Do Not Disturb setting on your phone is relatively simple and should only take a few minutes. On an iPhone, go to Settings > Do Not Disturb and toggle the switch to the “On” position. You can then customize the settings to suit your needs. On an Android phone, go to Settings > Sound & Notification > Do Not Disturb and tap the switch to turn it on. You can then customize the settings by tapping the “Edit” button.
Benefits of Using Do Not Disturb
Using the Do Not Disturb setting on your phone can be highly beneficial if you want to block phone calls. It is easy to set up and can be tailored to your individual needs. You can also choose to allow calls from specific contacts or enable an emergency bypass so that important calls can still get through. Additionally, you can set different rules for weekdays and weekends, so you don’t have to worry about missing important calls at any time.
Create a Contact List to Block Specific Numbers
Another way to block phone calls is to create a contact list of numbers that you want to block. This is a great option if you want to block a specific number or group of numbers, such as those from telemarketers or other unwanted callers.
How to Create a Contact List
Creating a contact list of numbers you want to block is fairly straightforward. On an iPhone, go to Contacts > New Contact and enter the number you wish to block. On an Android phone, go to Contacts > Add Contact and enter the number. Once you have added all the numbers you want to block, go to Settings > Do Not Disturb and toggle the switch to “On”. You can then select the contact list you just created and all calls from those numbers will be blocked.
What to Include in the Contact List
When creating a contact list to block specific numbers, it’s important to include all the numbers you want to block, including area codes and prefixes. If you don’t include all the possible variations of the numbers, some calls may still get through. Additionally, if you want to block a range of numbers, you should include the starting and ending numbers in the contact list.
Utilize Call Blocking Apps
Call blocking apps are another great option for blocking phone calls. These apps allow you to easily block unwanted calls and can be found in both the App Store and Google Play Store.
Types of Apps Available
There are many different types of call blocking apps available, ranging from free to paid options. Some of the most popular apps include Truecaller, Hiya, and Mr. Number. Each of these apps offers different features, such as the ability to block calls from unknown numbers, block calls from specific numbers or area codes, or even automatically block calls from known spammers.
Benefits of Using Call Blocking Apps
Using call blocking apps is a great way to quickly and easily block phone calls. These apps are designed to be user-friendly and can be set up in just a few minutes. Additionally, they often offer a variety of features that can help you customize your call blocking experience. For example, you might be able to block calls from specific numbers or area codes, or even automatically block calls from known spammers.
Ask Your Carrier for Help
If you’re having trouble blocking phone calls, you can always ask your carrier for help. Most carriers offer a variety of services that can help you block unwanted calls.
Different Options Available
Depending on your carrier, there may be a variety of options available to help you block phone calls. Some carriers offer call blocking services that allow you to block specific numbers or area codes. Others may offer caller ID services that allow you to see who is calling before you answer. Additionally, many carriers also offer services that allow you to block text messages and robocalls.
Advantages of Asking Your Carrier
Asking your carrier for help can be a great way to quickly and easily block phone calls. Since carriers are familiar with their own services, they can usually provide you with the best advice on which service would work best for you. Additionally, many carriers offer free or discounted services that can help you block unwanted calls.
Change Your Number
If all else fails, you can always change your number. This is a drastic measure and should only be considered as a last resort, but it is an option if you are being harassed or receiving a large number of unwanted calls.
Considerations Before Changing
Before changing your number, it’s important to consider the implications. Changing your number means that all your current contacts won’t be able to reach you unless you update them with your new number. Additionally, you may need to pay a fee to your carrier for the service.
Steps to Change Your Number
Changing your number is relatively simple. All you need to do is contact your carrier and request to change your number. They will provide you with a new number and will usually charge a fee for the service. Once you have changed your number, you will need to update all your contacts with the new number.
Conclusion
Being disturbed by unwanted phone calls can be extremely frustrating, but there are several ways to block phone calls. In this article, we discussed the use of the Do Not Disturb setting on your phone, creating a contact list to block specific numbers, utilizing call blocking apps, asking your carrier for help, and changing your number. With these methods, you should be able to effectively block phone calls and protect yourself from unwanted disturbances.
Summary of Article
This article provided a comprehensive guide on how to block phone calls. We discussed the use of the Do Not Disturb setting on your phone, creating a contact list to block specific numbers, utilizing call blocking apps, asking your carrier for help, and changing your number.
Final Remarks
Blocking phone calls can be a great way to protect yourself from unwanted disturbances. With the methods discussed in this article, you should be able to effectively block phone calls and enjoy peace of mind.